20 Warmest Places To Live In Canada (2024)
In northern regions of Canada, summers are often as short as two months, and winter temperatures can get as low as -35 Celsius!
Whether you’re a Canadian resident looking for the warmest place to move to or an immigrant trying to find the warmest major city in Canada, then you’ve come to the right place.
Below, I’ll show you some of the warmest places to live in Canada so you don’t have to freeze this winter.
The Warmest Canadian Cities & Regions: Listed
If you’re looking for a Canadian region with warm summers and milder winter weather (you know, the kind where you can do a bit of winter hiking and not freeze to death!), then this list is for you.
Let’s take a look at some of the warmest places in Canada together.
1. Sunshine Coast, British Columbia
- Average Summer Temperatures: 7 to 19 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -4 to 2 degrees Celsius
If the idea of living in a friendly region with mild winters, lots of nature, and some of Canada’s most beautiful coastline appeals to you, then the Sunshine Coast region of southern British Columbia is definitely worth considering.
It doesn’t offer the big-city appeal of Vancouver, but it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. I’ve been on several weekend hiking trips in this region and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The beaches on the Sunshine Coast tend to be a bit rocky, which may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but there are several sandy spots where the locals like to congregate.
Overall, there’s a great sense of community on the Sunshine Coast as well. People are friendly and welcoming to both Canadians and immigrants, so it’s a good place to find some new friends.
During the summer months, average temperatures can get as high as 19 to 20 degrees Celsius. Winters are chilly but not unbearable.
The average temperature in the winter ranges between -4 and 2 degrees Celsius.
2. Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Average Summer Temperatures: 11 to 23 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -11 to -1 degrees Celsius
Halifax, Nova Scotia is consistently ranked among the warmest cities in Eastern Canada. It’s positioned on the coastline, and the Atlantic brings warm drafts throughout the summer.
In the peak heat of July, average temperatures can be as high as 23 degrees Celsius. Since it’s by the water, Halifax also tends to experience somewhat humid summers.
In the dead of winter, average lows can drop to -10, but these extremes are only experienced during the coldest nights.
As far as living goes, Halifax is known for being a welcoming Canadian city. Crime rates are relatively low, and people are friendly.
Still, you’ll be able to enjoy a bit of the big-city feel, thanks to large high rises and a bustling nightlife scene.
3. Vancouver, British Columbia
- Average Summer Temperatures: 14 to 22 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: 2 to 6 degrees Celsius
Located on the southern tip of British Columbia, Vancouver is easily one of the warmest places in Canada (which may be why so many people are flocking here). Vancouver has a bustling economy, and there’s a lot of room for career growth here.
The only downside is that it’s one of the more expensive cities in Canada in terms of the housing market, rental prices, and overall cost of living.
Summers are warm and see average highs of around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius, while winters are moderate and average temperatures rarely drop below 2 degrees Celsius. You can blame global warming, but as a former resident of Vancouver, the weather was one of the main reasons why I stayed so long!
4. St. John’s, Newfoundland
- Average Summer Temperatures: 11 to 20 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -8 to 1 degree Celsius
St. John’s is located on the easternmost point of Canada and offers some incredible views of the ocean. It’s also known for its relatively mild winters, warm summers, and laid-back community atmosphere.
As it happens, St, John’s is one of the most affordable cities in Canada, making it an even better choice for those who are relocating to save money.
Just outside of the small, vibrant town, you’ll find plenty of nature to enjoy.
During the summer months, St. John’s gets plenty of sunshine, has a diverse range of wildlife, and offers lots of hiking opportunities so you can take full advantage of the hot days.
5. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Average Summer Temperatures: 14 to 23 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -11 to -1 degrees Celsius
I recently mentioned Charlottetown, PEI, as one of the best places to retire in Canada. It’s a picturesque town that gets busy with tourists in the hot summers and slows down a bit during the winter season.
Charlottetown has a very relaxed atmosphere, and I’ve had some incredible seafood at the town’s waterfront restaurants.
During the peak of the summer (usually mid-July), average temperatures can get as warm as 23 degrees Celsius, with an average daily low temperature of 14 to 16 degrees. Winter’s are mild by Canadian standards, and you can expect the temperature to hover around -5 to -1 during the day.
6. St. Catharine’s, Ontario
- Average Summer Temperatures: 17 to 27 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -7 to 1 degrees Celsius
St. Catharine’s is located just south of Toronto on the shore of Lake Ontario. It offers a quaint downtown area and a relaxed pace of life compared to its sister city to the north (Toronto is just an hour-and-a-half drive away).
