How to survive brutal Canadian winters as a solo traveller
Surviving a Canadian winter is a crucial step to take when deciding to travel solo. To survive a Canadian winter does not solely involve preparing for the cold temperatures and snow. It also involves preparing for icy roads, unpredictable wildlife, layering clothes, expensive living, and a few weather inconveniences. While also finding ways to enjoy the season.
Also, if you’re skiing it can take a huge chunk out of your bank account. It is known that skiing is one of the most expensive sports to do, as most skiing will happen in a resort, where they provide ski lifts. You will most likely always have to pay some additional cost to do it.
1. Getting Around
Getting around Canada can be very difficult, due to the weather and the vast landmass. Especially in colder weather and within more rural areas. These areas are usually where the mountains are. Unfortunately, in many areas there is minimal public transport, no Ubers, and Taxis can be unreliable.
Ubers are still operating in Canada, however, many towns and cities do not offer Uber as an option, due to lack of provincial regulation.
Personally, and this is just from my experience, but I would try to avoid renting a car and driving. This is specifically for people who have never driven in the snow, may not be strong drivers, may not be able to afford it, and are travelling solo.
This is not only expensive, but if you have never driven in the snow, it can become quite rough to drive through. Black ice is one of the many dangers on Canadian roads, and many people depend on additional features to their cars, (changing new tires, putting chains or spikes around tires) to prevent sliding off roads and crashing them. And even though they put gravel and salt of on roads to reduce the level of snow, it can still be difficult.
There’s many options, however, such as shuttles, carpool apps, and if you’re really desperate Facebook groups for that specific town. The locals may give you tips on how to get around or even offer a ride for a price. If they do offer a ride make sure they have a driving company or ask them send their details and share your location. Don’t just get into a strangers car.
Uride, Lyft, Poparide, are all examples of apps you can use that may a help you to get around. Just research the area you’re staying in and which of these are available in that specific town.
Certain places also offer food cargo, where you can get food delivered to you, just in case the weather is too rough to go anywhere or you don’t have a ride!
This is a great way to survive a Canadian winter. You have multiple options, if things go wrong.
In the cities areas, like Vancouver, however they will have trains, Ubers, buses, cars, safer roads, and if you are staying in the city center, you can essentially walk to most places. This is mainly for people looking to stay in rural towns, areas, or stay in the mountains.
2. Packing
If you want to survive a Canadian winter, start with making your experience lightweight and seamless.
Pack light. Point blank. Period. I made a mistake of packing two suitcases and I haven’t even worn half of my clothes. I understand winter clothes are a lot more heavy and bulky, however, you only need 1 or two of everything. Yes, you can outfit repeat, this circumstance is definitely an exception.
It also makes room for more things you may need to purchase. Some people (like myself), went into the snowy season without ski gear, and once I purchased them, it added more to my luggage.
I even realized where I went was not as cold as I thought it would it be. I mean, it was still cold, but I was able to stand outside in a t-shirt and some slides and it was fine.
* Exhibit A *
3. Wildlife
Trying to survive a Canadian winter can pose difficult when there’s wild animals involved.
Thankfully, during winter bears are hibernating and won’t bother you. However, the wildlife there can still be quite unpredictable.
If cute and cuddly, why can’t I pet it?
Rule of thumb, if they look cute it does necessarily mean they aren’t somewhat dangerous. Like raccoons. Raccoons may look harmless, however, they are simply the opposite.
Squirrels though. They are cute and they are usually harmless. Still do not go and pet them, as they have been know to attack people and other animals.
Moreover, if you choose to drive in the winter, be careful of deer crossing the road. There are many accidents involving wildlife in Canada during snowy season, as the roads can be quite icy and animals are crossing, predominantly without any street lights.
If you see a moose or an elk, don’t go up to it. They’re huge and if they choose to charge at you or chase you, best thing to do is hide behind something large and heavy, like a tree.
Here’s a photo of a statue of a bear because I couldn’t get real one.
4. Weather Conditions
Canada is one of the coldest countries in the world. So if you absolutely cannot handle really cold weather, find a province that works best for the temperature you can handle and prepare yourself accordingly. Download the app the weather channel, which shows you the weekly temperature throughout Canada.
Make sure to invest in a few good jackets and pants. Ones that are waterproof, warm, insulating, and easy to layer. This is because when the snow melts, it’s basically water, so it seeps through certain fabrics and can become quite difficult to dry after they have been wet.
Here are some examples:
- Snow jacket
- Thermals (longs sleeve top and leggings)
- Snow pants
- Snow boots
- Fleece tops and bottoms
- Merino wool
- Scarves and gloves (water resistant or at least dries quickly)
- Long thermal socks
These are just a few things that will help you survive a Canadian winter.
Also…be prepared for snow storms, blizzards, and a lot of snow. Find an area that does daily snow plowing so that it reduces the amount of snow you many have to drive or walk through.
Be vigilant and prepare yourself the day before, if the weather is severe.
5. Purchasing winter clothes
This was a very stressful experience for me. Australian snow apparel is so incredibly expensive. I was lucky enough to get some good quality snow gear on a clearance sale. But it was still quite expensive.
The best thing to do, is to try and find clothes on Facebook marketplace, clearance sales, thrift stores (op shops), and then try and purchase second hand ski gear at second hand ski shops. Purchasing second hand ski’s will help to see if you really enjoy it or not.
Amazingly, I bought ski boots, ski’s, ski poles for $300. Those items would usually cost a minimum $500 each.
Even if you do not want them anymore, after you’re finished for the season, you can either keep your stuff or give them to second hand stores in exchange for money.
Ski boots are important as they tend to mold to people’s feet. So most people opt for brand new ones. However, if you can’t find ski boots that fit well, you can mold the boots to your feet. Make sure to get a professional opinion or someone to help you find the perfect pair.
