Canada in November: Weather, Rates and More
Canada in November sees the beginning of winter. With low temperatures, snowy and shorter days, the Great White North this month offers the perfect opportunity to head to the slopes for winter sports like skiing in the Rocky Mountains, chase the Northern Lights in Yukon and Northwest Territories and explore indoor attractions in places like Montreal and Quebec City. As the summer crowds decrease, so do the rates. Just remember to wrap up warm if you are taking a trip to Canada in November.
- Mr. Alessandra M.
Canada Weather in November
Depending on where you are traveling, the weather in Canada in November may work in or against your favor. The coastal regions of British Columbia with cities like Vancouver and Victoria see temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F). Temperatures in cities like Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta range between -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F).
The weather conditions in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are considerably harsher as the temperature ranges from -6°C to 2°C (21°F to 36°F). Ontario and Quebec share similar weather conditions and temperatures can vary from 1°C to 8°C (34°F to 46°F).
Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland enjoy relatively pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 9°C (36°F to 48°F). In northern territories like Yukon and Nunavut the temperature can be unforgiving and drops down to -15°C to -5°C (5°F to 23°F) in some areas.
Humidity levels are close to 90% and Canada sees a total of 8 hours of sunlight every day in November.
For more information about the weather, check out our guide on the best time to visit Canada.
Weather in Canada in November - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 14 | 8 | 1 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -5 | -5 | -2 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 2 | -3 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 32 | 32 | 40 | 49 | 63 | 72 | 77 | 76 | 72 | 58 | 47 | 34 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 23 | 23 | 29 | 41 | 50 | 50 | 63 | 63 | 56 | 47 | 36 | 27 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 30 | 40 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 20 |
| Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 14 | 8 | 1 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 8 | 2 | -3 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 58 | 47 | 34 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 47 | 36 | 27 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 50 | 20 |
Why Visit Canada in November
With many people deferring their travel plans for warmer months, you will find Canada less crowded in November. Besides low tourist crowds, there are several other reasons to visit Canada in November. Here are some of them:
- Affordable holiday: November is a great time to visit Canada if you are traveling on a budget. As the month falls in the low season, you can expect to find all-round bargains, from your flights to accommodations to tours.
- Winter sports: If you are looking for an affordable ski holiday in Canada, then November is the best time to go. The ski season in the country starts from mid-November, so get on it before it gets too crowded and prices shoot up.
- Catch the aurora: November is one of the best times to chase the majestic Northern Lights in Canada. From Newfoundland and Labrador to Quebec, British Columbia, and Prince Edward Island, there are several places where you can witness the dancing lights.
- Winter Festival of Lights: One of the best places to visit in Canada in November is Niagara Falls for the annual Winter Festival of Lights. Sign up for some serious fun and entertainment as the iconic waterfalls and surrounding areas are transformed into a magical place bathed in breathtaking displays of colorful lights.
Where to Go and What to Do
Although it is cold and it snows in Canada in November, you can still squeeze in plenty of outdoor activities that the country is famous for. All you need to do is plan your itinerary carefully.
If you are keen on hiking, try the Jug Island Trail in the Belcarra Regional Park, the Gold Creek Falls Trail in Fraser Valley, or the Twin Falls Trail in the Yoho National Park. It is best to avoid trails like Garibaldi Lake or the Wild Pacific Trail in British Columbia, as they are clad in snow in November, making them challenging to traverse.
You can also head to Whitehorse, the capital of Canada’s Yukon territory for exciting outdoor activities like dog sledding, where a pack of gorgeous huskies take you across snow-covered trails and frozen rivers. November is also a good time to go ice fishing. At the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, keep an eye out for native animals like elk, muskox and arctic foxes. There are several scenic yet rugged cycling terrains along some awe-inspiring vistas.
To make the most out of winter in Canada, spend a day or two enjoying the bounties of the Distillery Winter Village. Soak in the festivities with enticing aromas of soulful cooking, mulled wines, and stroll through art galleries and vendor markets at the Distillery District in Toronto. The Distillery hosts a winter market that starts early in November and continues till the close of the year.
For some skiing fun, head to Marmot Basin in Jasper or Lake Louise in Banff. But remember, November marks the start of ski season in Canada, so popular ski resorts could be more crowded than elsewhere in the country. As an alternative, you could try Whistler in British Columbia.
What to Bring
Bring warm clothes to keep yourself warm and comfortable. Carry at least two pairs of winter pants and jackets each. Snow boots will serve you well and so will thermal inner wear. Sweatshirts and sweaters made of wool or fleece will keep you warm throughout your stay. Besides winter essentials, bring a water bottle and a handy tote bag. The country takes great pride in prohibiting the manufacture, import, and sale of single-use plastic bags and cutlery.
Though November is part of the low season in Canada, there are tons of places to see and things to do at affordable price tags and in a less crowded condition. Budget travelers especially will have a ball in Canada in November, touring all the popular sites and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Is there anything you can’t do in Canada in November? Probably take a long dip in their pristine beaches. But, if you can brave the cold, that is not entirely off the table either.
Need help planning your November trip to Canada? Read our guide on how many days to spend in Canada or if cannot find a good place to start, reach out to our travel experts and they will help create a tailor-made vacation for you.
