Table of contents for Fall 2025 / Almanac 2026 in Harrowsmith

Do you know what I love the best about this almanac? Every time I mention it to a friend or a family member, it makes people happy. Whether they remember it from their past (“Oh! My grandmother always had a copy on her coffee table!”) or their present (“We have the latest one at the cottage!”), it’s the type of magazine that brings joy to whoever comes into contact with it. It’s become one of my favourite things. What other little things bring me joy? I decided to list a few things here: 1. Handwritten notes. I am a fan of Canadian artist Lauren Zweerink. Her whimsical cards never fail to make me smile (especially her animal prints) and I know they will brighten the day of anyone I send…

Harrowsmith: Wood, Fire & Smoke celebrates the many ways to cook with fire, including wood-grilled, wood-smoked, wood oven-roasted (or baked), pit-smoked, plancha-seared, fire-kissed, barbecued and charcoal-cooked. Which is your favourite and why? Michael Smith: I love my daily ritual of choosing a wood from my woodshed and smoking salmon. It’s a daily reminder of the power of presence. HS What type of wood is your favourite to use to cook with? MS Maple is our go-to hardwood for fuel. We maintain a library of 12 different woods but it’s all built on a base of maple. HS This style of cheffing may be new to some. What is your number one safety tip (or lesson learned the hard way!) for cooking with fire? MS Safety first: Always have a plan B.…

I have been travelling regularly to the Caribbean since I was 12, and my parents decided to develop one of the first boutique-style condominium complexes in the Turks and Caicos. At the time, there was nothing but endless sand beaches, a few potholed roads and one dive shop. It was magical. The Turks, like so many places, have changed quite a bit since then. I’d given up on finding a Caribbean island that remained pristine and relatively undeveloped. And then Joe Pavelka, a professor who teaches ecotourism and outdoor leadership at Calgary’s Mount Royal University, turned me on to a small, volcano-carved island wedged between Martinique and Guadeloupe in the eastern Caribbean called Dominica. Joe, who has become a friend and mentor and has spent much of his career bushwhacking…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED Supplies For One Bed 3/4" Birch Paint Grade Plywood (2) Handles (2) 6' Piano Hinges 1 1/2" Screws (2) Barrel Bolts Carpenter’s Glue Wood Filler Interior Stain or BeautiTone Paint (optional) (1) Twin Mattress Tools Table Saw Skill Saw Jigsaw Drill Router Palm Sander Tape Measure Pencil Protractor Paint Roller/Brush Dropcloth FROM OUR FRIENDS AT Total time: Weekend Difficulty: Advanced This Murphy bed idea takes the sleeping solution one step further and provides double the fun with twin beds! Ideal for the kids, these foldaway beds provide bonus sleepover space for two besties. The design isn’t just for grade schoolers, either. Depending on your aesthetic and needs, you can elevate this Murphy bed project to suit more adult tastes, whether your personal interior design style leans coastal…

Atlantic Canada September is that in-between month — summer’s winding down but fall hasn’t fully arrived just yet. Across Atlantic Canada, the weather is expected to cool down and get a little wetter, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for a sweater and an umbrella. With the possibility of La Niña returning, there’s a greater chance for tropical storm activity, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the forecast this month. On average, we’re looking at about 10 days of rain, scattered throughout September. Daylight hours will noticeably shorten as we head toward the autumn equinox, which falls on Monday, September 22 at 3:19 p.m. It’s a sure sign that the season is shifting — even if your beach towel isn’t quite ready to retire. Quebec Statistically,…

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”Lucy Maud Montgomery, Canadian author THIS MONTH IN HISTORY The fall of 1970 marked a dark chapter in Quebec’s history, known as the October Crisis. On October 5, the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ), a militant separatist group, kidnapped British trade commissioner James Cross. Days later, they also abducted and murdered Quebec cabinet minister Pierre Laporte. In response, Quebec’s premier and Montreal’s mayor requested federal assistance. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau deployed the military and invoked the War Measures Act — the only time it has ever been used in peacetime Canada. To learn more, go to thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. Opal BIRTHSTONE: Opals symbolize creativity, emotion and transformation. ROCK RECALL: Australia is the opal capital of the world, especially known for…

