Growing zones · High Level
High Level growing zone: zone 2a
High Level, Alberta is in plant hardiness zone 2a on the current Natural Resources Canada map (4th edition, based on 1991–2020 climate normals). The average last spring frost is around June 1 and the first fall frost around September 1, giving about 91 frost-free days at High Level Airport, 12 km away.
Planting, hardiness and grow zone in High Level
"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 2a or colder. Cold-air pockets, low ground and exposed sites in and around High Level can run a full zone colder than the map.
Frost dates near High Level
Average dates from Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1991–2020 climate normals at the stations nearest High Level. Stations in towns usually show a longer season than open farmland nearby, which is why the numbers differ: nearby stations range from 91 to 91 frost-free days.
| Station | Distance | Last spring frost | First fall frost | Frost-free days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Level Airport | 12 km | June 1 | September 1 | 91 |
Growing degree-days above 5 °C average about 1,224 a year at High Level Airport (12 km), and total precipitation about 372 mm at High Level Airport (12 km).
When to plant in High Level
- 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 June 1 on average, and many local gardeners wait an extra week.
- Trees, shrubs and perennials rated zone 2a or colder can be planted in spring or early fall.
Common questions
What growing zone is High Level, Alberta?
High Level is in Canadian plant hardiness zone 2a on Natural Resources Canada's current map (4th edition, 1991–2020 climate normals). Average frost dates there are about June 1 (last spring frost) and September 1 (first fall frost).
When is the last frost in High Level?
On average around June 1, based on Environment Canada's 1991–2020 normals at High Level 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 High Level zone 2a 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: La Crête (2a) · Peace River (3a) · High Prairie (3a) · Grande Prairie (3a) · Slave Lake (3a) · Fort McMurray (2b)
Land around High Level: Mackenzie County farm guide · Mackenzie County 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 2026-10-08.