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Our Toyota 4Runner was previously loved and it takes us on all of our winter adventures safely Winter exploring can be intimidating to begin with so we wanted to help you prepare for your next winter adventure. Winter in Canada asks families to be prepared and confident every time they head out on the road. Conditions can shift in minutes. Snowstorms can surprise even the most seasoned explorers. The cold changes what you pack and how you plan. This guide was inspired by Toyota to help families feel supported and ready for safe winter adventures anywhere the season takes them. We drive to the ski hill, mountain trails, hockey rink, and even school drop off can be an adventure. We drive our Toyota 4Runner for all of our adventures. I just got back from a winter hut experience which was 67 km down a logging road and we only got there because of the 4X4! We also did a weekend away in Jasper this winter and the entire highway was like this: Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park (along the Columbia Icefields Parkway) Adventuring in the in the winter can be super magical and also have risks too. You can still go but it will take some extra planning and prep prior to hitting the road. Below you will find a complete winter driving checklist, Toyota features that support confidence on frigid roads, and practical planning steps that help make winter exploring smoother for the whole family because we all know now that adventures don't end just because it's winter. A Canadian Rockies Road Block near Maligne Lake featuring mom and baby Moose Before You Hit the Road Check the forecast and road conditions Look at weather apps, highway cameras, and local reports before buckling in the kids. The more information you have, the better you can plan for your day. We always say here at Kids Who Explore, "release expectations" and winter is certainly the time to embrace that. Fill up your gas tank the night before Cold weather can create condensation inside an empty tank. That moisture can freeze your fuel line. Starting every winter outing with a full tank helps keep your vehicle running smoothly. I have absolutely rolled out of the mountains on empty a time to two but it is best to be fuelled incase you are stopped either by wildlife, delays, or accidents. Check your fluids and headlights Ensure your washer fluid is winter rated (seriously double check on the winter rating part because the fluid will freeze otherwise!!), your coolant is topped up, and your headlights and taillights are clean. Visibility is one of the most important parts of winter driving. Pack your window scraper and a compact shovel These simple tools make a big difference when snow piles up faster than expected. The ice and frost can also build up while you are out on a winter hike. My small kids love to help brush the snow off too so let them help you out. Carry jumper cables or a battery pack Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly. A reliable booster pack is one of the smartest winter essentials a family can carry. I have had to jump numerous vehicles at trailheads with my 4Runner. Build a DIY emergency kit or Purchase a kit Include matches or a lighter, a candle, hand warmers, water, warm clothes, a wool or aluminum blanket, snacks that will not freeze, and basic first aid items. This kit stays in your vehicle all season and supports your family in unexpected situations. If you have babies and young children then make sure to add a few baby essentials in there too. I always stored extra formula there just incase. Tell someone where you are going and when you will return Especially for families who explore beyond service zones. A simple check in adds an important layer of safety. I always like to try and stay in service in the winter when travelling with my kids but I will bring my Garmin InReach as backup. Always Pack the mom essentials in a tote or backpack Think diaper change supplies, extra layers, warm blankets, formula or bottles if needed, and snacks that stay soft in cold temperatures. Having these ready helps you manage the small moments that come up with smaller children in the winter. Supplies and Gear Specific to You I pack a lot of extra items along on our winter backcountry trips and we go winter glamping, backpacking, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing etc. I bring a backcountry stove, extra fuel, and a lighter. I kinda have a little kitchen kit with something freeze dried tucked in there. Additional candles and layers always and when I drove my Tacoma in University I would use sandbags for additional weight on the winter roads. You know your adventures the most and it is important to prepare in your own way with your own gear. While You Drive Let Toyota features support your journey Toyota designs vehicles that help families feel grounded on winter roads. All wheel drive, heated mirrors, high ground clearance, traction control, and stability