How does the winter in Winnipeg compare to a winter in Toronto?

Question

I'm moving up there to go to the University of Manitoba pretty soon, but I'm terrified of the cold. I can survive a Toronto winter, is winter in Winnipeg really that bad? Do I need to buy long johns and big ugly winter boots and a big ugly winter jacket?

Answer 1

Temperature wise, it's definitely colder. Otherwise, it's perspective. Winnipeg is definitely colder, but if you're dressed properly it's really not that bad. However the two cities have different kinds of cold. Toronto is more damp and -10 there can feel really cold. While Winnipeg is more dry (lot's of static in the winter) and -10 is considered, and feels quite mild. Although it's usually colder than that, we have been having weird winters lately. We'll go through periods of extreme cold and periods of unseasonably high temps.

Just make sure you have a toque, gloves, and a warm jacket. Boots aren't totally necessary if you plan on driving everywhere. But if you're walking a lot, a good pair of waterproof, lined hiking boots will be a more fashionable alternative to a massive pair of sorels (although they are the warmest). There are also a lot of very nice, warm winter jackets available.

Your car should have it, but make sure you have a block heater. Your car will love you for it.

Other than that, Winnipeg is a great city with a bad rep for crime. Let me quickly say this; yes, we have murders. However, most are the result of alcohol fueled parties or are gang related. And almost all are centralized to one or two particular areas of the city. Don't go to any parties or buy any drugs in those areas and your chances of encountering violence reduce tenfold.

Have fun, and welcome to Winnipeg!

oh yeah, i forgot. Be prepared for a lot more snow!

Answer 2

Not even close to Toronto. The night life is about 8 clubs around the city. A few pubs and restaurants in Osbourne Village, Corydon or the Exchange. Biggest attraction is the Forks which is pretty boring. Winters are harsh, Summers are harsh. The city looks as dirty as China town in Toronto or that. The housing is cheap though but you pay more taxes too. South Winnipeg is the safest area by far and also for the more affluent. I'm guessing it depends on how often you like to do stuff. 2 big malls in St.Vital centre and Polo Park in St. James. Oh and Mosquitoes and the fact that you have to drive everywhere because it takes the bus 1 hr to drive somewhere that would be a half hr drive. Winnipeg also has by far the most dangerous downtown. But if you can defend yourself you probably wouldn't fear walking downtown with the numerous pan handlers. Across the street from downtown is a bad area and it only gets worse the more you drive.

Answer 3

They have not nicknamed the city "WINTERpeg" for nothing! Manitoba has documented some of the coldest winter weather in all of Canada. Perhaps the only places colder are in the Northwest territories and Nunavut.

From 1961 to 1990, the mean (average) temperature for January in Winnipeg was -17C and that is without the wind chill factor. (That's actually zero fahrenheit for our American and British readers...)

My suggestion is be prepared. Get the long johns, good boots, a toque or at least a jacket with a fur-lined hood, and some winter gloves or mittens. You will be so happy you have them on that first December or January day when the radio tells you that the weather is equivalent to -45C because of the wind!

Answer 4

I have never been to Winnipeg in the Winter. I Toronto it can be damp cold and wet. at -10c In areas further from Toronto it can be cold dry and still snowy. From what I have heard about the dry cold of the prairies I think that you will be cold But Toronto is a great place to visit and see any season. by the way I live in Kingston. I hope that I helped.

Answer 5

I have visited and worked for 4 months in Winnipeg, it gets a bad rap as being very cold, but to the people who live there they are accustom to it, I lived in Edmonton AB for 3 years back in the early 1980's, and it go to be minus 40 with the wind chill, I could have skated home, they do not use salt on there road.

Winnipeg because of its geographical location gets alot of the winter storms from the direct northerly flow acrossed the Prairies. You will need to dress warmly from late October until mid to late March, but they have lots of discount stores like in Ontario to buy the winter gear you will need, after the first year you will be use to it and feel warm when you visit T.O., I did!!

Answer 6

i live here and hell yes its colder then Toronto.. we are one of the coldest around and yes you need long johns..boots only if you are gunna be outside a long time in the snow (sometimes nice to have in your car if it breaks down) and a big ugly winter jacket lol once you get used to it though you are all good.. i've been living here my whole life and i'm walking around in a t-shirt and shorts at -5C.. i love the cold.. could never move to a tropical place i would miss the snow.. my body has fully adapted to it now

Answer 7

It gets cold here, but we survive, it is a dryer cold so it doesn't go as deep into the bones. We know how to plow snow, we have never considered calling the army after a snow fall like Toronto was going to.

Answer 8

It can be terribly cold in Winnipeg. Be prepared to dress warm!!! You'll get used to it though!!!! Look for the positives and enjoy your time their!!!

Answer 9

Compared to Winnipeg, Toronto doesn't have winter.

Answer 10

They don't call it Winter-peg for no reason. Winnipeg winters are cruel.