15 ways to survive a Canadian Winter

Not all Canadian winters are created equal. I mean most winters in Vancouver are quite mild compared to the rest of the country. Most people think of ice and snow when they think of a Canadian winter and that is the norm for where I live in South Western Ontario. Some years we have more snow than others but we can pretty much guarantee below zero temperatures from November to March. Sometimes into May even! Winter can be long so we need to have a way to get through the coldest days. These are 15 ways to survive a Canadian Winter.

15 Ways to Survive a Canadian Winter

1. Layers – when it comes to winter dressing layers are key. I like to layer a tee under my knits. A merino or cashmere sweater under my coat. Even a thin packable down jacket can be layered under a wool coat for more warmth. Feeling the like the cold just won’t leave your bones, try wool stockings or long johns under your clothes for one more layer.
2. Warm coat – leather jackets are great for fall but not for the dead of winter. Even some wool coats just don’t cut it when it gets to be minus 15 or colder. The higher percentage of wool the warmer the coat. Down parkas are also really good for keeping warm, even if the vibe isn’t as office friendly. These days I prefer longer coats to keep more of myself covered. Zippered coats tend to be warmer than ones with buttons or poppers because they stay shut from top to bottom.
3. Big scarf – If I had to choose just one accessory to keep me warmer through the winter I would choose a big scarf. The blanket scarf trend might have been a bit much for warmer areas but for Canadian winters they are fantastic. Keeps your face and neck warmer. If you wrap it right it even keeps your ears warm. I am not picky between acrylic or wool, really they are both warm.
4. Wear a hat – The old saying is that you lose most of your heat out of the top of your head. I am sure this has been proven an old wives tale but I do know my ears and forehead are warmer when I wear a hat. Beanies are best for keeping you warm. I prefer the ones with the turn up cuff.
5. Mittens over gloves – Gloves are great if you want to use your fingers but they aren’t very warm. Mittens are much warmer. Watch for mittens that are fleece lined. I also picked up some leather mittens for driving as they have better grip.
6. Invest in real winter boots – one of the biggest lies of the blogosphere is that rain boots are a good substitute for real winter boots. Your feet are guaranteed to be cold if you wear wellies instead of something like Sorels, Bogs or Uggs. Mine are shearling lined and super warm, although not good when the roads get to be a slushy mess.
7. Drink hot beverages – whether you prefer hot chocolate or hot toddies or a hot tea, warm beverages are sure to warm you up from the inside out. Plus your hands will also thaw out quicker with a mug of cocoa.
8. Try a winter sport – part of making it through the winter is taking more time to enjoy it. Sledding, skiing, skating or snow shoeing are all fun winter sports that will get you outside enjoying the cold. Take 1 through 6 to dress for the weather.
9. Head south – this one seems like it is cheating but since most people living in northern countries are vitamin D deficient getting some sun and warm weather in the middle of winter can help beat the winter blues. If you can’t make it south watch some Death in Paradise. It will instantly transport you to the Caribbean.
10. Wear wool – whether you prefer sheep wool or alpaca wool is going to be warmer than other fabrics like cotton or silk. Light airy fabrics that are great in the summer are not really the best for when it is cold.
11. Sheepskin insoles – If you want to wear fashion boots but know that you are going to be walking around out in the cold putting a sheepskin insole will add an extra layer of warmth.
12. Cozy blankets – Cozy soft blankets are always within arms reach on our couch. Perfect way to stay cozy when watching a show!
13. Duvets on the bed – Sometime in late October, early November we switch over to our winter bedding. Regular comforters are ok for the rest of the year but a good duvet is better for the winter months. I am thinking I need to convert to the European method of two twin duvets instead of one big king duvet to alleviate the whole hogging the covers thing!
14. Slippers – I know in some places that flip flops are called slippers. My sister in law uses the word this way and it always messes me up. But what I mean by slippers are fuzzy warm not quite shoes for my feet that keep me warm in the winter. Reading socks are also great for keeping cozy at home in the winter.
15. Don’t let the sun fool you – Sunny days in the spring and summer mean warm weather. But in the winter sunny days tend to be the coldest.

Most of the time when I see people moaning about the cold they are just not dressed properly. Winter accessories are a must. A real winter coat is needed as are winter boots. Not rubber boots. Winter boots that can handle snow and ice.

My hands were definitely cold when I was shooting these photos. I wished I had my leather mittens but it is so hard to use the camera remote when wearing them that I usually just leave them in the car. The leg brace is not one of the 15 ways to survive a Canadian winter it is just my reality right now while my knee heals from my ski accident.

What do you think of the 15 ways to survive a Canadian winter? Do you have a trick to get through the cold months?