support all contribute to a safer drive through snow and ice. The Toyota 4Runner in particular offers strong capability for families exploring beyond city limits and into winter trailheads or rural destinations. Clear all snow from the vehicle Remove snow from the windshield, roof, mirrors, lights, hood, and rear window. Snow blowing off a moving vehicle can reduce visibility and create hazards for others. Slow down early and often Brake before corners or icy sections. Winter roads reward gentle and predictable movements. Increase your following distance More space allows more reaction time. Winter driving always benefits from extra room between vehicles. Use your windshield sprayer regularly Keeping the sprayer lines warm prevents them from freezing during long drives. Turn on your headlights even during the day Visibility in winter can shift quickly. Headlights help you see and also help others see you through snow, fog, and low light. Bring charged phones and a power bank Charged devices support communication, navigation, and weather updates when you need them most. Cozy base-layers for little passengers You want to ensure you little explorers are wearing their little wool socks and their warm base layers. Remember to read up on your carseat safety as it is not advised to have extra layers and puffy jackets as it can make your child less secure in their carseat. When You Get Home Fill up your gas tank again This helps prevent condensation and prepares you for the next outing without last minute stops. I personally struggle with this one because I am tired after our winter adventures and would prefer to get home and bath. Check your fluids Washer fluid and coolant are used more frequently in winter. I am grateful that my 4Runner warns me on my fluid levels and will notify when running low. Topping up after a day out keeps your vehicle ready for your next adventure. Restock the emergency kit Replace used items such as snacks, hand warmers, blankets, or first aid supplies. Keeping your kit replenished ensures you are always prepared. Incase you are like me and need a checklist of items to remember, I made you one. As parents, we are already juggling so many adventure items. I hope this helps you on your outdoor adventures. Why Toyota Supports Confident Winter Exploring Families who explore in winter want a vehicle that feels strong, reliable, and capable. Toyota designs with winter in mind by offering traction systems, stability control, thoughtful storage for bulky gear, and features that make cold weather driving feel less overwhelming. When conditions change suddenly, having a supportive and dependable vehicle allows your family to stay focused on the magic of the adventure instead of the stress of the road. Whether you are searching for your family Christmas tree, visiting a snowy trail, or heading out to enjoy your favourite winter lights display, Toyota helps families explore the season with confidence.

The most durable and warmest outdoor wear for kids is made by Reima. I am always out exploring with my kids in winter conditions in the Canadian Rockies. I am Adrianna, Founder of Kids Who Explore and an avid outdoor adventure mom. Winter season is the longest season for us in Canada. I love and trust Reima to keep my babies warm on the trail. Layering my kids in top quality kids layers is a must or else we wouldn't be able to explore outdoors as long. You can use my discount code: Adrianna20 and save 20% at checkout . This code stacks on sales too so please enjoy finding some incredible deals! By shopping my links (at no extra cost to you) the affiliate link revenue goes towards getting more kids outdoors at my Social Enterprise, Kids Who Explore. Thank you in advance for your support. Matching Reima Stavanger Snowsuits in the Canadian Rockies I have been exploring with my babies in the Canadian Rockies since they were newborns. As my babies have grown into toddlers, I have really realized the importance of durable and high-quality exploring wear. Reima products are top of the line for kids in the outdoors. My kids can roll, splash, and explore and still stay dry and warm. I have put this blog together to highlight my favourite Reima items. Layering your kids up for Winter hiking in the Rockies is now made easier with the Winter Reima kids line. Here are my top recommendations for outdoor exploring. Winter Hiking Base layers to keep kids warm The key to all of your adventures is in the base layers that you choose. I love the Reima base layers because they are super thick and durable and my kids are always warm in them. My kids have never put a hole in these base layers and that is a huge win because they can be really rough on clothing. Merino wool is an ideal base layer material because of the temperature regulation and moisture wicking abilities. Base layers are always worn the most because we commute in just our base layers in the car seats. Reima has incredible base layer options with an array of