Canada in June

June is officially the start of Canada’s summer, but peak tourist season hasn’t hit yet. The temperatures vary by province, but it’s comfortably warm across the country — the highest average temperature hits 78°F (26°C), and the lowest is 45°F (7°C).

💡 Visiting later? Check our other summer guides:

• Canada in July
• Canada in August

If you want to enjoy a Canadian summer without sweltering heat or busy crowds, June might be the time for you!

However, there are some things you need to know before visiting. We provide you with unique insights and tips about:

• The weather
• What to wear and pack (outfits)
• The crowds
• The best places to visit and activities

One essential thing to remember is to plan ahead and book your accommodations and tours well in advance:

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Clothing Essential for Canada’s Summer

The Best Tours in June

Is June a Good Time?

June is a very good time to visit Canada. Summer is here and the sun is high, but the blazing heat and busy crowds of July are yet to come. With the right preparation, you’ll love exploring Canada and its gorgeous places.

Weather

June is pretty sunny all month long. However, early and late climates vary widely.

Spring transitions to summer in Canada during June. While the weather is pleasant, the temperature difference between late and early June is wide. The average highs range from 61°F (16°C) to 79°F (26°C). Prepare for spring-like weather early in the month or for hot summer weather late in the month.

Morning/Evening vs. Daytime: No matter what time of year it is in Canada, morning and evening temperatures are lower than daytime temperatures. It’s a good idea to pack a light sweater, jacket, or cardigan for nights out. If you’re sensitive to the cold, you might even want to pack something thicker since nights can drop to 34°F (1°C), especially in early June.

More tips on clothing and what to pack for June later.

Warmest Places

One of the warmest spots in Canada in June is Kelowna, British Columbia with a temperature range of 51°F (11°C) – 80°F (27°C). It’s an excellent spot for outdoorsy types. Take a hike along Myra Canyon, paddle around Okanagan Lake, or even pet a kangaroo!

Interesting fact: There is a place where it’s even warmer than all the other regions. Windsor, Ontario is technically the hottest city, with average highs from 74-81°F (24-27°C) during June.

Coldest Place

St. John’s, Newfoundland, seems to have the coolest June weather with temps from 55-64°F (13-18°C). Northern places, such as Whitehorse in the Yukon, are cooler than the rest of the south, but still a little warmer at 62-68°F (17-20°C). St. John’s has a vibrant nightlife, beautiful historic sites, and stunning seaside terrain.

The second coolest summer spot in Canada is Saint John, New Brunswick (first is St. John’s Newfoundland) at 46°F (8°C) – 68°F (20°C). Saint John is the only city directly on the coast of the Bay of Fundy, so you can enjoy easy access to this amazing natural site. While you’re there, check out the Saint John City Market, the oldest farmer’s market in Canada.

The average high temperatures in various Canadian cities from early and late June.

• Whitehorse (Yukon): Average highs 62-68°F (17-20°C)
• Vancouver: 65-69°F (18-12°C)
• Banff: 61-67°F (16-20°C)
• Toronto: 68-75°F (20-24°C)
• Montréal: 71-78°F (22-25°C)
• Québec City: 68-76°F (20-25°C)
• Halifax: 61-70°F (16-21°C)

Rain/Precipitation

June isn’t the rainiest month in Canada, but you might catch a couple of rainy days. Precipitation varies across the country between as low as 0.5 in (13 mm) to as high as 5.8 in (147 mm). Rarely, early June sees a small amount of snowfall in some areas.

If you see snow on the ground while you’re there, don’t worry: It will melt quickly (as soon as within the day it falls). This should be a non-issue in late June as the temperature increases drastically.

If you’re traveling to British Columbia, Québec, or southern Ontario, minor snowfalls are less likely. If you’re traveling to the Yukon, Northwest Territories, or central prairies, it’s more likely. Remember that these minor snowfalls are uncommon, but they can happen.

