First fall in Canada? Here are some things every newcomer should know
In Canada, fall is a pleasant season with lowering temperatures, colorful leaves, special occasions, and enjoyable outdoor activities.
It’s the ideal chance for newcomers to Canada to experience everything the nation has to offer. In order to maximize the season, here are some things you should be aware of.
When does Canada’s fall season begin?
Although fall normally lasts from September to December, there is a day in Canada that is recognized as the “first day of fall.” “Fall begins the moment when the sun is directly over the equator, going from north to south: the autumnal equinox,” according to the National Research Council of Canada.
September 22 marks the start of fall in 2024.
What may one expect in Canada in the fall?
Reduced daylight and the conclusion of Daylight Savings Time
Days will get shorter and nights longer as the season goes on.
The end of Daylight Saving Time occurs in the fall. That marks the conclusion of an eight-month period during which many Canadians advance their clocks by one hour in order to maximize daylight.
Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3, in 2024, which may allow for an additional hour of sleep that evening. Nevertheless, this implies that in the days that follow, the sun sets “earlier.”
Weather patterns shifting
The temperature can turn significantly colder as winter approaches. The degree of coolness differs from region to province. For instance, the Northwest Territories can have extremely cold temperatures, whereas British Columbia is noted for having more temperate and humid weather.
Temperatures can vary significantly during the day in various places of Canada, with mornings and evenings being colder and afternoons sometimes being still rather warm. It’s called sweater weather for a reason, so layering can assist, and wearing fall jackets is advised.
As this is a transitional period, turbulent weather is to be expected at times. Across the nation, snowfall can frequently occur as early as October. Keep a watch on that weather app because hurricanes may also hit some locations.
Activities in Canada During the Fall
Savour the autumnal foliage
Observing the colour shift of the leaves is one of the greatest things about fall.
Hikes and excursions in national parks are popular ways to take in the splendour of fall foliage, while there are many other locations as well.
Stanley Park in Vancouver, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant in Montreal, and Algonquin Park in Ontario are a few well-known locations in Canada to view fall foliage.
To assist you make the most of the season, several parks and provinces also have fall foliage trackers that provide updates on the changing hues of the leaves.
Try these enjoyable autumnal activities.
Fall is the ideal season to explore exciting outdoor activities because there is a nip in the air. Across the nation, farms host enjoyable activities for family and friends in addition to walks and excursions to view the fall leaves. Must-do fall activities in Canada include picking apples and pumpkins, going on hayrides, and going through corn mazes. Another common option is to rent a cottage in a remote area and spend time with loved ones.
Savour the flavours of autumn.
Cozy meals are ideal in the fall. This time of year, pumpkin and apple pies are particularly well-liked, and a lot of bakeries and coffee shops serve seasonal pumpkin-flavored pastries and beverages.
Festivals that take place during fall in Canada
Halloween
Halloween, which falls on October 31 every year, is a widely celebrated and adored Canadian holiday. In the weeks leading up to Halloween day, expect to see a variety of frightening activities, from scary movie marathons to jack-o’-lantern carving competitions. Many individuals opt to decorate their houses and gardens with eerie Halloween decorations such as costumes and pumpkins. Trick-or-treating is a common Halloween tradition in which youngsters dress up in costumes and go door to door to collect candy for their neighbours. Adults can celebrate Halloween by attending parties (which usually entail dressing up in costume) and visiting haunted houses.
Thanksgiving
Canada, like the United States, celebrates Thanksgiving, with some notable differences. To begin, Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October, over a month and a half before the United States holiday. It’s a pleasant time to spend with family and friends over wonderful food. A traditional feast consists of turkey, stuffing, and veggies, but many people have their own variations. This year, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on October 14 in Canada.
BLACK FRIDAY
Another prominent US holiday that has acquired favour in Canada. Black Friday is historically held on the first Friday following Thanksgiving in the United States.
It is designed to signal the start of the holiday season, with businesses all over providing massive sales and discounts to make holiday shopping for loved ones easier. In Canada, it takes place around the same time, however many stores begin offering sales and discounts a week or two in advance.
Cyber Monday
On this first Monday following Black Friday, the emphasis is on internet discounts and sales, allowing people to take advantage of the bargains from the comfort of their own homes. Therefore, it can be worthwhile to wait to see the best offers if you have any major purchases coming up, such as furniture, gadgets, or appliances for your home.
