⚠And no, I’m not talking about the classic first-aid kit we keep in the car or in the bathroom cabinet. I’m talking about the items you absolutely need to navigate and survive the Canadian winter.
A few days ago, I read something very funny on social media:
“If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy, but the same amount of snow” (an ancient Canadian proverb).
And nothing could be truer! Especially during the months of January and February! ☃️
There’s really no other choice than to embrace the season and prepare ourselves with what we need to get through these cold months, day by day.
Driver’s Kit 🚗❄️
Winter tires:
Here in Canada, you’ll need winter tires. While there are “all-season” tires on the market, winter tires are designed to maintain grip at low temperatures. In simple terms, they have deeper tread patterns that help channel snow, slush, and ice, giving your vehicle much better control on streets and highways.
Snow brush and ice scraper:
You’ll find them in all colors, sizes, and price ranges, choose the one that best fits your vehicle’s needs.
Windshield washer fluid:
This is extremely important! During cold months, you must use winter-rated windshield fluid. Otherwise, you risk it freezing right on your windshield.
Shovel:
It’s always a good idea to keep a small shovel in the trunk for emergencies.
Patience and caution:
Driving on snowy roads requires extra care. With fresh snow, it’s very common to get stuck. When it starts to melt or if it rains, slush forms, and that’s very slippery. And if it turns into ice (black ice), roads (and sidewalks) literally become skating rinks. So even if you trust your vehicle and your driving skills, remember that other drivers may not be as lucky. They can easily lose control, and the risk of accidents increases exponentially.
Recommendations:
- Brake with plenty of space ahead of you; if your car slides, you’ll have time to stop.
- Cars slip the most when starting and when turning corners. Few things have scared me more than my first snowfall in Canada, driving without the experience I have today. Trying to turn left and having the car slide until I ended up facing oncoming traffic is not fun at all.
- Learn how to manage the humidity controls inside your vehicle! In winter, at the least expected (and least convenient) moment, your windows will fog up. 🌫️
- Always always, check the weather forecast before going to bed so you can prepare ahead of time and know if you’ll need to wake up earlier to shovel the driveway. ⏰❄️
- If you see snow salt trucks on the streets, that’s your unmistakable sign that snow and/or ice is on the way! ❄️🚛🧊
- Keep a pair of heavy-duty gloves in your car for those days when you need to stop for gas. 🧤🚗❄️
Home Kit (Indoor) 🏠🔥
- Warm blankets (fleece is best)
- Portable heaters for colder areas like basements
- Trays for wet shoes and boots by the entrance 👢
- Drying racks for gloves, hats, and socks 🧤🧦
Home Kit (Outdoor) 🌨️
- Snowblower (if you live in a house and your budget and space allow it), either gas or electric.
- Shovels: they come in many shapes and styles (pusher, scooper, metal, plastic, electric, etc.). The key is choosing the one that best suits the space you need to clear.
- Salt (to melt ice), available at all grocery and hardware stores.
- Snow broom.
👉 Don’t forget to keep furnace vents, dryer vents, and the hydro meter clear of snow!
Winter Clothing Kit 🧥❄️
If you haven’t read my post A Practical Guide to the Canadian Winter (Without Losing the Magic) where I share the must-have winter pieces, now’s the perfect time 😉
Emergency Kit 🚑
It’s always smart to have a first aid kit at home and basic supplies for small cuts and falls, which are terribly common during winter.🤕
Cleaning Tips 🧼
It amazes me that some people don’t know winter coats can be washed. But it’s true!
Winter coats can be washed! Most winter coats can go in the washing machine on a delicate cycle, with cold water, and then dried on a delicate setting.
⚠Now, down-filled coats, those are different. I don’t recommend washing them in the machine. I’ve done it, yes, but drying those feathers is a titanic task.
Important: never put hoods with fur trim in the dryer, the fur will get ruined❗. Let those air dry. The same goes for items made of 100% wool: they shrink!
Boots:
The salt used to melt snow and ice, along with slush, creates a white residue on boots (and on the lower part of pants). The good news? They’re not stains. A damp cloth will make your boots look like new in minutes.
Keeping Kids Happy and Busy ❄️🛷
Always have snow toys and sleds on hand. School closures (Snow Days) and transportation and activities cancellations are common during heavy snowfalls, so having a Plan B is essential, as I explain in my post Surviving Childcare in Canada: What Parents Really Need to Know.
The important thing is to prepare yourself mentally for the season. Are there challenges? Of course, but this is our reality, and we have to embrace it❣
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Good luck, and may God bless you!💗
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📸Photo by Freepik – prostooleh
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