Canada in December: Weather, Festivals and More

Weather in Canada depends widely on the region, although anywhere you visit in this northern country will generally be cold and potentially snowy. The picturesque west coast area (Vancouver, Victoria) tends to be milder and wet, with temperatures between 0 and 10°C and likely rain. The central and Rocky Mountain areas (Fernie, Banff, Calgary) are renowned for excellent skiing and are dry and cold, with temperatures below zero, generally in the range of -15 °C to 0°C.

Some of the most popular cities for visitors (Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec) lie in the eastern and southern parts of Canada, where temperatures in December range from -10 °C to 5°C. Snow here in December is probable and more likely the further north you travel.

The east coast area, known as the Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland), is another tourist hotspot (though more in warmer seasons). If you do visit this unique cultural area, expect temperatures around -8 to 2°C, with a high chance of snow.

If you want to witness the captivating Northern Lights, northern Canada hotspots like Churchill, Manitoba, and Yellowknife in the Yukon are the regions to explore. However, expect rather chilly conditions, where the temperature ranges from -24°C to -14°C, and lows can plummet to -32°C to -20°C. Heavy snowfall and extreme winter conditions are the norm.

For a detailed weather description, read our guide on the best time to visit Canada.

Planning a trip to Canada in December can be a rewarding and unique experience, especially for those who enjoy winter activities and the festive holiday season. Here’s our list of why to visit Canada in December:

• Fewer crowds and better rates: Most tourists flock to the Great White North in the summers when temperatures are bearable, and cities are bustling with activities. By winter, most of the crowds depart. While popular ski destinations might be busy, you will enjoy fewer crowds elsewhere. Hence, December can make for a relaxed, enjoyable, and cheaper visit. 
• Winter festivals: Canadians make winters fun and charming with Christmas holiday markets, concerts, and shows showcased in most urban areas. Some top suggestions are the Distillery Winter Village and Christmas at Casa Loma in Toronto, the German Christmas Market in Quebec City, and the Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls for something truly unique! Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary also have several worthy events.  
• Hot Springs: Need a break from winter or a day of snow sports? Western Canada has some really great hot springs where you can soak in warmth amidst a blanket of snow. All of the hot springs in Canada are in British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon Territory. One of the most popular is Banff Hot Springs, the highest hot spring in Canada with rejuvenating properties. Other top-rated hot springs are Harrison Hot Springs, Miette Hot Springs and Liard River Hot Springs. 
• Wildlife: Rainforests and national parks remain among the best places to visit in Canada in winter. The wild Great Bear Rainforest on the east coast experiences mild winters and is home to the rarest bear in the world. Parks in the Rockies, like Waterton or Jasper in Alberta, are fantastic for a day of wildlife spotting and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, and the Bruce Peninsula National Park and Algonquin in Ontario are popular choices for getting out in nature in winter.  Spot foxes, hares, moose, elk, or deer. Snowy owls and bald eagles are often seen in the skies or perched on the trees. 

There are plenty of things to do in Canada in December. Visit Banff National Park and Lake Louise in Alberta for the most picturesque scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Explore the snowy wonderland or admire Lake Louise's stunning and serene landscapes. Adventurers can also partake in snowshoeing, dog sledding, or ice skating while taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. For an arctic winter experience, visit Iqaluit and engage in local indigenous communities and dogsled across frozen lakes.

For a more cosmopolitan experience, tour Quebec City or Vancouver and take a trip to Toronto. These cities come alive with holiday spirit and are adorned with lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. You can stroll through the cobblestone streets, soaking in the cultural experiences, live entertainment, festive foods and unique gifts. The two must-visit Christmas markets in the respective cities are the Quebec City German Christmas Market and the Distillery Winter Village.

If you're seeking the beauty of natural phenomena, head to the country's northern regions, such as the Yukon, Yellowknife and Nunavut, for a mesmerizing Northern Lights tour. These areas offer an opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring display of colorful lights dancing across the Arctic skies.

If you plan to visit Canada in December, pack warm clothing like thermal innerwear, insulated and waterproof winter coats, winter boots, warm socks and winter accessories such as beanies, scarves and gloves. Don’t forget snow goggles or sunglasses, mainly if your trip entails snow activities in elevated regions of the country.

Canada in December can be a magical winter experience. With fewer crowds, a festive season, stunning natural resources, and comfortable accommodations, you can enjoy a budget-friendly yet activities-loaded trip. Check out our Canada travel guide for further insights into planning your Canada tour in December. Need more help in planning your customized trip? Check out our tailor-made tours to Canada.