By Jinan Abdul Hadi, Employment Consultant
Canada is often referred to as the "Great White North" because its winters are so cold and snowy. In fact, Canada has one of the harshest winter climates of any country in the world. Its winter lasts about six months, from November to April.
On the Pacific side of the country, winters will be milder than in other parts of Canada, with temperatures remaining positive most of the time. On the other hand, on the Atlantic side, winters are a bit harsher and maximum temperatures do not usually exceed more than 2 degrees Celsius. But still, life goes on as usual, even in such extreme weather conditions. The key is to be well prepared for this challenge!
As a newcomer, how do you deal with the cold in Canada?
Many newcomers worry about how to protect themselves from the cold and minimize winter risks. Don't be afraid to take the plunge, this blog is written to help you equip yourself for the Canadian winter!
To get started, make sure you have an app that tells you what the weather is like in your area and check the weather forecast daily to know what to expect, and plan your day and outfits accordingly. You should be aware that the weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes it changes quickly.
As for winter clothing in Canada, you need undergarments to keep your body warm and keep the cold out. Make sure you choose clothes that will keep you warm like tights or long thermal underwear and have a good breathable coat with fleece or down lining. Don't forget to choose one with a high collar, hood and lined pockets; boots that will keep your feet warm while keeping you from slipping and falling, good thick wool socks to keep your feet warm, a good hat (also called a tuque) and good mittens or gloves to keep your fingers warm. It may be better to buy tactile gloves that allow you to use your phone without taking them off. I strongly encourage you to wait until you are in Canada to purchase these items. Please take into account that the technique of dressing in several thin layers allows you to better adapt to the environment in which you are going. For example, when you are indoors, you can easily remove a layer or two and put them on before going out. As for other winter accessories, you should consider a scarf, earmuffs and don't forget to use moisturizing products to avoid dry skin and lips. In Canada it's all about staying warm no matter how stylish or attractive you look!
Here are some tips on dangerous phenomena to avoid such as wind chill and frostbite. The first phenomenon is an important factor when considering actual temperatures. Wind chill can cause temperatures to be colder than what you see in the weather reports. A weather app may indicate that it is going to be -20 degrees Celsius, but in reality will actually "feel like” -30 degrees Celsius. Frostbite can occur when your skin is exposed to the cold for a long period of time and freezes!
In fact, the Canadian climate is difficult for those who do not have the proper equipment and do not take the necessary precautions to survive in the cold. If you are a newcomer to Canada and want to learn more about this topic I suggest you explore the following link about
tips to stay warm. Also, for those who are interested in learning more about Ontario's climate, it is suggested you visit the links
Settlement.Org and
Climate Data which provide you with a lot of information on the climate of a particular province.
Finally, Canada is full of outdoor activities that are ideal for fun. You can ski, skate, snowmobile, snowshoe or dog sled. I would suggest that you don't get discouraged and make the most of the cold weather.
They say in Canada there is no bad weather but there is bad preparation! If you are curious about the different winter activities in Canada or about Christmas traditions, read our blog posts,
The Beauty of Winter in Canada and
Canadian Christmas Traditions throughout the Provinces respectively. Build ON will be presenting a webinar on this topic soon, so stay tuned for more details to come!