Canadians Know How To Do Winter

Canadians know a thing or two about winter. And contrary to popular belief, it is not all about hockey or skateboards at this time of year. Canadians know how to do winter because it is so long.

True Grit in Winter

Every year when that first snow hits, it is like the first time. The toques, the gloves, the padded coats, and the boots are on. Frostbite is a real and present danger here, so we don’t play. Visitors tend to underestimate the effects of the cold in Canadian cities especially if they come from temperate climates.

February is usually the month where it gets worse before it gets better.  While the cold can be exhilarating for a brisk winter hike, or snowmobiling.  If possible, it is best to take a cue from nature and slow down. hibernate. Yes find that warm spot and curl up in front of a roaring fire.

Canadians used to venture to warmer climates, like Cuba and Florida in the winter. Times have changed. Perhaps, its a growing love for the country’s natural beauty, or a tanking economy, Canadians are returning in growing numbers to traditional ways of doing winter in style at home.

Carnivals and Festivals

Most communities put on either a Winter carnival, a festival, or both.  Check your local listings, as there are are usually family fun events showcased in many towns.  Winter is usually a slow time for local artisans who often share co-operative spaces. 

Festivals give artists an opportunity to showcase their talents via exhibitions or lessons to an appreciative audience, who have braved the cold to find some winter fun.  For example, the Alton Mill Arts Centre, Caledon has an annual Fire and Ice Festival.

 Ice Carving

This is truly and amazing feat to watch.  A huge chunk of crystal clear ice transformed before your eyes.  The sculptors have to work  quickly and skillfully as it is hard to see the design taking shape in this medium.

Ice sculptors use various tools from a chain saws to ice picks, carving very intricate designs in ice. Try to catch some before they all melt away.  Ottawa has some beautiful ice sculptures  that  are showcased in night lights each year.

  Ice Fishing

They tell me that it is great fun, and really warm in the those little huts, so I have to believe them. It really seems to be a bonding exercise with your extremities, as you will have to continually check that they are still attached as you can no longer feel them.

Seriously, it is a way to immerse all your senses in nature with the least amount of comfort. The bracing cold playing misty with your breath while you wait for indeterminate fish to bite your fly. Alcohol is sometimes used to maintain blood circulation.

Driving

You have not truly experienced Canadian winter driving until you have done a doughnut. I have passed this rite of passage a few times, and can verify that it is a very surreal experience.

A doughnut while driving is not the kind found in the famous Canadian franchise. It is an unintended, complete 360 degree spin, while you grip the steering wheel and know its too late to ask Jesus to take the wheel.

To add to this winter glee trip, once recover from the shock of doing a doughnut and your eyes begin to focus, you realize that the car is facing oncoming traffic. A true Canadian, grateful to be still in the land of the living, will turn around and carry on. Fast.

For the winter road savvy Canadian, preparation is the key. This is how its done:

• Put winter tires on before the first snow
  
• Have a first aid kit and emergency gear in the car
  
• Take extra blankets and snacks, like chocolate bars or fruit bars
  
• Ice-scrapper and winter washer fluid
  
• Tank not below half full

A doughnut can happen when you get caught in a snow storm, before the city roads are salted. The black ice is deceptive, especially in rural areas in the winter, where you can’t tell the road ends and the ditch begins.

Maple Syrup

This list would not be complete without “Canadian Gold” as maple syrup is known. Only in Canada?, No, the U.S also produces it too. However, seventy per cent of the World’s maple syrup is produced in Quebec.

This gift from indigenous wisdom has provided a sweet addition to the taste buds and the economy. It is an obligatory school trip for Canadian school children to witness sugar maple tapping in the season and sample the syrup. Canadian pancakes are naked without maple syrup, which is also used to flavor sausages and beans.

Final Thoughts…

Now you know some of the ways Canadians do winter. I was once a stranger to the Great White North and had to learn the hard way.

I was initiated via the corner Portage and Main, Winnipeg, the “crossroads of Canada” in minus 35 Celsius, the legendary coldest intersection in Canada. As time goes on I want to share the fabulous opportunities for exploring nature in all its seasons in Canada. Stay tuned.

When you have done all of the above grab a hot chocolate and sit by the fire. It’s a long winter so let’s make it a fun one.