SUGAR AND SPICE PECANS Here’s how it works: The egg white is whipped until it can stand up on its own. Then it’s tossed with pecans, which are in turn tossed with a mixture of sugar and spice. As the nuts bake at a low temperature, the beaten egg white puffs up and hardens like meringue (which is also made from beaten egg whites), and the sugar melts into it. As the nuts cool, so does the sugar. The result is gloriously roasted nuts enrobed in an airy, crispy, sweet and savory crust. They are perfect on their own, but they’re even better with a smear of blue cheese. (Pecans not your favourite? This recipe works beautifully with walnuts, too.) Cook time: 30 minutes Yield: Serves 8 to 12 ⅓ cup…

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home."–Edith Sitwell, British poet THIS MONTH IN HISTORY The Halifax Explosion: December 6, 1917 On this tragic day, the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship filled with explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the Halifax harbour. About 2,000 people lost their lives and 9,000 were injured. The explosion was one of the biggest non-nuclear explosions ever, devastating the Richmond district of Halifax. Turquoise BIRTHSTONE: Turquoise symbolizes protection, healing and wisdom. ROCK RECALL: This blue-green gem has been around for more than 5,000 years and was treasured by many cultures, including the Ancient Egyptians, Persians, Chinese and Indigenous Peoples…

Atlantic Canada February doesn’t hold back in Atlantic Canada. Winter brings foggy mornings, grey skies and storms that make headlines. Cold Arctic air meets warmer ocean water, creating thick fog and setting the stage for nor’easters and wild weather. Moisture-laden air and fast-moving systems often cause trouble — like February 2025, when storms caused over $260 million in insured damages. There was also the 2004 blizzard that buried Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island under nearly a metre of snow. Still, not every day is dramatic. Temperatures range from +5 to zero — often milder near the coast — so many calm, crisp days invite a winter stroll or admiring snow from indoors. Quebec February in Quebec isn’t just cold — it’s a celebration of winter in all its frosty…

Atlantic Canada The Atlantic Ocean has a moderating effect on spring temperatures in Atlantic Canada. Coastal areas experience cooler springs due to the lingering cold temperatures in ocean water and the Labrador Current. Inland areas warm more quickly. For spring of 2026, indicators tilt toward above-average temperatures. Rain is the most dominant form of precipitation, though early spring snow does occur. Expect a wet season, with higher-than-average precipitation. The growing season should start early. Gardeners should keep in mind, though, that nor’easters, more closely associated with winter, continue to be a weather risk for the spring. Quebec Near- to slightly above-average temperatures are likely for Quebec in the spring of 2026. On average, daily highs increase a lot in Quebec during the spring, from -2 at the start of the…

Atlantic Canada March in Atlantic Canada is when winter grudgingly yields to spring. The equinox on March 20 marks the official start of spring, but winter often lingers. After the 20th, daylight outlasts darkness, yet cold weather can hang on. As a shoulder season month, March can bring some of the region’s biggest snowstorms. Coastal areas see plenty of fog as cool land temperatures meet warmer maritime air. With average highs from -3 to +2, March offers surprises—winter’s final act before spring’s long-awaited return. Quebec An early spring is expected for Quebec in March 2026! The equinox on March 20 signals the season’s start and a warming trend just before the shift. Yet winter isn’t quite done. Expect mild days mixed with winter blasts, with snow still the main form…

“Sang the sun rise on an amber morn - ‘Earth, be glad! An April day is born. ‘Winter's done, and April’s in the skies, Earth, look up with laughter in your eyes!”–An April Adoration by Sir Charles George Douglas Roberts, Canadian poet and prose writer THIS MONTH IN HISTORY “In Flanders Field:” April 15, 1917 Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian surgeon, wrote the famous poem during the Second Battle of Ypres, Belgium, in World War I. He composed the poem the day after the funeral of his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, who had been killed in action. Diamond BIRTHSTONE: Diamonds symbolize strength, clarity, purity and eternal love. ROCK RECALL: Diamonds, the hardest natural substance on the planet, scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale. They form over billions of years…

