6 Reasons I Loved My First-Ever Winter In Canada & Why It's Not As Bad As People Say

It's downright beautiful

I don't think anything could have prepared me for just how beautiful Canadian winters can be.

There just really is something about the world outside turning white that makes you want to slow down and take it all in.

From frozen lakes and fallen snow, to bare trees and icy lakes, there's just a haunting beauty about this time of year and it's breathtaking in its own way.

A full season later, I still get distracted at the sight of snowfall and get a huge kick out of seeing my breath rise!

There's loads of sunlight

I experienced my last winter in the U.K., and while I was there for about two weeks in December, I didn't see the sun once.

Because of this, I expected grey, dreary weather throughout the winter in Toronto.

But I was wrong.

While there are some days where there's limited or no sunlight, there are also days that are brilliantly sunny.

In fact, when there's a sunny day after heavy snowfall, you get a chance to see sunlight glinting off the snow, and nothing looks better.

I didn't even know that sun and snowfall could coexist but they do, and it's so awesome.

I'll be the first to admit the sun setting earlier in the beginning of winter isn't too much fun. But, I'm going to block that memory out until next winter!

The cold is manageable (with the right accessories)

Apart from dreary days, one of my worst fears about winter was that there would be snowstorms and awful weather for weeks on end, making it hard to go out.

But that wasn't the case for me this winter. There were occasional snowstorms, but there were also warmer days, rainy days and days with snow flurries.

And Canadian winter accessories are great, and really help you to prepare for the conditions.

From winter jackets and boots to neck warmers, gloves, thermals, "thermal socks," hand-warmers, snowpants and more, the selection is pretty endless.

I learned that once you've got your winter basics right, you should be able to tackle the elements.

Even if you hate the cold, like me!

Stay-at-home weather is lovely

I love Toronto summers because there just seems to be so much to do.

But last summer, sometimes, I just wanted to take a break, be a bit anti-social and have some me-time.

And I honestly feel like Canadian winters are the perfect time to do this.

If the weather is bad outside, consider it a reason to stay in and finish up the million things you weren't able to get to because you were busy the rest of the year.

Or, you can be like me, and just relax on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and a book, and watch the snow fall outside.

Absolutely blissful.

Winter activities

On the flip side, if you are itching to get out, there are so many things you can do!

A year ago, there was no way I thought I would willingly head out into minus-degree temperatures, let alone partake in any activities.

But I did, and it's honestly a great way to experience the season.

Winter activities like ice skating and skiing can be hard to pick up as a newcomer, but they're fun and definitely worth a shot.

Food just tastes better

And finally, there's nothing quite like a piping hot and comforting meal after escaping from the snow.

From ramen and pho to hot pot meals, I find that I savour my warm meals all the more when the weather is so cold outside.

Even the pleasure of chugging back a hot chocolate on a chilly day hits different.

I might come out of this season a few pounds heavier, but I'll have no regrets at all.