Growing zones · Bonnyville
Bonnyville growing zone: zone 2b
Bonnyville, Alberta is in plant hardiness zone 2b on the current Natural Resources Canada map (4th edition, based on 1991–2020 climate normals). The average last spring frost is around May 20 and the first fall frost around September 14, giving about 116 frost-free days at Cold Lake Airport, 34 km away.
Planting, hardiness and grow zone in Bonnyville
"Growing zone", "planting zone" and "hardiness zone" all refer to the same thing in Canada: the plant hardiness zone, which predicts which perennials, trees and shrubs survive the winter. It does not tell you when to plant vegetables; frost dates do that.
Zone 2 is cold even by prairie standards. Choose the hardiest stock and expect a short, cool season.
- Haskap, saskatoon and chokecherry
- Sour cherries from the University of Saskatchewan series
- Hardy crabapples and the hardiest prairie apples on hardy rootstock
- Siberian pea shrub (caragana), lilac and native shrubs for shelterbelts
- Potatoes, peas, carrots, kale and other cool-season vegetables
Buy perennials rated for zone 2b or colder. Cold-air pockets, low ground and exposed sites in and around Bonnyville can run a full zone colder than the map.
Frost dates near Bonnyville
Average dates from Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991–2020 climate normals at the stations nearest Bonnyville. Stations in towns usually show a longer season than open farmland nearby, which is why the numbers differ: nearby stations range from 75 to 116 frost-free days.
| Station | Distance | Last spring frost | First fall frost | Frost-free days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Lake Airport | 34 km | May 20 | September 14 | 116 |
| St Lina | 47 km | June 11 | August 26 | 75 |
Growing degree-days above 5 °C average about 1,469 a year at Cold Lake Airport (34 km), and total precipitation about 421 mm at Cold Lake Airport (34 km).
When to plant in Bonnyville
- Cool-season crops (peas, spinach, lettuce, radish, potatoes) can go in a few weeks before the last frost, once the soil can be worked.
- Frost-tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, cucumbers) go out after the last frost, around May 20 on average, and many local gardeners wait an extra week.
- Trees, shrubs and perennials rated zone 2b or colder can be planted in spring or early fall.
Common questions
What growing zone is Bonnyville, Alberta?
Bonnyville is in Canadian plant hardiness zone 2b on Natural Resources Canada's current map (4th edition, 1991–2020 climate normals). Average frost dates there are about May 20 (last spring frost) and September 14 (first fall frost).
When is the last frost in Bonnyville?
On average around May 20, based on Environment Canada's 1991–2020 normals at Cold Lake Airport. Frost can come later in low spots and in cold years, so many gardeners wait about a week past the average before planting tender crops.
Is Bonnyville zone 2b on the USDA map?
Not necessarily. The USDA map uses only the average coldest winter temperature, while the Canadian map also weighs frost-free days, rain, snow cover and wind, so the two numbers often differ by about half a zone. Check which system a plant label uses.
Nearby places: Cold Lake (2b) · St. Paul (2b) · Lloydminster (3a) · Vegreville (3a) · Wainwright (3a) · Fort Saskatchewan (3b)
Land around Bonnyville: MD of Bonnyville farm guide · MD of Bonnyville hardiness zone · all Alberta growing zones · Canadian vs USDA zones explained
Sources: Natural Resources Canada, Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada (4th edition, 1991–2020); Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Climate Normals 1991–2020. Page reviewed 2026-10-09.