Moving Into Canada's Climate

By Matthew Butler

Moving to Canada from another country can be an exciting experience, but you should be prepared from some challenges – especially seasonally! There are many differences that make Canada unique from other countries, but one difference that seems to stay with us is our weather.

One of the many things you often hear about Canada is that the winter season here is cold. It can come as an even greater shock in person than reading about it, but before you begin to worry that you can’t get used to our colder climate, take these few things into account:

1. Canada is a seasonal country that has different periods of temperatures. Meaning it isn’t always cold and snowing; sometimes it is hot and sunny – we have great lakes and beaches that are great student travel destinations all over the country. Also, depending on which part of the country you live, there may be milder winters with very little snow such as in Vancouver or Victoria.

2. Canada’s colder winter seasons create great opportunities that may be new to you before moving here. Skating, skiing, ice hockey, and sledding are just some outdoor activities that are both fun and prominent assets to Canadian weather. The Canadian Rockies are among the world's most beautiful mountain ranges, and Whistler in BC is a premier winter sport destination, having hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics.

3. Many campuses build the climate into their campuses. Campus coffee shops, hot chocolate vendors, campus ice rinks, and other sorts of things are great during the winter season. Some campuses will have underground or connecting tunnels to make it easy to get around campus during the winter.

Whether you have a general interest in athletics, enjoy trying to food and drink, or like the idea of outdoor activities that are new, Canada’s winter climate can brighten your educational experience. Help spread the word and visit Canada soon!