The five best Canadian cities to visit in the spring:
- Niagara Falls, Ontario
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- St. John’s, Newfoundland
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Banff, Alberta ..read on to know why
Canada is as beautiful a landscape as they come, no matter what time of year you visit. While each province offers its own unique draws depending on the season, and though the country is widely known for its snowcapped winters, there’s no shortage of beauty and nature here in the Great White North during the spring bloom.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Canada in the spring, however, you haven’t yet planned your itinerary. In this article, we’ll share some of the best Canadian cities to visit during that time of year.
Although the cities that follow are just as worthy of visiting in the winter, there’s something special about visiting them when temperatures are rising, and flowers are blooming.
So, while you can’t go wrong no matter what city or cities you choose, we’ve narrowed it down to five (5) Canadian cities best visited in the spring!
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls is arguably one of the most famous sites in Canada, bringing in large crowds during the peak summer season. Spring, however, tends to be the best time to visit; not only do you get the warmer weather that those visiting during peak season enjoy, but you avoid the crowds that accompany the city just a few months later.
The draw of Niagara Falls is also largely centered around, well, the falls, an outdoor spectacle best enjoyed when the weather is warm. Other popular spring activities here include the Niagara Folk Arts Festival, Niagara on the Lake, and of course, the Niagara city mist boat tour under the falls themselves.
While the city is beautiful in its own right during the winter, you won’t get to enjoy most of what it has to offer in the spring and summer months. So, if you have the option to do so, Niagara is one of the best cities in Canada to visit in the spring.
Vancouver, British Columbia
The Vancouver lifestyle is centered mainly around outdoor activities. However, in the wake of the cold winter months, temperatures tend to get too much to bear. Luckily, winter doesn’t last too long here in BC, with the weather starting to warm up in March.
Before you know it, snow begins to melt, leaves begin to blossom in Stanley Park, and the warm crisp air comes out to play. Residents and visitors will again be flocking the streets as if it’s their playground, running, rollerblading, biking to their destinations, and sitting out on restaurant patios enjoying brunch or evening cocktails.
From outdoor markets and garden-filled city parks to outdoor activities and more, Vancouver during spring is an outdoor playground for those lucky enough to visit.
St. John’s, Newfoundland
One of two Atlantic Canadian cities on the list, St. John’s, Newfoundland, is steeped in history and culture. It is known widely for its post-card-worthy winter and is littered with monumental icebergs across the province. While the winter here is long and grueling, however, once the seasons begin to shift, St. John’s turns into an incredible city to explore.
This city has hiking trails that take you off the beaten path and kayaking tours that allow you to swim, quite literally, with the whales of the ocean. There are also boat tours to puffin island and even more whale watching opportunities, and of course, George Street itself; a historic street known for having the most bars and pubs per square foot in all of North America.
While St. John’s is often overlooked by other more popular Canadian cities, it might just become your favourite Canadian destination, especially if you visit in the spring!
Halifax, Nova Scotia
While Canada at large experiences quite the winter season, it can be argued that Atlantic Canada gets hit the hardest. Who’s in the middle of it all? Nova Scotia, and particular Halifax.
Once spring begins to bloom, Halifax tends to be one of the first to experience its benefit, and they’ll be sure to let you know. With locals coming out of hibernation by the day and onto their patios with an ice-cold beer to celebrate, and with more and more people taking strolls in the fresh air on the boardwalk, when spring hits in Halifax, it’s a party.
Halifax is an idyllic spring destination to explore, hike, or relax while taking in the beautiful Halifax waterfront. For the best that Nova Scotia has to offer, be sure to visit in the spring.
Banff, Alberta
Last but certainly not least is Banff, Alberta. Although Banff is widely known for its snow-capped mountains and abundant winter sports opportunities. It also happens to double as a pristine spring landscape for those who enjoy hiking, kayaking, swimming, and more.
For the ultimate Albertan experience, stay at the Lake Louise Ski Resort! You will have the opportunity of exploring the crystal clear, transparent blue waters with picturesque mountainous backdrops. You’ll also be able to catch the tail end of skiing season if that’s what you choose to do; with peak season behind you, you’ll be able to enjoy the hills without crowds.
Banff, Alberta, is a post-card province, no matter the season. Spring, however, is often argued to be the best because, well, you get the best of both seasons if you so choose!
A Great Canadian Spring
If you’re planning a trip to Canada but haven’t yet decided on a time of year, it’s strongly recommended to consider the spring months. Not only will you avoid crowds and peak season prices, but you’ll enjoy the mild weather, experience the post-winter celebrations, and get to see Canada in a new and beautiful light.
While the above are some of the best Canadian cities to visit in the spring, there’s certainly more where that came from!
More Canada Travel Resources for you
https://travel.destinationcanada.com/covid-19-traveller-guidance
