Among the most remarkable features of the Prairie winter is the "chinook," a warm, usually dry winter wind that affects much of Southern Alberta. The chinook sweeps down from the Rocky Mountains and has been known to raise temperatures as much as 16*C in a single day.
Further north, above the tree line, lies the Arctic. Here, temperatures rise above freezing only a few weeks a year. Just a metre below the delicate but tenacious vegetation that grows in summer, the ground remains permanently frozen.
On the whole, Canadians tend to enjoy the changing seasons and the beauty that each distinct season brings.
The West Coast --
The coast of British Columbia has the most temperate climate in Canada, thanks to warm, moist Pacific Ocean airstreams.
The Prairies --
Part of the vast central plains of North America, the Canadian Prairies extend east from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Lakes. Here, cold winters and hot summers are the norm, with relatively light precipitation.
The Great Lakes - St.Lawrence Region --
Here winter brings heavy snowfalls. Summers tend to be longer and more humid than elsewhere in Canada. Warm , sunny days and crisp, cool nights make the fall season popular.
Atlantic Canada --
The combined influence of continental air masses with air currents off the ocean give this region one of the most rugged and most variable climates anywhere in the country. In winter, mean temperatures can vary markedly as arctic air is replaced by maritime air from passing storms. Snowfall is relatively heavy, and fog is common in spring and early summer. The warmest months are July, and August.
The North --
Spanning the entire country north of the Prairies and the populated Great Lakes St.Lawrence region is the boreal forest. This area is usually snow covered more than half the year; its "summer" -- the frost free period -- lasts barely two months.
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