Canada in September: Insider tips for a fall visit
Visiting Canada in September will be a delightful experience. The country is teeming with natural beauty, from the rocky coasts of Nova Scotia to the glaciers of Alberta.
And while the temperature may be chilly in some areas, there’s plenty to do indoors as well – from museums and galleries to theaters and restaurants. Plus the fall weather in Canada is just beautifully amazing!
Visiting Canada in September: Insights & Places to visit
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What season is September in Canada?
September is the start of the wonderful fall or autumn season in Canada. The temperatures during this month are still fairly warm during the day, but you can expect chilly mornings and late evenings!
Pumpkin spice lattes, chunky knits, and fall foliage are all characteristics of the onset of September aka fall season!
When is fall in Canada?
The months from September to November are the official fall season.
Canada seasons: Canada has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. The monthly breakdown is as follows
- Spring: March, April, May
- Summer: June, July, August
- Fall: September October, November
- Winter: December, January, February
Canada in September weather and temperatures
The weather in September is usually still quite warm, although there is a chance of showers or even a light snowfall in some parts of the country. No matter what you choose to do, a trip to Canada in September is sure to be a memorable experience.
Here is what temperatures look like in various places in Canada in September,
Canada Weather September:
| Place | Average High | Average Low | Average Rainfall (days) |
| Toronto | 21 C 69.8 F | 13 C 55.4 F | 7 |
| Ottawa | 21 C 68.9 F | 10 C 50 F | 9 |
| Vancouver | 19 C 66.2 F | 12 C 53.6 F | 6 |
| Edmonton | 17 C 62.6 F | 6 C 42.8 F | 5 |
| Banff National Park | 17 C 62.6 F | 2 C 35.6 F | 7 |
| Quebec City | 20 C 68 F | 10 C 50 F | 10 |
| Montreal | 19 C 66.2 F | 12 C 53.6 F | 9 |
| Saskatoon | 19 C 66.2 F | 5 C 41 F | 4 |
| Halifax | 19 C 66.2 F | 11 C 51.8 F | 8 |
| Charlottetown | 18 C 64.4 F | 10 C 50 F | 9 |
What to wear in Canada in September? Canada packing tips
Your packing list for Canada in September will depend largely on the activities. In the early days of September, temperatures are still fairly warm, and you won’t need to pack a lot of layers when exploring cities.
We recommend bringing in one cardigan, and a lightweight jacket throughout the month.
If you are planning to hit the trails, and camp outside, then layering pieces is key. Do pack something warm for use at night (or early mornings) when temperatures fall to single digits.
Pack the following items for visiting Canada in September,
- Long sleeve tops and T-shirts: Pack long sleeve tops and blouses so that you remain comfortable all day long. Add moisture-wicking shirts for your hikes!
- Sweater or knit dresses and skirts: Swap your sundresses for knitted dresses, or warm skirts
- Bottoms: Carry leggings, jeans, and stylish pants
- Loungewear: For use in the hotel/resort
- Warm and waterproof jacket (for hikes and when it is cooler)
- Light cardigan: My favorite one from SHEIN
- Walking and/or hiking shoes: Click to view my favorite one
- Booties: Booties are my favorite in the fall months, and they look great with leggings. Do pack one
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Travel documents: Ensure you have your tourist visa, tour and hotel bookings, insurance, etc. in place
Other things to bring include sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit, in addition to the right clothing. You’ll also need other essentials such as a camping tent or hiking boots, depending on your Canada trip itinerary.
All of the items are available on Amazon Prime so they can be at your door in two days or less!
What can you expect to see in Canada in September?
September is a great time to visit Canada, as the summer crowds have died down and the leaves are starting to turn beautiful shades of red and yellow.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Canada in September, from hiking and biking in the national parks to enjoy the autumn harvest festivals.
As the weather is pleasant, you will find plenty of fun things to do, including taking scenic trips through the countryside. There are also many cultural festivals and events taking place in September.
Here are some of our favorites!
Festivals in Canada in September 2022
Here is a list of popular festivals in September,
- Niagara Wine Festival: This wine festival is held towards the end of September in the province of Ontario. This multi-day event, features wine tasting tours, concerts, local cuisine, and entertainment. Niagara Wine Festival also brings in the largest street parade in Canada, and it should not be missed!
- Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau: Held in Quebec, this is an epic hot air balloon festival that takes place in September. This event colors the skies of Gatineau with fun and flair, and the view of hot air balloons, music, amusement rides, and more. Plan to visit around the Labour Day weekend to participate!
- Amherstburg Uncommon Festival: Love Harry Potter? Attend the Amherstburg Uncommon in Ontario, highlighting magical, mystical, and mechanical themes, all derived from the iconic Harry Potter series!
- Dark Sky Festival in Point Pelee National Park: Although most of the dark sky-related festivals take place in October, Point Pelee National Park in Ontario could be the only exception. Do take a look.
So if you’re looking for a fun and festive way to experience Canada, September is the perfect month!
It is also important to note that Canada celebrates Labour Day, at the beginning of the month – the first Monday in September, to be exact. This has been a statutory holiday in Canada since 1894 and is observed every year.
As far as sightseeing and travel go, we love exploring national parks, and big cities right after Labour Day, as it marks the unofficial end of summer. And kids go back to school around this time, so expect cheaper accommodation rates and fewer crowds! (yay)
Where to go in Canada in September
Wondering where to go in Canada?
Some of the best places to visit in Canada in September include Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
These cities are all home to some amazing attractions, from the stunning views at Niagara Falls to the lively nightlife and culture of Toronto, and festivals and fall colors in and around Montreal!