Plants that gardeners now take for granted could once only be found in remote and hostile regions. A good example is the tulip. Tulips come from rugged mountainous regions of the Pamir and Tien Shan ranges of Central Asia, and the mountains stretching from southern Russia to Iran. These early tulips — vibrant in reds, yellows and oranges — thrived in those barren, windswept habitats. For centuries, tulips remained relatively obscure until they caught the eye of traders and soldiers passing through the Ottoman Empire. The tulip captivated the Persian and Ottoman courts, with its stylized likeness becoming a prominent symbol found in carpets, ceramics (see photo 1) and even on the fuselage of Turkish Airlines planes to this day. The tulip’s journey to Europe began in the 16th century.…

Atlantic Canada July delivers postcard-perfect summer days! It’s officially the warmest month of the year in Atlantic Canada. Expect plenty of sunshine to fill your beach days and patio evenings, though July also brings a mix of refreshing showers and classic coastal fog. Average highs range from +22 to +27, with coastal areas cooler and breezier. Expect rain on 10 to 14 days, adding up to around 100 mm. Most rainfall comes from localized pop-up showers and thunderstorms. While the tropical storm season starts to perk up in July, direct impacts on Atlantic Canada aren’t as common as in August or September. We keep an eye on the tropics but July is generally smooth sailing. Quebec July brings heat and humidity without fail. Many days offer a classic “sunny start…

“In August, the light lingers longer, as if the world wants to hold onto its last golden moments.”–Leonard Cohen, singer-songwriter THIS MONTH IN HISTORY Canadian Bill of Rights Approved, August 4, 1960 The House of Commons approving the Canadian Bill of Rights was a huge step because it meant the federal government promised to protect the civil rights and freedoms of all Canadians. While the provinces didn’t have to jump on board right away, this set an important example. Just six days later, it got the royal stamp of approval, making it official. This move paved the way for stronger human rights protections in Canada, making fairness and justice equitable for everyone. Peridot BIRTHSTONE: Peridot symbolizes harmony, renewal, protection and personal growth. ROCK RECALL: Often called the “gem of the…

In 2026, Harrowsmith will mark a significant milestone — 50 years of publication. Since the beginning, the magazine has reflected the values of Canadians who care about how we live, what we grow and what we eat. I joined Harrowsmith in 1997 and purchased the magazine in 2012. Over the years, I’ve seen our editorial voice remain true while adapting to change. In 2007, we launched Harrowsmith’s Truly Canadian Almanac, a homegrown resource written entirely by and for Canadians. It quickly became a reader favourite and will take centre stage next year as a special collector’s edition. While we’ll honour our past with archival features, we’re also looking ahead. The next 50 years will be shaped by shifts in Canadian agriculture, sustainable living and food systems. Issues such as seed…

Harrowsmith magazine, launched in 1976 in Camden East, Ont., began as a grassroots voice for sustainable living, homesteading and environmental awareness. From kitchen-table beginnings to becoming one of Canada's top magazines, Harrowsmith has evolved through media and cultural shifts, urban and population growth and technological advancements in agriculture, all of which reinforced our country’s interest and desire to live simply and sustainably. 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION To celebrate our 50th year anniversary, Harrowsmith is creating a special collector’s edition fall Almanac. Similar to the one you are currently reading, this edition will be even more jam-packed with the things you’ve come to expect in the only all-Canadian almanac. Regular subscribers will receive this issue as part of their subscription at no additional cost. NOT A SUBSCRIBER? Subscribe for one…

THE COAT OF ARMS* 1921 THE NATIONAL ANTHEM: "O CANADA" July 1, 1980 THE ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE (RCMP) 1873 THE MAPLE TREE 1996 THE CANADIAN FLAG February 15, 1965 THE SUMMER SPORT: LACROSSE May 12, 1994 THE CANADIAN HORSE April 2002 THE BLUENOSE 1921 THE BEAVER March 24, 1975 THE WINTER SPORT: HOCKEY May 12, 1994 THE MAPLE LEAF TARTAN March 9, 2011 Though not officially a national symbol, the Bluenose, a schooner that raced from 1921 to 1938, is a recognized cultural symbol of Canada and has appeared on the Canadian dime since 1937. *Also known as the Arms of Canada or the Royal Arms of Canada…

