Snow and Vancouver are two things that do not go well together. Every year our rainy city is taken aback by the soft white flurries that come with Canadian winters. Fortunately, we only get a few days of snow every year, but things can get pretty dysfunctional. To help navigate these rare snowy days, here is what I make sure to do every winter!
Clear out the Driveway Before It’s too Late
It’s the first day of snow and as much as I want to sit back and admire the snow-capped roofs, I need to get to work and clear up any snow that has piled up on my driveway and car. I’m tempted to sit back with a cup of hot chocolate and a Christmas movie, but I’d rather get my workout at the gym instead of spending multiple hours shoveling a mountain of snow.
Avoid the Road
This is something that every Vancouverite knows – our transportation infrastructure can grind to a halt once we get a few inches of snow. A lot of transit delays and accidents happen, and it is generally safer to avoid being on the road if possible!
Grocery Shop before it Snows
This is something I learned the hardest way possible – by falling on an icy sidewalk with a 5kg bag of rice in my hand. Carrying heavy groceries around Vancouver’s icy roads is not a good idea, especially when taking public transit. I always run to the grocery store the moment I see snow in the weather forecast and shop for a month’s worth of groceries. This tip has served me well over the years.
Wear Good Snow Shoes
I excitedly bought a very cute pair of rain boots when I first moved to Vancouver thinking that they would survive everything the weather could throw at them. Unfortunately, my boots were not sufficient for the slush and black ice that takes over the pavements during snow season. I spent my first winter slipping every time I got off a bus and walking at a speed of 2km/hr. To avoid being in the same situation, I would highly recommend some sturdy shoes with a grip that can stay balanced on slippery surfaces.
I hope the tips above are as helpful for those looking to navigate Vancouver’s occasional encounters with snow as they are for me! Share your cold weather tips in the comments below.
