Canadian winters are legendary, as they occupy large areas of land with white and turn the life of a regular person into a snow ride. Snowfall conditions the culture, economy, and everyday life of millions of people living from the Atlantic coast to the prairies and beyond. The best place to be, in case you are wondering about the rankings of the Canadian snowfall, is the highest amount of snowfall in Canada, the amount of snowfall in Canada each year, or just where the largest amount of snowfall in Canada has been reached. This guide explores the Top 10 Snowiest Cities in Canada.
1. St. John’s, Newfoundland
And a fantastic mean of 335 cm (131.9 inches) of the yearly quantity of snowfall, amounted to in 79 days. The location of this seaport is at the eastern tip of Newfoundland and Labrador and is hit by the Atlantic storms, which deposit heavy wet snow. Residents are used to the phenomenon of snowmageddon, like the recent one that happened in 2020 and left the city covered with over 76 cm within a day.
Here it is winter, and winter with gay holidays, skating in frozen ponds, and the sniness of winter as snowy as it is. When you need a white Christmas, St. John’s will make it happen- there is usually snow there between November and April. If this makes you feel fascinate then chances are you will like to know the snowiest cities in the United States.
2. Saguenay, Quebec
An average of 321.7 cm (126.6 inches) in 93 days of snow. This city is in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, where the topography of the city is in a valley enclosed by mountainous terrain, thus forming an ideal trap for the cold air and the precipitation that is caused by the St. Lawrence River.
Not only the quantity but also the doggedness: snow always remains a long time in the spring. Outdoor enthusiasts crowd here skiing and snowmobiling, and the locals are already ready to embrace the season through heated patios and a winter carnival. Aluminum and forestry are strong economic activities in Saguenay, as these activities are well-adjusted to snowy weather.
3. Québec City, Quebec
Average temperature of 303.4 cm (119.4 inches) on 70-plus days, Quebec City is a winter fairy tale, directly on the cover of a postcard. Its old-time beauty is further enhanced by snow-laden cobblestone community streets and the Château Frontenac that is adorned in white. It is affected by the local Laurentian Mountains and the St. Lawrence, which experience frequent storms that may produce 20-30 cm of overnight precipitation.
The Winter Carnival, which is one of the biggest in the world with ice sculptures, parades, snow baths, among other events, is an indication that Québecers know how to make snow a party. It is a matter of learning how to use snow tires and snow shovels to live here, but the view is worth it.
4. Sherbrooke, Quebec
Its average precipitation is 239.6 cm (94.3 inches) and has 53 days. It is also in the Eastern Townships, and the elevation, together with proximity to lakes augment heavy accumulations. It is a city that has combined the urban and the natural, and one can find cross-country skiing trails located in the city. Tourism is enhanced during winters and skiers in the surrounding areas, such as Mont Orford, make their visits to the province. And you should know the complete winter weather dressing guide to feel warm for your safety.
The locals also have the advantage of a blend of both French and English cultures, and snow has promoted community activities such as outdoor markets. Trying to figure out whether school is closed or not in Sherbrooke.
5. Moncton, New Brunswick
The Maritimes have their own Moncton, the average of which is 282 cm or 50 days. As a hub in the area that experiences or endures the coastal storms, which are mixed precipitation that is largely converted to snow. The level topography in the city causes wind to form drifts, thus rendering the roads hazardous.
However, Moncton in winter, with snowy mirages of Magnetic Hill and Fundy National Park close by provide chances to snowshoe. It is a bilingual neighborhood where there is a snow day inside the house or outside in the snow, making forts.
6. Sudbury, Ontario
A mean of 263.4 cm (103.7 inches) of annual quantity, and the snow is on the ground 75 days on average. Snowfalls suddenly occur in this mining city in northern Ontario, which, due to Georgian Bay, receives the lake effect snow. It is referred to as the Nickel City, and the rough terrain has craters and lakes, which freeze up to ice fishing.
Winters are really long, yet they are colorful with such events asthe Northern Lights Festival. In the case of families in Sudbury, visiting the Snow Day Predictor site can assist in foreseeing whether classes will not take place because of the overwhelming number of falls occurring overnight- it is a convenient winter tool in Canada.
7. Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
Located halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres has a 259 cm (102 inches) dsnowfall uring 50 or more days. The St. Maurice River affects its climate to direct cold air and moisture. The city has winter poetry festivals and an outdoor rink, and it takes up the season in a cultural way. It has a productive industrial background, which is efficient in snow clearing, yet people still struggle with issues such as icy footways.
Ile Saint-Quentin, which is only several minutes away, provides snowshoeing, fat bikers and skating paths. During winters, families may enjoy the playgrounds and interpretation walkways, which can give them some knowledge. Hotel Montfort is nearby, and it is the best place to relax, and even the snowy areas in the neighborhood can be comfortably accessed.
8. Saint John, New Brunswick
It has a 53-day average precipitation of 239.6 cm (94.3 inches). As the oldest incorporated city in Canada, it is dealing with the winds at the Bay of Fund,y which form snow blizzards. The old sections of the uptown are gorgeous in the snow, and the Reversing Falls are a miracle in ice.
The Rockwood Park contains over 2,200 acres of snowshoe and cross-country skiing trails and fat bike trails. Such events are also captured during Fundy Winterfest, like Winterlicious, which involves dining offers to keep one warm during cold seasons. Irving Nature Park is offering breathtaking views of the sea with birdwatching in a winter wonderland.
9. Barrie, Ontario
It is the lake-effect on Lake Simcoe that provides Barrie with 223 cm (87.8 inches) on 46 days.
It is a commuter city and is situated on the Northside of Toronto, and ski hills like the Blue Mountain are available. Snow Valley Resort is one of the resorts that offers snow tube chutes that go up to 80 km/h and a Kidz Zone to other resorts that offer their visitors an exciting adventure.
In 29 downhill runs, the horse shoe resort has cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and slopeside skating. It is also blessed with a natural snow-belt that makes the powder-perfect snow perfect to the family and adventure seeker.
10. Montreal, Quebec
Bringing up the rear is Montreal of 209.5 cm (82.5 inches) during 59 days, and so on. The urban density of the island city comes into contact with snow in underground malls and heated walkways, and outdoors, Mount Royal turns into a snow sledding heaven. Montreal en Luitre festival entails food festivals, concerts, a Ferris wheel, and ice slides during winter.
The ice skating on the Esplanade Tranquille or Old Port will be a beautiful experience with some interactive facilities like underwater projection. Fete des Neige will make Jean-Drapeau Park a snow playground, and the city will be a great place to visit in winter.
Such Causes of Heavy Snowfall
Canadian Snowfall is not without causation; it actually depends on the geographical factors, weather conditions, and the closeness to water bodies. In Eastern provinces such as Quebec and the Maritimes, nor’easters, powerful storms, tend to dominate the lists and move with moisture in the Atlantic Ocean and dump it in the form of snow. The lake-effect snow increases totals in the regions surrounding the Great Lakes, whereas mountainous regions trap cold air and increase the levels of precipitation.
Adopting The Snowy Way of life
The snowiest cities in Canada are not only about survival in winter, but also about surviving in it. The strong spirit of St. John’s and the bright Montreal are the places that make the snow their fortune. Being in one of these hotspots with snow, why not go to the Snow Day Predictor to know when your next possible day off is? It is a no-cost application that analyzes weather information to predict school shutdowns.
On wrapping it up, keep in mind that data about snowfalls changes with climatic change- recent years are marked with variation and therefore keep up. We are all set to get the winter Canada magic. Go on a trip to one of such cities, warm up, and plunge.
FAQ’s
Yes. Toronto received over 60 cm (24 inches) of snow during a historic winter storm in January 2026, making it one of the city’s largest single-day snowfall events on record. The storm caused major disruptions, including school closures and travel shutdowns.
Based on average yearly temperatures, Eureka, Nunavut is considered the coldest location in Canada, with an annual average temperature of around −19.7°C (−3.5°F). It experiences extremely long and harsh winters.
Yes. Around 65% of Canada’s landmass is covered with snow for more than six months each year, making snow a major and consistent part of the country’s climate, especially in winter-prone regions.
Canada is among the snowiest countries in the world, but it does not always rank first overall. Countries like Japan receive higher average annual snowfall in certain regions, while Canada typically ranks among the top globally.
Eastern Canada receives the most snowfall, particularly Newfoundland and Labrador and parts of Quebec, due to frequent Atlantic storms and lake-effect snow. Cities like St. John’s consistently rank among the snowiest in the country.