1914 World War I begins. In 1917 and 1918, hundreds of University of Toronto women spend the summers picking and packing fruits and vegetables in the Niagara region, replacing the labour of men lost to military service. 1917 Ontario introduces the Women's Land Army, modeled after the British operation. Young women begin working on farms to fill labour gaps, though the program is relatively informal at this stage. 1918 The war ends, and generally speaking, men and women return to their more traditional roles. 1939 World War II begins. Farmers are called to fight in the war, leaving teenage girls and wives to manage their farms and animals. Men who can’t go to war become foremen, overseeing the women’s work. 1941 In response to the call for help from farmers,…

On July 1, 1867, 158 years ago this year, Canada officially became a dominion. But esteemed historians like Pierre Berton have argued that our defining moment as a nation happened years later during World War I, when so many of our soldiers distinguished themselves for bravery in the face of overwhelming adversity. It was a war in which more than 66,000 Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice, with another 170,000 wounded, and a war memorialized by the timeless poem “In Flanders Fields,” by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae from Guelph, Ont. McCrae was a poet, physician and soldier who served in the medical corps of Canada’s expeditionary force. With the current trade “war” underway, and more Canadians beginning to wonder who our true allies are, it’s refreshing to know that 6,100 kilometres east…

Atlantic Canada October is when fall really shows off in Atlantic Canada. Leaves start turning in late September, but mid-October is peak colour time. Snow can happen but it’s not common, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the view. Expect a crisp chill in the air—daytime highs range from +8 to +12 in Newfoundland and Labrador, and +10 to +14 in Prince Edward Island. Rain isn’t too frequent and most nights stay just above freezing, though frost gets more likely as the month goes on. Quebec October in Quebec is all about soaking up the fall colours and enjoying the last of the harvest. The growing season usually wraps up around October 17, when the first frost tends to show up. Thankfully, north winds are pretty rare this time…

"Fear not November’s challenge bold. We’ve books and friends, and hearths that never can grow cold. These make amends."–Alexander L. Fraser, Canadian poet and cleric THIS MONTH IN HISTORY In 1879, Thanksgiving was officially declared a national holiday to be held annually on November 6th. Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island had long celebrated the harvest with ceremonies, feasts, and gratitude. By the 1750s, familiar foods like turkey and squash were part of the celebration. In 1957, Thanksgiving was set for the second Monday in October. Topaz BIRTHSTONE: Topaz symbolizes strength, clarity and good fortune. ROCK RECALL: The El-Dorado Topaz, discovered in Brazil in the 1980s, is one of the largest faceted gems ever. It weighs 31,000 carats (or more than 6 kilograms). MOTHER NATURE IN CANADA Hoarfrost appears on windows…

“New Year's Day is every man's birthday.”Charles Lamb, English essayist and poet THIS MONTH IN HISTORY The Canadian Citizenship Act passed on January 11, 1944, and was enacted on January 1, 1947 The Canadian Citizenship Act was a landmark moment that officially gave Canadians their own citizenship, distinct from Britishsubject status. Introduced by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, the Act recognized anyone born in Canada or naturalized as a Canadian citizen, helping to define our unique national identity and growing independence. Since then, amendments have allowed dual citizenship (1977), resolved issues for “lost Canadians” (2009) and modernized naturalization rules (2015). Today, the Act remains a proud cornerstone of Canadian law, shaping what it means to be Canadian. Garnet BIRTHSTONE: Garnets symbolize protection, passion and strength. ROCK RECALL: Not just…

Atlantic Canada April brings big changes to Atlantic Canada as spring finally starts to take hold. Temperatures climb — from highs near +5 early in the month to the mid-teens by the end. It’s not quite patio season, but it’s getting close. Average rainfall hits around 65 mm, and when storms roll in, they bring heavy downpours that can saturate the ground and trigger localized flooding. Fog is common near the coast, especially in the mornings and evenings, as chilly ocean air meets warming land. And yes, snow can still make an appearance — especially inland or at higher elevations. Spring doesn’t arrive all at once here. Quebec April in Quebec is when things finally start to shift. A steady warming trend lifts average highs into the low- to mid-teens…

