August is midsummer in Canada, and you'll be spoiled for choice about where to go. The most frequented places—including the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, and the lakeside towns of the east—are popular for good reasons, but you can also find many quiet, remote spots across this enormous country. Rent a cottage at the Great Lakes, kayak off the coast of British Columbia, hike in the mountains, and much more. Discover some of the best sights and activities in Canada below.

Weather

August is midsummer in Canada. It's slightly cooler and drier than July, but you should still expect warm temperatures and a bit of rain in most places. Central and eastern Canada can be particularly (and perhaps surprisingly) hot. In general, temperatures are warmer in southern parts of Canada, where most travelers spend most of their time. Northern areas, which are also more remote and less accessible, remain cooler in August.

For example, Québec City in eastern Canada, not far inland, has an average minimum temperature in August of 59°F (15°C) and a maximum of 75°F (24°C). A bit further inland, Toronto is similarly warm, with an average minimum of 63°F (17°C) and a maximum of 75°F (24°C). On the other side of Canada, inland Calgary is a bit cooler, especially overnight, with an average minimum of 50°F (10°C) and a maximum of 73°F (23°C), while coastal Vancouver is a little warmer, with a minimum of 57°F (14°C) and a maximum of 72°F (22°C).

Crowds & Costs

August is peak season for travel to Canada, with both locals and international travelers taking summer vacation during this month. With pleasant weather across Canada's interesting cities and beautiful parks, many parts of Canada are busy, but southern areas are much more popular. Book travel and accommodation in advance if you're headed to popular areas such as the Rocky Mountains. Prices are high in resort towns such as Banff and Whistler. To avoid the highest prices and biggest crowds, visit more remote parts of Canada, of which there are many.

Where to Go

Travelers looking for a good mix of outdoor adventure, beautiful scenery, and interesting indigenous culture should consider visiting the British Columbian town of Kamloops in August. Kamloops hosts the Kamloopa Powwow over three days. It's one of the biggest indigenous festivals in western Canada and attracts tens of thousands of visitors who come to celebrate the local Secwepemc culture. Enjoy a variety of First Nations music, dance, arts and crafts, and other traditional celebrations.

On the other side of the country, take a trip to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake for a variety of family-friendly and culinary attractions. The kids will love the amusement parks in Niagara, Ontario, as well as the seriously impressive waterfalls. Take a boat ride to the foot of the falls on the Hornblower and enjoy cooling off in the spray. Continue down the road to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a historic little town with attractive architecture, the interesting Fort George Historic Site, and numerous wineries. 

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What to Do

Hiking in Banff National Park is an ideal activity in August, but for something a bit different, take a horseback tour instead. Cross rivers, visit historical sites, spot wildlife, and access parts of the park that you wouldn't see any other way. Beginners and families can get a taste with short trail rides of around an hour, while you can also take overnight and multi-day expeditions deep into the park, too.

Summer is the perfect time to take a kayak tour off the coast of British Columbia. The islands, inlets, and sounds between Vancouver Island and the mainland are sheltered and at their best this month. You can take short tours from Vancouver Island or longer, multi-day tours that include camping. Look out for orcas, whales, and bears while paddling around Desolation Sound or Johnstone Strait, or head further north to the coast off the Great Bear Rainforest. 

If you're heading to eastern Canada but prefer to avoid the hot, humid cities in August, book a lakeside cottage (vacation home) in Ontario or Québec. Many locals have family properties, but if you plan, you can book a cottage on one of the Great Lakes or smaller water bodies across these provinces. The Thousand Islands archipelago in the St. Lawrence River is a popular destination for adventure sports and has some grand 19th-centuries mansions. Georgian Bay, on the eastern shore of Lake Huron, is also easily accessible from Toronto and has some great provincial, national, and marine parks to explore.

Events in August

Kamloopa Powwow, Kamloops. This mid-summer festival in south-central British Columbia celebrates First Nations cultures with song, dance, and traditional celebrations.

Traveling to Canada in August? Check out these great itineraries

Canadian Rockies to Vancouver: Banff, Radium, Nelson & Osoyoos - 7 Days. On this seven-day road trip, explore the ice-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, the backcountry wilds and mountain towns of the Kootenays, and the fruit and wine belt of the Okanagan.

Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray & the Canadian Rockies - 16 Days. Follow one of Canada's most scenic road trips from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies. With 16 days, you'll have ample time to stop and explore Whistler and Wells Gray en route before devoting over a week to the hiking trails and backcountry of the Rockies.

More Helpful Information

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Best Time of Year to Visit Canada
How Many Days to Spend in Canada