How to survive your first winter in Canada?

Question

We're moving to Calgary, Alberta on Sept. next year and then we'll have to stay, from mid Jan to ends of May, in Toronto, Ontario, We're comming from Phoenix, Arizona - 114F Summer highs and 65F winter lows. We just checked the weather and Canadian winter is going to be a brutal change for us, so we are bracing for impact. What we know is Alberta is dry, has low snow precipitation, and warm wind called Chinook, thus cold doesn't feel as harsh. Ontario is humid thus cold is harsher and has lots of snow, and ice storms. Any suggestions on what kind of clothes to buy, how long can we be out before we get frosbite, suggestions for children with mild asthma playing in the snow or any other thing that we would not have the slightless idea we need to be prepared for? Will our SUV (Hyundai Santa Fe) be useful there or do we need a buy a car locally because they are better conditioned for the climate. If we're going there, we're going to enjoy it if we can, just as much as cannucks would do.

Answer 1

In regards to your vehicle, it is fine (millions of SUV's here!), but take the advice of getting a block heater or you will run into problems! Ask your local mechanic about it and what it does.

In Calgary, the weather is unpredictable, so I would advise you to wear layers! It is not impossible for the temp to be +20 degrees one day and -20 degrees the next day! It doesn't usually fluctuate that drastically, but the nighttime and the daytime are usually very different. Last year, we were lucky and had a mild winter and I don't even remember if I had to wear my winter coat.

For boots and shoes, you will need to keep your feet warm when it's cold and snowing and waterproof is a definite necessity, especially when it isn't too cold because that's when the snow is wet! Slushy snow is not kind to leather! Make sure that aside from hoods, that you have ear warmers or toques to cover your head. I don't bother to cover my head until it goes past -20 (depending on the wind). The wind can make a huge difference in the temp and it is called the "windchill factor." Warm lined mitts or gloves would also be required (thin or regular leather gloves will be of almost no use. Even when you are driving, keep some on hand because you may need to brush the snow off of your car and clear the windows of ice. Plus you never know if you may need to be out of your vehicle for any length of time.

In regards to frostbite, prevention is the key! In extreme temperatures, it doesn't take long for frostbite to set in, but when it's milder it can creep up on you! The most vulnerable areas of your body are the ears. nose, cheeks, fingers, and toes. That's why you need to cover these areas when necessary. Scarves come in handy to cover your face and you can breathe through them. They are also a very nice accessory to your new winter attire! lol You should always have one, even if it's just on your shoulders, so that it's there when you need it! Believe me, if you are getting cold and destined for frostbite, you will feel it! It does feel like it's biting! If you get to this point, cover the exposed areas and it should be okay. The damage is usually done after that phase and the area starts to feel numb. Unless you got stranded in the wilderness or fell asleep outside, you would probably never reach the danger zone of frostbite.

You should be advised that children are at greater risk of frostbite because they tend to get carried away playing in the snow and don't notice the little warning bites! You mentioned children, but not the ages. Our kids will wear full snow suits until about the time they are teenagers. What I put on them are a 1 or 2 piece snow suit, with regular clothes and maybe a sweater and long underwear and undershirt. I don't usually use the thermal underwear until it's colder than -20 unless the kids will be out for long periods of time because sweating is not a good thing either when it's cold outside! Warm, lined, waterproof mitts and winter boots. Ankle boots are no good if you have deeper snow. Get a toque as well as a hood on the jacket and a scarf. If I can find a picture of a bundled up child I will post a link. Most of the children I know, love to get bundled up and play in the snow! I did as a kid and could spend all day outside. As an adult, I still have snow pants on hand for those really cold days or an outdoor excursion. Again, the key is to layer and dress appropriately!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulm/66951279/

If you are coming to Alberta in September, you can always winterize your vehicle and get winter clothes in Canada, as we don't usually bother until November or December. That way, you would have more variety and availabilty of everything you need!

As far as mild asthma is concerned, we have no problems here (we live in Calgary), but when we get extreme weather or go to Saskatchewan, there have a been few instances of wheezing outdoors due to overexertion (running outside in -30 degree weather).

Unfortunately, you will be travelling during the 'real' part of winter and spending it in Ontario. Until this time, your time in Calgary will probably not be anything noticeably cold. If I recall, I stayed here for Christmas a couple of years ago and we had no snow and the temp was close to +20! I rode my bike that day!

