Quick answer
Pack layers whatever the season. Canada’s climate varies enormously: January highs average about 7°C in Vancouver but around −5°C in Montréal. In winter you’ll need an insulated, wind-resistant jacket, hat, gloves and warm boots; in summer, light layers, rain gear, sun protection and insect repellent. Canada uses the same plugs and voltage as the US, and bear spray can’t go on planes, so buy it locally.
How cold (or warm) does it get?
| City (airport station) | January high / low | July high / low |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | 6.9 / 1.4°C | 22.2 / 13.7°C |
| Calgary (gateway to Banff) | −0.9 / −13.2°C | 23.2 / 9.8°C |
| Toronto | −1.5 / −9.4°C | 27.1 / 15.8°C |
| Montréal | −5.3 / −14.0°C | 26.3 / 16.1°C |
| Halifax | −1.3 / −10.4°C | 23.8 / 13.7°C |
Average daily high and low, ECCC climate normals 1981–2010 (Environment and Climate Change Canada). Mountain areas are colder, and weather can change fast.
Winter (December to March)
Health Canada’s extreme cold guidance recommends dressing in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer, choosing wool or synthetics over cotton, covering your head, hands and face, and changing out of wet clothing quickly. Frostbite usually affects hands, feet, nose and ears first.
- Insulated, wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Thermal base layers (wool or synthetic) and a fleece or mid-layer
- Warm hat, scarf or neck gaiter, and insulated gloves or mittens
- Waterproof, insulated boots with good grip
- Warm socks (wool) and a spare pair
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: snow reflects UV
- Lip balm and moisturizer for dry air
Summer (June to August)
- Light layers plus a warm fleece for evenings and the mountains
- Rain jacket
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Canada’s UV index runs from 0 to 11+, and the government advises sun protection at UV 3 or higher (Government of Canada)
- Insect repellent and long sleeves for evenings, forests and lakes
- Swimsuit for lakes and hot springs
- Reusable water bottle
Spring and fall
Shoulder seasons can swing from mild to snowy in a day, especially in the Rockies. Pack for both: a warm jacket, layers, waterproof shoes, hat and gloves.
Health and safety items
- Ticks: blacklegged ticks that can carry Lyme disease are established in parts of Canada. Use repellent, wear long clothing in grass and woods, and check for ticks after outdoor activities. See Government of Canada: Lyme disease and Parks Canada.
- Wildfire smoke: wildfire season typically runs from early April to October. Check the Air Quality Health Index and alerts, and consider bringing a well-fitting respirator mask if you’re sensitive to smoke (Environment and Climate Change Canada).
- Bear spray: carry it when hiking in bear country, but you can’t fly with it. Transport Canada and CATSA don’t allow it in carry-on or checked bags, and neither does TSA. Buy or rent it at your destination.
Electronics
Canada uses 120V, 60 Hz power with plug types A and B, the same as the US. Visitors from elsewhere need an adapter; see our travel adapter guide. Bring a power bank under 100Wh for long days out, packed in your carry-on (power bank guide).
Documents
- Passport, plus an eTA or visa if required. See how to apply for a Canada eTA
- Travel insurance details
- Driver’s license (and an International Driving Permit if needed)
- Parks Canada pass, if you’ve bought one in advance
More planning: best time to visit Canada, Canada travel tips and our packing list generator.
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
