The Roads of Winter

Plows clear the roads of snow

No Canadian should ever apologize for our winter seasons filled with snow and ice. It is because of our four seasons including winter that we enjoy such a diversity of adventures year round.

Yes… OK I will sort of admit (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) that it is nice to visit a country with only one sunny, hot season year round (however… that is not my cup of tea but for some it is). But one must realize that one season delivers one type of adventure all the time. For people like us – who like a variety of adventures outdoors – the seasons in Canada are our best friend.

There is nothing boring about a Canadian winter. The snow creates adventures like snowboarding, xc skiing, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding & snowshoeing. The frozen ice creates adventures like ice fishing and ice sailing. The all-around winter conditions creates sightseeing spectacles like the Northern Lights and Polar Bear Tours. What is there not to like!

Winter roads can look so beautiful

One of the biggest challenges during the winter season is travel. How to get from “Point A” to “Point B”. And the challenges of travel has everything to do with your destination in Canada. Canada is a humongous country.

Take today for example. On the east coast we have sunshine and blue skies. On the west coast there is snow on the mountains and rain at lower elevations. In Central Canada there is snow falling at all elevations.

In many cases to get to a staging area for many winter adventures one must travel our roads. And… take it from us… the roads are, sometimes, an adventure in themselves. Some roads are covered in black ice, while at higher elevations the roads may be knee deep in powder snow.

And here is the cracker jack – the weather changes quickly at higher elevations and in some areas of the country. What may look like a sunshine day in the morning may end up as a snow blizzard by nightfall. So when traveling the winter roads in Canada always be prepared for the the unthinkable.

Here is a list of items one should always carry in their vehicle when on our winter roads in case the unexpected happens on your way to an adventure. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Prior to Travel

Check battery
Fill your gas tank
Check weather reports
Refill wiper fluid
Good winter tires
Make sure all brake lights are working
Tell someone where you are going and your expected arrival time

During Travel

Hot liquids in thermos
Shovel
Cell phone
Candles
Blankets or sleeping bag
Extra warm clothing including toque and gloves
Extra pair of socks
24 hours worth of food
De-Icer
Bottled water
Rock Salt
Flashlight
Road Flares
Gas can
First Aid Kit
Booster cables

And remember drive slow because an adventure is not an adventure unless you arrive at your destination safely. Plan, research and book your adventures with us at Canada eh Travel & Adventure