As a lakeside city, there’s a large boating and fishing community here and some decent outdoor trails in the forest regions outside of the city.
Temperature-wise, St. Catharine’s is relatively similar to Toronto. It’s consistently ranked as the warmest place in Canada (or at least in the top five), and experiences average highs of 27 degrees Celsius during the summer. This is hot weather for most Canadians!
During the winter, average temperatures rarely drop below -5 Celsius, which leaves the door open for plenty of winter activities. Parts of Lake Ontario freeze over, and many residents use this as a chance to take part in some winter ice skating.
7. Toronto, Ontario
- Average Summer Temperatures: 17 to 26 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: –8 to -1 degrees Celsius
Toronto may not be among the cheapest places to live, but it’s one of the warmest big cities in Canada. Aside from being a major center of commerce and trade, Toronto is also known for its warm weather.
This was actually quite surprising for me to find out, as I’ve been to Toronto several times when it’s been freezing cold. But it makes sense, as it’s one of the southernmost cities in the entire country, and its geography accounts for its warm climate.
During the winter months, average temperatures can drop to -8 Celsius, which is similar to what you’d experience in New York City.
By Canadian standards, winters in Toronto are warm. On average, Toronto has some of the highest average temperatures year-round.
Toronto is one of the biggest cities in Canada and also one of the most diverse. There are plenty of parks within and outside of the city if you need to spend some time in nature.
8. London, Ontario
- Average Summer Temperatures: 15 to 26 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -10 to -2 degrees Celsius
London is the biggest city in southwestern Ontario and happens to be fairly close to Detroit, Michigan and the US border.
It’s often referred to as “the forest city” due to the large number of trees planted throughout the city. It’s a manufacturing and technology hub, but the city also invests in the arts and is home to several notable museums.
The weather is somewhat similar to Toronto, with hot summers that get up to average highs of average 26 degrees and an overall mild climate throughout the rest of the year.
In the winter, temperatures are usually sub-zero but aren’t too extreme. It gets just cold enough for ice skating.
Niagara Falls is just a couple of hours away, as well, which makes for a great weekend day trip.
9. Montreal, Quebec
- Average Summer Temperatures: 17 to 26 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -11 to -4 degrees Celsius
Montreal has plenty of sunny days during the summer, and the average temperature gets up to 26 degrees on the hottest days in June and July. The city has lots to do.
There are some great museums, an outstanding public transportation system, and some truly incredible restaurants. Most people in Montreal are bilingual and speak both French and English, so even non-French speakers can enjoy the city.
As far as Canadian winters go, Montreal is about average. The winters aren’t nearly as mild as Vancouver or Toronto, but they’re nowhere near as extreme as northern Quebec.
January and February are the coldest months, with regular snowfall and average temperatures ranging between -11 degrees during the night and -4 during the day.
10. Oshawa, Ontario
- Average Summer Temperatures: 16 to 26 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -9 to 0 degrees Celsius
Oshawa is a mid-sized city located about 60 km northeast of Toronto. As such, the climate is relatively similar, with highs of 23 to 26 degrees during the summer and average lows of -7 to -9 degrees Celsius during January and February.
Compared to Toronto, Oshawa real estate is a bit more affordable, and there’s far less traffic, which makes it more appealing to family life.
Oshawa rests on the northern shore of Lake Ontario and offers small-town vibes and a relatively relaxed atmosphere.
During the summer, Oshawa residents can often be found on the Lake’s shores, getting some sun and enjoying the water (which is warm enough to swim in during the summer).
11. Victoria, British Columbia
- Average Summer Temperatures: 12 to 20 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: 4 to 8 degrees Celsius
Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria, British Columbia is known for its relatively mild weather year-round. It’s not the warmest city in British Columbia, but it’s also not the coldest either.
During June and July, the average temperature regularly stays between 17 and 20 degrees during the day, dropping to between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius in the evenings. Winters very rarely drop below freezing, which is nice.
Just north of the city, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for horseback riding, something that Vancouver Island is known for.
Explore further into the island, and you’ll find limitless opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure.
The city of Victoria is notable for its Victorian-style architecture, lush flower gardens, and beautiful waterfront parks that showcase some incredible sunsets.
12. Kamloops, British Columbia
- Average Summer Temperatures: 14 to 28 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -5 to -1 degrees Celsius
Kamloops is a relatively small town located in a valley between two mountains, which ensures a gives it a moderate climate throughout the year.
The region is surrounded by wildlife parks and nature reserves that provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and even some downhill skiing (just be sure to watch out for bears!).
