Canada - Weather
The climate varies considerably around the country. Atlantic Canada is very cold from November to April (minus 10° to 4°C/15° to 50°F), while May to October is mild on the coasts. There are few gales in summer, but the area is affected by fog. In spring and summer up to July, icebergs can be carried into the Newfoundland area.
In Western Canada, November to April is temperate on the coast, while May to October is warm and rainy. Northern Canada has subarctic conditions during the winter. The southern area, nicknamed the banana belt, is in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island, has milder winters and so cruising is possible all year round, while the northern sector tends to be summer cruising only. Land breezes often dictate the sailing conditions and calms are commonplace. In the summer gales are rare and west or north-westerly winds blow most afternoons.
Weather Forecasts:
- See Official Canadian marine weather service for the forecast for the various regions.
- Canadian Hurricane Center
- https://marineweather.net/. Covers US east and west coasts and the Gulf.
In poor visibility, yachts can contact the local Traffic (VHF Channel 13 or 14) and report their position, route and speed, and receive information on any large ships they may encounter.
Fundy Traffic can be contacted on VHF Channel 11 on the way to St John and will help when visibility is bad. Halifax Traffic on VHF Channel 14 offers similar assistance to yachtsmen.
The Canadian Coast Guard monitors VHF Channel 16.
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at [email protected]. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
Next Section: Formalities: Clearance
Related to following destinations: Canada
Country Navigation
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports - Canada
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comFormalities
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.com
Note – CANADA has some very specific and different VHF channels and you will need to be sure your VHF radio can access them.
Example: Channel 21B, and 83B provide Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) service (in English)
Most VHFs can switch between USA/International and Canada (check your manual). For more specific details check out this helpful site: https://www.boat-ed.com/canada/studyGuide/VHF-Marine-Radio-Channels/101199_116029/
Link to Waterways guide / Lakes loop is not working
This should do it.. https://www.waterwayguide.com/knowledge-center/news-post/3895/Choosing-your-Great-Loop-route-Atlantic-to-Great-Lakes,
As of early June, Canada Border Services has placed a temporary hold on Shelburne, Nova Scotia as a port of entry
The latest information we have (as of 9 June, 2020) is that Newfoundland has closed its borders indefinitely including for citizens of Canada. See https://www.noonsite.com/place/canada/formalities#biosecurity-section for updates.
Quebec City marina
The best advice is to contact the Canadian Reporting station and ensure that your passports are properly stamped on departure and to have all your official boat papers (including insurance) in order. The USA Customs & Border Protection (CBP) service does not normally issue a zarpe for boats leaving their shores and, conversely, does not appear to expect one on those arriving either.
I have a British-flagged vessel and will be leaving Canada for the US in May. I can find no reference anywhere on Transport Canada, or elsewhere, of ‘outbound clearance’ requirements. I am familiar with the entry requirements for the US… Is there a zarpe or equivalent, in order to leave Canada?
Regarding pepper spray: bear spray is fine. There is a size limitation and it to be designed for use with bears (it’s all in the labelling).