Are you new to Canada? If so, you may well be new to winter too – at least Canadian winters!
While some of us are envious of the somewhat milder winters experienced in Vancouver, Victoria, and other parts of British Columbia, most parts of Canada experience below freezing temperatures accompanied by lots of ice and snow for four to five months or more every year. Given this, and that many newcomers are ill-prepared for all that winter brings with it, we’ve prepared these helpful tips.
Dress for success
If there’s anything as divisive as politics in Canada, it’s the weather. Some love having four distinct seasons; some wish we had summer-like weather year round; and still others wish the snow would last longer. Our four unique seasons only enhance our appreciation of Canada’s unique beauty and we love that each presents new opportunities for recreation and active fun.
For tips on dressing children for active play throughout the winter months, please click here.
Adults should have at a minimum:
- A winter-weight coat or jacket
- A pair of warm, waterproof gloves or mittens
- A warm hat that properly covers the ears and helps to prevent frostbite
- A warm scarf to protect the neck from the cold and that can be pulled up over the face in severe weather
- Snow boots that are properly lined to keep feet warm and dry, that offer traction in slippery conditions, and that are high enough to keep feet dry when walking through several inches of snow or slush
- It’s important to wear sunscreen (yes even in winter!) to protect any exposed skin from the damaging effects of the sun – and to wear sunglasses on sunny days.
- Some adults and children like using small hand and foot warming sachets (available at sporting goods stores and even drug stores) into mittens, gloves and boots to help keep their hands and toes warm.
- When playing in the snow, kids and adults should have access to dry pairs of mittens, and on colder days, consider wearing a lighter weight mitten inside a heavier waterproof one. Generally speaking, mittens keep hands warmer than gloves.
- Scarves are often frowned upon for children and teens because they can present a strangulation hazard. A warm “turtleneck” or tube pulled over the head, can offer the same protection as a scarf, without the risk or worry.
Don’t hibernate, participate!
Though you may be tempted to stay indoors all winter long, in doing so, you’d be missing out on some of the very activities people come from all over the world to enjoy – things like skating, tobogganing, playing hockey, skiing, building snow forts, snowshoeing, snowboarding, winter hiking, ice fishing, curling and more.
Kids growing up in Canada typically learn to skate and many learn to play hockey – but when it comes to kids, all it takes is some snow to create a perfect playground. Children should be encouraged to play in the snow and to make snow angels, build snowmen, roll snowballs, and more. Active play of this nature is a super way for kids to get the hour or more of physical activity they need every day.
Don’t think it’s just kids taking up new winter activities! On the slopes, you’ll find adults of all ages learning to ski and snowboard, ice skate, curl, and more. And those warm-weather activities so many of us enjoy? You may be surprised to see that many Canadians ride their bikes throughout the winter, bundle up and enjoy walking and hiking, and continue on with swimming and water-based fitness classes at their local pools.
An active lifestyle helps keep us happy and healthy – so remember that participation is much more fun than hibernation (and a lot better for you!)
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