Canada’s winters are legendary. From year to year, you will see icy cold temperatures, heavy snowfall and freezing winds. They can be both awe inspiring and a cause of concern for people looking to buy property in Canada. After all, the past hundred years have thrown up some extreme weather events.

In 1999, Tahtsa Lake in British Columbia saw a staggering 145cm of snow fall in a single day. Meanwhile, in terms of icy temperatures, Ottawa weathered a –38.9°C night in 1933. Pair those cold nights with a strong wind and the impact can be even stronger. In 1989, Pelly Bay in the Northwest Territories recorded a wind chill of -91°C. However, these are record-breaking extremes, not the norm.

Still, for anyone looking to buy property in Canada and move to the country, it is important to understand how winter can impact daily life and homeownership. With preparation, you can transform winter’s challenges into opportunities for enjoying a season like no other.

In winter, Ottawa’s Rideau Canal becomes the world’s largest ice rink

The Canadian winter experience

Canada is a vast country, and the impact of winter varies significantly from region to region and even within a single territory. In British Columbia, for example, Vancouver sees more rain than snow and mild temperatures staying above 0°C, but Fort Nelson in the north of the region sees December temperatures fall as low as -21°C.

The Prairies (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) are more consistent and endure frigid temperatures that can dip below -30°C, paired with heavy snowfall. Ontario and Quebec experience a mix of snowstorms, freezing rain, and icy conditions, while Atlantic Canada contends with powerful coastal storms. A general rule of thumb, however, is that northern winters are long and harsh, with extreme cold and minimal daylight.

Aside from temperatures, shorter daylight hours during winter months can affect daily routines. However, many Canadians embrace these conditions, transforming the cold and snow into an integral part of their lifestyle through winter sports and cultural traditions.

If you buy a property in Canada, it’s best to learn you can’t fight the seasonal changes, you make them work for you. In Ottawa, for instance, every winter the Rideau Canal freezes over and residents can skate all the way into the city’s downtown, stopping along the way for a hot chocolate from the Beavertail stands that are set up for the winter months. You also have access to excellent skiing at both ends of the country, with Whistler to the west in British Columbia, and Mont Tremblant to the east near Montreal.

As you research where to buy in Canada, be sure to find out what kinds of weather you will experience and give thought to what sort of winter you would enjoy.

You may need to buy winter maintenance equipment like a snow blower

Winter-ready home features to look for

When buying property in Canada, it’s essential to consider how well the home is equipped to handle winter. Depending on the strength of the winters you’re likely to endure, you may need none or all of the features below. So, do your research to know what you’re looking for in a property (and find out how much it will cost to make the necessary renovations).

Insulation and heating systems: Effective insulation and a reliable heating system—such as a furnace, heat pump, or geothermal heating—are non-negotiable for keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient. The better your insulation, the less you will need to spend on heating your home. Insulated plumbing may also be essential to prevent your pipes from bursting and causing water damage.

Windows and doors: Double- or triple-glazed windows and draft-proof doors prevent heat loss and reduce heating costs. If you are living in a region that can be hit by strong winds or even hurricanes, such as Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, then you may want to invest in storm shutters.

Prevent ice damming before it causes damage to your home

Roofing: A durable roof designed to handle heavy snow loads and proper drainage systems are vital to avoid ice damming. Ice dams form when heat leaks from your home and melts snow on your roof that then freezes as compacted ice. This new ice can create blockages that lead to water damage throughout your roof and walls. You may also want to consider how you will access the roof if you plan on clearing it of snow yourself.

Garages and driveways: While not essential, a heated driveway and insulated garage can reduce the frustration of driving in winter. You don’t want to shovel snow every time you need to take the car out. Snow clearance is a legal requirement in some places, such as Toronto, so anything that makes the job easier is a blessing.

Smart features: Technologies such as smart thermostats give you the control to warm your house ready for when you get home and can also optimise your energy use to keep costs down.

Don’t endure Canada’s winter, embrace it

When considering a move to Canada, it can be easy to focus on the negatives of its harsh winters. Yet, with research and preparation, you can embrace the joys of buying a property in Canada.

As well as winter activities, like skiing and skating, the season becomes a time of home comforts. Fireplaces, woollen clothing and thick blankets are the norm in a Canadian winter.

If you choose a location in Canada that suits your tastes and buy a winter-ready home then you will find you can thrive in the country’s coldest months.