Anglophone Quebecers have a higher unemployment rate and earn less than Francophones

Mmm-hmm, yes, I said it. Montreal winter is the best. In fact, I love it so much that I prefer it to be winter. All. Year. Round.

Now before you lose your shit and come for me, I’d like to preface that I don’t to hate other seasons (other than construction, but we’ve already established that) it’s just that winter does it for me way more than any other season, especially summer.

While summer in Montreal has this enduring reputation for being supreme – I disagree. Highligths.

You may think to yourself “this guy has lost his mind” or you may secretly nod your head in agreement – and to those who are, I see you, I feel you and you are not alone. Now, what is it about winter that motivates me so much that I prefer it to be cold all year round? Let me tell you.

It’s easier to get warm than to cool

Montreal is known for its summer heat and humidity, and with the city breaking heat records year after year, it doesn’t look like things are going to cool down any time soon.

On that same note, Montreal is also known for its freezing winters, but it’s much easier to warm up than to cool down. Let me explain.

I’m a sweater (no, not the garment – the type of person who sweats bullets the second the weather hits over 20 degrees Celsius) so it shouldn’t come as a shock that I’m much more comfortable during the winter .

Listen, I get that a lot of people hate freezing temperatures, get cold easily, and hate being cold in general. I understand and I understand, but you know what? You can layer.

When I’m sweltering in the summer, I can’t take off a lot of things to cool off before I break the law.

Perspiration ? Too much

Speaking of suffocating during the summer, I am in no way exaggerating when I say this. Either I need to be in a pool to feel comfortable, or I constantly look like I’m getting out of it.

Although summer in Montreal has so much to offer, it’s hard to take advantage of it when I’m well… sweaty. Eating on the terrace? Sweat. Outdoor parties? Sweat. Strolling in Old Montreal? Sweat. Take the bus or the metro? Abundantly sweat. Hanging out in the park? Swea… You get the picture.

But when winter comes, I can do it all, and I can do it comfortably. Ask me to go up to Mount Royal when it’s over 30 degrees – although I’ll agree I’ll bring an extra shirt, paper towels and reapply deodorant everywhere (no, I’m not kidding). Asking me to go up Mount Royal during the crisp cold of the Montreal winter? I’ll gladly accept while I put on my boots and jacket with a smile.

Let’s talk about outdoor activities

Do I like summer sports? Sure. Am I actively enjoying doing them? Not really. Why? See above.

Do I like winter sports? Sure. Am I actively enjoying doing them? YES. Whether it’s ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, tubing or hiking, I’m bundled up and ready to go. And you want to know what the bonus is on top of all that? You can end any winter activity with a nice cup of hot chocolate, sit by the fire, and snuggle up in a blanket. Good right?

What is the bonus after a summer activity? A Gatorade, a cold shower and need to catch your breath? No thanks.

Now let’s talk about bugs

Like many people, I don’t like insects. In fact, I hate them. Yeah, yeah, they serve a purpose and all that jazz, but damn they’re boring. Mosquitoes being the worst.

Since Montreal is an island and we are surrounded by water, mosquitoes thrive during the summer. You know who doesn’t thrive in the summer? Me.

Whether you’re swatting a fly while trying to enjoy an outdoor meal, eliminating ants, or turning around the second the buzz of a wasp is heard (and don’t get me started on the spiders), the insects are irritants. You know when they’re not irritating? During the winter. Need I say more?

Winter holidays reign supreme

When winter comes, so do some of the best holidays of the year. Thanksgiving (not technically a winter holiday, but I’m adding it), Black Friday (yay deals), “Chris-kwanz-ukah”, Mariah Carey season (give me All I want for Christmas is you every day), New Years, Valentine’s Day and Saint Patrick’s Day.

It’s a heck of a load of festive moments to celebrate during the winter – and that’s all the more reason why I love it so much. What does summer have to offer in Montreal? Victoria Day, Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Canada Day? Leave me alone.

Winter all day, every day

I totally understand that this is a controversial statement, but I stand by it. Sure, I could move to a cooler place and be comfortable all year round that way, but I love Montreal, but not Montreal summers.

Now, as winter draws to a close (yes, I understand it’s still mid-February, but the groundhog said six weeks, so…) I’m starting to prepare for the warmer months ahead. While this may bring joy to many Montrealers, it fills me with a slight dread. Why? Because Montreal summers are too hot!

While I’m not trying to convince anyone that it should be winter all year round, I’m just saying that if I had it all, it would be. Finally, I will quote the queen of Arendelle herself, Elsa. Cold? It never bothered me anyway.

Yes, I really ended this with a Frozen reference.