Im going to Canada for the winter holidays, any suggestions?

Question

Im going to Winnipeg to be exact. Im from California, and I guess I just don't understand how cold its gonna be. What should I pack, wear, etc..Also, what is there to do in Winnipeg? Im taking my preschooler son with me so family events would be great too.

Answer 1

Geez you guys! You're going to scare her to death! Unless you plan on hiking or staying outdoors for any length of time you don't need 100 pounds of clothes. You get out of a heated car, you cross the sidewalk into a heated building. There are weather protected and underground walkways between buildings downtown. Dress warm, but if you need more stuff buy it there, your money is worth a quarter more and you'll get quality and what you'll need. The Peg is the major centre of a big area, so there's lots for you and your son to see and do. It's kind of a cross between Chicago and Seattle, if that helps. So don't let these other guys scare you and have a good time.

Answer 2

I would suggest you pack 3 pairs of long underwear, thick socks, winter boots with a lining, a hat (not of baseball variety), a few heat packs (you Californians have no idea what cold is), at least three layers of clothing. This means a dry fit shirt, a long sleave sweater, an additonal jacket, and a down filled coat. Make sure you have a ski mask for the biting winds as well. The temperatures with wind chill we be around -30 degrees or about 60 degrees lower than what you are used to.

To truly have an idea of how cold it will be (or might be), take a bath in icecubes. That's how cold you will be without the aforementioned layers of clothing I mentioned.

As for things to do? Winnipeg has about 500,000 people? So imagine what a place that small would have. 1-2 movie theatres, a sports stadium, a theatre for concerts etc...

Best of luck. Canadians are typically viewed as living in igloos and playing hockey. We don't live in igloos. Though if you come now, you will feel that we do.

Winnipeg and Canada Rules. Please forward my $1 fee to my email address. Thanks.

Answer 3

I'm a Canadian from Atlantic Canada, which isn't as cold as Winnipeg. Right now, I'm living in South Korea, and to be honest, it's no colder in Canada (Atlantic Canada at least) compared to this area (Gyeonggi-do, Korea).

Back to Winnipeg: The air is dryer there and it's a place that has a lack of hills and valleys to act as windbreakers, so if it's windy on an already cold day, be prepared to dress in many layers! My suggestion is to go to a quality sporting good vendor and buy a Columbia winter jacket preferably with a cooler. Also, get good winter boots rated for -70 Celsius. Dont' worry, it doesn't get that cold; its the manufacturer's rating that you can use as a rough guide to compare one boot to another. The winter jacket, boots, and gloves are the essential three winter apparel that you don't try to get cheap with. In my opinion, you get what you pay for (unless you find a great sale). Of course, there's also the mandatory winter cap (aka 'tuque' in Canada) and scarf.

While you're in Winnipeg you'll see lots of folks wearing different winter clotines. Screen out the winter clothing being worn that suits your own tastes and search around the local shops for sales if you haven't already found winter clothes around California State, which come to think of it, probably doesn't have a lot of stores selling winter clothing!

What's to do in Winnipeg? Hmm, I don't know this one. They used to have a professional NHL franchise, the 'Winnipeg Jets' but they folded and moved to Phoenix, USA of all places.... When in doubt, go to Wikipedia.com to get the real scoop on things that you want to know about, in this case, Winnipeg. The link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg

Answer 4

Winnipeg can be bitter cold this time of year. If you do not have bitter cold experience you will find it tough. Your best bet is insulated coveralls for you and the your son. A good ski mask to keep your face from freezing, good mitts and or gloves as well as good winter boots. Even local people don't venture out a whole lot when it gets to minus 30's but there are things to do even in the dead of winter. I am sorry to inform you but Winnipeg is not exactly the best winter vacation spot, there are no good ski hills, it may be too cold for ice skating. I wish you well and if I could offer you 1 little piece of advice, keep your outings brief when it is below minus 20. Enjoy your stay.

Answer 5

it could be anywhere between 20 above and 20 below ,either way it is cold ,heavy coats gloves mittens etc some type of warm headware,winipeg has many wonderful family places, the zoo and planitarium are both pretty nice. ....Grew up near winnipeg

Answer 6

..one more piece of advice, if I may: You will be tempted to put three or four layers of socks in your (or your son's) boots to protect from the cold. But this is dangerous, although one would think this helps keep them warm, in fact the feet are unable to breathe, and one can suffer from severe lack of circulation. ONE good set of socks from an outdoor shop will suffice.

Do take advantage of the outdoors while there- skating at the 'Forks' and then drinking hot chocolate (and brandy!) in one of the many restaurants.

I've spent a few months there off and on - The forks is not too bad- good shops and stalls - and if, like me you can't stomach ice cream but love the taste -- you must try this frozen yogurt place called something like 'Fro-Gurts' I think. Delicious! (Hard to find things like this in England).

Answer 7

Well from what my friends tell me right now it is winter and very old like -30 to -20 these is a lot of snow but you should enter into a yahoo "Canada Travel" next time if you are going to canada go to toronto it is a nice place.

Answer 8

i in my view have by no skill been to Canada only for the snowboarding, yet contributors of my kinfolk bypass each and every 12 months extra or a lot less, they bypass to Whistler, they prefer it, so on the brink of Vancouver, they oftentimes employ an condominium, about 8 of the all bypass at the same time, it quite works out very precise, wish this facilitates. they have toddlers with them so it could be nicely worth slightly of analyze on the cyber web to have a glance see.....................................

Answer 9

All the people - above -have made a lot of good advises.
Just don't forget to cover your face, outside -and wear a lot of heavy-duty moisturizer.

Answer 10

i know in red dear theyre already expiring below zero.so its gonna be EXTREAMLY COLD...you know those puffy jackets...well bring like 7.hahah