Canada is beautiful, and it’s because of its winter season. The snow, Christmas, and the get-togethers make the winter season a time to celebrate and share the happiness. For those lucky enough to experience a Canadian winter, it’s a magical time of year filled with traditions, warmth, and a sense of community. While the temperatures may drop to -30°C or even lower in some regions, the beauty of the season shines brighter than the cold. As a settlement facilitator, I have the privilege of working with clients from all over the world who are adjusting to life in Canada.
I hear stories from newcomers about how they prepared for the Canadian winter—and what they were surprised to discover once they arrived. Many of my clients come from countries with milder winters or places where snow is a rare occurrence. They often arrive with winter gear they believe will be enough to brave the Canadian cold. However, as most newcomers quickly discover, Canadian winters require more preparation than anything they’ve experienced before. It’s better to come prepared or learn as quickly as possible how to adjust to the unfamiliar conditions in order to stay warm and safe throughout the season.
One memorable story comes from a client who had arrived from Ukraine. Like many newcomers, she thought that her thick winter jacket, bought in Ukraine, and her shoes from Poland would be enough to keep him warm in the Canadian winter. She arrived in Winnipeg, confident in her preparation. However, on her first cold day—when temperatures dipped below -35°C with the wind chill—she quickly learned that her jacket wasn’t nearly warm enough, and her shoes weren’t designed to handle snow or sub-zero temperatures. Within minutes of stepping outside, the cold seeped through her jacket, and her feet were soaked with snow, making the walk to the bus stop an uncomfortable experience.
Winter driving in Manitoba can be tough due to frequent snowstorms, icy roads, and unpredictable conditions. For newcomers, it’s important to learn how to stay safe in these winter conditions. First, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by installing winter tires, which provide better traction and can reduce your braking distance by up to 25% on cold, snowy roads. Make sure your windshield wipers are functioning, and always keep your gas tank full. Don’t forget to test your car battery; even a fully charged battery can lose up to 30% of its power in temperatures below zero, so replace it before it fails. Also, check your block heater to ensure it’s working properly. Pack an emergency kit with essentials like a blanket, non-perishable snacks, extra clothing, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. When driving, reduce your speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and stay extra cautious for black ice, which can be nearly invisible, especially in the early morning or on bridges. If you’re stuck or need help, CAA Manitoba offers Roadside Assistance for services like towing, battery boosts, fuel delivery, flat tire help, and lock-out assistance. In case of emergencies, call 911, and for real-time road conditions, dial 511. Having an emergency kit on hand is crucial if you’re stranded; staying inside your vehicle provides shelter and warmth until help arrives. Always check the weather and road conditions before you set out, especially if storms are expected. By preparing ahead of time and adjusting your driving habits, you can navigate Manitoba’s winter roads more safely.
In Manitoba, there’s no shortage of winter excitement. Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur takes place in the depths of freezing February. The largest winter festival in Western Canada, it celebrates Manitoba’s French-Canadian culture with musical performances, fiddling, jigging, a pea soup competition, and even a beard-growing contest. Manitoba is also home to one of the world’s three largest polar bear maternity denning areas, making it a unique destination for wildlife lovers. If you’re lucky enough to be in the region, the best months to see the breathtaking aurora borealis, or northern lights, are from January to March. Manitoba’s northern skies boast up to 300 nights of northern lights a year, giving you 300 chances to witness this stunning natural phenomenon. Every March, the town of Gimli hosts the exhilarating Gimli Ice Festival, where visitors can enjoy car and motorbike racing on ice, ice fishing for kids, an arts and crafts show, a snowman competition on the beach, Bannock baking, and even Viking combat. Manitoba’s winter festivals offer a true taste of the province’s spirit, where winter is not just endured, but celebrated!
Living in Canada, especially during the winter, is a truly unique experience. At first, the cold, the snow, and the endless stretches of white can feel overwhelming. But as you adjust to the weather, you’ll come to appreciate the beauty that winter brings—whether it’s the joy of building snowmen, skating on frozen ponds, or simply enjoying the tranquility that a fresh snowfall offers. Rather than viewing winter as a challenge, see it as an opportunity to embrace the Canadian way of life. Take part in winter sports, attend winter festivals, and enjoy cozy gatherings with friends and family. There is a beauty in the cold that’s hard to match, and with the right mindset and preparation, you can truly thrive during the winter months. So, as the temperatures dip and the snow begin to fall, remember: you are not just surviving the Canadian winter—you are learning to love and enjoy it. Stay warm, stay safe, and most importantly, embrace the season. Welcome to the magic of Canadian winter!
