Canada’s plant hardiness zones shifted.
Compare the previous edition (1981–2010) to the latest update (1991–2020). Drag the slider, then click anywhere on the map to see what changed where you live.
Each zone has a cooler half (a) and a warmer half (b). Higher numbers mean milder winters and a longer menu of plants that can overwinter outdoors.
About this update
Natural Resources Canada released the first plant hardiness zone update in over a decade, built on 1991–2020 climate data and replacing the 1981–2010 edition. For most of the country, the new zones are warmer. Gardeners can attempt plants that wouldn’t reliably survive winters here a generation ago.
Each edition is built from a 30-year climate window, so the next refresh won’t arrive until 2001–2030 data is complete (~2031).
Explore the official maps and species-specific data at planthardiness.gc.ca.
What you might now grow
Click the map above to see what’s viable in your area.
Trees & shrubs
Click the map to see suggestions.
Perennials
Click the map to see suggestions.
Edibles
Click the map to see suggestions.
A few caveats
- Hardiness zones are about winter survival. They tell you whether a perennial can overwinter, not whether your summer is long or hot enough to ripen its fruit.
- Microclimates matter. A sheltered south-facing wall in zone 5 can support zone 6 plants. An exposed windswept site in zone 6 can act like zone 5.
- Warmer doesn’t mean easier. A warmer winter can mean more freeze-thaw cycles, less reliable snow cover, and new pest pressure.