“Despite the many wet and gusty days which April had thrust in rude challenge upon reluctant May, in the glory of the triumphant sun... the whole world knew to-day... that spring had come. ”–Ralph Connor, novelist and minister THIS MONTH IN HISTORY Canada’s Walk of Fame: May 6, 2000 Following in the footsteps of other countries, Canada’s Walk of Fame is a fun and inspiring way to celebrate amazing Canadians, whether they’re in music, sports, film or the arts. Since 2000, stars have been shining along Toronto’s King Street, honouring legends like Celine Dion, Jim Carrey, Margaret Atwood and Wayne Gretzky. The Walk of Fame also supports up-and-coming artists with scholarships and events, making sure the next generation of stars gets their chance to shine, too. Emerald BIRTHSTONE: Emeralds symbolize…

“I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June.”–Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne Shirley in Anne of the Island THIS MONTH IN HISTORY Canada Attends First Meeting of the G7 on June 27, 1976 The G7, or Group of Seven, is a forum of the world’s most advanced economies: Canada, U.S.A, Japan, Germany, France, the U.K. and Italy. Formed in 1975 (with Canada joining in 1976), the group meets annually to coordinate on global challenges, from economic stability and climate action to geopolitical security. In recent years, the G7 has taken on new urgency, addressing the war in Ukraine, rising authoritarianism, global inflation and supply-chain resilience. Pearls BIRTHSTONE: Pearls symbolize wisdom, purity and transformation. ROCK RECALL: Pearls are the only gemstones created by…

Pierre Trudeau was prime minister, and the country was buzzing with debates about national identity, bilingualism, unity and Quebec’s future as the Parti Québécois gained momentum. Montreal hosted the Summer Olympics — the first on Canadian soil. The Games featured gymnast Nadia Comaneci’s perfect 10, the construction of the now-iconic Olympic Stadium and a cost overrun that haunted Quebec for decades. In the hockey world, Team Canada won the inaugural Canada Cup. They defeated Czechoslovakia in the final in a thrilling best-of-three series, winning two straight games to take the championship. The CN Tower opened in Toronto — it was the tallest free-standing structure in the world at the time, instantly becoming a Canadian landmark. The metric system was being introduced in earnest. Gordon Lightfoot’s "The Wreck of the Edmund…

Canada (41,528,680) Ottawa (1,660,269) British Columbia (5,722,318) Victoria (441,491) Alberta (4,960,097) Edmonton (1,631,614) Saskatchewan (1,250,909) Regina (282,032) Manitoba (1,504,023) Winnipeg (941,641) Ontario (16,182,641) Toronto (7,106,379) Quebec (9,111,629) Quebec City (900,343) New Brunswick (858,963) Fredericton (122,500) Nova Scotia (1,079,627) Halifax (530,167) Prince Edward Island (178,280) Charlottetown (93,877) Newfoundland and Labrador, (545,579) St. John's (238,316) Northwest Territories (45,074) Yellowknife (22,735) Nunavut (41,414) Iqaluit (8,428) Yukon (47,126) Whitehorse (38,000) **Source: Statistics Canada, 2024, 2025…

QUEBECOISE-STYLE CHICKEN CHASSEUR Classic French flavours meet the vibrant heritage of Quebecois cuisine in this recipe. For this version of the iconic dish, we explore an artful blend of traditional techniques with a local secret: herbes salées, a savory medley of salted herbs that is a cherished staple in Quebec kitchens. This aromatic seasoning infuses the dish with a unique depth of flavour, complementing the rich, earthy tones of the chasseur sauce and ingredients like tomato, white wine, brandy, mushrooms and shallots. I’ve added cubed carrots to give this stew more heft, but feel free to omit. I like serving this dish with potatoes, egg noodles or — my favourite — a crusty baguette perfect for scooping up every last drop. Serves 4-6 2 tbsp oil6 oz pork belly, finely…

When I was young, my family would go camping every summer. The crisp, clean scent of the forest was a welcome break from congested city air. Our lives grew simpler on these trips — cooking hot dogs over the camp stove, swimming in cold lakes and watching the stars at night — and somehow, we were all easier to be around. Happier. Quieter. I remember telling my mom once that everything seemed better when we were camping. Food tasted better, even cold showers felt good, and I slept more deeply than I ever did at home. “It’s all the fresh air,” she said. And maybe it was. Even when I tried to stay up late and watch the stars — so bright and unobscured by city lights — I drifted…

