The Canadian Cold: is it manageable?

By Aleksandra Wozniak, University of Calgary, Canada.

After spending Christmas in England, I was welcomed back into Canada with -37C weather. Although I was shivering the whole way back to my accommodation, I could see people outside going about as if nothing happened – some even walking around in shorts!

Depending on the region of Canada you are in, you’ll likely be met with temperatures ranging between -40C in the winter to 35C in the summer. Still, the cold weather tends to come in waves in the winter. Although you will almost inevitably be met with colds of -30, these don’t usually last longer than a few days before Chinook winds warm up the climate again. Not only does this make the climate more manageable, but it means that if you’re wearing the right clothing, you shouldn’t have a problem living in the country!

So, what should I bring?

Some pieces which are essential for surviving the Canadian weather are (make sure these aren’t made from cotton as the material soaks up moisture and will make you cold!):

thermals (or two!)
A bunch of fluffy socks
Waterproof bag for University (I found out the hard way how much damage the snow in Canada can do!)
Lots of fleeces
Waterproof boots with a thick sole.
Rain Jackets (when it warms up all the snow melts and gets everywhere)
Very thick gloves
Scarf
Beanie
Balaclava or toque (when it gets cold you want to cover as much of your skin as possible!)
Thermos – always keep a warm drink on you in the winter months!
Sunscreen! Even though it’s winter, there’s a bunch of sunshine in Calgary. The snow reflects it, giving you a chance to catch a good tan while abroad.

Do not bring a coat with you! I found out the hard way that English coats are not accustomed to the extreme cold in Canada. It’s far better to buy one there – either firsthand at shops like Mountain Warehouse or Superdry, or in one of the many thrift shops around. Make sure you look for coats which are certified to withstand extreme cold in the range of -30C – -40C!

And, what should I do?

Use 3 layers of clothing when it gets below -20! (base layer, insulating layer and outdoor layer)
Spend as little time outdoors as you can – that means no hikes in the winter months and try and take the inside routes between buildings.
Opt for buses and ubers rather than walking.
Keep hand warmers in your bag just in case!
Drink lots of water – the air in Canada isn’t just cold but also dry.
If you do get cold, there are a bunch of 24/7 restaurants that offer poutine and coffee. I will always recommend going in to warm up.
If it’s extremely cold outside, don’t wear earrings as this will make your ears colder.
Consider taking Vitamin D supplements to combat the winter blues.
Get involved in some winter activities to make the cold more enjoyable! – I recommend sledding, skiing or ice skating. Ice hockey is a popular choice among locals!

Even though it gets cold in Canada it’s definitely manageable. It’s easy to get disheartened during the winter, but it’s all worth it for a great international experience! After all, you’ll likely experience at least 8 weeks of the cold in Canada, might as well enjoy it!