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Frost Dates by Province/City in Canada
“Your frost dates matter more than your hardiness zone for planting timing.”
← Climate Gardening || ➝ Growing Zones 2-9
Knowing your frost dates is the first step to a thriving garden in Canada’s varied climates. Whether
you’re in a short northern growing season or a longer coastal one, understanding when the first and last
frosts hit in your province helps you time planting, extend harvests and avoid frost damage. This guide
gives you the key dates for each province so you can plan with confidence, but even the weatherman can't get
this right. One year he said "no more frost" and we lost all of our vegetable plants.
Now I just go by
my gardening notes and gauge when to plant outside, because my weatherman gets it wrong more often than the groundhog.
If you would like your Canada's city on this page - please let me know.
Have you noticed when the last frost hits in your area?
Share your experiences and compare with other Canadian gardeners →
Join the discussion in our forum
My Mom is growing in zone 8-9 and has roses blooming in January. I am in zone 5-6 and I have 2 feet of snow. :)
British Columbia
- Chilliwack – Last Frost: Mar 21–31, First Frost: Nov 11–20
- Maple Ridge – Last Frost: April 1-10, First Frost: November 11-20,
- Kelowna – Last Frost: Apr 21–30, First Frost: Oct 21–31
- Kamloops – Last Frost: May 1–10, First Frost: Oct 1–10
- Telkwa – Last Frost: May 21–31, First Frost: Oct 1–10
- Vancouver – Last Frost: Mar 21–31, First Frost: Nov 11–20
- Victoria – Last Frost: Mar 1–10, First Frost: Nov 11–20
Alberta
- Edmonton – Last Frost: May 1–10, First Frost: Sep 11–20
- Calgary – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Sep 11–20
- Lethbridge – Last Frost: May 21–31, First Frost: Sep 1–10
Saskatchewan
- Regina – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Sep 11–20
- Moose Jaw – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Sep 11–20
- Prince Albert – Last Frost: May 21–31, First Frost: Sep 11–20
- Saskatoon – Last Frost: Jun 1–10, First Frost: Sep 11–20
Manitoba
- Winnipeg – Last Frost: May 21–31, First Frost: Sep 21–30
- Brandon – Last Frost: May 21–31, First Frost: Sep 11–20
- The Pas – Last Frost: May 21–31, First Frost: Sep 11–20
Ontario
- Burlington - Last Frost: May 1- 10, First Frost: Oct 11-20
- Colborne – Last Frost: May 21–31, First Frost: Oct 1–10
- Toronto – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Nov 1–10
- Windsor – Last Frost: Apr 11–20, First Frost: Oct 21–31
- Ottawa – Last Frost: May 1–10, First Frost: Oct 1–10
- Hamilton – Last Frost: May 1–10, First Frost: Oct 11–20
- Barrie – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Oct 1–10
Québec
- Montréal – Last Frost: Apr 21–30, First Frost: Oct 1–10
- Québec City – Last Frost: May 1–10, First Frost: Sep 21–30
- Sherbrooke – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Sep 21–30
New Brunswick
- Fredericton – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Sep 21–30
- Moncton – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Oct 1–10
- Saint John – Last Frost: May 1–10, First Frost: Oct 21–30
- Bathurst – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Sep 21–30
Nova Scotia
- Halifax – Last Frost: Apr 21–30, First Frost: Oct 11–20
- Kentville – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Oct 1–10
- Sydney – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Oct 11–20
Prince Edward Island
- Charlottetown – Last Frost: May 11–20, First Frost: Oct 11–20
- Summerside – Last Frost: May 21–30, First Frost: Oct 1–10
Newfoundland & Labrador
- St. John’s – Last Frost: May 21–31, First Frost: Oct 11–20
- Corner Brook – Last Frost: May 21–31, First Frost: Oct 11–20
Northern Territories (YT, NT, NU)
- General – Last Frost: Late May to Early June, First Frost: Late August to Early September
Frost Dates Page – “Did You Know?”
🌿 Did You Know?
Even experienced meteorologists can’t predict the exact last frost. Some years, frost may arrive 1–2 weeks later than the historical average — always keep row covers handy!Did You Know?
Hardiness zones only reflect winter minimum temperatures. They don’t consider heat, humidity, or soil — all of which affect plant survival.Did You Know?
Plants rated for one zone warmer can sometimes survive if placed in protected microclimates like near walls, fences, or evergreen trees.🌳 Did You Know?
Your garden may have several microclimates — sunny south-facing corners, shaded north edges, or sheltered spots — which can change the effective zone by half or even a full zone.Did You Know?
Frost may still occur after the “average” last date. Plan plantings with a 1–2 week safety buffer.Did You Know?
Mulching and soil drainage can make a huge difference — even hardy plants can struggle if the soil freezes and stays soggy for weeks.🌿 Did You Know?
Windy prairie conditions in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba can cause frost to arrive earlier than table averages, even when temperatures seem safe.Did You Know?
In Atlantic Canada, snow can protect plants from harsh winter freezes but may delay soil warming in spring. Timing your planting is key.🌿 Did You Know?
Urban gardens are often 1–2 zones warmer than rural areas due to buildings and pavement. Your garden may be a bit of a “zone rebel.”Frost Tips:
• 💡 Spring Frosts: Even if the table says last frost is mid-May, keep row covers handy. Some years’ frost sneaks in as late as early June!• 💡 Frost Watch: Check local forecasts nightly; microclimates can make your garden 5–7°C colder than city averages.
• 💡 Unexpected Frosts: For delicate seedlings, a simple plastic cloche or lightweight blanket can save them overnight.
• 💡 Prairie Winds: In Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, frost can arrive earlier than tables suggest due to cold winds. Protect early plantings!
• 💡 Snow Cover: Snow can insulate perennials in Atlantic Canada but may delay spring soil warming — monitor your planting dates.
• 💡 Quick Tip: Keep a thermometer in your garden beds — it gives the most accurate indication of frost risk.