Vancouver is known for its beautiful parks and mountains, as well as its delicious food scene. Whatever city you choose to visit in Canada in September, you’re sure to have a great time.
We have all the sightseeing and festival-related information compiled below.
Banff National Park and the rest of Alberta
Alberta is a beautiful province in the western part of the country. It is home to the Canadian Rockies and many visit Alberta to explore the Banff National Park, its many lakes, and small towns.
Banff is a great place to visit in September because the summer crowds have died down and the autumn colors are starting to come out.
The fall foliage is especially beautiful in the Canadian Rockies, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area, including hiking, biking, and sightseeing.
Late September is perfect to check out larches in various national parks (like Banff and Jasper).
You can still camp in Banff National Park in September and road and hiking trails are open until the first week of October for tourists.
If you are planning a trip to Banff, consider September month, as the weather is still warm for outdoorsy activities, and lakes are still in their pristine condition (not frozen)!
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a delight in September. The weather is warm, with only 6 days of rain, and the city enjoys a ton of cultural festivities during the month.
First off is the Oktoberfest at BREWHALL. In this festival, you can enjoy the fervor of Bavaria’s beer fest, but in Canada!
Other popular Vancouver September events include Mid-Autumn Festival at the Gardens at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Fire Dragon Festival held at the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum.
If you are looking for that perfect Instagram photo with fall foliage, head over to the Portobello West Fall Outdoor Market or a Pumpkin Patch (in Langley) for some great captures!
Most fall-themed festivals feature locally made jewelry, artwork, home decor like autumn scented candles, and more!
It is important to note that BC Culture Days takes place in September on the west coast, and it organizes events from the end of September to October in various places in British Columbia.
Culture Days include free access to arts and cultural activities organized by individual artists, groups, and organizations.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Just like Vancouver, you can expect one of the largest cities in Canada, Toronto to be full of fall themed markets, including pumpkin patches, outdoor fests, and cultural events.
When visiting Toronto, do take a day trip to Niagara Falls. This natural attraction is overloaded with tourists from June through August, and in September, it is even better with fewer crowds and mild weather.
In September in Niagara, you can still enjoy activities like boat rides, Mistrider Zipline, and Journey Behind the Falls, just like the peak months. You can also cross over to the United States and explore the falls from New York State.
The Niagara Wine Festival is a must visit, if you are in town. This wine festival takes place towards the end of September and features wine tasting tours, including the largest street parade in Canada!
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is a beautiful city to visit in September. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of festivals and events happening throughout the month.
Highlights include the Montreal International Music Festival, The Montreal World Film Festival, Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal Marathon, and other seasonal/ fall events.
There are also lots of great restaurants and bars in Montreal for you to enjoy, and hotel rates are decently priced for September!
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
The capital city of PEI, Charlottetown is amazing in September. Of course, the weather remains nice, but its USP is the festivals that take place here.
The 5 day long PEI Fall Flavours Festival is a must-visit for culinary delights. The city also organizes shellfish exhibits and food festivals all month long.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is another must-visit in September in Canada in the fall. You can visit the many attractions in the capital city of Nova Scotia, including nearby landmarks like Peggy’s Cove or the Cabot Trail.
September is perfect to capture autumnal colors on road trips and hikes.
You can also attend festivals such as the Atlantic International Film Festival which showcases unique talent and creative filmmakers from all over the globe.
Halifax also opens up outdoor farmer’s markets and sunflower fields (in the early days of September) for visitors to enjoy!
Yukon
The Yukon is a Canadian territory of pristine landscapes, including mountains and forests.
One of the best times to visit Yukon is in the early fall month of September!
The temperatures at this time are mild and the days are still bright and long. There is enough light and trails are accessible for hikes and sightseeing outside (in places like Tombstone Territorial Park, and the Kluane National Park and Reserve).
More Canada Travel Tips for September
September is a good time to visit Canada, and it is one of our favorite months as well. The weather is mild and most of the summer (outdoorsy) activities are still doable during the day.
There are many interesting events taking place in Canada in September, and they are centered around fall festivals like wine, dark skies, pumpkin patches, etc.
Most importantly, the landscape looks stunning at the onset of fall in Canada. The leaves start to change color in autumn, making everything look beautiful and warm (all earthy tones).
This season and month are perfect to beat the crowds and score a nice accommodation deal in most Canadian destinations.
The weather in September is warm, especially during the day. The maximum temperature is around 20 degrees or 68 Fahrenheit for a majority of Canadian destinations. The lowest average temperatures are 2-5 degrees Celsius (35.6 to 41 F) in most places.
It is not cold in September in Canada. The temperatures do drop a little as compared to the summer months, but it is by no means cold with minus degrees.
In certain high elevation areas, you can expect temperatures to be in the single digits in the evenings, and during this time a warm cardigan is needed.
Overall Canada in September has mild weather. The temperatures are comfortable, and the rainfall is consistent but not too heavy.
You can still hike on the trails and mountains, or enjoy balmy weather in major cities!
Slight snow showers are possible in September, particularly in high altitudes. Some snow is possible with rain as well, but it still isn’t cold. The snow won’t stay for long, and it clears up the same or the following day.
September is definitely a good time to visit Toronto. We landed in Canada for the first time in the month of September – and everything was just mesmerizing from the pedestrian marketplaces and numerous cultural events.
April, May, and September are not super crowded like the peak summer months. It is also relatively cheaper.
The weather in September is also perfect for road trips, hikes, outdoor events, etc.
So if you’re looking for an autumnal escape, consider Canada – you won’t be disappointed!
More Canada travel inspiration here
Pin: Guide to visiting Canada in September: Holidays, Climate, and Trip Planning Guide
This weather looks really good !