June 2, 2026

When it comes to summer weather, it’s long being true that some like it hot…probably most, in fact. But, too much heat is almost worse than not enough. With the Florida market and saltwater fishing being such a powerful influence over boat design, it’s hard to find a new boat that isn’t a centre console model. In Canada though, cooler temperatures and occasional rain, and an aversion to blazing sun exposure, calls for some protection.

Convertible tops and closed deck boat designs are almost unavailable now in our Canadian market. Bimini tops on arches have become fairly common, but these are often very expensive compared to a simple convertible roof. So, what do we really need in our market and what weather should we expect in the precious summer months ahead?

In a recent digital newsletter, the Globe & Mail put out a summer forecast for all of Canada.

In the west, from the coast inland across Alberta and into parts of Saskatchewan, above normal temperatures are already in play. Central Saskatchewan, Manitoba and even parts of Northwestern Ontario can expect near normal temperatures, but then we get into a big area of below normal temperatures throughout the Great Lakes region and east beyond Quebec City.

That will bring good conditions for agriculture but uneven conditions for vacationers and especially for boaters this summer. While that’s a concern for boating, the bigger concern for all Canadians is that the heat and dry conditions in the West may bring an elevated risk of forest fires, something no one wants.

In the West, conditions look pretty good for the next two weeks while the coast looks to be warmer and the Interior should get more heat but also rain, so that could be very helpful.

From Thunder Bay east, the next two weeks look very comfortable but the pattern cools and rain enters the picture in Kingston and into Montreal where nice temperatures are expected but rain is in the forecast much of the next two weeks.

We don’t usually get too deeply into the weather forecast but at this time of year, and with strong expectations for a great year for domestic summer tourism, these next few weeks can be important to the full summer picture across the country as people finalize their summer vacation plans.

Andy Adams – Editor