Living Through Winter in the Okanagan: Real Tips from Locals

Hey community!

It is already November, and the Okanagan is slowly putting on its white coat again. If this is your first winter in the valley, you’re about to live a season that many of us remember as our biggest Canadian surprise, the cold, the early sunsets, the fog that seems to hug the mountains. I still remember my first winter here, stepping out in sneakers instead of boots, laughing at the breath that turned into smoke in front of me, and realizing that life in Canada doesn’t stop just because it’s cold. It adapts. High note to the people of Canada, because this is one of the most extreme environments I have ever lived in. The cold in the Okanagan is very mild, but if you were to travel toward the center of the country (Alberta, Saskatchewan…) and obviously the farther north you go, the colder it gets. Be ready for it because winter is here and it can be as hard as it is beautiful.

With time, I realized something: winter here brings people closer. It’s the season when neighbours shovel together, share coffee after a snow-storm, and check on each other when the power goes out. It’s also the month when Canadians stop everything for two minutes to remember those who gave their lives for peace. 

If you’re reading this and wondering how to handle your first winter here, you’re in good company. All of us have been there, and Latin Voices exists to share what we’ve learned and help each other.

The Character of Winter in the Valley

The Okanagan can be a place of extremes. In 2021 we had some very high temperatures in the summer, and winters can bring their surprises too. According to recorded data, the average winter temperatures in Kelowna are modest, one site shows averages ranging roughly from      –3 °C to 5 °C in winter 2022. During extreme cold-snap events, temperatures can fall to about –25 °C. Kelowna tends to hover around minus one in January, with a mix of snow and icy rain. Vernon is a little colder; Penticton a little milder. The difference of an hour’s drive can mean boots full of snow or dry sidewalks. The key is to be ready for both. Dress in layers, keep a scraper in your car, and learn to laugh when your plans change because of weather. Winter in the Okanagan teaches flexibility better than any self-help book.

Discovering the Mountains

One of the first joys of winter here is discovering the mountains that surround us. Even if you don’t ski, you can take a short trip to Big White Ski Resort (near Kelowna), SilverStar Mountain Resort (near Vernon), or Apex Mountain Resort (near Penticton), and just breathe that high mountain air and enjoy the view. Each place has its own charm and it's worth the visit. A cup of hot chocolate, children sliding down hills, families gathering around outdoor fires. You’ll see people of every age and background enjoying the same snow that once felt intimidating. 

If you drive up, make sure your car is ready. Winter tires are required in B.C. from October to April (for mountain and winter driving). Mountain roads can surprise even experienced drivers. Take it slow, enjoy the view, and keep an emergency kit in your trunk; a blanket, water, snacks, and a charger can make all the difference. Driving in winter feels different at first. The roads shimmer under streetlights, and sometimes what looks like water is actually ice. Slow down earlier than you think you need to, use low beams in fog, and check the DriveBC site before heading out. You’ll quickly learn that confidence comes not from speed but from calm.

In town, each city has its own rules about snow removal. In Kelowna and Vernon, sidewalks must be cleared within twenty-four hours of a snowfall; in Penticton, by eleven the next morning. It’s not just about avoiding a fine, it’s about keeping the path safe for neighbours, mail carriers, and kids walking to school.

I still remember my first time shoveling snow. My neighbour came out at the same time, much more prepared than I was - he had proper boots, gloves, and a good shovel. I didn’t even have the right jacket, but he gave me lots of tips and showed me the best way to shovel without hurting my back. A few days later, I came outside and saw that he had already cleared not only his sidewalk but mine too. That’s when I understood that neighbours here truly look out for one another.

Dressing for the Weather

One of the biggest lessons I learned my first winter was that the right clothes make everything easier. You don’t need to spend a fortune; you just need to layer smartly. A dry base layer keeps sweat off your skin, a warm middle layer traps heat, and a waterproof jacket shields you from wind. Add gloves, a toque (beanie), and boots with good grip… suddenly, minus five feels manageable. Mittens are warmer than gloves, by the way — especially for kids.

Remember to pace yourself. Warm drinks, regular breaks, and good gear are essential. Frostbite and hypothermia sound dramatic until you realize they can happen faster than expected. Listen to your body and to your coworkers.

Here are more tips for safety during winter and how to be ready:

• Wear the “three-layer” system: base, insulating, and shell.

• Make sure boots have non-slip soles and are waterproof.

• Carry a small ice-scraper and keep your phone charged.

• Stay hydrated — yes, even when it’s cold.

• Be aware of signs of hypothermia: shivering, confusion, slurred speech.

If you only do one thing: buy good boots with traction and treat the weather like part of the plan, not an obstacle.

Managing Energy Bills and Staying Warm

We all feel the difference in our utility bills once the heaters start running nonstop. FortisBC offers an Equal Payment Plan that spreads costs across the year so winter bills don’t spike. BC Hydro has a Crisis Fund for emergencies, and the province provides a Crisis Supplement for those receiving assistance. Don’t hesitate to ask for help — these programs exist for a reason.

Remembrance Day, A Moment to Pause

November also brings one of Canada’s most meaningful traditions: Remembrance Day. Every November 11th, at exactly eleven in the morning, the country falls silent for two minutes. People lower their heads and an entire nation remembers those who fought and died in wars, and those who continue to serve.

You’ll notice people wearing small red poppies on their coats, the symbol of remembrance inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields. You can get one from volunteers at stores or from members of the Royal Canadian Legion. The proper way to wear it is on the left side, close to your heart. It’s a simple but powerful sign of respect.

If you can, attend a ceremony in your city. In Kelowna, people gather at the City Park Cenotaph. Arrive a little early, dress warmly, and silence your phone. For newcomers, it’s a beautiful introduction to the heart of Canadian values: gratitude, service, and community.

Winter in the Okanagan it’s a shared experience that reminds us we belong to something bigger. The snow, the silence, the small acts of kindness between neighbours — they shape the rhythm of life here. Whether you’re lighting your first fireplace, walking by the frozen lake, or simply watching the snow fall from your window, remember that you’re part of a community that understands what it means to adapt, to care, and to endure together. Stay warm, stay connected, and never hesitate to reach out, because in the valley, no one faces winter alone.

Thank you very much for reading and have a wonderful week!