Your access to the night sky can be as simple as stepping outside. It is improved by finding a spot free of the direct view of neighbouring lights. It is further improved by pausing for a few moments while your eyes adjust to the darkness and your natural night vision sets in. You don’t need a telescope to get started. A simple pair of binoculars will do just fine. Binoculars help cut through the urban haze and light pollution to reveal star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. They are all you need to take stargazing to the next level, so we encourage readers to keep a pair with them during their walkabouts — even during daytime excursions to “eye-drop” into the activities of wildlife. They deepen your experience. We hope the…

"September tries its best to have us forget summer."–Sir Bernard Arthur Owen Williams, British philosopher THIS MONTH IN HISTORY On September 1, 1905, Alberta and Saskatchewan officially became provinces, carved out from the Northwest Territories. The land south of the 60th parallel north was split to create these new provinces, marking a big moment in Canada's history. This expansion of Confederation happened under the leadership of Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, who served from 1896 to 1911. Sapphire BIRTHSTONE: Sapphires symbolize wisdom, loyalty and nobility. ROCK RECALL: Sapphires are the second hardest natural materials after diamond (they’re a nine on the Mohs scale), making them ideal for scientific instruments and smartphone screens. MOTHER NATURE IN CANADA Sugar maples begin changing colour in Ontario and Quebec Chinook salmon spawn in rivers…

Atlantic Canada November is a true transition month in Atlantic Canada. Winter’s getting closer and even the Atlantic Ocean starts to switch roles. In summer, ocean waters help cool coastal areas — but by November, they’re actually warmer than the air, keeping things milder by the shore while inland areas start to feel that winter chill. Daytime highs usually land between +5 and +9, with nights dipping just below freezing. Rain is still more common early in the month, but snow starts to take over as November rolls on. And don’t forget — it’s the final stretch of hurricane season. While rare, a late-season storm off the Nova Scotia coast is still possible, so it’s not quite time to let your guard down. Quebec November is a big deal for…

Atlantic Canada December begins the holiday season — and ends the Atlantic hurricane season. The chance of tropical storms hitting Canada’s east coast drops to almost zero, though a late-season surprise is still possible (but rare). Winter settles in across Atlantic Canada, with average highs near zero and lows between -6 and -8. This mix of temperatures means you’ll see a bit of everything — from rain to snow — depending on location. Snow tends to dominate in New Brunswick, PEI and inland Newfoundland and Labrador. Chances for a White Christmas: Charlottetown: 44%, Fredericton: 40%, Goose Bay: 92%, Halifax: 32%, Moncton: 64%, Saint John: 40%. St. John’s: 64%, Stephenville: 68%, Sydney: 44% Source: ECCC Quebec The winter solstice officially arrives at 3:49 p.m. on December 21, but winter’s chill grips…

Atlantic Canada Canada’s east coast is one of the milder spots to ride out the depths of winter. Thanks to the ocean’s influence, January highs often hover near the melting point — especially along the coast. With that coastal comfort comes a trade-off: more humidity and precipitation. So, don’t be surprised by heavy snow — or even a soaking rain — throughout the month. Then comes a little break we all look forward to — the January thaw. Usually arriving between the 19th and 28th, it brings a few days of warmer weather, melts some snow and offers a welcome breather from the chill. Quebec January 2026 in Quebec will likely be a classic winter: cold, snowy and short on sunshine. Daytime highs usually top out between -5 and-10, with…

“In February there is everything to hope for and nothing to regret.”Patience Strong (a.k.a. Winifred Emma May), British poet THIS MONTH IN HISTORY On February 4, 1924, Canada scored big — literally — winning its first-ever Winter Olympics medal at the very first Winter Games in Chamonix, France. Representing the country was the Toronto Granites, an amateur hockey team that absolutely dominated the competition. They outscored their opponents 110 to 3 over six games and sealed the deal with a 6–1 win over the U.S. in the final. That gold medal didn’t just make history — it kicked off Canada’s legendary run in Olympic hockey. Over the next few Games, Canada would go on to win six of the first seven golds, firmly planting the maple leaf at the top…

