Key takeaways
- Dress in three layers: a base layer, a warm middle layer and a windproof, waterproof outer layer
- Waterproof, insulated boots with good grip matter most; then a coat that covers your hips, a hat, mittens or gloves and a scarf
- Wind chill tells you how cold it feels: at −28 or colder, exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes
- Check if heat is included before you sign a lease; heating can raise utility bills a lot in winter
- Winter tires are required in Quebec and on many B.C. highways in winter
- Short days affect mood: get daylight, stay active and connect with people
How cold does it get, and what is wind chill?
Winter weather is very different across Canada. Vancouver and Victoria have mild, rainy winters with little snow. Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax have cold, snowy winters. Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Saskatoon have long, very cold winters, often with dry, sunny days. See what to expect in our city guides, such as Toronto, Calgary and Winnipeg.
Wind chill is how cold it feels on your skin when the wind blows. Weather apps show it next to the temperature. Environment and Climate Change Canada uses these risk levels:
| Wind chill | Risk | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to −9 | Low | A little uncomfortable |
| −10 to −27 | Moderate | Frostbite risk if outside a long time without protection |
| −28 to −39 | High | Exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes |
| −40 to −47 | Very high | Exposed skin can freeze in 5 to 10 minutes |
| −48 to −54 | Severe | Exposed skin can freeze in 2 to 5 minutes |
| −55 or colder | Extreme | Exposed skin can freeze in under 2 minutes |
How to dress for a Canadian winter
Three layers keep you warm and flexible. Indoors, buildings are well heated, so you will take layers off often.
- Base layer: next to your skin. It moves sweat away. Choose wool or synthetic fabric, not cotton, which stays wet and cold.
- Middle layer: keeps heat in, for example a fleece or wool sweater.
- Outer layer: a coat that blocks wind and snow. It should cover your hips and have a hood.
Health Canada advises wearing clothing right for the weather, notes that synthetic and wool fabrics insulate better, and recommends layers with a wind-resistant outer layer.
The essentials
- Boots: waterproof, insulated, with good tread for ice. Leave room for a thick sock.
- Winter coat: long enough to cover your hips, with a hood.
- Hat, mittens or gloves, and a scarf or neck warmer. Mittens are warmer than gloves.
- Warm socks: wool or synthetic, not cotton.
See our winter shopping guide for what to look for and where to buy, and the family winter clothing calculator to plan your list.
How to spend less on winter gear
- Buy boots and a coat before the first snow. Wait for sales on everything else.
- Thrift stores and community clothing banks often have good winter gear, especially for children who grow fast.
- Settlement agencies and some community groups run free winter clothing drives. Ask at your local agency or use our support finder.
- End-of-season sales in February and March are the best time to buy for next year.
- Ask about free or discounted programs in our list of free and discounted things for newcomers.
Your home in winter: heat, bills and safety
Heating bills
Heating can raise utility bills a lot from November to March. Before you sign a lease, ask whether heat is included in the rent, what type of heating the unit has (gas, electric baseboard or included central heat), and what past winter bills looked like. See our guide to renting your first apartment.
Minimum heat rules
Many provinces and cities set a minimum temperature landlords must keep when heat is included. For example, Toronto requires at least 21°C from September 15 to June 1. If your unit is too cold, tell your landlord in writing, then contact your city or provincial tenant office. See tenant rights by province.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) has no smell, taste or colour, and can only be detected with an alarm. Health Canada says: leave right away if your CO alarm sounds; never use a barbecue or generator indoors or in a garage; and do not warm up your car in an attached garage.
Save energy
- Close curtains at night and open them on sunny days.
- Do not block heaters or vents with furniture.
- Use draft stoppers on doors and windows.
Snow, ice and getting around
- Black ice is a thin, clear layer of ice that looks like a wet road or sidewalk. Walk slowly with short steps, and keep your hands free. Boot grips or ice cleats help.
- Shovelling: if you rent a house, your lease may make you responsible for clearing the sidewalk and driveway. Many cities fine owners who do not clear sidewalks in time. Lift with your legs and take breaks.
- Transit: buses can be late after snowstorms. Leave extra time and check your transit app. See our transit guides.
- Children: schools send children outside for recess in most weather, so they need snow pants, boots, mittens and a hat every day.
Winter driving
Winter tires give far better grip in snow and cold. Look for the mountain-and-snowflake symbol.
- Quebec: winter tires are required on passenger vehicles from December 1 to March 15.
- British Columbia: winter tires (or chains on some vehicles) are required on many highways, generally from October 1 to March 31, and on some routes to April 30. Signs mark these highways.
- Other provinces: not required by law, but strongly recommended. Some insurers give a discount for them.
Keep a brush, scraper, shovel, warm blanket and emergency kit in your car. Read our first car guide before you buy.
Staying healthy and positive
Cold and frostbite
Frostbite usually affects fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks. Mild frostbite makes skin look yellowish or white but still soft. Hypothermia starts with shivering, numb hands and feeling tired. Go indoors and warm up slowly. Health Canada says infants, seniors 65 and over, outdoor workers and people in poorly insulated homes are at higher risk.
Short days and mood
Days are short in winter, and many people feel tired or low. Simple things help:
- Get outside in daylight, even for a short walk.
- Stay active: many cities have free skating rinks, indoor walking tracks and low-cost recreation programs.
- Connect with people: community centres, faith groups, newcomer programs and winter festivals.
- Ask a doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist about vitamin D and other questions. Many provinces have a health line at 811 for advice from a nurse.
If low mood lasts or you feel unsafe, get help. You can call or text 9-8-8, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, any time, 24 hours a day. In an emergency, call 911. Learn how to get care in our healthcare guide.
Plan your winter budget
Winter adds costs: clothes and boots for every family member, higher heating and electricity bills, winter tires if you drive, and sometimes more food delivery or taxis on stormy days. Plan for them in September and October. Use our newcomer budget calculator and the winter clothing calculator.