During the summer, average temperatures can get up to 28 degrees and rarely fall below -5 in the winter.
The climate and humidity levels also happen to be perfect for growing grapes, and Kamloops is home to the Privato Vineyard and Winery, which is one of the top tourist attractions in the area.
13. Kelowna, British Columbia
- Average Summer Temperatures: 13 to 27 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -4 to 2 degrees Celsius
Kelowna is a small city located on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake. The whole region is referred to as the Okanagan region.
It’s best known for its position in the heart of British Columbia’s wine country and is home to several notable vineyards and wineries.
During the warm summers, there are lots of water activities. Sailing, boating, and fishing are all very popular here. There are also a few golf courses located by the water.
If you drive up the mountainside, you’ll find several mountain resorts that offer great skiing. All of these factors have contributed to Kelowna becoming a popular retirement destination for Canadians.
The average high temperature in the summer is around 28 degrees during July, and the average low temperature is around -4 or -5 during December and January.
14. Hamilton, Ontario
- Average Summer Temperatures: 16 to 27 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -6 to -1 degrees Celsius
Hamilton is located between London and Toronto. It’s a mid-sized port city with waterfront access to Lake Ontario. It’s notable for being the home to the historic warship HMCS Haida.
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is also located in Hamilton, which brings in tourists and school field trips throughout the year.
Given its southern location, Hamilton is one of the warmest and cheapest places to live in Ontario.
Summers see warm average temperatures between 16 and 27 degrees Celsius, and the winters are bearable, with average temperatures ranging between -6 and -1 degrees.
15. Sooke, British Columbia
- Average Summer Temperatures: 11 to 18 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: 1 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit
Sooke is located just west of Victoria and lies on the southern point of Vancouver Island. For the most part, Sooke is small and sparsely populated, with just over 15,000 residents.
It’s an incredibly beautiful town, though. From the shore, locals regularly watch for whales, an attraction that occasionally brings tourists through the town.
Like Vancouver, Sooke doesn’t have hot summers or overly cold winters. Its unique global position lends itself to a relatively cool to warm climate throughout the year.
The average temperature during the summer is around 15 degrees, and the average temperature during the winter is around 2 or 3 degrees Celsius.
Sooke is best for those who aren’t looking for big-city life. There are lots of beautiful parks, nature trails, and opportunities for cross-country skiing during the winter months. Mountain biking is very popular here in the summer and fall months.
16. Windsor, Ontario
- Average Summer Temperatures: 18 to 28 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -6 to 0 degrees Celsius
Windsor is the closest Canadian city to Detroit, which can be seen directly across the Detroit River.
The waterfront district is, by far, the most popular attraction in the city, and features a large grassy park, fountains, and an incredible view of both the Windsor and Detroit skylines.
One of the main tourist attractions in Windsor is the Caesar’s Windsor Casino, which brings a lot of Americans from across the border (as well as local southern Ontario residents).
There are distilleries, old factories, museums, and plenty of waterfront restaurants to take advantage of as well.
The climate is moderate throughout the year, with an average daily high temperature in the summer of 28 degrees Celsius. Winters are bearable, see a moderate amount of snow, and average temperatures between -6 and 0 degrees.
17. Abbotsford, British Columbia
- Average Summer Temperatures: 11 to 23 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: 0 to 6 degrees Celsius
Abbotsford lies to the north of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, and is about an hour southwest of Vancouver city.
Its proximity to beautiful parks like the Golden Ears Provincial Park and the Matsqui Trail Regional Park has made it a growing tourist destination. There are also a few strawberry and pumpkin farms around the town as well!
For the most part, Abbotsford is a quiet town known for its scenic vistas, friendly people, and relatively low cost of living.
The average highest temperature in the summer is around 23 degrees in mid-July, and the average lowest temperature is 0 (freezing) around New Year.
18. Brantford, Ontario
- Average Summer Temperatures: 15 to 27 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -10 to -1 degrees Celsius
Brantford is a decent-sized town located in southwestern Ontario, just west of Hamilton. One of the most interesting facts about Brantford is that it’s where the Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.
Today, his original home has been converted into a small museum that’s become a popular tourist attraction.
Other than the Elements Casino, Brantford is a relatively quiet town. People move here to get away from the busy city and enjoy a peaceful life with some of the best weather that Canada has to offer.
The Grand River runs through the heart of Brantford, and kayaking and canoeing are popular in the summer when average temperatures get up to 27 degrees Celsius.