In June, the wettest province is British Columbia (BC) and the driest is Nunavut. Here is the average rainfall in each of these locations during June.

• BC: 1 in (27 mm) – 4 in (108 mm)
• Nunavut: 0.4 in (10 mm) – 1.3 in (33 mm)

Please find below the average monthly precipitation for selected cities/areas in Canada:

 

Sunshine (Daylight Hours)

In Canada, June has the longest days of the year. Be aware if you’re traveling to the Yukon. June to September is the Yukon’s “Midnight Sun” period, which means there’s sunlight for 24 hours every day.

Long hours of sunlight can make it difficult to sleep. Bring a trusty sleep mask, or seek a hotel with blackout curtains if you’re traveling to a northern region. In Southern Canada, this is less of an issue.

The central prairies do get more daylight hours than other parts of Southern Canada. On average, the prairies get 9 hours of sunlight daily in June. If you want shorter days, the Maritimes don’t get so much daylight, they only have about 7 hours of sun per day.

Both coastlines get more clouds than central Canada. For example, here’s the percentage of time the sky is overcast or partly cloudy during June in Vancouver on the west coast and Halifax on the east.

• Vancouver: 44-53%
• Halifax: 48-58%

What To Wear | What To Pack

Even though it is already summer in Canada, early mornings and nights get quite cool. However, you won’t need full winter gear, of course.

T-Shirt Must-Haves

During June in Canada you wear a little more than typical summer clothes. Pack your shorts, sunglasses, and T-shirts but don’t leave your sweaters and cardigans at home. Additionally, pack light jackets, sweaters, hoodies, and sturdy walking or hiking shoes.

💡 Don’t confuse heat and sunshine. In Northern regions with the “Midnight Sun,” it stays fairly cool but you should still wear sunscreen. Lower temperatures don’t mean fewer UV rays.

I’ve made this mistake myself. It was pretty cool outside, so I thought I could skip the sunblock. The nasty sunburn I ended up with taught me not to do that again!

Of course, you’ll also want to protect your skin in warmer Southern Canada. A sunhat and sunglasses are a good idea too. For cooler evenings, pack something you can layer onto your summer clothes, like cardigans or light jackets.

Hiking trails are open, but they can be wet and muddy in early June. Pack some rubber hiking boots to prepare for messy trails.

💡 You should also know that May to September is mosquito season. Some regions get it worse than others, but I strongly recommend packing bug spray wherever you go. For reference, Manitoba gets the most mosquitoes and Vancouver Island gets the least.

Canada has its fair share of mosquitoes, but malaria is extremely rare. Getting a malaria shot before your trip isn’t necessary. Typically, these buzzing biters are more of an annoyance than a danger.

Fun fact: Komarno, Manitoba is the mosquito capital of the country. The name “Komarno” even means “mosquito-infested” in Ukrainian. This might not make it sound like an ideal tourist destination, but the town has embraced their reputation with a mosquito-themed roadside attraction.

You need to pack the following for Canada in June:

• Cotton T-shirts and/or tank tops
• Light jackets, sweaters, hoodies, or cardigans
• Sturdy closed-toe walking or hiking shoes
• Warm, moisture-wicking socks
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Shorts, skirts, or skorts
• Long waterproof pants
• Sleep masks
• Raincoats and an umbrella
• Rubber boots
• Light scarves
• Sundresses (if you wear them)

Crowds | How Busy?

June is before Canada’s peak tourist season, so you won’t hit the busiest crowds. Most Canadian kids are in school until late June, so there will be fewer families wandering around. If you’re heading over in late June, be aware that July 1st is Canada Day, which means streets will be busier than usual.

That being said, June isn’t the quietest time either. There are still more tourists in June than there are in fall or winter.

Major tourist attractions will always be busier than out-of-the-way spots. If you’re going to a busy spot like Banff or Niagara Falls, you should book well in advance. You may also consider booking your hotel in a small town near an attraction instead of right at the attraction.

