Your Canadian winter driving checklist

LIVING
Your Canadian Winter Driving Checklist

Winter driving can be an adjustment for newcomers. Canadian winters are unpredictable, and learning to expect the unexpected is an important part of staying safe on the road. Here are some practical tips—adapted from a Reader’s Digest article—to get your car winter-ready.

⬜ Check your tire tread depth and consider winter tires
Ensuring proper tire traction is critical for safety on icy and snowy roads. Winter tires significantly improve braking and handling in winter conditions and can help avoid accidents.

⬜ Switch to winter wiper blades
Ordinary wiper blades can become ineffective in snowy conditions. Winter wiper blades ensure better visibility.

⬜ Build a winter survival kit
A winter survival kit, including essentials like blankets, food, water, and emergency tools, can be a lifesaver during unexpected breakdowns in extreme weather.

⬜ Test your car battery
Car batteries are more prone to failure in cold weather. Have your battery tested (often for free at auto parts stores) to avoid getting stranded.

CANADA EH?
Things to Do Around You

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s A Great Taste Fort George invites guests to explore Indigenous foodways and engage in meaningful dialogue about reconciliation. Featuring chefs Aicha Smith-Belghaba and Tawnya Brant, this event celebrates Indigenous culinary traditions. December 7, 2024.

Toronto’s 120th Santa Claus Parade marks a festive tradition that has been bringing the magic of Christmas to the streets since 1905. This year, the parade will celebrate hope, family, and love with thousands in attendance and millions watching at home. For the first time, it will be streamed live on YouTube. November 24, 2024, at 12:30 PM.

Toronto’s Version: Taylgate ‘24 is the ultimate Taylor Swift pre-concert event, located just steps from the Rogers Centre at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The 150,000 square feet of indoor space will feature complimentary pre-show makeup, bracelet-making, merchandise, and more. November 21-23, 2024.

Toronto’s International Pop Overthrow (IPO) festival returns for another exciting year, featuring some of the best pop bands from around the world. This renowned festival will be held from November 22-24, 2024.

North Vancouver’s Festival of Light celebrates fall and winter traditions with a family-friendly event featuring stories, crafts, and activities from Diwali, Yaldā, and Hanukkah. Enjoy yoga, play dreidel, and explore festive foods in a warm, community atmosphere. November 24, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Calgary’s International Christmas Market, presented by TELUS, brings holiday cheer with festive shopping, delicious food, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy over 330 local vendors, seasonal décor, visits with Santa, and more. November 22-24, 2024.

Join us at Ottawa’s ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub for the Indigenous Holiday Market! Shop from over 30 local Indigenous vendors, enjoy complimentary bannock and tea and take part in festive giveaways. The market runs from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on November 23, 2024.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Ultimate 2024 Canadian Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for great gifts for the foodies in your family? Check out Culinary Tourism’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide and explore the flavours of Canada.

🍺 Dead Horse Cider Company (MB): Known for their Backyard Blend cider, available online nationwide.
🍺 Jasper Brewing Company (AB): Alberta’s first brewery in a national park, with online merchandise sales during a temporary closure.

🍷 Prairie Bee Meadery (SK): Internationally award-winning meads crafted from local honey, shipping to several provinces.
🍷 Rosehall Run Vineyards (ON): Their award-winning Pinot Noir and sparkling wines are available for shipping across Canada.
🍷 Benjamin Bridge Winery (NS): Canada's premier sparkling wine producer, shipping nationwide.

☕ Rogue Wave Coffee Roasters (AB): Ethical sourcing and direct trade, offering subscriptions and single bags.
☕ Barren Ground Coffee (NT): High-quality coffee from Yellowknife, with shipping available.
☕ Za & Klo (Québec): A Montreal-based coffee roaster offering fun, giftable coffee. Ships across Canada.

🍬 Kasama Chocolate (BC): Award-winning, ethically-sourced chocolate, shipped nationwide.
🍬 Oh Fudge! Artisanal Fudge (PEI): Fudge made from PEI potatoes, available in over 20 flavours with shipping across Canada.

🍁 Wabanaki Maple (NB): Indigenous-owned business offering unique barrel-aged maple syrup, perfect for holiday gifts.

TRAVEL
Bucket-List Winter Travel Destinations in Ontario

Looking to take full advantage of your first winter in Canada? Destinations Ontario has compiled a list of seasonal travel destinations from every season! Here is a list of their recommendations for winter.

🛷 Ottawa – Known for the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest skating rink, Ottawa is a must-visit for newcomers looking to experience iconic Canadian winter fun. The city also hosts Winterlude, a festival with ice sculptures and a snow playground, making it a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural festivities.

🏔️ Blue Mountain – A popular ski destination, offering mountaintop skating and winter sports. It’s a great choice for newcomers wanting to try skiing or snowboarding, or simply enjoy stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment.

✨ Niagara Region – Home to the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights and the Icewine Festival, this area offers festive experiences in a breathtaking setting, along with the famous falls illuminated by millions of lights. This combination of nature and celebration might appeal to newcomers looking to embrace winter’s beauty.

❄️ Algoma Highlands – Stokely Creek Lodge provides opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, along with the chance to explore ice caves. This location might be attractive to newcomers interested in quiet, natural experiences and outdoor adventures.

🌲 Killarney Provincial Park – This park offers winter wildlife watching, where visitors can spot animals like moose and wolves.

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