Here's how this year's snow compares to recent winters
It's not your imagination, this winter has been snowier than usual.
As of Friday, Ottawa had seen 286.5 cm of snow since Nov. 1 and with 22 cm recorded on Saturday, Ottawa has surpassed 300 cm, a rare milestone.
"It’s about 125 more than we would see this time of year," said Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips. "Ottawa, you are living your reputation as the snowiest capital in the world."
Meteorological spring began March 1 and the spring equinox is March 20, but snow is not uncommon in Ottawa into April, meaning we could still see several more centimeters before the last of the flakes are gone for the season.
"On average I think you get 38 centimetres of snow in March," said Phillips. "My sense is about 22 per cent of your annual snowfall is yet to come."
But where does 2023 rank compared to other winters? Here's a look at some records and some recent snowfall totals in years past.
ALL TIME RECORD
According to data from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the snowiest winter on record in Ottawa was in the late 19th century. From Nov. 1, 1886 to April 30, 1887, a total of 463.8 cm of snow was recorded at the Central Experimental Farm. No other season has managed to top that figure, though the winter of 1970-71 came close. During that winter, Ottawa saw 444.6 cm at the Ottawa Airport, where weather data is now collected.
LAST 20 YEARS
There have only been three snowy seasons in the last 20 years during which Ottawa received more than 300 cm.
So far this year, we've seen 308.5 cm.
Here is a look at snowfall totals for Nov. 1 to April 30 going back to the 2002-03 season. Data are from ECCC's weather stations at the Ottawa Airport.
Snowfall totals for each winter from 2002 to 2022.
2002-03: 252.2 cm
2003-04: 167.8 cm
2004-05: 183.5 cm
2005-06: 202.7 cm
2006-07: 150.2 cm
2007-08: 432.7 cm
2008-09: 214.8 cm
2009-10: 138.2 cm
2010-11: 164.9 cm
2011-12*: 130.2 cm
2012-13*: 251.6 cm
2013-14*: 242.4 cm
2014-15: 194.8 cm
2015-16: 203.3 cm
2016-17: 303.2 cm
2017-18*: 235 cm
2018-19: 303.5 cm
2019-20: 203.3 cm
2020-21: 176.5 cm
2021-22: 196.1 cm
*Seasons marked with an asterisk include some days with missing data at the Ottawa Airport weather station.
--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Jackie Perez.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Atlantic
-
Pharmacy care clinic expansion under review in New Brunswick
New Brunswick rolled out six pharmacy clinics in August and September last year and feedback has been mostly very positive.
-
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
-
Halifax buys nearly 50 hectares of land for Shaw Wilderness Park
In a news release, the Halifax Regional Municipality said it has bought four parcels of land landing roughly 46 hectares west of the Shaw Wilderness Park.
Toronto
-
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
-
'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
-
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Montreal
-
Man charged after truck strikes and kills driver changing flat tire on side of Montreal-area highway
A 43-year-old man has been charged after a driver was struck and killed while changing a tire on the side of a Highway 15 near Montreal on Thursday.
-
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
-
CF Montreal prepares for 'Messi Mania' as Inter Miami visits Canada
Just the thought that he may come face to face with Lionel Messi has CF Montreal captain Samuel Piette pinching himself. On Saturday, the global icon will make his first professional trip to Canada as Montreal plays host to Messi's Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer action at Stade Saputo.
Northern Ontario
-
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
-
Twenty defendants fined $222K for northern Ont. moose hunt violations
A large group of Canadian and U.S. defendants have been fined $178,400 plus $44,525 in surcharges for a variety of moose hunting violations in northwestern Ontario.
-
Radical anti-government rhetoric appears in northern Ont. court case
A northern Ontario couple who ran afoul of Ontario’s building code used arguments reminiscent of radical anti-government groups in a failed attempt to defend their stance in court.
Windsor
-
Windsor’s unemployment rate jumps back into highest in Canada
The unemployment rate in Windsor increased dramatically last month and is the highest in Canada, according to Statistics Canada.
-
City of Windsor has unanswered questions as feds, province spar over housing funding
A dispute between the federal and provincial governments over the National Housing Strategy nearly put the City of Windsor $7 million in the hole and questions still remain over when and how much funding the city will receive.
-
Highway 401 ramps at Queens Line closed after crash
OPP are informing the public of a crash on the Highway 401 ramps at Queens Line in Chatham-Kent.
London
-
Suspicious fire being investigated in London
A suspicious fire in London is under investigation by police and fire officials. According to London fire, crews knocked down the scene in an “offensive strategy.”
-
London Majors debut new look for 100th season
The London Majors is debuting a new look ahead of the 2024 season. Fans can expect changes ton the brand and on-field look as well as two new logos to celebrate the 100th season of the majors.
-
'The need is immeasurable': St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank usage doubles
Officials at the St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank report a 50 per cent jump in usage over the past three years.
Kitchener
-
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
-
Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital after Cambridge crash: WRPS
A motorcyclist has been airlifted to hospital after a crash in Kitchener on Friday afternoon.
