How to survive Canada winter as a newcomer

You’ve just moved to the great white north, and you’re facing the first Canada winter. Canada, in general, has a pleasant climate, but in the winter months, temperatures are going drastically below zero degrees. If you didn’t use to it, it can be very difficult to adjust. There’s a lot of perks of living in Canada, so get the best of what this country has to offer, regardless of the cold weather. With a right survival guide, you should spend your first Canada winter warm and cozy, and we’ll show you some tricks on how to survive Canada winter as a newcomer.

How low are the temperatures in Canada during winter?

For newcomers that are coming from the warmer countries, temperatures around 5 degrees are enough to make them shiver. In Canada, they symbolize the beginning of the spring.
Many think that temperatures in whole Canada are extremely low. While north part of the country is freezing cold during the Canada winter, that’s not the case with all the regions.

Let’s take Toronto for example. Average temperatures on winter are at the range from -10 to -1 degree. On January the fifth this year, Toronto has broken its record for the lowest temperature – in the morning the temperatures stood at -23 C. That’s very low, but it’s the exception.
It was a president since the winter this year was very harsh in all parts of the world. Because of its relatively mild winter, Toronto is one of the best places to live in Canada.

There will be snow and a lot of it

Everybody knows that Canada is a colder country where it snows a lot. Even if you know that, and think that you’re prepared for it, the amount of snow may surprise you. What you really need is a good and durable shower. During the night, the snow can cover your driveway, and you will need to dig up the path to the street. Showel is your best ally for that.

You should do this if you want to avoid paying fines too. Most parts of Toronto has mechanical sidewalk snow clearing provided by the City, but if you living in the downtown core, this service is unavailable. In this case, residents and business owners are responsible for clearing the ice and snow from sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 12 hours of a snowfall. If you don’t, there is a big fine of $100.00 plus $25.00 surcharge. So, in total, the damage for your wallet will be 125.000$ if you fail to clear your sidewalk.
So, when choosing your perfect new home in Canada, take the surface of the sidewalk into consideration also.

Prepare yourself for a lot of snow shoveling.

Winter gear to survive Canada winter as a newcomer

Like there are many tips for finding a decent mover for your relocation, there are also guides that will show you how to survive Canada winter. It’s quite simple really – dress according to the temperatures. When you are moving to a place where you know that has harsh winters, you should prepare for it.
Here are the necessities for the Canada winter:

• Winter boots.
  The ice is tricky and very dangerous. Especially the one that you don’t see at a first glace which can be life-threatening. That is why the pair of high-quality boots should be the first item on your winter-shopping list. They should be warm, non-slippery, and waterproof. Your toes will freeze instantly if your feet are in the wet socks.
• Winter jacket.
  Since you will be wearing it almost every day of the winter season, you should choose a jacket that will be comfortable.  It is going to be one of your best assets to help you survive survive Canada winter as a newcomer. The whole point of the good winter jacket is to protect your body from the harsh weather elements ant to keep you warm. You will have to set aside a significant amount of money for a quality winter jacket. Still, it is money well spend, since you will be able to use it for many years. After the winter boots, this is the second essential item in your winter gear.
• Gloves.
  Choose gloves with the lining to keep out the cold away from your fingers. Hand knit gloves look cute, but they have no chance against the cold winter air. They have about zero efficiencies in keeping your hands warm. Since technology is the inevitable part of our lives, there are even the touchscreen gloves, that allow you to use your phone without getting the frost bites on your fingers.
• Winter cap.
  It doesn’t matter what you decide to put on your head, the crucial thing is that is protected. You have to cover your head and ears during the Canada winter. Going without head protection during this season can cause a hard headache, ear inflammation, or at the best case, a bad cold.
• Thick scarf.
  Since the neck is very sensitive to the cold, it requires a good protection on the low temperatures. Thick, warm, woolen scarf is one more useful piece of clothing to help you survive Canada winter as a newcomer. It will keep your throat and your longs safe on the harsh winter wind.

Proper winter clothes will protect you from the harsh Canada winter.

Charms of Canada winter

In Canada, people don’t stay in their homes during the winter, curled up under a blanket. Canadians enjoy all the charms of the cold season and are making the best of it. In fact, winter may be the most entertaining season in this country. 
The snow and the ice are giving the opportunity for enjoying many winter sports, maybe even some that are unfamiliar to you like curling or snowshoeing. Plenty of festivals are organized in all big Canadian towns, and there are even night skating parties with a DJ that last all night.

Dog sledding is an activity that you can try out in only a few countries.

Activities that will make your first Canada winter special and exciting:

• Visit one of many Canada’s famous ski resorts – Luxury accommodation with excellent trails will delight any skiing enthusiast.
• Visit the Quebec Ice Hotel – If you’ve never been to the hotel that is made entirely out of ice, then this amazing attraction will take your breath away.
• Check out the Québec Winter Carnival – This is the biggest winter carnival in the world and is celebrated annually at the end of January until mid-February.
• Skate the Rideau Canal in Ottawa – The cold Canada winter is transforming the Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink.
• Visit festival Winterlude in Ottawa – This festival features ice-skating on the world’s longest rink, display of the ice sculptures, a snow playground, concerts and so much more fun activities.
• Go dogsledding – This fun activity is something that every newcomer has to try.
• Try snowshoeing – Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to explore the great outdoors and also an effective and gentle form of exercise.
• Go ice fishing – Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the Canadian winter and admire the gorgeous nature that surrounds you.
• Visit one of Canada’s many winter light festivals – Canada winter is truly magical, and the Canadians are taking advantage of all of its charms. Amongst the many fun winter festivals, you should take time to visit one of the plenty light festivals.