Are you planning a trip to Canada? Whether it's for studies, work, or tourism, you know that paperwork, tickets, and packing are key tasks. But considering the time differences between the two countries is equally important.

Did you know that Toronto and Mexico have different local times? There's also a time difference between Mexico and Quebec, Canada.

This might seem like a minor detail, but it can cause issues before or during your trip. With this guide, you’ll be better prepared, as we explain which time zones matter and how they differ from Mexico.

Time in Canada: Time Zones, Difference with Mexico & Travel Planning Tips

Canadian Time Zones

Canada is one of the world’s largest countries, covering over 9 million km². For this reason, it’s divided into 6 distinct time zones:

Daylight Saving Time

Many countries have daylight saving time in most of their territory, and Canada is one of them. 

The time adjustment in Canada this 2025 started on March 9 and will end on November 2. However, 10 regions of the country adopt it, while 4 others keep the same time throughout the year:

• Yukon Territory.

• Parts of Quebec.

• Specific areas in British Columbia.

• Most of Saskatchewan.

• Southampton Islands in Nunavut.

Meanwhile, Mexico abolished nationwide DST, except in some northern border municipalities. Mexico stays on UTC‑6 year-round.

Canadian Time Change Periods:

What Time Is It in Canada? Difference from Mexico

How many hours ahead is Canada from Mexico City? It ranges from 1 to 2 hours ahead, depending on:

1. The specific Canadian time zone.

2. Whether it’s DST or not.

For example, the time difference between Mexico and Vancouver, Canada, most of the year is 2 hours. But during the summer, it is reduced to 1 hour.

Why Knowing Canada’s Time Matters

The time in Canada is a factor that every traveler should consider. Whether you plan to stay for a while or just go sightseeing.

Here are some reasons why it pays to know the time difference between Canada and Mexico:

Coordinating Paperwork and Submissions

If you have already decided that Canada will be your new destination and you have your Mexican passport in hand, excellent. But if you need to organize other necessary procedures to travel, knowing the Canadian time will be key to avoid mistakes.

Why?

Because most processes usually have deadlines and times, and many Canadian institutions work under Eastern Standard Time, such as Toronto.

If you noticed in the table above, the time in Toronto and Mexico is not the same. There is usually a 1-2 hour difference between the two cities. If you do not take this into account, you could send a document after the deadline without realizing it

This applies both for applying for a Canadian visa as well as for online interviews, enrollment in language courses or academic programs.

Planning Itinerary Across Provinces

As we mentioned, Canada is a very large country. So it is very common to have to take one or more internal flights to reach your final destination.

If you do not know the time difference between your place of origin and your destination in Canada, you may:

• You may make a mistake with the boarding time.

• Miss a connection.

This is a common occurrence among travelers, even for those who plan well before moving to one of the best countries to live in.

Adapting to Time Change

Knowing, for example, the time difference between Mexico and Quebec, Canada, allows you to anticipate how the time zone change will affect you. 

Time differences, however brief, can disrupt your sleep cycle and make you feel disoriented for the first few days. But if you understand beforehand what time you'll arrive and how it fits in with your usual schedule, you'll be able to prepare yourself mentally. It will even help you understand why you feel a certain way the first few days.

And of course, we can't forget about communication. Since knowing the time in Canada will also allow you to better organize your moments to talk to those you love the most.

Tips for Planning Your Canada Trip with Time Difference in Mind

Good organization can save you misunderstandings, delays and even missed flights, so:

Find out the local time of the place you are going to

The first and most important thing is to verify which time zone corresponds to the place you are going to. For example, if you are traveling to Toronto, you should consider that it is 2 hours ahead of Mexico City, since they are in the middle of summer time.

The current time difference between Toronto and Mexico will help you to better organize your flights, reservations and activities from the first day.

Plan your itinerary according to local time

Time differences can make the trip seem longer or shorter than it is. 

Let's say your flight leaves Mexico City at 10:00 am and you arrive in Toronto at 5:00 pm. At first glance, it looks like a 7-hour drive if you look only at the local clock, but the reality is that it was only 5.

Keep in mind the local time and time zone and better coordinate your arrival.

The same applies if you plan to visit more than one city within Canada (e.g. Toronto and Vancouver). Since in summer there is a 3 hour difference between the two cities.

Avoid jet lag: adapt your body to the new time

Landing in a different time zone can affect your energy. You may feel tired or disoriented if your biological clock keeps running on Mexico time

This mismatch is known as jet lag and tends to influence your rest, appetite and mood. 

To reduce its effects, try:

• Gradually advance your sleeping and eating hours several days before takeoff.

• Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated the day before takeoff.

• Limit alcohol and caffeine both on the plane and on your first day in Canada.

• Keep your electronic devices on “do not disturb” mode during your sleeping hours to ensure uninterrupted sleep.

• Avoid long naps upon arrival.

It is a way to synchronize your body with the new schedule.

Lean on technology to avoid confusion

Apart from setting your cell phone or watch to update automatically when you arrive at your destination, you can use applications.

For example, World Clock offers a simple interface to display the time worldwide. Therefore, they help you to check the time in Canada according to the city you are visiting.

At DolarApp we can also help you manage an important part of your trip: your expenses.

With us you can pay for your transactions in Canada with digital dollars (USDc). You can do this by requesting your DolarCard, which works with both USDc and pesos by associating your local bank account.

We have a beneficial exchange rate for your pocket in case you need to buy or sell USDc. So, don't hesitate to install the application on your mobile device and request an international card for your transactions.