6 Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Winter Meals For Cozy Nights In

January 19, 2024

Did you know? Parks Canada advises against letting moose lick your car this winter. This amusing behaviour is attributed to the fact that road salt contains essential minerals like sodium and calcium, which are important for the diet of many animals. (CBC)

While the the Canadian Moose may not be an official symbol, it is embraced as a cultural and natural emblem of Canada, representing the country's vast and diverse wilderness. During the winter, the natural vegetation that moose typically feed on may become less accessible due to snow cover. As a result, moose are venturing onto roads for salt, increasing collision risks. So, resist the temptation to offer your car as a salty treat and drive away safely. Watch😄

LIVING
6 Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Whether you're a first-time snow driver or a seasoned pro seeking a quick refresher, Canada Drives has compiled essential winter driving tips for varying Canadian city conditions. Here are key points to remember:

Maintain control in slippery conditions:

  • Avoid slamming on the brakes; use a controlled, pumping motion for quicker stops.

  • Modern braking systems, like ABS, assist in stopping on slippery surfaces.

  • For manual transmission cars, consider downshifting to slow down on icy roads.

  • Be cautious when braking or accelerating while turning to prevent sliding.

Clear ice and snow from your car:

  • Before driving in harsh weather, clear all windows, the hood, taillights, and headlights.

  • Remove snow from the roof to avoid it falling onto the windshield while decelerating.

  • Use de-ice spray to quickly thaw ice on windows and lift wipers when parked to prevent freezing.

Maintain a safe distance:

  • Drive slowly in snowy conditions, especially during storms.

  • Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to allow ample space and time for safe braking.

  • Be cautious of inexperienced or improperly equipped drivers on snowy roads.

Plan Ahead for Winter Driving Safety:

  • Stick to main roads for better maintenance during snow or ice storms.

  • Enhance visibility by keeping headlights on, clearing snow, and maintaining safe distances.

  • Avoid driving in severe weather conditions, waiting for improved road conditions.

  • Allocate extra time for your commute.

Regardless of whether you find yourself in the blustery Maritimes provinces, frigid Prairies, or the temperate GTA or Vancouver areas, these tips are designed to enhance your safety as you navigate through the cold Canadian climate.

Can an Electric Car Handle the Canadian Weather? Find out here (CBC)

CANADA EH?
Things to do around you:

Get ready to laugh till your sides hurt! MTL Comedy Club hosts hilarious Stand-Up shows every Saturday – snag your tickets for a guaranteed good time. Lord William Pub, Montreal. Get tickets. 

Toronto's beloved Winterlicious is around the corner! From January 26 to February 8, enjoy three-course prix fixe menus at more than 200 participating restaurants at six price points for lunch or dinner. Winterlicious showcases diverse culinary talents celebrating the city's gastronomic scene amid winter's charm. Don’t delay - make your reservations today!

"Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo." Experience the magic of "the Candlelight Bach aux Beatles" on January 20th at La Chapelle Spectacles in Quebec City. Get ready for a musical journey through the iconic tunes. Get tickets.

Guess who's back? Chelsea Handler, the comedy sensation, is hitting then Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton tonight, January 19 at 8pm! Get tickets. 

Unleash your inner artist at the Pottery Brunch Club in Vancouver on January 27th. Whether you're a pottery pro or a beginner, this event is your chance to dive into the world of pottery and surface design. Get tickets.

Join the winter celebration of local love at the annual Ice Festival presented by East Coast Credit Union! From Friday, January 26 to Sunday, January 28 in Downtown Darthmouth, Nova Scotia. Learn More.

TRAVEL
5 Beginner-Friendly Ice Climbing Experiences in Canada

❄️🏔️ Winter for many means cozy indoors, sipping hot cocoa. Yet, the thrill of ice climbing, often seen as extreme, is more accessible than you might think. Check out five beginner-friendly ice climbing experiences across Canada (Cottage Life)

1. Liv Outside in Bracebridge, Ontario
Located in Bracebridge, Liv Outside welcomes beginners to climb 70 to 100 vertical feet of chandelier ice in either Muskoka or the Haliburton Highlands. With beginner and intermediate experiences lasting up to six hours, they provide all the gear needed for a memorable adventure.

2. One Axe Pursuits in Elora, Ontario
Escape the hustle of the Greater Toronto Area with One Axe Pursuits in Elora. Offering five-hour courses for beginners, the picturesque locations of Elora and Ancaster provide an adrenaline-filled escape. Private lessons or group adventures are available with two convenient time slots.

3. Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in Canmore and Banff, Alberta
Known as the ice climbing capital of the world, the Rockies boast Yamnuska Mountain Adventures. Their Level One course, "Basic Ice," spans two days and covers everything from top-rope belay systems to personal ice climbing equipment. Gain confidence and skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.

4. Canadian Rockies Alpine Guides in Canmore and Banff, Alberta
Certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, Canadian Rockies Alpine Guides cater to climbers of all levels, even beginners. From November to April, explore ice climbing in various locations, including Kananaskis, Banff, and Jasper. Learn the essentials in gear and safety before conquering the ice.

5. Canada West Mountain School
Established in the '80s, Canada West Mountain School is a leading guiding and training center. Their "Ice Essentials" course, based in Lillooet near Whistler, is perfect for beginners with basic climbing knowledge. Over two days, master climbing techniques, ice anchor construction, and rating systems in the stunning south coast of British Columbia.

Ready to try something new? Embark on a frozen adventure—ice climbing is not just for the experts! 🧗‍♂️🧊

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
15 Winter Meals to Enjoy on Cozy Nights In

Make room in your dinner rotation for Best Health Canada’s winter recipes that'll warm you up.

Savor the simplicity of a Barley and Mushroom Whole-Grain Risotto, an effortlessly comforting dish for the winter season. The slow cooker turns barley into a delightful, wholesome risotto, making it a stress-free addition to your kitchen repertoire.

Indulge in the warmth of our Rustic Creamy Pumpkin and Walnut Soup on chilly evenings or as a robust appetizer for gatherings. Opt for pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for a rich, velvety texture. Alternatively, swap pumpkin with butternut squash for a delightful twist.

Delight in the soul-soothing goodness of Classic French Onion Soup, a meal-in-a-bowl perfect for dinner or a robust lunch. Customize by swapping baguette slices for ready-made croutons, enhancing this timeless recipe.

Transform cool nights into cozy moments with our Slow Cooker Beef Chili. This make-ahead marvel is tailor-made for busy weeknight dinners, ensuring hearty satisfaction with each spoonful. Embrace the ease and warmth of these winter recipes.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Canadian Matty Matheson steals the attention at Emmys

Small town pride ensues as Fort Erie, Ontario’s own Matty Matheson stole the spotlight at the Emmys, winning Outstanding Comedy Series for "The Bear." The renowned chef and actor gave a memorable acceptance speech, making headlines. The Bear went home with six Emmy awards in the comedy categories.

Matheson is the owner of a string of successful restaurants in Toronto as well as Rizzo’s House of Parm in Crystal Beach which recently landed the fourth spot on the coveted top 10 list of Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2023.(chch)

Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

OUR PICKS & FAVS
Embrace the season!