It's November, so let's talk snow. ❄️
This started as a Halloween post on my social channels on Saturday. Here's that version, with a bit more room to explain the numbers.
How much snow Canadian cities get
In an average year, St. John's gets about 335 cm of snow. Quebec City gets 303. Ottawa 223, Calgary 129, Toronto 108.
Vancouver? Just 38 cm. That's the lowest of the 15 Canadian cities on this map, and about one-ninth of what St. John's shovels.
Here's the full ranking, in centimetres of snow in an average year:
- St. John's, N.L.: 335
- Quebec City, Que.: 303
- Charlottetown, P.E.I.: 290
- Fredericton, N.B.: 252
- Ottawa, Ont.: 223
- Halifax, N.S.: 221
- Montreal, Que.: 210
- Calgary, Alta.: 129
- Edmonton, Alta.: 118
- Winnipeg, Man.: 114
- Toronto, Ont.: 108
- Regina, Sask.: 100
- Saskatoon, Sask.: 91
- Victoria, B.C.: 40
- Vancouver, B.C.: 38
These are Environment and Climate Change Canada's Climate Normals for 1981–2010, measured at each city's airport station (Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg cover 1981–2007, and Fredericton 1981–2008).
Why it matters for a move
- Coming from Ottawa or Montreal, you're trading close to 2 metres of snow a year for a good rain jacket ☔
- Fewer snow days means less wear and tear on driveways, roofs and your back
- Forecasters say this year's super El Niño should bring a milder winter than usual, too
But there's another side to it
That 38 cm is measured at YVR, right at sea level. Up on Westwood Plateau or Burke Mountain in Coquitlam it's a different story, so good tires and a solid driveway still matter when you're house hunting on the hillsides of the Tri-Cities, BC.
My take
Our winters are a real selling point for people relocating here. Just budget for the rain gear.
If you're a newcomer planning a move from back east or the Prairies, my guide to relocating to Greater Vancouver covers neighbourhoods, costs and getting settled. Need a place to live first? See how I help tenants find a rental before they move. Thinking about buying, hillside or not? Here's how I help buyers in Greater Vancouver and the Tri-Cities, BC.
Where did you grow up, and how much snow did you shovel? Let me know. I'd love to hear it.