Winter average temperatures range between -10 and -1 degrees, which really isn’t all too bad.
19. Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Average Summer Temperatures: 13 to 26 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -17 to -8 degrees Celsius
Winnipeg isn’t quite as far south as Toronto and Windsor; however, it’s one of the larger cities in Canada’s southern hemisphere. Winnipeg is the capital of Manitoba and is a vibrant city full of art galleries, museums, shopping, and some surprisingly good eats.
Winnipeg has plenty of parks and green spaces as well, which the city regularly uses to host concerts and even large music festivals.
The coldest month is January when average temperatures can reach as low as -17 Celsius. Winters are relatively short in Winnipeg, though, and the weather is relatively warm between mid-April and September, with average highs up to 26 degrees in the peak of the summer.
20. Regina, Saskatchewan
- Average Summer Temperatures: 12 to 27 degrees Celsius
- Average Winter Temperatures: -18 to -8 degrees Celsius
Regina is one of the warmest cities in the province of Saskatchewan. While the winters average temperatures can get as low as -18 (which is why it’s last on this list), the summers are actually quite warm and see average highs up to 27 degrees Celsius from late June through mid-August.
The city is best known for being home to the RCMP Heritage Center, which celebrates Canada’s “Mounties.” The mounted officers are trained and commissioned from Regina.
The city has plenty to do during the summers and features plenty of museums, restaurants, and cultural arts centers. The city also has a steadily growing economy, which makes it a good place to find work or start a small business.
Where is the warmest place in Canada year-round?
If you’re looking for warm weather year-round, then Vancouver is the place to be. Vancouver averages 20 degrees Celsius during the summer and around 4 degrees Celsius during the winter.
While there are some cities in Canada with warmer summers (such as Toronto, which gets up to 26 degrees), few places in Canada offer the mild winters that you’ll find in Vancouver. The temperature almost never drops below zero, which is great for anybody migrating from the northern hemisphere.
Where is the warmest place to live in Canada in the winter?
Victoria, British Columbia offers some of the warmest winters in the country. Located on the southern coast of Vancouver Island, Victoria is a beautiful waterfront city that boasts highs of 7 degrees Celsius during the peak winter months (December and January).
Aside from the temperate winters, Victoria also offers a great quality of life, plenty of activities, and some of the most incredible views in the country.
Where is the warmest and cheapest place to live in Canada?
Vancouver and Victoria are known for their warm climates year-round. However, both of those cities are on the more expensive side, and paying rent, buying a home, and the daily cost of living will run you a pretty penny.
The warmest and cheapest place to live in Canada is Prince George, British Columbia.
It’s located north of Vancouver in the heart of British Columbia, boasting average highs of 23 during the summer and an average low of -10 in the winter (which is short-lived compared to the rest of Canada).
The average cost of a single-family home in Prince George is currently around $525,000 (below the national average), and the monthly cost of living is $918, not including rent or a mortgage.
Which city in Canada has the best weather?
Victoria, British Columbia has been constantly ranked among the top five cities in the Canada when it comes to weather. The summers are warm, the winters are mild, and it only rains 136 days per year.
Which Canadian province is the warmest?
Nova Scotia is the warmest province in Canada. It’s closely followed by British Columbia.
Nova Scotia temperature averages:
- Spring from 1 °C to 17 °C
- Summer from 14 °C (57 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F)[14]
- Autumn about 5 °C (41 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F)
- Winter about −9 °C (16 °F) to 0 °C (32 °F)
Where is the sunniest place in Canada?
Calgary, Alberta, is, by far, the sunniest city in Canada. It receives, on average, 333 days of sunshine every year, which is more than any other city in the country!
Outdoor Activities in Warm Canadian Locations
Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of Canada’s diverse landscapes. Here are some locations to consider:
- Grouse Grind, Vancouver, British Columbia: This challenging trail takes you up the face of Grouse Mountain, offering stunning views of Vancouver and the surrounding area. Known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” it’s quite the workout! I did it once in the past, and that was good enough for me.
- Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, British Columbia: Offering beautiful trails amid landscaped gardens, natural meadows, and charming woodland areas, Beacon Hill Park is a great place for a leisurely hike.
- Kettle Valley Railway, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia: This rail trail offers a unique hiking experience, taking you through tunnels and over trestle bridges while providing panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley.
- Bruce Trail, Ontario: As the oldest and longest marked hiking trail in Canada, the Bruce Trail follows the edge of the Niagara Escarpment and offers a range of trail sections for all experience levels.
