Everything you need for an early spring or long winter

Wiarton Willie, Shubenacadie Sam, Balzac Billy, Manitoba Merv, Fred La Marmotte, and Lucy the Lobster made varying predictions about the arrival of spring. We have you covered with seasonal products that will get you through more snow, sunshine, and everything in between.

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While The Weather Network meteorologists will have the most accurate data about what’s in store with their upcoming Spring Forecast, here’s a list of some of our favourite springtime products and classic winter necessities you’ll want to order in the meantime, based on this year’s Groundhog Day predictions.

If the prediction is for early spring…

…dust off your patio furniture and snap on the gardening gloves! We rounded up a few must-have items that make us long for sunny days and even seasonal rain.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

Amazon, Repel Travel Umbrella, CANVA, Groundhog Day 2023

SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Those spring showers are inevitable! This compact umbrella features almost everything you would want at a very affordable price. It’s reinforced with nine fibreglass ribs, made of heavy-duty material to stand up against anything Mother Nature throws your way, and has an automatic opener with a rubberized non-slip handle for a better grip. Plus, it has more than 70,000 ratings on Amazon.ca, which means it’s a popular product for good reason.

Unisex Adult Hooded Rain Poncho

Amazon, Adult Rain Poncho, CANVA, Groundhog Day 2023

SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: At Shop the Weather, we try to search for easily portable products so you can take them with you in case inclement conditions strike. This packable rain poncho is waterproof, windproof, and sandproof making it the ideal option to bring on hikes, camping trips, sports events, or pretty much any outdoor adventure you’re embarking on. The design allows it to be used as a picnic mat, sunshade, groundsheet, or even a small tent. It also includes a compact storage pouch.

MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

Amazon, Mud Buster for Pets, CANVA, Groundhog Day 2023

SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: We all know springtime can bring some wet conditions with everything melting plus rainy days. This invention will help clean up your pup’s paws after they’ve met a puddle or mud pile they couldn’t resist! All you have to do is add a little water, insert the muddy paw, twist it, and dab the paw dry with a towel. The gentle silicone bristles will effectively remove dirt and mud. Customer reviews indicate it works exactly as you’d expect!

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Cordless Vacuum

Amazon, dustbuster vacuum, CANVA, Groundhog Day 2023

SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Did the groundhog say spring cleaning? With over 80,000 Amazon ratings, we are confident you won’t find a speck of dust once you’ve used this hand vac. It features a rotating, slim nozzle that targets dirt in the toughest spaces and boasts fifty per cent more reach than previous models. The brush and crevice tools are located on-board so there are no accessories to store separately. You can use this little vac in your house, car, or any small space you can think of!

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Fiskars Garden Hori Hori Knife

Amazon, Hori Hori Knife, CANVA, Groundhog Day 2023

SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Maybe you’ve got garden clean-up and spring prep on your mind and here’s something you’ll definitely want to keep in your shed, in any season. Hori Hori knives are specifically designed for a variety of uses, and this one from Fiskars is no exception. The two-sided blade features a precision edge and serrated edge for whatever cutting you need, as well as a forked tip for easy weeding and a built-in measurement ruler. Just a wonderful little tool and the sheath’s included.


Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.


If the prediction is for long winter…

…chances are you’ll be digging out a few more times! These essential winter items are what’s going to help get you through six more weeks of winter storms.

Snow Joe Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel

Amazon, snow joe shovel, canva resize, cold weather safety items

SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: This shovel is exactly what you need to get through a long winter. Snow Joe literally has your back with this one. It’s specifically designed to reduce the strain on your lower back, with a spring-assist handle and a design that shifts the work to your upper body. So if you have to dig out for six more weeks, consider adding this affordable and quality shove to your roster.

Telescopic Snow Brush

Snow Brush (Canadian Tire)

SHOP NOW on Canadiantire.ca: More winter means more time brushing snow and scraping ice off your car. A two-in-one combo is pretty standard, and we like this offering from Garant the best, a combination of a good price point, a non-scratch foam head, a good comfort grip, and other bells and whistles that make it an easy buy.

Hothands Heatmax Variety Pack

Amazon, Hothands Variety Pack, cold weather safety items

SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Combat the continuing chilly conditions with the Hothands Variety Pack. It’s an easy addition to your day outside whether you’re hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or taking the kids tobogganing. The pack includes 10 hand warmers (five pairs), five body and hand warmers, and six toe warmers (three pairs). Plus, they are incredibly convenient for kids to use. All you need to do is remove them from the package and shake to activate and the warmth will increase within 30 minutes.

Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction Device Unisex

Amazon, Unisex Spikes, CANVA, winter hiking guide

SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Quit walking like a penguin and order a pair of spikes that you can keep on hand over the next several winters. If you’re venturing off the trails or hiking up hills, these spikes will secure your grip and reduce the risk of slipping on ice. Eight spikes at the forefoot and four spikes at the heel ensure optimal traction that aggressively bites into challenging terrain. You can effortlessly slip these over hiking shoes or boots for a multitude of winter activities.

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Snow Tube for Kids and Adults

Amazon, snow tube, kids snow toys gift guide

SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Take advantage of six more weeks of all the fun winter weather entails! Snow tubes have become an increasingly popular trend over the past few years and this inflatable tube with a magical winter pattern is no exception. Kids and adults alike will enjoy their ride down the hill as this design comfortably supports two people up to 500 pounds. You can easily use a manual or electric pump to inflate the toy and away you go. The strong material can withstand extremely cold temperatures too, making any winter day a good day to go tubing.


Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.


Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.

With files from Daniel Martins

Thumbnail image courtesy Ralph Katieb/Unsplash