Weather in Canada

The diversity of Canada's climate gives Canadians many options for recreation during four distinct seasons: summer, fall, winter, and spring. Popular outdoor leisure activities include fishing, boating, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, hockey, and ice skating.

Canada's climate is diverse due to its large geographical area. Located north of the Equator, it may be colder than many immigrants are used to. Almost every region's temperature drops below the freezing temperature in winter. The average high temperature in the summer is 35 Celsius and -25 Celsius in the winter. But because of the size of Canada and its diverse geography, the climate varies considerable from region to region.

There are 8 distinct climate regions in Canada.

  1. Pacific Maritime Climate Region:
    • Canada's west coast
    • Pacific Ocean moderates climate, keeping it above freezing in winter and cool in summer.
    • Much precipitation along coast line.
    • Attractive to many people who do not like harsh winters.
  2. Cordilleran Climate Region:
    • Mix of various climatic conditions because of elevation of Rocky Mountains and insulated valleys.
    • Region covers the south of British Columbia to the north of Yukon.
    • Much precipitation on westward slopes.
    • Milder and drier conditions in south, especially in valleys.
  3. Prairie Climate Region:
    • Flat land in Canada's interior.
    • Continental climate - dry and humid in summer, dry and cold in winter.
    • Rain in spring and summer, very low precipitation in winter.
  4. Boreal Climate Region:
    • Continental climate: hot in winter, cold in summer.
    • Precipitation caused from cyclonic storms in winter and convection when ground heats up in summer.
  5. Taiga Climate Region:
    • Long cold winters (6 months or more) often more than six months.
    • Some precipitation in summer, very low in winter.
  6. Arctic Climate Region:
    • Very cold, harsh and long winter (10 months).
    • Short, cool summer.
    • Extremely low precipitation because Arctic ocean and other water bodies are frozen.
  7. South-Eastern Climate Region:
    • Wide range of temperatures.
    • Maritime conditions around Great Lakes (precipitation).
    • Moderately cold winters and warm summers.
    • Home to Canada's major urban centers.
  8. Atlantic Maritime Climate Region:
    • Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures.
    • Winters not too cold and summers cool.
    • Many cyclonic storms during year.

Canada Cares about the Environment

Concerns about the health and sustainability of the environment are growing in the mindset of Canadians. Most municipalities provide weekly recycling and composting pick-up services to Canadian households. Raising consciousness about environmental issues is an integral part of the curriculum taught in elementary and secondary schools and the environment is a high profile political portfolio at the Federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government. The Canadian Government has developed many programs and policies, funds scientific research, and partners with other countries and international environmental organizations to protect the environment.

Number of Immigrants Admitted to Canada