October in Canada: What to Expect for Colours, Weather & Travel
October draws Canada into its richest autumn hues. The air sharpens, markets overflow with harvest bounty, and long nights return, perfect for star-filled skies and, in the North, the dance of the Aurora Borealis. Travelling now means fewer crowds and a deeper connection to place, especially when you move with curiosity and respect.
Eastern Canada
Early to mid-October is prime time for fiery reds and golds across Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Forested valleys and lakeside trails keep their glow a little longer, while coastal breezes carry the scent of salt and spruce.
Note: Many of these landscapes are on the homelands of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Mi’kmaq and other Nations. Seek out Indigenous-led hikes or storytelling evenings to hear the history from those who have cared for these forests for millennia. Visit Destination Indigenous for a list of providers.
Practical tip: Days hover around 10–15 °C; bring layers and a waterproof shell for sudden Atlantic showers.
Prairie Provinces
October on the Prairies is a study in wide-open amber with tall grasses, golden aspen and landscapes touched by the first frost. While the southern plains stretch into farmland and grassland, the northern reaches of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta transition into vast boreal forest. Here, poplar and birch trees hold their yellow leaves a little longer, and the dark green of spruce and pine provides a striking contrast.
Note: Support local growers at community harvest markets and learn about Métis culture in gathering places like Batoche National Historic Site.
Read more about Batoche in our feature ‘Still They Dance: the Spirit of Batoche’ from volume 8 of Northern Soul Magazine.
Practical tip: Afternoon highs often stay near 10 °C, but nights can dip below freezing. Pack a warm coat and plan for clear, crisp stargazing.
North
​By October, most places in Yukon and the Northwest Territories have moved beyond peak foliage, but the tundra’s mosses and lichen create a subtle mosaic of greens and rusts. As darkness deepens, the northern lights return in full splendour.
Note: Travel with Indigenous operators, such as Tłı̨chǫ guides or Dene hosts, for aurora viewing and cultural experiences that share traditional knowledge and help sustain remote communities. The map tool on Destination Indigenous can help you find guides in the area to which you are travelling.
Read: Your Next Adventure: Mapped By Air North for inspiration on where to fly in Canada on Yukon’s Airline
Practical tip: Expect colder temperatures and early snow. Dress for winter and check road conditions before setting out.
West Coast
British Columbia’s coastal rainforests remain green and lush, accented by copper alder leaves and the deep scent of cedar.
Note: Respect the salmon runs that feed the entire ecosystem. Many local nations and conservation groups offer educational walks where visitor fees support habitat protection.
Read more about the wild beauty of British Columbia’s coastline in ‘Coastal Tapestry’ from volume 7 of Northern Soul Magazine.
Practical tip: Temperatures are mild, but rain is frequent. Waterproof footwear and a light rain jacket are essential.
Rockies
High-country larches glow gold in late September and early October, their colour mirrored in clear alpine lakes. By mid-month snow begins to edge the peaks, creating dramatic contrasts of white and amber.
Note: Choose guided hikes with local naturalists who share insights into fragile alpine ecosystems and the Indigenous histories of these mountain corridors.
Read about a memorable mountain hike with Buffalo Stone Women in Kananaskis in ‘In Her Footsteps’ from Volume 2 of Northern Soul Magazine.
Practical tip: Weather shifts quickly: sunshine can turn to flurries in hours. Carry layers and check trail conditions before you climb.
Travelling Lightly, Travelling Well
October rewards those who slow down. Consider taking the train between major cities, staying at eco-certified lodges, or bringing a reusable mug for that roadside cider. Every small choice, from taking public transit to a trailhead, buying from local makers, supporting the land’s original stewards, helps ensure these landscapes remain vibrant for generations.
As you watch maples flare in the east, listen to prairie grasses rustle, or stand under the northern lights, remember you are a guest on these lands. Carry the season’s quiet beauty home, and let it guide how you care for the places that welcomed you.