Where are the Sunniest Places in Canada?
Canada has a reputation for long winters, but it also has its rays of light. The sunniest places in Canada are on the Prairies.
Let’s take a look at where to make the most of sunny days in Canada.
Canada’s sunniest city: Medicine Hat, Alberta
When it comes to total sunshine hours, Medicine Hat, Alberta takes the national title as Canada’s sunniest city. Known affectionately as “The Gas City” for its deep natural gas reserves, Medicine Hat offers far more than economic value because it gets approximately 2,544 hours of sunshine per year, making it the sunniest city in Canada.
Located in southeastern Alberta near the South Saskatchewan River, Medicine Hat is part of the Palliser Triangle, a dry belt of the Canadian Prairies known for its arid climate and big blue skies. The city experiences a semi-arid environment, with hot summers, mild falls, and plenty of uninterrupted sunshine throughout the seasons.
Why visit Medicine Hat?
Medicine Hat’s charm lies in its small-town feel with its rich cultural and outdoor offerings. The city is home to Medalta in the Historic Clay District, a National Historic Site featuring pottery and industrial heritage. Art lovers will appreciate the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore more than 100 kilometers of walking and biking trails along riverbanks and coulees.
Medicine Hat also hosts a variety of annual events and festivals, including the Medicine Hat JazzFest, drawing artists and audiences from across Canada. With sunshine almost guaranteed, visitors can enjoy parks, golf courses, and local cafes nearly year-round.
For Canadians looking to relocate or tourists seeking a quieter escape, Medicine Hat’s unbeatable sun stats make it a bright choice, literally and figuratively.
Sunniest major city: Calgary, Alberta
While Medicine Hat tops the list for overall sunshine, Calgary is the sunniest major city in Canada, receiving approximately 2,396 hours of bright sunshine annually. That’s more than 333 days of sun each year, a surprising statistic for a city near the Rocky Mountains.
Calgary’s geography plays a crucial role in its climate. The city sits at a high elevation, on the transition zone between the foothills and the open prairie. The famous Chinook winds, which are warm, dry gusts coming down from the Rockies, frequently push away cloud cover. The result is sunny, blue skies even during winter months.
Why visit or live in Calgary?
Calgary offers the perfect blend of urban life and natural beauty. As Alberta’s largest city, it’s a hub of commerce, culture, and innovation. Visitors can explore attractions like the Calgary Tower, Studio Bell – National Music Centre, and the Glenbow Museum. The Calgary Stampede, a world-famous rodeo and festival, draws visitors from around the globe every July.
Just an hour’s drive west lies Banff National Park, making Calgary an ideal home base for outdoor enthusiasts. The proximity to world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain lakes means you can enjoy the sun by day and city lights by night.
If you value both sunny days and opportunity, Calgary is a city that shines in more ways than one.
The sunniest province in Canada: Alberta
It’s no coincidence that both Medicine Hat and Calgary, Canada’s sunniest cities, are located in Alberta, which holds the title of Canada’s sunniest province.
Alberta’s unique geography, with its eastern prairies and western mountain ranges, contributes to its frequent clear skies. The province benefits from a dry continental climate that typically means more sun and less humidity compared to coastal regions.
More Alberta cities that soak in the sun:
- Lethbridge: Known for its coulees and Oldman River valley, Lethbridge receives around 2,507 hours of sunshine per year. The city has a strong arts community and easy access to Waterton Lakes National Park.
- Edmonton: As the capital city, Edmonton enjoys over 2,345 hours of sunshine annually and hosts Canada's largest stretch of urban parkland along the North Saskatchewan River.
Why choose Alberta?
Aside from sunshine, Alberta offers a strong economy, vibrant cities, and world-renowned outdoor recreation. In addition to its oil and gas, the province is also a growing hub for clean energy initiatives, with solar farms increasingly drawn to the province’s sun-rich landscape.
Whether you're moving for work, looking for a place to raise a family, or planning your next vacation, Alberta’s combination of natural beauty, sunshine, and opportunity make it a great place to live.
Other sunny cities in Canada
- Winnipeg
- Estevan, Sask.
