When people talk about Canada, the first few things that come to mind are hockey, maple leaves, great healthcare and of course, snow. Canada has 5 to 6 months of winter, and during these months, the temperature could normally drop as low as –30 degrees depending on the province.

As cold as Canada could be, it is also considered a winter wonderland. It is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and hockey for months. Canada during the wintertime is also majestically beautiful. The lakes and rivers become frozen like massive mirrors and thick enough for outdoor skating and ice fishing. Feeling the crisp winter air while roasting s'mores on a fire is always an experience to remember.

For any doctor who wishes to start a career and a life in Canada. There are many factors to take into consideration during the winter months. It's up to you to weigh them out. Here are some useful tips, as you settle into wintertime in Canada.

1.Choose the best province for you

If you are planning to work as a doctor in Canada, you should take note that not all Canadian provinces are the same. Some provinces, such as Manitoba and Alberta, are far colder during wintertime. While other provinces such as British Columbia in the West coast have balmier temperatures. If you come from a country that has a warmer climate, it is important that you do your research on Canada's 10 provinces, and which one suits you best.

Apart from the climate in the different provinces, it is also important to consider the availability of physician's jobs. Canada has one of the most sophisticated healthcare systems in the world, however, many of its provinces have a shortage of doctors. This is especially true for the more rural locations.

However, if you are going to look for a job in Canada, you should start long before you book tickets. While Canada has a shortage of doctors, the country still has high immigration standards and regulations.

If you want your move to be efficient and successful, you should get the best help possible. Physicians for You, offer in-house recruitment services and friendly and experienced recruiters who will help you throughout the whole process.

2.Time your arrival

Once you do get a job in your chosen province, you should make sure that you schedule your arrival. If you come from a warmer country, this is very important. This is because it takes time to acclimatize yourself to the new weather.

If possible, it is best to move to Canada a few months before wintertime. Summertime is a particularly good time, as it is a few months before Autumn and Winter. This will give you at least a few months to get used to the colder temperatures, and avoid any potential illnesses such as flu, cold, or pneumonia.

It is also a lot easier to move during the summertime as there is less chance of no snowfall. This is also a good time to come, if you have children who are of school age. It will give them time to settle into a new school and routine at the beginning of the school year.

3.Winter gear is key

If your home country is warmer than Canada, it is best that you purchase your winter clothes and gear when you arrive. While you could buy winter clothes and gear from your home country, the material used for winter clothes may not be compatible with the Canadian winter. Remember that Canadian winters are colder, and light to medium level of thickness for winter clothes won't be enough to stave off the winter chill. When it comes to winter gear, amongst the most important pieces of clothing are the winter coat and winter boots.

For winter coats, it is best to invest in a good one. The features you should always look for are that they are proper fitted, insulated, and waterproof. The winter coat should have a good fit, because the better the fit, the more effective it will be to keep the warmth in. When looking for a winter coat with good insulation, it is best to purchase a coat that has a double lining, with materials such as wool or better yet, goose feathers. For the waterproof feature, leather or synthetic leather materials are a great choice.

As for boots, you should choose waterproof ones that have rubber soles for traction and good ankle support. Pathways can be icy in certain places, and you will want to prevent spills and slips, so having a good pair of winter boots is key.

4.Keep track of the weather

Canadians really take the weather seriously. This is especially during wintertime. This is because the weather can be quite unpredictable. What could seem like a sunny winter's day in the morning can become a blizzard in the afternoon.

So, before you leave the house, always check the weather. You can check the news, or you could also download a weather app. As a whole, you should never take the weather for granted.

5.Keep yourself healthy as well

As a doctor, you will be tasked to work with many patients, and as earlier mentioned, winter brings many kinds of illnesses. The most common illnesses would be the cold, influenza, and pneumonia.

A good number of these illnesses, especially colds and flu, are very contagious. As you work through your patient panels, you will also be exposed to these illnesses. If you have a weak immune system, you yourself would be vulnerable and run the risk of getting sick. As a rule, it is important that you take care of yourself.

Try to eat healthy. During a busy day, you might want to skip meals and just eat a light snack. However, you should take note that you are burning calories as you do your work. Light snacks usually lack the necessary calories and vitamins that will help you stave off fatigue or illness. Overall, you should eat at least three-square meals a day and take vitamin supplements as well.

The cold weather may also lead you to think that you don't need to rehydrate regularly. This is a dangerous notion though, because you won't need to sweat to lose fluids in your body. So, as you start your shift, it is important that you have fluids always on hand.

6.Follow winter driving precautions

As you move to Canada, it is important to learn winter driving precautions. Canada is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there are many natural parks and sights that you would want to explore.

However, as you journey through Canada, there may be snowbanks or patches of dry snow or ice on roads. Please remember though that the Canadian government does a great job in cleaning up any snow hazards. You will also need to purchase snow tires. These are specialized tires that allow your vehicle to grip on slippery roads, on some roads in provinces they are compulsory before the start of winter season and last to early spring. Aside from snow tires, you should also know that during very low temperatures, your car engine will take some time to start up. So, you will need to turn on the car engine at least thirty minutes before your drive.

You should also seriously consider signing up with your local Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and store your membership number and details in your phone. That way, you can call for help quickly. It is recommended that you purchase a Winter Emergency Car survival kit, this will contain all the things you may need if you break down in the winter. Kits can be purchased from most superstores or car shops. It is always a good idea to have a warm blanket in your vehicle for emergencies.

7.Enjoy the season

Although the wintertime can be cold and you need to wrap up and stay safe, it is also important to enjoy this wonderous season. Canada is synonymous with winter fun. Many Canadians often look forward to wintertime and the adventure it brings.

Winter sports are an integral part of Canadian culture. Canada considers hockey as its number 1 national sport in the winter. The NHL hockey season usually starts in the first weeks of October, and millions of fans root for their teams. Snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts go to ski resorts for winter breaks and weekends. Canada boasts some of the best skiing resorts in the world. These include the famous Lake Louise, Whistler Blackcomb, and the Ski Mont Tremblant resort.

Apart from snowboarding and skiing, winter hiking is also a great pastime. Canada has many specialized paths for winter hiking, and hikers throughout the world often come to Canada to try out these hiking trails. Many provisional parks across the provinces offer opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, which are also very popular activities.

Winter festivals are also an integral part of Canadian life. These include the Winter Festival of Lights (Ontario), Silver Skate Festival and Chinook Blast (Alberta) to name but a few.

Overall, moving to Canada during the wintertime is an adventure. There will be challenges and opportunities for new experiences. Just make sure that you have the best help on hand. If you want to move to Canada, with less hassle and with professional help, check out Physicians for You.