Fall has arrived, and for many, it couldn’t have come soon enough. The excessive summer heat has given way to milder temperatures, but ultimately the big freeze will soon be snapping at our heels. For now, travellers to Maple country will be heartened to know that this is the best time to be a tourist, what with exquisite fall foliage across Canada’s eastern provinces making for picture-perfect moments outdoors.
As we bid farewell to summer, we embrace cooler temperatures and a kaleidoscope of colors. It officially begins with the Labor Day weekend – a holiday shared with Canada’s southern neighbor, the US. In true fall form, Canada truly is stunning in September. As an outdoorsman, there is no shortage of fun-filled activities to enjoy. These include fly fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and cross-country trails. Most every Canadian province, barring those in the extreme north and to the west of the country are fair game.
For the avid adventurer, there is added peace of mind since family vacations have come to an end. The price of travel and tourism generally plunges in September as demand drops off. Of course, your preference for cool temperatures will land you in different places in Canada during September.
September Can Get Chilly in Canada
For those who enjoy Jack Frost nipping at their nose, Edmonton, Alberta, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and Inukjuak [Nord-du-Québec], Nunavut will have you reaching for your mittens, Gore-Tex gear, and North Face jackets, with temperatures hovering in the mid-30s Fahrenheit. Of course, there are many places with warmer temperatures in September, particularly Vancouver, British Columbia, Ottawa and Toronto, in Ontario, Montréal, Québec, and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
You may be curious about what’s best to pack for a September sojourn in Canada. The answer to that question depends on where you will be staying. Fall weather generally requires fleece tops, hoodies, sweaters, pullovers, and a pair of gloves if you’re not used to the cold. Generally speaking, it’s best to layer your clothing so that you can add or subtract items depending on temperature fluctuations. Think of it like boosting your odds of winning in a roulette game – you can always add more for greater coverage, or subtract more if you feel confident about your choices!
What’s there to do across Canada in September?
For the film buffs out there, nothing beats the Toronto Film Festival. This international event draws hundreds of thousands of people every year [barring exceptional circumstances like 2020], from all walks of life. Some 300 films are showcased, across multiple genres, including romance, action, thrillers, documentaries, and beyond. The Toronto Film Festival runs all the way into October, making for a fabulous soirée for fans.
Off the beaten track, there is the Cabbage Town Festival. This one features street vendors and musical entertainment aplenty. A rendezvous with friends and family makes this Toronto-based festival the must-pick selection. Of course, beer is a high priority item for Canadians and tourists alike. The beer week features amazing craft beer, and this takes place during the month of September.
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival is a Vancouver-based activity which runs from May-September. Anyone who is interested in the legendary William Shakespeare productions including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo Juliet, Macbeth, and perhaps even the Taming of The Shrew, will love Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. The backdrop to this running event is simply out of this world.
Moving across to Montréal, the Gardens of Light features scores of amazing lanterns from China. This exquisite Asian showpiece will have you celebrating into the early hours. Be sure to come properly attired for outdoor events in Montréal.
That’s a wrap, folks – excuse the intentional pun.