sizing, there is stretch that allows for growth within sizes too. Base layers Canada Base layers USA The warmest and thickest layers are made at Reima and those ones are called Taival: Reima Merino Wool Thermal Base Layer Set - Taival: Shop Canada Shop USA My boys have twinning suits and these will not get holes in them! Super durable. And let's be clear my boys are super wild and rough on clothing. My kids top choice is the fun patterns obviously and these are lighter and not as thick as the above pair of layers. The Taitoa - Kids' Merino Wool & Lyocell Base Layer Sets are one of a kind and make things brighter for all. Shop Canada Shop USA Mid Layer: Wool or Fleece Options Ideally, you will want another layer of wool between your base layer and your outer shell. The wool outfit, parvin is a great suit for tiny explorers and will insulate them on those freezing days. Shop Canada Shop USA I also use fleece as a mid layer. It really cuts the cold and keeps your kids insulated on adventures. Typically as toddlers, I just have the kids in the fleece jackets below and don't need to do fleece pants as much because it's not super cold yet. This Tahto - Baby & Toddler Knit Fleece Set above is a versatile and cozy option for tiny explorers. Shop Canada Shop USA The high-quality fleeces are super warm and stylish for school days too. The most worn in my kids adventure wardrobe is their fur fleece Turkki jacket! It now comes in a vest and pants too and they're so warm and cozy. Shop Canada Shop U SA Footwear that actually keeps your kids feet warm in the outdoors Making things easier with having toddlers being able to do up their own hiking shoes allows me to focus on getting the rest of our hiking supplies ready for the hike. Waterproof is a must on the trail as we often face creeks and slushy trails from fresh snowfall. My youngest has the best little hiking boots for the winter. His are the "Hallava" and they're waterproof. Shop toddler winter boots CANADA Shop toddler winter boots USA My youngest also uses this durable winter boot and I love that the ankle support is higher and the sole of the shoe has so much cushion for the rough trails. Tot Boots Canada Tot Boots USA My oldest is so proud of his new winter boots this year that are rated for -40 degrees. He said he will wear these ice fishing with daddy. These are the Laplander 2.0 - Kids' ReimaTec Waterproof Winter Boots. Shop big kid warm boots Canada Shop big kid warm boots USA Exterior Layer & Shells These hiking pants are used for us year round! Shell pants make a big difference when exploring because my oldest is often climbing over things and not only are these waterproof but snag proof. My kids hiking pants are very messy after each adventure but these wash up so well. He has a few colours of these ones. T's hiking pants Canada T's hiking pants USA These pants have been great for the trail too because of their toughness. My kids love scaling rocks and these don't rip at all. Waterproof is key for wet winter days on the trail. I will add these over top of the merino wool and fleece as my boys stay dry. Shell Pant Canada Shell Pant USA The softshell waterproof Nurmes jumpsuits are super easy for mild Winter hiking because the kids quickly zip into them and I don't have to worry about the jacket riding up at all. I always know they are dry and warm underneath too. This suit is most suitable for the warmer winter days. Shop Nurmes Canada Shop Nurmes USA Next, up is the top rated and warmest snowsuit you will find for kids. The Reima Waterproof Reimatec Snowsuit - Stavanger is the best for exploring in the Canadian Rockies winters. I already have my kids in snowsuits here in the Rockies during the Fall. I have to on some hikes that are up in the Alpine due to temperature drops. Nash has worn this suit now for two seasons and his fleece sweater fits nicely under it. This suit leads in warmth for kids and one the coldest days, my kids are always wearing their Stavanger suits. Shop Stavanger in Canada Shop Stavanger in USA My kids Osteri - Kids' ReimaTec Seawool® Winter Jacket: My oldest has started wearing his new jacket here to school and its super warm and puffy. Plus, I tuck his snowpants into his backpack for school days too. He can ski, snowboard, snowshoe etc. in them too. Shop Osteri Puffer jacket Canada Shop Osteri Puffer jacket USA Shop snow pants for kids Canada Shop snow pants for kids USA Accessories for extra warmth on the trail Keeping kid's hands warm and dry is critical to stay out adventuring and hiking longer. These gloves are high-quality, they stay on, and are waterproof. They are the best winter gloves for kids in my opinion. Shop Ote's in Canada Shop Ote's in USA Tassu - Baby & Toddler Insulated Mittens are perfect for baby explorers. Shop baby winter gloves Canada Shop baby winter gloves USA And if your kids prefer fingers instead of mittens, these Tartu - Kids' ReimaTec Waterproof Gloves are a best seller and excellent for all kinds of exploring and