Put your winter tires on when daily temperatures stay at or below about 7°C, which in most of southern Ontario means late October to mid-November, and take them off when temperatures stay above 7°C in spring, usually in April. Winter tires are not mandatory in Ontario, but Ontario insurers must offer a discount to drivers who use them.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
The 7°C rule
All-season tires are made with rubber that gets harder as it gets colder. Below about 7°C, they lose grip, even on dry pavement. Winter tires use softer rubber compounds and deeper, more siped treads that stay flexible in the cold and bite into snow and slush. That is why the change is based on temperature, not on the first snowfall.
Typical timing across Canada
| Region | Winter tires on | Winter tires off | Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton) | Late October to mid-November | April | Not mandatory; insurers must offer a discount |
| Northern Ontario | October | Late April to May | Not mandatory |
| Quebec | Before December 1 | After March 15 | Mandatory December 1 to March 15 |
| British Columbia | Before October 1 on designated routes | After March 31 (April 30 on some routes) | Required on many highways |
| Prairies | October | April to May | Not mandatory provincewide |
Book your appointment early. Garages and tire shops get very busy after the first snowfall, and waits can reach several weeks. See our page on winter tire installation.
Ontario’s winter tire insurance discount
Since 2016, Ontario requires auto insurers to offer a discount to drivers who install winter tires. The amount varies by insurer, so ask your insurer or broker and confirm what proof they need. Some insurers also set dates during which the tires must be on the vehicle.
Which tires count as winter tires?
Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall. It means the tire has met a standardised snow traction test. Tires marked only M+S (mud and snow) are typically all-season tires and do not offer the same cold-weather grip. Quebec requires tires bearing the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol during the mandatory period. In British Columbia, both the snowflake symbol and M+S tires are accepted on designated highways, provided tread depth is sufficient.
Check your tread depth
Winter tires lose much of their snow performance as they wear. Many tire experts recommend replacing winter tires when the tread reaches about 5/32 of an inch (around 4 mm), well before the legal minimum. A simple test: insert a quarter into the tread with the caribou’s nose pointing down; if you can see the tip of the nose, the tread is getting low.
Rims or no rims?
- Winter tires on their own rims cost more upfront but make each seasonal change faster and cheaper, and protect your good rims from salt.
- Swapping tires on the same rims costs more each season (mounting and balancing) and wears the tire beads over time.
Storage tips
- Clean the tires before storing them to remove salt.
- Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and electric motors.
- Tires on rims can be stacked or hung; tires without rims should be stored upright and rotated occasionally.
- Many shops offer tire storage for a seasonal fee.
Don’t take them off too early, or too late
A warm week in March is often followed by snow. Wait until temperatures are consistently above 7°C. But don’t leave winter tires on all summer: the soft rubber wears quickly on warm pavement, and braking distances on hot, dry roads are longer than with all-season or summer tires.
Also read: AWD vs 4WD for Canadian winter driving and the best cars for Canadian winters.
Frequently asked questions
Are winter tires mandatory in Ontario?
No. They are recommended but not mandatory in Ontario. They are mandatory in Quebec from December 1 to March 15 and required on many British Columbia highways from October 1.
Can I use all-weather tires instead of winter tires?
All-weather tires carry the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol and can stay on all year. They are a compromise: better than all-season tires in winter, but generally not as good as dedicated winter tires in deep snow and on ice.
How long do winter tires last?
It depends on kilometres and storage, but many drivers get four to six seasons. Replace them when tread depth falls to about 4 mm or when the rubber shows cracks.
This guide is general information, not financial, legal or mechanical advice. Rules and prices change and vary by province: confirm details with the seller, your lender, your insurer or your provincial authority.