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”Margaret Atwood, Canadian novelist, poet, literary critic and inventor THIS MONTH IN HISTORY Newfoundland Joins Canada: March 31, 1949 On this day, Newfoundland officially became Canada’s 10th province. Aquamarine BIRTHSTONE: Aquamarine symbolizes tranquility, clarity and renewal. ROCK RECALL: Ranging in colour from pale blue to deep turquoise, aquamarine is also the gemstone used to celebrate the 19th wedding anniversary. MOTHER NATURE IN CANADA Maple sap begins to flow in Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick Daytime temperatures are above freezing (and nighttime temperatures are still below zero) Fiddleheads begin to emerge in New Brunswick’s and Nova Scotia’s early zones Ice roads begin to close in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Snow begins to melt in southern British Columbia and…

Atlantic Canada Forecasts suggest a cool, soggy start to May, especially along the coast. If you're in Halifax, St. John’s or Charlottetown, keep the rain gear handy. Still, longer days offer a silver lining. In Halifax, sunrise on May 1 is around 5:50 a.m. — by month’s end, it’s closer to 5:15 a.m. Sunset stretches toward 8:50 p.m. That’s nearly 15 hours of daylight to enjoy, rain or shine. While it might be too early for tomatoes, it’s perfect for cool-weather crops and early garden prep. Don’t expect steady warmth just yet — but by late May, you'll start to feel real progress toward summer. Quebec May in Quebec is a true transition month. Longer days — growing from 14.5 to over 15.5 hours — fuel the first convective showers…

Atlantic Canada Near-average or slightly warmer-than-average temperatures are expected for the summer of 2026 in Atlantic Canada. Average daytime highs will range from the low +20s in June to the high +20s in July and August. Inland areas will be warmer, as coastal temperatures are moderated by the cooling effect of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also tropical storm season, and one or two storms may reach the east coast during the summer. Even without any tropical activity, there can be abundant rainfall — up to 100 mm per month. Much of this moisture will come from thunderstorms, which are quite common through July and August. Quebec The outlook for the summer of 2026 in Quebec is for near-average to slightly warmer-than-average temperatures and high humidity. This is the combination of…

Atlantic Canada June means summer has officially arrived in Atlantic Canada! The days are getting longer and warmer, building up to the summer solstice on Sunday, June 21. That’s when we’ll see the most daylight, perfect for soaking up the evening. After the solstice, daylight hours slowly dial back, but Atlantic Canada still gets 15 to 16 hours of sun. Early June temperatures hover between +16 and +21, climbing to ranges between +21 and +26 by month’s end. Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick warm up a touch quicker, while Newfoundland and Labrador feel the ocean’s cooling influence a bit longer. June also kicks off tropical storm season. While it’s rare for Atlantic Canada to see much activity this early, tropical depressions can bring blustery weather to coastal areas. So,…

“I particularly recall another July 1st in Canada's centennial year, here on Parliament Hill. I said then, and I repeat it today, that 'Canada is a country that has been blessed beyond most countries in the world.'”–Queen Elizabeth II, Canada Day, 1990 THIS MONTH IN HISTORY Winnipeg Shamrocks Win Gold! July 4, 1904 The Winnipeg Shamrocks were one of two Canadian men’s lacrosse teams that competed in the 1904 Olympic Summer Games held in St. Louis, Missouri. The Shamrocks played exceptionally well, winning two games of field lacrosse to secure the first Olympic gold medal in men’s lacrosse. These Olympic Games meant a lot for Canada because it was the first time we were truly represented at the Olympics. The Shamrocks' victory helped establish Canada’s reputation in the international sports…

Atlantic Canada August brings some of the most enjoyable summer weather to Atlantic Canada — perfect for beach trips, coastal hikes or relaxing on a seaside patio. Sunshine is abundant, though the region typically sees over 100 mm of rainfall throughout the month. August is also a peak time for tropical storm activity. While full-blown hurricanes rarely make direct landfall, their remnants often sweep through with heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal storm surges. Local thunderstorms are also possible and may bring hail. Along the coast, marine layer clouds — similar to fog — can obscure visibility in the mornings, usually burning off after sunrise. Quebec Quebec’s humid summer rolls into August with temperatures easing slightly from July’s highs. Expect average highs in the mid-20s, though it can feel warmer…