Did
you know that the coldest temperature ever recorded in Canada was -810F (-630C)
at Snag, Yukon (February3, 1947)?
Most
of the coldest places on earth are actually in Canada!
Winnipeg,
Manitoba is Canada’s coldest city. In winters, the temperature drops to -300C
(-220F) or below, and most of the days are freezing. Apart from being cold, the
weather is Manitoba is dry, such that people here have to use humidifiers in
their homes. Having around 113 frosty days each year is a kind of normal in
Winnipeg- it experiences the coldest winters in Canada.
Saguenay
(Quebec), Sherbrooke (Quebec), and Thunder Bay (Ontario) are some of the cities
with the coldest weather.
Saguenay experiences the coldest days. It has
the lowest daily maximum temperature compared to most of the major cities in
Canada. The average temperature (daytime) is around 8.20C (46.80F).
Thunder Bay has the title of lowest daily
minimum temperature, with an annual average of -3.40C (25.90F). Sherbrooke and
Thunder Bay have the shortest frost-free season, averaging to just 111 days
round the year.
The
harshest of winters are faced by Canadian prairies- Alberta, Saskatchewan, and
Manitoba. Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon are some of the cities in Prairie
Provinces, experiencing around 130 days of snow on the ground.
The
average daily minimum temperature in December, January, and February, in 10
major cities:
Source: https://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/Canada/coldest-cities-winter.php
Canadian winters are all about piling yourself under layers of clothes, knee-high boots, snow pants, mittens, caps, and all other important accessories needed to keep you warm. Facing the winters here is no joke. You need to be prepared whether you are living there or are planning to go there. You will need warm clothing from October till April, so it is better to plan ahead and arrange all the necessary clothing items than to spend money on the same after landing there as that can be a bit costly.
Jackets and sweaters are absolutely needed in the harsh winters of Canada. You will even be required to wear more than one jacket sometimes, so make sure at least one of your jackets is extremely warm and down-filled. Warm and heavy wool or cashmere sweaters to wear beneath the jacket, it is up to you how many layers you put on. It is better to take warm and heavy trousers with you rather than jeans as its fabric is light and usually it is difficult to wear extra layers beneath it.
You must not forget -Thermals, warms socks, mittens, scarves, and woolen caps or beanies. They are a must to keep your extremities, ears, and throat warm, as they are the areas more prone to frostbites and hypothermia.
Winter boots and snow pants are especially important if you are going to indulge in snow-activities. Invest in good quality snow pants as they are usually good for life. Avoid purchasing leather boots as they tend to get ruined in snow. Better take the waterproof boots, they are helpful in the snow as well. Be sure to check the boots in the store before buying them, they should fit snugly but not too tight and must have a good grip in the sole.
So, you are good to go in the winters of Canada, with these essentials. Remember, it is better to invest in quality over quantity while shopping for winter clothing.