I can't speculate on the weather in Ontario, but I hear on the news about the storms in Ontario and Quebec or futher east. Manitoba and Saskatchewan just handle it like it's nothing! If you are driving to Ontario from Alberta, please take your time and drive safe! The weather and roads are so unpredictable that time of year! Not to mention that the days are shorter, so you may have to do some winter driving in the dark! Speaking of which...before you leave Calgary, get GOOD winter tires on your vehicle! Consult a tire specialist! That's a long way to drive in the winter with the wrong tires! It wouldn't be safe!

I hope I didn't leave anything out!! lol When in doubt, just ask any Canadian and we will be glad to help you out and give advice! We revel in our mastery of winter and welcome any chance to show it off!

I found this website:
http://www.dps.iastate.edu/weather/index.html
It's excellent and I could've saved myself a lot of typing! (I finger peck) LOL!!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

You are sooo lucky!! Though British Columbia would have been a better choice :0) We are living in Barbados now and we truly miss Canada and it's weather / climate.
I think you will be OK and say do not get too worked up and do not go out and spens a lot of money on "winter" stuff. Fore cast is for a mild winter and Calgary is not that bad. Check out the shopping and be aware of where to go if you find you need something.
Certainly have a block heater installed in your vehicle and use it when the temp drops. Enjoy your time there, and be sure to get over to the Rockie Mountains!!!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I have lived in canada for some time and I think the only wayto survive winter in canada is by getting some very nice clothes from a store caled marks work wear, they have real clothes to keep u away from the terrible cold and keep u warm.

Answer 6

You will appreciate long-johns if you are outside for any length of time when it is really cold. The Santa Fe is a big seller in Canada, you just need a block heater installed which is not expensive-maybe $75. A remote starter is nice, they usually cost about $150-$200 installed.

Answer 7

Toronto tends to be quite a bit warmer than Calgary in the winter as it is further south (look on a map of Canada).

In Canada we heat everything in winter the same way you air conditionin the summer. We heat our malls and warm up our cars before we go out. You aren't expected to be outdoors if its really cold out. There is indoor parking in many shopping areas.

Hyundai Santa Fe is a very popular vehicle here. You may need to buy different tires for it but the vehicle itself is perfect for our climate.

Welcome to Canada. Buy your clothes when you get here. Pack long pants and long sleeved shirts and jackets. You'll need winter coats, hats, gloves, and boots. If you buy them in Canada they are more likely to suit the climate better.

Answer 8

So you're coming to the Great White North, eh? It's called that for a reason, trust me. As for clothing, go out and buy lots of fleecy, heavey sweaters. They'll be a godsend when it's -20deg C outside, and you're being blown around by a harsh wind. Grab your basics; thick scarves, mittens or gloves, lots of warm hats. You'll really need those to keep your head warm, as you can get really cold and really sick if you're head's uncovered. Get warm, WATERPROOF boots. Trust me on the waterproof part. You may only get 2cm of snow, but it'll be enough to make your feet cold and damp if you're not properly prepared.
Nice thick, warm socks are always nice, even just for walking around inside, as it can get chilly even indoors. I'm not sure about your child's asthma, but I imagine that the dry winter air could aggraviate it, so just be aware of that.
Your SUV should be fine, in fact it may be better off if you hit an icy patch. Speaking of which, always get proper winter tires. Never use summer tires, and all-weather tires just aren't good enough. It will get icy, and although you won't have many hills out there in the praries, if you get stuck, you're screwed. Maybe stick a small bag of kitty litter in your trunk or backseat. You can use it as a bit of traction if you happen to get stuck on a patch of ice. Plus it adds a bit of weight to your car if you start to fishtail.
Really, just make sure to keep your family warm, dress in layers, you can always take some off if you get too warm, but you don't want to be out in the middle of nowhere with only a small sweater and a light jacket on in -20 degC weather. I hope you enjoy your winter here next year!

Answer 9

Make sure you have a block heater for your car, otherwise it should be fine. Down filled coats, warm hats and mittens & warm boots. Definately buy the winter clothing you need once you're up here. Anything they have in Arizona wouldn't be warm enough.

Answer 10

I gotta think if this is serious, then they'll be prepared for this stunt. And there is that old Chinese proverb about even an idiot's journey of a 1000 miles getting away with that first step.

Answer 11

To answer about you car it should be fine have a engine warmer instaled and plug it in at night so it starts up easier in the winter.