When I moved to Canada one year a ago I was warned of the unforgiving chilling winters of Canada. Having lived in the Northern regions of United States, I thought the Canadian winter shouldn't be a hard nut to crack…..and boy was I wrong!! I mean completely and absolutely WRONG!!
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So here are my 10 lessons the Canadian Winter taught me.
They come quick and unannounced. The dropping temperatures in November do let you known to start preparing for winter. But when they do actually arrive, it snows suddenly without any signs and the temperature drop below 0 before you know it.
They are L-O-O-O-O-N-G and never ending. The winters last anywhere from 7 to 9 months, depending where you live. If you live in Toronto, like me, they can last from 6 to 8 months that’s a good part of the year.
Don't be a cheapskates'!! When you go winter cloth shopping make sure you buy jackets, shoes, gloves etc. everything possible that says “-40 C”. Trust me, buy the best quality possible with the best grade no matter the price. Like the Canadian say “ There isnt something called as bad winter, its just bad clothing”
The weather is unpredictable. It may be sunny at 9 degrees one day and the next it will drop to 2 degrees.
Download the weather app. Not see what’s the weather 7 days ahead. Even the weather forecast gets that wrong. But to se what you are in for today. Whether it is even worth leaving your house for the day. Or you need to carry an umbrella.
Rainy days with wintery snow. Yes, there are days where you will get chilling rain instead of the snow, so you may want to keep your umbrella at a arms reach.
People follow the Windchill temperature and not the actual temperature. Windchill is the temperature you feel not the temperature that is actually there. The weather might show -1 degrees but the Windchill may be -12 degrees. So follow the Windchill not the actual temperature.
Like investing in your winter gear, do the same for your automotive as well. Make sure you upgrade your car with the best winter tires, anti freezer wind-shield and an automatic car starter. Yes, you would want to walk a car that can provide you with some comforting air after you have taken the brutal walk from your office to your car parking.
Lastly, learn a winter sport. It could be ice fishing, snow boarding, ice skating , anything. If you are to live in a country that has 8 months of winter, you might as well find ways to keep your busy.
Summers are beautiful!! The long grey winters make the summer look even more beautiful and enjoyable. And hence brings me to the biggest life lesson Canadian winters have taught me. In life there will be moments when you feel these hardships don’t seem to end and all your sacrifices and efforts seem in vain, but just like the Summers your better days will also shine, your efforts will eventually get paid…. all you need is the resilience to last 8 months of winter to enjoy the shiny summer success that follows.
