First fall in Canada? Here are some things every newcomer should know

Fall in Canada is a cozy season characterized by cooling temperatures, changing leaf colours, beloved holidays and fun outdoor activities.

If you’re a newcomer to Canada, it presents the perfect opportunity to explore all that the country has to offer. So here are some things you need to know to make the most of the season.

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When does fall in Canada start?

While fall typically takes place from September to December, Canada has what’s widely regarded as the “first day of fall.” According to the National Research Council Canada, “fall starts the moment when the sun is directly over the equator, going from north to south: the autumnal equinox.” 

In 2024, that first day of fall begins on September 22.  

What to expect during fall in Canada?

Shorter days and an end to Daylight Savings 

As the season progresses, expect days to get short and nights to get longer. 

Fall also means the end of Daylight Saving Time. That’s the end of the eight-month long period when a lot of Canadians set their clocks one hour ahead to make the most of daylight.  

In 2024, Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3, which can mean an extra hour of sleep that night. However, this means the sun sets “earlier” in the following days. 

Changing weather 

As the transition to winter begins, the weather can get drastically cooler. How cool it gets varies from province to province. For example British Columbia is known for more milder and wetter weather while in the Northwest Territories, temperatures can get frigid 

In many parts of Canada, temperatures can change widely throughout the day, with colder mornings and evenings while afternoons might still be relatively hot. Layering can help (it’s called sweater weather for a reason) and fall jackets are recommended.  

Since this is a time of transition, expect the weather to sometimes be volatile. It’s not uncommon to see snowfall as early as October all over the country. Some areas might also experience hurricanes, so keep an eye on that weather app.  

Things to do during fall in Canada

Enjoy fall foliage 

One of the best parts about fall is seeing the leaves change colour.  

There are many different places to experience the beauty of fall foliage, with hikes and treks in national parks being popular options.  

Some famous places to see fall colours in Canada include Algonquin Park in Ontario, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant in Montreal, and Stanley Park in Vancouver.  

Some parks and provinces also have fall foliage trackers to share updates of the changing leaf colours to help you make the most of the season. 

Try fun fall activities 

With a nip in the air, fall is the perfect time to try fun outdoor activities. Apart from hikes and treks to see fall foliage, farms across the country have fun events for families and friends. Corn mazes, hayrides, apple picking, and pumpkin picking are some examples of must-do fall activities in Canada. Renting out a cottage in a rural area to spend time with loved ones is also popular. 

Savour fall flavours 

Autumn is the season for comforting food. Pumpkin and apple pies are especially popular this time of the year while many coffee shops and bakeries have limited-time pumpkin spiced pastries and drinks.  

Festivals that take place during fall in Canada

Halloween 

Halloween falls on October 31 every year, and  is a widely celebrated and beloved holiday in Canada. In the weeks leading up to this day, expect to find activities celebrating all things spooky – from scary movie marathons to jack-o'-lantern carving competitions everywhere. Many people choose to decorate their homes and lawns with costumes, pumpkins and other spooky Halloween decorations. On the day of Halloween, trick-or-treating is a popular activity where children dress up in costumes and collect candy for their neighbours by going door to door.  For adults, Halloween parties (which usually include dressing up in a costume) and haunted houses are great ways to embrace the day.  

Thanksgiving  

Like the U.S., Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving – although there are some big differences. To begin with, Canadian Thanksgiving takes place on the second Monday of October – almost a month and a half before the U.S. holiday.  It is a cozy time to gather with family and friends over good food. A meal with turkey, stuffing and vegetables is traditional, although many have their own takes on the meal. This year, Thanksgiving will take place in Canada on October 14. 

Black Friday  

Another popular U.S. day that has gained popularity in Canada. Black Friday is traditionally held the first Friday after Thanksgiving in the U.S.

It is meant to mark the beginning of the holiday season, with retailers everywhere offering giant sales and discounts to make the holiday shopping for loved ones easier. In Canada, it is held around the same time although many retailers have sales and discounts starting a week or two beforehand.  

Cyber Monday 

This is the first Monday after the Black Friday, and it focuses on online sales and discounts so that everyone can enjoy deals from the comfort of their own homes. So, if you have any big purchases coming up – from electronics to household appliances to furniture – it might be worth waiting to see the latest deals. 

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