Canada is one of the coldest inhabited areas in the world, and if you’re not used to Canadian winters, you’re in for a surprise. Canadians have learned how to cope with the elements, however, and if you’ve arrived over the summer and aren’t sure if you’ll be able to make it through the winter, don’t worry. There are some things that you can do to at least not freeze to death and even develop a taste for the winter weather. Let’s take a look at some helpful tips that will allow you to get through your first Canadian winter.
Learn the Importance of Layers
If you go out with only one layer under your coat and it’s minus 20 degrees outside plus the winds, you will experience ice burn. So, you have to make sure that you have your hands, legs, and any other exposed area well protected, and you need to use layers. You can’t layer things like gloves, but mittens will keep your hands hotter thanks to body heat. Your legs, and especially your thighs are what you should worry about the most. Some people will go as far as wearing two pairs of pants to protect them, but you can also wear leggings or long johns.
Get Both a Light and a Heavy Jacket
One thing you have to know about Canadian winters is that temperatures can vary wildly and get surprisingly mild sometimes, even in places like the Prairies or the East Coast where temperatures can get bitterly cold. So, if you only invest in a heavy jacket, you might find yourself feeling like you’re in a sauna when temperatures hit the single digits or the high minuses. Make sure that you get a heavy jacket for when it gets intensely cold and something lighter for milder days. Something like a classic Moncler coat would be perfect here. Jackets and coats from Moncler are some of the most versatile, durable, and efficient you’ll find anywhere, so check out what they have to offer.
Keep Your Feet Dry
The absolute worst thing that can happen to you on a cold day is to get your feet wet. This is why some people in Canada will literally put plastic bags on top of their socks in the winter. If it’s minus 20 outside and you don’t have the best boots and your feet get wet, you’ll be lucky if you can stand the cold for more than five minutes before your feet start freezing. Go too long like this, and you could eventually have to deal with serious health issues, so you should be very careful here.
Get boots that offer water protection and go for the highest model you can find. You can also double down on the protection by applying mink oil. Choose thick socks too, and consider layering them by putting thinner socks under them.
These tips should help you survive your first Canadian winter in style. Don’t hesitate to ask advice from other people who have been through one and always remember to put as many barriers between you and the cold as possible.