- Regina
- Saskatoon
- Hamilton, Ont.
- Toronto
- Thunder Bay, Ont.
- Victoria
- Ottawa
The gloomiest city in Canada: Prince Rupert, British Columbia
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Prince Rupert, British Columbia, is officially the least sunny city in Canada, averaging just 1,230 hours of sunshine annually. Located on the province’s north coast near the Alaska Panhandle, Prince Rupert is no stranger to overcast skies and heavy precipitation.
This small port city experiences rain or drizzle for well over 240 days a year. The Pacific Ocean’s moisture-laden air and frequent low-pressure systems contribute to its misty, foggy climate.
Why visit Prince Rupert?
Despite the gloom, Prince Rupert is rich in natural beauty and cultural significance. The surrounding Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world, offering incredible opportunities for eco-tourism and wildlife spotting. Visitors might catch glimpses of orcas, humpback whales, bald eagles, and even the rare white “spirit bear.”
Prince Rupert is also steeped in Indigenous history. The Museum of Northern British Columbia and nearby Tsimshian village sites offer insight into the deep roots of the region.
Though it's cloudy more often than not, Prince Rupert delivers in atmosphere, natural wonder, and coastal charm.
The least sunny province: Newfoundland and Labrador
While British Columbia might get a bad rap for rain, Newfoundland and Labrador actually holds the title of least sunny province overall. St. John’s experiences just 1,497 hours of sunshine annually, making it among the cloudiest in North America.
Located on the eastern edge of the continent, Newfoundland and Labrador is often shrouded in fog. The meeting of the Labrador Current and the Gulf Stream creates dense mist and damp weather that can linger for days, especially during spring and early summer.
Why visit Newfoundland and Labrador?
Even if the sun is shy, the province is bursting with culture, color, and character. St. John’s is famous for its bright Jellybean Row houses, rich maritime history, and the lively spirit of George Street’s music scene.
It’s full of natural wonders from iceberg viewing and whale watching along the coast to hikes on the East Coast Trail and visits to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Newfoundland and Labrador may not be sunny, but it’s rich in warmth, both from the people and the landscape.
Why does sunshine matter?
Sunshine isn’t just a feel-good factor — it has real-world implications:
- Mental health: Exposure to sunlight helps regulate mood and reduce Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
- Energy production: Sunny regions like Alberta have tremendous solar energy potential.
- Tourism and lifestyle: Sunshine draws visitors and residents alike, contributing to happier, more active communities.
- Insurance considerations: From road safety to home maintenance and weather-related risks, climate impacts coverage needs.
Conclusion: Canada is a land of light and shadow
Canada’s weather story isn’t just about snow and cold, it’s also about light. There’s a Canadian city that matches your climate preference.
- Sunniest city overall: Medicine Hat, Alberta
- Sunniest major city: Calgary, Alberta
- Sunniest province: Alberta
- Least sunny city: Prince Rupert, British Columbia
- Least sunny province: Newfoundland and Labrador
Looking for insurance tailored to your region’s climate? Western Financial Group’s expert insurance advisors understand how location and weather affect your needs. Get a quote today, no matter how sunny (or cloudy) it is outside.
FAQs
What is Canada’s driest place?
Osoyoos, at the southern tip of the Okanagan Valley, is officially the driest, hottest place in the country.
Which Canadian province gets the most snow?
Quebec often gets the most snow. It’s home to some of the snowiest cities in Canada, due to its cold winters and moisture from the St. Lawrence River. Cities like Saguenay and Quebec City can get more than 300 cm of snow annually.
What has been the hottest temperature in Canada?
The highest temperature recorded in Canada was 49.6°C (121.3°F) in Lytton, British Columbia, on June 29, 2021. This record-breaking temperature was part of a larger heat wave that affected parts of North America.
Where isn’t it cold in Canada?
Victoria, B.C. is the only major Canadian city entirely in a warm summer-like Mediterranean climate.
Is Canada colder than Russia?
No, it isn’t. Russia is generally colder than Canada, though both countries experience extremely cold temperatures in many regions and both countries have subarctic and tundra regions, which contribute to their cold climates.
