12 Hottest Cities in Canada – 2024 Update

When some people think of Canada, the word “cold” often pops into their minds. Sure, parts of the second-largest country fit that description in some regions. However, other geographical factors that moderate the climate of its three territories and 10 provinces come into play. The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are prime examples. Canada isn’t cold all the time, and we’ve gathered the data to prove it to you. Let’s set the record straight about our northern neighbor.

The 12 Hottest Cities in Canada: Quick List

1. Victoria, British Columbia
2. Lytton, British Columbia
3. Kamloops, British Columbia
4. Abbotsford, British Columbia
5. Kelowna, British Columbia
6. St. Catharines, Ontario
7. Windsor, Ontario
8. Penticton, British Columbia
9. Toronto, Ontario
10. Brantford, Ontario
11. Osoyoos, British Columbia
12. Halifax, Nova Scotia

A Closer Look at the 12 Hottest Cities in Canada

1. Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is the capital of this Canadian province. It has a Mediterranean climate with mild summers and winters, making it an ideal vacation spot. About 4 million people visit the area each year to enjoy this delightful city and all it has to offer.

Victoria gets more than its fair share of rain but little snow compared to other regions. Nevertheless, residents and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor recreational opportunities year-round.

2. Lytton, British Columbia

Lytton is a small town but has a big reputation as the hottest city in the country, even with its northern location at 50° N latitude. It sits at a relatively low elevation of 750 feet (relative to sea level). These areas are often warmer than the higher altitudes.

A horrific wildfire occurred in Lytton on June 30, 2021, destroying 90% of its properties. Recovery efforts are underway to help the village rebuild and heal from the catastrophic event.

3. Kamloops, British Columbia

The geography of Kamloops works in its favor to give it its semi-arid climate. Residents and visitors can enjoy sunny, dry days throughout the year thanks to its location in the rain shadow of the mountains.

The town itself sits in a valley. However, the city still experiences weather extremes on occasion. Soaring temperatures are not uncommon, not unlike nearby Lytton. Nevertheless, tourism is a vital part of the local economy, and people come to enjoy its many parks, trails, and recreational activities.

4. Abbotsford, British Columbia

Abbotsford residents enjoy an oceanic climate that brings warm summers and mild winters, although it can be a bit rainy and snowy. Flooding is often an issue. The town dubs itself the Hub of the Fraser Valley.

Agriculture and transportation are its leading employers. Almost 72% of its land is located within the Agricultural Land Reserve. The town and its surrounding areas have an inviting and relaxing feel with the abundant farmland and pastures. It’s no wonder that most residents work in Abbotsford.

5. Kelowna, British Columbia

Kelowna has a humid continental climate, which gives the area four distinct seasons. The summers are hot and dry, and the winters are mild. The mild winters explain the vast amount of green space in this city at over 2,745 acres due to the 2,000 hours of sunshine each year.

Kelowna is located at Okanagan Lake. It influences the climate and is a tourist hotspot. There are many parks and recreational facilities around the lake. It even has its own monster from Canadian folklore called Ogopogo.

6. St. Catharines, Ontario

St. Catharines is a transportation hub in the Niagara Region—a position it has earned since the days of stagecoaches. Loyalists settled in the area at the end of the 18th century. Farming and milling helped define the town and set the stage for its current position as “The Garden City.” Lakes Erie and Ontario influence the humid continental climate, which accounts for its place on our list.

The city devotes a lot of land to its green space, hence, its nickname. You’ll find plenty of trails and parks around St. Catharines to take in its beauty.

7. Windsor, Ontario

This city must be a pleasant place to visit with a nickname like the “City of Roses.” Windsor is a stone’s throw from Detroit, Michigan, located just across the Detroit River. The humid continental climate of the area sometimes causes weather extremes. Tornadoes and flooding are not uncommon. It also experiences more thunderstorms than any other Canadian city.

Windsor offers many tourist activities to take advantage of its fine weather. Visitors will find plenty of waterfront parks, museums, and cultural attractions in Windsor and the surrounding areas.

8. Penticton, British Columbia

You know there’s something special about a town with a name that means “a place where people live year-round.” Its pleasant, semi-arid climate accounts for the fact that it’s one of Canada’s top wine regions. Indeed, agriculture plays a vital role in the local economy. The weather has also helped its tourism industry, allowing the town to host major outdoor events, such as IRONMAN Canada.

Penticton has many must-see attractions to take in during pleasant weather. Many adventurous individuals visit Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park for sport-climbing. Those looking for something less active can go to any of the 80 wineries and eight craft breweries in the area.

9. Toronto, Ontario

Toronto sits on the shores of Lake Ontario, which plays a major role in its climate. It has a humid continental climate, giving the city hot, stormy summers and cold, snowy winters. Tourism and manufacturing are its primary industries. It has a vibrant downtown and offers a host of cultural activities, sports, and other events. Many take advantage of its delightful weather.

10. Brantford, Ontario

Brantford, Ontario takes full advantage of its warm summers and cold winters thanks to the humid continental climate.

It’s worth noting that this town, like many in Canada, has regulations for filming in their communities. Several productions have featured this city, including The Handmaid’s Tale. Brantford’s Hollywood connections can make touring the town feel special. Being able to walk where your favorite actors and actresses have given it a surreal feeling you might not experience in any other part of Canada.

11. Osoyoos, British Columbia

Osoyoos sits just over 2 miles away from Washington State. It gets its name from the American Indian nation. The city has a cold, semi-arid climate, which isn’t surprising given its location. It enjoys some of the warmest summer weather in the country, making it a mecca for tourism. It even dubs itself the “Desert Wine Country’s Sweet Spot.” Agriculture thrives in this area, putting it squarely on the map.

Osoyoos embraces its desert-like climate with a host of parks, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, including four championship golf courses. Anyone would be lucky to visit this Canadian town.

Related Read: 10 Coldest Cities in Canada

12. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is an anomaly on our list of the hottest cities in Canada. Warm summers and mild winters define the humid continental climate of this city. It frequently rains under the Atlantic Ocean’s influence, as you may expect. However, agriculture and tourism are significant industries, with over 700,000 visitors going to Peggy’s Cove—the town’s most famous attraction—each year.

The city has much to offer tourists and residents alike. The annual Halifax Jazz Festival draws thousands each year, bringing top performers to the event. The town’s waterfront and Halifax Citadel National Historic Site are also must-see attractions for anyone visiting the area.

See Also: 

• 10 Hottest Cities in the World

Featured Image Credit: Piqsels