When to go - What to wear

WHEN TO GO

Ontario is a great place to visit all year round, but the timing of your trip to Ontario depends on the types of activities you want to participate in.

The months of May through September are usually the most pleasant for enjoying outdoor activities. Activities like camping, hiking and fishing are most desirable during the summer months of June, July and August. Although theatre, opera and ballet is available year round, there are major festivals, such as the Shaw and Stratford, and well as many outdoor concerts and festivals that run from April to September. The downside of traveling to Ontario during the summer is that it becomes very busy during July and August as children are on summer break and many Ontario residents take summer vacation.

Although it can be quite cold, Ontario has a lot to offer during the winter season. If you are interested in activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, tobogganing, winter hikes or ice fishing – January through mid March are best suited for these activities.

Fall can be spectacular for outdoor sight seeing, wine touring, biking and hiking. Peak fall season varies depending on weather but generally runs from early September to late October. If you are planning to capture the brightly coloured fall foliage, your best bet is the first 3 weeks of October, although this is dependent on weather.
 
WHAT TO WEAR

Winter

During the peak winter months of December to February, cold weather clothing is essential. You will need long heavy pants, a warm hat (not just baseball cap), gloves, winter boots and a coat. Sometimes milder conditions may exist, so it’s always a good idea to layer your clothing. There have been times, especially in the southern part of the province where very mild conditions exist during these months but you should always be prepared for cold temperatures and snowfall. Winter clothing is mandatory for all of northern Ontario – anywhere above the Muskoka region.

Spring / Fall

Layered clothing is best due to unpredictability of the weather during the spring months of mid March to mid May and the fall, October and November. By October, the weather is usually cool enough that long pants and long sleeve shirts are the norm, along with a light jacket and/or a sweater. It is likely to rain, so if you are planning on doing any outdoor activities, a rain jacket and an umbrella are smart things to tuck into your pack.

Summer

During the summer months of mid May to early September, prepare for some hot weather and a little rain. Heat and humidity can run pretty high, so short sleeve shirts, shorts and sunglasses are a must.  There are lots of places to go swimming in Ontario, so make sure to bring your swim suits and sun lotion. Rain showers are usually warm and do not last very long …. but you never know.