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Canada's Plant Hardiness Zones Shift: Climate Change Impact

8/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Natural Resources Canada updated its plant hardiness zones map for the first time since 2014, using climate data from 1991 to 2020.
Approximately 80% of Canada has shifted up by half to a full zone, notably in southern Ontario and Western Canada.
Toronto changed from Zone 6A to 7A; Vancouver and Victoria reached Zone 9A, the highest in Canada.
Experts caution that the zones reflect 30-year averages and may not account for sudden cold snaps or extreme weather.
These changes underscore the effects of climate change, including extended wildfire seasons.

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Story summary

Natural Resources Canada updated its plant hardiness zones map for the first time since 2014, using climate data from 1991 to 2020.
Approximately 80% of Canada has shifted up by half to a full zone, notably in southern Ontario and Western Canada.
Toronto changed from Zone 6A to 7A; Vancouver and Victoria reached Zone 9A, the highest in Canada.
Experts caution that the zones reflect 30-year averages and may not account for sudden cold snaps or extreme weather.
These changes underscore the effects of climate change, including extended wildfire seasons.