Biking
Canada’s bike trails can take you through cityscapes, vineyards, mountain paths, and along waterfronts. Here are some top picks:
- Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver, British Columbia: This popular biking trail encircles Stanley Park, offering fantastic views of the city, mountains, and ocean. It’s one of the most renowned park experiences in North America. I loved exploring this area when I lived in Vancouver.
- Galloping Goose Regional Trail, Victoria, British Columbia: This multi-use trail takes you from urban scenery to more serene rural landscapes. Its mostly flat terrain is great for bikers of all levels.
- Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia: This converted railway line is now a recreational trail for cycling. It takes you through the heart of British Columbia’s wine country with many opportunities for stops at local wineries.
Kayaking/Canoeing
With numerous lakes, rivers, and coastlines, Canada is a paradise for kayakers and canoeists. Here are some top spots:
- False Creek, Vancouver, British Columbia: Kayaking in False Creek gives you a unique view of Vancouver’s skyline. It’s also common to see seals, birds, and other wildlife.
- Inner Harbor, Victoria, British Columbia: Paddle through Victoria’s scenic Inner Harbor for a blend of natural beauty and city sights. It’s a great way to view historic landmarks like the Parliament Buildings.
- Lake Okanagan, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia: With its calm waters and beautiful surrounding vineyards and orchards, Lake Okanagan is an idyllic spot for kayaking.
Conclusion
While Canada certainly has its cold, snowy parts, there are also some incredibly warm, beautiful, and temperate regions throughout the country. The trick is to find a city that you want to live in that also offers warm winters and bearable winters.
Nova Scotia is the warmest province in Canada to live in. Keep on reading to see my list of the best cities in Nova Scotia next!
11 thoughts on “20 Warmest Places To Live In Canada (2024)”
Prince George is FAR from the Warmest place in CanadaKelowna hits mid 40s in summer….. Prince George stinks so bad cuz pulp mills the pollution is disgusting and can hit -30 (minus 50 with wind chill) and is 12 hour drive from Vancouver lol and to finish off the only place in BC to only hit minus 10 is Vancouver and even there hits -15 sometimes…..get your facts straight
The question was “Where is the warmest and CHEAPEST place to live in Canada?” – Note the cheapest aspect of it. It’s not the warmest, but it is quite cheap. I combined the two factors to answer that question.
Nova Scotia is one of the coldest hahahaha it’s the east coast omg
Environmental Canada source that states Nova Scotia is the warmest province: https://web.archive.org/web/20130430232818/http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/winners/provincedata_e.html?SelectedProvince=1006&submit=Submit
Abbotsford is 40 min from Vancouver not a couple hours lol
Thank I changed it to one hour. It can sometimes be 90 minutes if traffic is bad.
1)Quebec hits -50 to -60 in winter
2)Kamloops and Kelowna hits +40s summer not +26 lol
3)Abbotsford is 30-40min from Vancouver not a couple hours
4)Prince George is so far from beyond the warmest place in Canada or even its province lol and it’s 12 hours from Vancouver not just north of it hahaha and get up to -30ish in winter and is hands down smelliest place to live due to pulp mills
5)Winnipeg hits -50 in winter lol not -16 same with Oshawa
6) new brunswick is one of the coldest places to live in Canada not the opposite
Where do you get your info? It’s ALL false
Yah Prince George is so far from the warmest your right it’s friggin cold and gross
I have no idea where this guy got his info but it’s complete horse crap
These are average numbers, not maximums. The Prince George answer is the warmest and CHEAPEST combination, not just the warmest.
Unfortunately, you have been deceived by the data you have used. For example…The data you referenced measures Nova Scotia against all centres in BC, not where most people live, and it measures a whole year averaging summer highs with winter lows or averages…this is very deceptive. Halifax is much colder in the winter than Abbotsford, Vancouver, or Victoria…technically, by simple math, your data is correct, but it doesn’t take the winters ( on their own) into account…it’s late March here in Vancouver…flowers in bloom…Cherry Blossoms everywhere…crocuses and snowdrop flowers almost gone already.
The Contrasts you use are correct, but you have exaggerated a lot…Quebec -60? C’mon, “maybe” with windchill, or not.
Yeah, Prince George is not balmy, but winters there are consistently warmer than almost anywhere on the prairies except for Lethbridge.
I think the author used year long math averages…because, yes, crazy hot, dry summers in Kamloops, and Kelowna, but he looked up averages.
Living in Vancouver myself, and you are correct in saying that it’s definitely a deceptive article because winters here in southwestern BC have no equal anywhere else in Canada