Western Canada is a fascinating and vast territoryas legendary as its American counterpart. On one side, there are lively and populated megacities, on the other, picturesque landscapes, emblems of wild Canada. Western Canada is full of superb places just waiting to be discovered. Traveling through these distant lands will introduce you to Manitoba and its prairies, Saskatchewan and its vast plains, Alberta and British Columbia with their natural riches. What live unique moments ! Where and when to go to Western Canada? Here is our complete guide.
When to go to Western Canada?
The climate of each region, influenced by the geographical location of the territory, has its own characteristics. Thus, the western coast of Canada experiences temperate climatic conditions, but the central plains are more arid. When to go to Western Canada? The best is to find the best time so that by crossing the country from east to west, you can have an extraordinary trip, with great weather!
Best time to explore British Columbia
Due to the presence of the sea in the West and mountain ranges in the East, British Columbia's climate is very diverse. If the temperature difference is lower on the west coast, it is quite high in the interior of the territory. Thus, temperatures rarely fall below freezing in the Vancouver region, but they easily drop to around -10°C in the northeast of the territory during the winter. This season is far from perfect for traveling across British Columbia from east to west. In spring, the snow can melt quite late, thus limiting your trip to well-defined areas. In autumn, the rain is there, even if the trees offer spectacular colors. So, when to go to Western Canada? Favor the period which extends from May to September. Indeed, summer is by far the best season to explore the region. The temperatures are very pleasant during the day and perfect for hiking, but remain cool at night.
Best time to visit Alberta
With the Rocky Mountains in the west and large expanses of plains in the east, the territory of the province of Alberta experiences a wide variation in climate throughout the year. Winters can be harsh while in summer, scorching temperatures cannot be ruled out. When to go to Western Canada, to the province of Alberta? To make the most of your stay, arrange to leave between May and Novemberbefore the arrival of the first snow. During this period, the average daytime temperature is very pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 27°. At night, the thermometer frequently drops below 20°, but this remains acceptable. The climate is therefore perfect for comfortably visiting national parks and tourist sites.
Best time to visit Saskatchewan
To discover the city of Prince Albert in Saskatchewan, with the help of superb weather, make your stay coincide with the summer periodin July and August. Temperatures are then between 20 and 27°. The climate in Prince Albert therefore allows you to have a good time discovering the city and its tourist attractions. Elsewhere in the region, it is possible to extend your stay until the end of September, thanks to a very pleasant Indian summer.
Best time to go to Manitoba
When to go to Western Canada, towards Manitoba? Generally speaking, temperatures in the north of the region are cool all year round, so bring comfortable and warm clothing. On the other hand, in Winnipeg, the weather conditions are superb from the month from May until September. This period is ideal for discovering the south and its vast fields of crops.
Where to go in Western Canada?
Western Canada is a destination rich in tourist attractions. If you love nature, you will be spoiled for choice! Observing whales in their natural environment, white water sports, memorable hikes in national parks, crossing legendary roads by car, soaking up culture in the cities… It's not all about knowing when to go to the Western Canada, but also what we can do there according to our desires!
British Columbia's must-see sites
If you start your visit with British Columbia, here is places not to be missed under any circumstances :
- Vancouver Island is renowned for the beauty of its landscapes, but also for the observation of orcas and whales. You will have unforgettable moments that will be a highlight of your vacation! Then, stroll through the streets of Victoria, the southernmost city in the province and which has managed to preserve a “so British” atmosphere, despite the proximity of megacities like Seattle or Vancouver.
- Also make a stop in the town of Vancouver to discover Stanley Park dedicated to the “First Nation” and where the fascinating Native American totems tell you about the origins of this immense country. Find out when to go to Vancouver.
- Whistler should also be included in your itinerary. Known for hosting the Olympic Games, this human-sized city is very pleasant.
- Side hikesyou will find some very beautiful ones in Alice Provincial Park and in Nairn Falls Provincial Park, but it is in Yoho and Kootenay parks that you will really be amazed. On the program: rivers surrounded by peaks over 3000 m. altitude, blue rivers that invite swimming, and plenty of hot springs to relax at the end of the day.
Alberta's must-see sites
The province of Alberta condenses all the most beautiful natural sites in Western Canada thanks to the Rocky Mountains which cross it from side to side. This will be an opportunity to soak up great serenity and also discover the wildlife of this still preserved territory. To discover these postcard landscapes and one of the wildest Canada, the ideal is to go hiking on foot or by bike in the most beautiful national parks in the region:
- Banff National Park is Alberta's legendary place. It is full of trails with panoramas, each more extraordinary than the other, particularly on the heights of Lake Louise or around the Lake Moraine. The turquoise blue of these superb lakes transcends the beauty of the already grandiose landscape.
- Another park not to be missed: Jasper. There are a number of glaciers lined up along the Icefields Parkway. The best known is Athabasca which extends 7 km long, 1 km wide and 400 m thick. However, it would be a shame not to take the time to explore in more depth this park which is full of wonders.
Places to see in Manitoba
Also called “the prairie province”, Manitoba will delight lovers of off-the-beaten-track travel and those looking for thrills. You will find there grandiose landscapes and wildlife as exceptional as it is rare. Indeed, this vast territory has the highest concentration of polar bears in the world and, with a little luck, you will be able to see some.
Visiting Manitoba will introduce you to forests resembling arctic tundra, the coastline of Hudson Bay and savannahs. To the south, the landscape changes to become more agricultural. You will discover wheat fields that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Here are the must-sees to visit in the region:
- Winnipeg is known as the gateway to the West. Dynamic and lively, it is full of exciting museums, like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights or the Manitoba Museum.
- Churchill : located on the shores of Hudson Bay, this city is a great starting point for seeing the Northern Lights, but also observing belugas.
- THE Riding Mountain National Park offers a beautiful variety of landscapes and, thanks to its numerous lakes, it is ideal for canoeing and swimming.
- Gimli is renowned for its Icelandic culture, celebrated every August during the Manitoba Icelandic Festival. If you want to know when to go to Western Canada, this event can be a good point of reference!
- Hecla Island is perfect for a summer stay in nature. On the program: relaxing on the beach and hiking.
Places to see in Saskatchewan
As in Manitoba, Saskatchewan will leave you dreaming with its immensities where numerous wheat fields extend. But the main attractions are in Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, where you can observe bison and prairie dogsbut also contemplate architecture that recalls the landscapes of the American West.
In cities like St. Albertthe museums invite you to retrace the history of the city such as the Prince Albert Historical Museum or the Prince Albert Arts center. The state of Saskatchewan immerses you in the immense Canada, a haven of peace and a welcoming land.
It must be recognized that the sites that we advise you to visit only representa tiny part of what you will be able to discover. The legendary Canadian West is a destination that guarantees you a change of scenery and intense emotions. So choose your date on the When to go to Canada page and prepare your bags!
