Canada in April: Weather, Places and More

Weather in Canada in April tends to be on the cool side, with average temperatures in Vancouver hitting 12ºC with lows of 5ºC. Eastern Toronto sees chillier weather readings with an average of 9ºC, and if you are planning to take in some late season snow sports, expect the mercury to hover around 5ºC.

April is spring in Canada. However, the further north you go, the colder it is. For most of Canada, the sun shines for a monthly average of 180 hours in April, depending on where you’re heading. Nunavut, in the north of the country, stays at -25ºC for most of the year, while Kingsville in Ontario is the sunniest at above 10ºC for most part of year, peaking at 26ºC at the height of summer.

If you want a more generalized view of each season, read our guide on the best time to visit Canada.

From sightseeing to hiking and festivals, there are many places to see and things to do in Canada in April.

• Perfect hiking weather: Canada is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls, lakes and mountains, where you could hike in April. With pleasant spring weather, you can expect to witness some of the most awe-inspiring sceneries.
• Cherry blossom season: High Park in Toronto is the best place to see the cherry blossom at its blooming best. Go bloom hunting in Toronto in mid to late April for the best late blooms, but the first two weeks of the month, the blossom is spectacular in Stanley Park, Vancouver. 
• Beat the crowds: As April is not peak tourist season yet, you can explore all the attractions like the Rockies, Niagara Falls, Lake Ontario and more at a reasonable rate without having to squeeze through crowds. 
• Outdoor sports: April in Canada is a great time to explore the outdoors and try out a plethora of outdoor activities—fit for both winter and summer. Hit the slopes to ski or snowboard, then head to the coast for some kayaking adventure.       

Embark on a modern gastronomic journey across Canada, tantalizing your taste buds from Toronto to Niagara, where you'll savor cold weather wines and indulge in a generous portion of Poutine, a delectable combination of cheesy French fries and savory gravy.

To truly immerse yourself in the magnificence of this vast country, hop on a train and traverse the renowned Rockies for an adventure tour. Stretching over 1,600 kilometers from British Columbia to New Mexico, the Rockies reveal their awe-inspiring beauty as you travel the Trans Canadian Railway. You can also take a road trip along Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway, which spans just over 232 kilometers. This scenic route takes you through glaciers, and snow-capped mountains in Jasper, and finally leads you to the enchanting Lake Louise.

Canada in April also offers the perfect opportunity for wildlife tours, including encounters with majestic moose and bears. For bear enthusiasts, a visit to British Columbia along the Pacific coastline is a must. Here, you'll discover the extraordinary Great Bear Rainforest, the largest temperate coastal rainforest on Earth, teeming with magnificent white spirit bears, as well as brown and black bears.

With melting snow and clearer weather, outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking and fishing are also popular activities to enjoy in Canada in April. You can hike the Della Falls trail to immerse in the majestic natural beauty and see some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Canada.

As winter fades, April showers Canada with a vibrant bloom of Cherry blossoms. There’s an avenue of Shirotae (white cherry), Shiro-fungi and Akebono trees (pink cherry) and an entire garden dedicated to tulips designed specially by the Japanese for the residents of Vancouver in Stanley Park.

Visiting Canada in April means you need to pack clothing items that you can layer on or peel off depending on the weather. You need your winter gear if you are planning a trip up north in Whistler or Banff to enjoy the last of the snow. You should also pack comfortable walking shoes and rain gear.

With cold but pleasant spring weather, April is a good time to plan a vacation in Canada. It is the time of year when you can enjoy both winter and summer attractions, from skiing in Whistler to kayaking in Lake Louise and hiking in the Rockies. And with the high tourist season still a couple of months away, you can also expect to find good deals on hotels and low crowds at popular destinations.

Look into our tailor-made trip to Canada for a personalized holiday. Or, read our article on how many days to spend in Canada for more information.