Canada in May: Weather, Places and More

Popular cities across the country like Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Alberta all experience mild temperatures peaking at about 17°C around midday and dipping down to around 10°C at night. However, the weather in Canada in May can shift significantly in high-altitude locations like Jasper National Park, which sees average highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. While May temperatures in Canada are desirable, the country is not immune to spring showers—certain rainy regions such as Halifax, Nova Scotia can receive up to 119 millimeters of precipitation across the month.

While you may not be able to go on adventures such as a skiing tour in Banff or swimming in Grand Beach, Canada boasts a hefty set of unique advantages you can only enjoy in the springtime. Here are some reasons why it is a good idea to visit Canada in May:

• Good weather: Northern territories and mountain destinations aside, the temperature in Canada in May is for the most part cool and comfortable, making it an ideal time of year to tour its many outdoor attractions.
• Unbeatable rates: Canada’s high tourist season doesn’t pick up until late June/early July. Take advantage of the off-season’s budget-friendly prices while still enjoying decent weather by visiting Canada in May.
• Low crowd: Tourists typically travel to Canada in July or August, meaning in May you can meander its charming city streets and scenic hiking trails without bumping elbows with other vacationers. You can also tour museums and historical sites with nearly no lines.
• Spring festivals: In May, Canadians welcome spring with outdoor celebrations like the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa, where you can marvel at the blooming flowers while savoring local delicacies and enjoying open-air concerts. Meanwhile, the Toonik Tyme Festival in Iqaluit honors the shifting seasons with snowmobile races and seal skinning contests.

There’s no shortage of exciting things to do in Canada in May. From shopping and dining in cutting-edge cities like Vancouver to stargazing in rugged Saskatchewan, the Great White North offers the experience of a lifetime for every type of traveler.

Historical hotspots like Montreal and Quebec are also best enjoyed under the soft spring sun. Stop by Fort Henry in Kingston in Ontario for a dose of history, or head to the Bar-U Ranch in Alberta if you prefer a taste of the Old West. Alternatively, you can revel in avant-garde architecture in hubs of innovation like Toronto, which is among the best places to visit in Canada in May, thanks to its balmy temperatures and budget tour prices.

Break out of winter hibernation and soak up the sunshine during the pleasant Canadian springtime by visiting the panoramic coastline of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton National Park or the lush Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia.

May is also a good time to go kayaking and whitewater rafting in places like the Kicking Horse River as the snow-capped Rockies melt away to create roaring rivers. If you’d rather admire water attractions while staying dry, try whale watching in Victoria or ferry-riding at Niagara Falls. While it’s typically too late to go skiing and snowboarding, Whistler Blackcomb—named North America’s best ski resort by Condé Nast—boasts breathtaking ski trails that are often open through late May.

When planning how many days to visit Canada, keep in mind that with its various breathtaking destinations, the more time you have, the better. Take a look at our tailor-made Canada tours for inspiration when planning your unforgettable vacation to Canada in May.