-
App allows dog owners to rent backyards for their pooch to play in
Sniffspot connects people willing to share their space with dog owners looking for a private place for their pup or pups to play.
Barrie
-
OPP probes $50,000 damage to Hydro One infrastructure in Muskoka
Provincial police are investigating after extensive damage was done to Hydro One equipment in Muskoka.
-
Here's why your yard waste may have been sitting at the curb for days
A recent change in curbside collection has left some green-thumbed enthusiasts scratching their heads as bags of yard waste linger by the curb, awaiting pickup.
-
Wasaga Beach assault turns into murder investigation after victim's death
The charge against a Wasaga Beach man has been upgraded to second-degree murder after police say the victim died more than two months after an alleged assault.
Winnipeg
-
'Devastating': Businesses concerned over watercraft ban on Clear Lake
Businesses in the Clear Lake area are concerned about the future following a temporary ban on watercraft from entering the lake.
-
Roughly 250 people forced to evacuate Winnipeg apartment building deemed unsafe
Approximately 250 residents of a St. James area apartment building will have to leave their homes immediately, as the City of Winnipeg issued a vacate order over unsafe conditions.
-
Investigator who uncovered partial human remains testifies in trial of admitted serial killer
A 22-year veteran of the Winnipeg Police Service took the stand Friday in the ongoing trial of accused serial killer Jeremy Skibicki.
Calgary
-
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
-
Calgary approves all 28 recommendations from downtown safety panel
The City of Calgary has approved more than two-dozen recommendations to improve safety and vibrancy in the downtown core.
-
Fort Macleod RCMP seek public help after Granum gas station fuel thieves leave a mess
Fort Macleod RCMP are seeking public assistance in relation to an attempt to steal fuel from a gas station that left a mess.
Edmonton
-
'Violent, despicable and unbelievable': Family of murdered 7-year-old speak at David Moss sentencing Friday
David Moss, the man who murdered seven-year-old Bella Rose Desrosiers, broke down in court Friday as the girl's family spoke about the toll her death has taken on them.
-
Oilers star Leon Draisaitl questionable for Game 2 vs. Canucks
Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl is questionable for today's Game 2 against the Vancouver Canucks.
-
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Regina
-
Sask. teachers, province both seek return to bargaining following offer rejection
Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) president Samantha Becotte says she was not surprised that teachers voted no to the province's latest contract offer. Both sides appear ready and willing to resume negotiations.
-
Saskatchewan sky watchers say conditions are perfect for 'extremely strong aurora' on Friday
Saskatchewan sky watchers say the conditions are perfect for a vibrant show of aurora borealis starting on Friday night.
-
Sask. curler and designer creates jerseys for 2024 Scotties, Brier and World Championships
A competitive curler from Regina, who is also a freelance creative director and interdisciplinary designer, was hired to create apparel for this year's championships.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. teachers, province both seek return to bargaining following offer rejection
Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) president Samantha Becotte says she was not surprised that teachers voted no to the province's latest contract offer. Both sides appear ready and willing to resume negotiations.
-
Nutrien CEO wants fully automated or tele-remote operations in all 6 mines
Improved mine automation helped fertilizer giant Nutrien Ltd. increase potash production in the first quarter amid strong demand for its products, the company's chief executive said.
-
Saskatchewan sky watchers say conditions are perfect for 'extremely strong aurora' on Friday
Saskatchewan sky watchers say the conditions are perfect for a vibrant show of aurora borealis starting on Friday night.
Vancouver
-
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
-
'Major delays' expected along Sea to Sky Highway due to vehicle incident
Drivers travelling along the Sea to Sky Highway between West Vancouver and Squamish Friday afternoon were warned to expect major delays.
-
Vancouver robbery suspect facing 12 charges after businesses targeted
A 29-year-old man is facing a dozen robbery charges after a months-long string of burglaries at Vancouver businesses.
Vancouver Island
-
Police launch assault investigation at UVic protest encampment
Police in Saanich, B.C., say an assault investigation is underway following two alleged incidents at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the grounds of the University of Victoria.
-
Victoria police searching for man accused of voyeurism in downtown store
Police in Victoria are appealing to the public to identify a man who allegedly took photos or video of a woman in a change room at a downtown store Wednesday afternoon.
-
Vancouver robbery suspect facing 12 charges after businesses targeted
A 29-year-old man is facing a dozen robbery charges after a months-long string of burglaries at Vancouver businesses.
Kelowna
-
Kamloops RCMP issue public warning about 2 men allegedly at centre of 'organized crime conflict'
After four targeted shootings in four days, Mounties in Kamloops are taking the unusual step of warning the public about two men they believe are likely to be targeted in future violent incidents.
-
Community mourns thousands of fish lost as B.C. drought risk looms again
Images of steelhead and trout flicker over long sheets of paper, brought to life in blue and green crayon rubbings by the thousands.
-
4th targeted shooting in as many days in Kamloops: RCMP
A man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a shooting in Kamloops Monday evening, the fourth incident police say is part of an ongoing drug conflict playing out on the city's streets.
