A Beginner’s Guide to Canadian Time Zones

Perex: Canada is divided into six time zones. Join us, as we explore each one in detail and check out the time difference between Canadian cities and major regions of the globe. 

Simply put, a time zone can be defined as the local time of a region or country. The world has 24 time zones with each time zone being 15 degrees wide. In addition, every country has one of more than one time zones, depending upon its geographical and spatial expansion. Join us, as we explore what time is it in Canada and the country’s several time zones. 

How Many Time Zones Does Canada Have?

Canada is the world’s sixth-largest country, which means that it obviously cannot make do with just 1 time zone. The gargantuan surface area of the country means that it needs more than one time zone. Thus, Canada is conveniently divided into six time zones. Sandford Fleming, a Scottish-Canadian railway engineer who invented the 24-hour clock, the global time zone system, and the standard prime meridian, is credited with proposing the divides between these time zones. Moreover, most of the Canadian provinces and territories operate on standard time from the first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March and daylight saving time for the rest of the year. 

The Different Time Zones of Canada

To understand what time is it in Canada, you have to first grasp its six time zones. These include -

1. Pacific Time Zone (GMT - 8:00) - It includes most of the province of British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. 
2. Mountain Standard Time (GMT - 7:00) - It includes Alberta, southwestern British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, etc.
3. Central Time Zone (GMT -6:00) - It includes parts of Manitoba, Creighton, Ontario, etc.
4. Eastern Time Zone (GMT -5:00) - It includes parts of Nunavut, Quebec, areas of Labrador, etc. 
5. Atlantic Time Zone (GMT -4:00) - it includes Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, parts of Quebec, etc.
6. Newfoundland Time Zone (GMT -3:00) - it includes southwestern Labrador and Newfoundland. 

Time Difference between Canadian Capital (Ottawa) and Major Cities of the World

• Ottawa and Los Angeles - 3 hours
• Ottawa and New York - 0 hours
• Ottawa and London - 4 hours
• Ottawa and Paris - 5 hours 

Time Difference between Toronto and Major Cities of the World

• Toronto and Los Angeles - 3 hours
• Toronto and New York - 0 hours
• Toronto and London - 4 hours
• Toronto and Paris - 5 hours

Time Difference between Vancouver and Major Cities of the World

• Vancouver and Los Angeles - 0 hours
• Vancouver and New York - 3 hours
• Vancouver and London - 7 hours
• Vancouver and Paris - 8 hours

Conclusion

So, there we have it, a crisp overview of the six time zones of Canada.

Summary

Understanding what time is it in Canada requires you to know the nitty-gritty of the six time zones of the country.