Things To Do | Places To Visit

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Canadian Rockies / Banff & Jasper National Park

There’s nothing quite like the Canadian Rockies. There are plenty of parks along this mountain range for you to enjoy, including Banff and Jasper.

June tends to be the wettest time of year in the Rockies, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a trip. The lakes are thawed, and the trails are open, but the crowds start to come in mid- to late June. Try to hit it in early June if you want to experience Banff without the tourists.

June is also the start of Banff’s patio season. More daylight and higher temperatures mean you can dine or drink on a patio later in the night. Try a beer at one of Banff’s iconic breweries or simply sit and watch life go by.

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Banff and Jasper, I strongly recommend Waterton National Park. You still get the beauty of the Rockies without the crowds of Banff. I also find that Waterton feels wilder, and there’s a higher chance that you’ll get to glimpse a wild animal.

Vancouver

Vancouver is beautiful in June. Even though BC is the rainiest spot in Canada, Vancouver’s rainiest season is fall, so you can enjoy more sun in June. Enjoy a wide range of breathtaking scenery: You can see everything from mountains to forests and the ocean around Vancouver.

Although it’s not peak season, it’s a good idea to book in advance. Vancouver holds many festivals in June, so locals and travelers alike will be piling in during festival weeks. You could also check the festival schedule to avoid these rushes.

Take a ferry to the island to marvel at one of my favorite outdoor spots in Canada. Cathedral Grove at McMillian National Park is home to the oldest trees in Canada. Each tree averages around 800 years old and 262 ft (80 m) tall. I would even call this spot one of the most awe-inspiring natural sights I’ve ever seen.

Montreal

Are you an American that wants to travel to France without crossing the ocean? Montréal might be the place for you. The city features European architecture right down to the cobblestone roads in some areas.

Street performers, artisans, and fresh bakeries make the city feel more like a little piece of Paris in North America.

💡 Be mindful that the province of Québec isn’t technically bilingual: It’s unilingual French. Montréal has more English speakers than the rest of the province, but learning some basic French words is a good plan.

I once had an Uber driver in Montréal who didn’t speak a word of English. I’m not fluent in French, but a few basic words helped me communicate with my driver.

For those who really want a European experience, I recommend Old Montréal. Old Montréal has narrow cobblestone streets, 17th century buildings, and even its own mini Notre-Dame. The Notre-Dame Basilica is a Gothic church with ringing bells and dual towers like its Parisian predecessor.

Bay of Fundy

If you love the ocean, you’ll love Bay of Fundy. Many outdoor travelers have this spot on their bucket list for a good reason. The Bay is home to one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world, after the great coral reefs.

During low tides, you can walk along the ocean floor. The ground is full of fossils, enough to make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Joggins Fossil Cliffs to see 300 million-year-old creatures preserved in stone.

Don’t forget to try some of Nova Scotia’s delicious fresh seafood. Fresh-caught lobster at a comparatively affordable price is found in towns across the shoreline.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most famous landmarks. The Falls are open all year round, but summer is the best time to view them. June is before peak tourist season, so it will be comparatively less crowded.

The mist from the waterfall makes the weather feel cooler. So, you’ll want to wear a few extra layers on your visit. However, it’s also a refreshing feeling on a particularly hot summer day.

Fresh fruit and vegetable stands open along the Niagara Parkway in early June. Grab a snack and munch on some freshly picked carrots or strawberries while you view the breathtaking falls.

You should also check out Niagara’s fireworks schedule. Watching a fireworks show reflect on the water is truly a spectacular site. Shows are weather permitting and may be subject to change, so keep an eye on the park’s official schedule to catch one.

Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island is the only place in North America where people speak Gaelic. The majority of locals speak English, so you won’t need to learn any Gaelic to visit. Yet, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the island’s Scottish past.

It’s also one of the best whale-watching spots in the country. Hop on a kayak to see if you can spot one. If you’d prefer a guide, you can book any of the island’s whale-watching tours. Mid-June is when the local humpbacks are most active!