Invest in a proper winter jacket

A good winter jacket quickly became my most important purchase. I learned that warmth matters far more than how a jacket looks.

I found my first proper winter jacket at Winners and it was a great deal! I didn’t need anything fancy. I just needed something insulated, long enough to block the wind and warm enough for days when the temperature dips well below freezing. That one jacket lasted me for years and made daily life much easier.

Look for a coat rated to at least –30°C, with wind protection and a hood. You really only need one good jacket, but choosing the right one can make winter feel much more manageable.

Choose winter boots built for Manitoba

Winter boots are something I learned to take seriously after a tough lesson. One icy morning on my way to class, I slipped, fell and broke my laptop. That moment made it very clear how important it is to be mindful of ice and move carefully during winter.

Good winter boots should be insulated, waterproof and have a strong grip. Manitoba sidewalks can become icy quickly, especially after snow or a temperature change. Footwear with solid tread helps you feel more stable and confident as you get around.

Since then, I’ve learned to slow down, pay attention to conditions and choose boots that help keep me steady. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.

Learn to layer like a local

Layering took some getting used to. At first, I underestimated how much of a difference it makes. Over time, I learned that layering isn’t about piling clothes on. It’s about choosing the right combination so you stay warm outside and comfortable indoors.

I don’t have a specific brand of socks I swear by, but I did learn that thicker socks and moisture-wicking layers help a lot. A base layer keeps you dry, a warm middle layer adds comfort and your outer layer protects you from wind and snow. One of my best early finds was a pair of thick leggings from Ardene, which I picked up on my aunt’s recommendation. I still have them to this day and reach for them regularly on colder days.

Check the weather daily

Wind chill matters.

In Manitoba, the temperature alone doesn’t tell the full story. Wind can shift how the day feels, so checking the forecast each morning helps you decide what to wear and how to plan. A scarf or extra layer can make a noticeable difference.

It becomes second nature quickly.

Winter here is meant to be experienced.

You don’t have to hibernate. Some of Manitoba’s most memorable moments happen in winter.

• Skating is one of those winter activities that feels intimidating until you try it. Places like The Forks offer accessible spots to ease into it. I didn’t grow up skating, so it took me a while to try it here. When I finally did, I went from not even wanting to put skates on, to standing, to carefully walking in them, and eventually stepping onto the ice under one of the canopies all in the same day. Taking things slowly made all the difference. It wasn’t nearly as intimidating as I’d imagined and it helped me see winter as something I could take part in, not just get through.
• Finding warm, familiar places also helped. I like to eat, so I spent time exploring Winnipeg’s food scene and gradually built a rotation of favourite spots. Places like Local Public Eatery, Bellissimo, Frankie’s and Joeys became reliable go-tos. When the evenings felt darker, sitting down for a good meal made winter feel cozier.

Find your winter community

Connection changes everything.

Winter feels easier when it’s shared. For me, my local church community played a big role in helping winter feel more welcoming. Having people to check in with, attend events alongside or simply warm up with made a huge difference.

Whether it’s a faith group, student organization or neighbourhood program, finding a sense of connection can turn winter into something you experience together instead of alone.

Give yourself time

Winter has its own rhythm.

There’s a quiet beauty to this season. Snow catching the light, trees outlined against the sky, mornings that feel calm and still. You don’t have to love every moment, but giving yourself space to experience it helps.

Some days, the win is just stepping outside and realizing you’re more prepared than you were yesterday.

Final thoughts

I realized that appreciating winter and finding joy in the little things I already loved doing helped it feel like a new experience. It’s something I’m still learning and looking forward to exploring further.

Your first Manitoba winter might surprise you. With the right gear, a bit of planning and an open mindset, the season starts to feel less intimidating and more inviting. Looking back, the biggest difference was realizing that winter here is something you embrace one step at a time.