You can also go on Facebook groups to find if anyone is selling clothes for the winter season. Best to purchase it in Canada, if you’re struggling where you are form.
6. Safety Precautions
Safety is the most important thing to think about when trying to survive a Canadian winter season.
Frostbite is a very real thing. In extreme cold, exposed skin can freeze quickly. Learn the signs of frostbite (numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, hard or waxy skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech) and seek medical attention immediately if you suspect either.
As stated before, road conditions can be hazardous due to snow, ice, and reduced visibility. Drive slowly, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and brake gently to avoid skidding. Install winter tires, keep an emergency kit in your car (including blankets, a flashlight, extra clothes, non-perishable food, and water), and always keep your gas tank at least half full.
Be cautious of icy sidewalks, driveways, and roads. Use salt, sand, or ice melt to reduce the risk of slipping, and wear footwear with good traction.
I mean, in my first week of living in Canada I saw at least 3 car accidents.
This was one of them
Pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings. Be aware of any advisories or alerts issued by local authorities and follow their recommendations.
Have extra food, water, blankets, medications, and other necessities in case you get stranded or unable to leave your home due to weather conditions.
- Portable charges are a must
- Download offline maps in case you get lost
- Do not hitchhike
- Share your location with friends and family
- Always keep a flashlight on you
7. Sharing a room
This lowers your costs, helps build connections, and creates better experiences. Having a roommate in a new or unfamiliar place can provide a sense of security, especially if you’re staying in a shared accommodation or hostel.
Yes, sharing a room means sacrificing some level of privacy. And it might be challenging at first, to have personal space or downtime, especially if your roommate has a different schedule or habits. However, there are many places in the hostel that provide personal space and privacy.
I understand completely, I get pretty socially exhausted and need a couple of days to recharge.
It might be challenging at first, to have personal space or downtime, especially if your roommate has a different schedule or habits.
Different Preferences: Preferences for cleanliness, noise levels, sleeping schedules, etc., might not always align with your roommate’s, potentially leading to conflicts or discomfort. But usually there is a level of understanding when you communicate your needs effectively. Worst case, find another place/room.
8. Meeting people
This kind of feeds off the previous point. Meeting people.
Roommates or people you meet might have valuable information about the destination, such as recommendations for places to visit, where to eat, or how to navigate the area. They can share their experiences and local knowledge, enriching your travel experience. You may even make more life long friends through mutual engagement.
This is such an important step on surviving Canadian winters, as having connections helps build more confidence in what you are doing and allows for more mutual support if something goes wrong.
Furthermore, travelling solo doesn’t necessarily mean you want to be alone all the time. Sharing a room can provide an opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and share experiences with fellow travellers. This social interaction can enhance the overall travel experience, making it more enjoyable and memorable.
9. Expensive living
Canada. Is. Expensive. I’m Australian and I spend less on food in Australia, even though Canada’s living wages are lower.
It’s important to note that Canada also offers various benefits and social services, including a high quality of life, excellent education, public healthcare, social security nets, and diverse job opportunities across different sectors.
However, it is getting more difficult for people to live and basically survive in Canada, especially during winter.
To manage expenses while living in Canada, some individuals opt for budgeting, seeking more affordable housing options in suburbs, cooking at home, using public transportation, taking advantage of local amenities, and exploring available discounts or benefits for residents. However, it is still quite difficult for people who are alone. Especially if you are travelling solo. So, make sure you’re financially set and find places during winter that give you are variety of amenities and stores to choose from.
Tips:
- Renting a room is more affordable (still pricey)
- Every province is different economically
- Mountains, city centers, and rural areas are more expensive.
10. Ski expenses
Skiing is most definitely the most expensive sport to pursue. Besides the clothing being expensive because of warm materials and natural insulators, like merino wool. A pair of ski boots can cost anywhere between $350-$2000, just for the ski boots…
Then you have to add ski pants, ski’s, ski poles, helmet, goggles etc.
If you are a beginner you may need a couple of lessons, which can also be pricey based on where you get them and on how fast you pick it up. I have no prior training in anything related to skiing and skating and I went down on the slopes by myself on the first lesson (supervised of course).
Tips:
- Purchase second hand
- If you no longer want/need it, sell it on Facebook marketplace or second hand stores
- Make sure it’s what you really want to do. Some people do not ski at all. And that’s fine!
- Try and make friends who can help you on the slopes, if you are a beginner. I took one lesson and had some friends help me out.
I bought most of my ski gear second hand, and still spent $700 for everything.
11. Location
To survive a Canadian winter, identify what matters most to you. Are you looking for employment opportunities, ski season, city experiences, access to outdoor activities, or budgeting? List your priorities to narrow down your choices.
Canada is vast and diverse, with each province and city offering unique advantages. Research different provinces and cities to understand their characteristics, job markets, housing costs, climate, amenities, and lifestyle.
If you’re moving for work, consider cities with strong job markets in your industry. Some cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa have diverse economies and numerous job opportunities across various sectors.
If you choose Montreal or Quebec make sure to learn some French.
Compare the cost of living in different cities. Housing costs, taxes, transportation, healthcare, and everyday expenses can vary significantly across Canada. Choose a location that aligns with your budget and lifestyle.
There are many inconveniences when travelling to Canada during winter. Even though it may be difficult to survive a Canadian winter in some circumstances. That should not stop you from visiting there. As there are so many opportunities and things to do during winter season. Canada has some of the most beautiful landscapes and natural resources and many things to do. You will have so much fun and meet so many new people. Overall, you should way up your options, see if it is really for you and when you make the decision to visit the places you want, it will be 100% worth it.