snowman building. Shop Tartu Canada Shop Tartu USA My kids also love the Sormin merino wool knit blend gloves a lot like even when we backpack in the summer. They are super fast drying. Ideally, you want waterproof gloves to keep toddler or babies hands dry because they chew them. Merino Wool Blend Knit Gloves - Sormin CAN Merino Wool Blend Knit Gloves - Sormin USA These gloves always get rolled together and pack into the hiking carrier. They are quick drying and are great when the trails are little chilly. Great to insert in the shell gloves too. Reima has great toque options! They stay on. We love that they are made with a wool blend to keep the warmth in. Shop kids wool beanies Canada Shop kids wool beanies USA The best kids toques are made by Reima. They fit really well and stay on my kids heads well. They are super warm and I love how they aren't super bulky either. They match well and have many colour options too. My boys fave though has to go to the bear style Merino Wool Balaclava - Kuuraan. If you are heading out on a super cold winter hike then this is the wool beanie for you. Not only is it very wintery and adorable but it's super warm for baby and protects them from the winter conditions. Shop bear balaclava Canada Shop bear balaclava USA Highly recommend these super warm extras if you do live in the cold. Reima baby booties are a must on the trail. These boots are waterproof and a new product launch came this year with wool lined booties! These are my absolute favourite baby hiking booties because they are waterproof, warm, and they easily stay on my babies foot. Shop baby booties Canada Shop baby booties USA And here is the new wool ones!! Wool-lined booties Canada Wool-lined booties USA Winter hiking is the most memorable and thanks to Reima's Winter product line, my kids are warm and protected from the cold. Layering is critical and these items that I have recommended are sustainable and high-quality. You will have a few seasons from them for sizing and be able to pass down to all of your kids. Reima gear is super durable and doesn't wear out. Reima makes incredible gear to explore in all year. Reima rain gear is our top recommendation for exploring on the trail in the rain. Be sure to check all the deals on off-seasons and always use my code "Adrianna20" to save 20% as it saves you on top of the sale! Make sure to check out rain gear because next up is Spring! Happy exploring everyone. Rain Gear Canada Rain Gear USA

These are the layers that I love by Reima Outdoors when exploring with my littles in the chilly Canadian mountains during the Fall. For us, Fall begins as early as the end of August and goes up until the end of October usually. We get cold frosty days with snow and a lot of wind. You can use my discount code: Adrianna20 and save 20% at checkout. By shopping my links (at no extra cost to you) the affiliate link revenue goes towards getting more kids outdoors at my Social Enterprise, Kids Who Explore. Thank you for your support. I have been exploring with my babies in the Canadian Rockies since newborns. As my babies have grown into toddlers, I have really realized the importance of durable and high-quality exploring wear. Reima products are top of the line for kids in the outdoors. My kids can roll, splash, and explore and still stay dry and warm. I have put this blog together highlight my favourite Reima items. Layering your kids up for Fall hiking in the Rockies is now made easier with the Fall Reima kids line. Here are my top recommendations for outdoor exploring. Fall Hiking Base Layers The key to all of your adventures is in the base layers that you choose. I love the Reima base layers because they are super thick and durable and my kids are always warm in them. My kids have never put a hole in these base layers and that is a huge win because they can be really rough on clothing. Merino wool is an ideal base layer material because of the temperature regulation and moisture wicking abilities. Base layers are always worn the most because we commute in just our base layers in the car seats. Merino Wool Thermal Base Layer Set - Taival - Canada Merino Wool Thermal Base Layer  Set - Taival - USA Mid Layer & Fleece The fleece and mid layer really cuts the cold and keeps your kids insulated on adventures. Typically as toddlers, I just have the kids in the fleece jackets below and don't need to do fleece pants as much because its not super cold yet. Fur Fleece Jacket - Samota Fur Fleece Jacket - Turkki - Canada Fur Fleece  Jacket - Turkki - USA The high-quality fleeces are super warm and stylish for school days too. Footwear Making things easier with having toddlers being able to do up their own hiking shoes allows me to focus on getting the rest of our hiking supplies ready for the hike. Waterproof is a must on the trail as we often face creeks and slushy trails from fresh snowfall. Reimatec Waterproof Sneakers  - Patter  - Canada Reimatec Waterproof Sneakers - Patter - USA Reimatec Waterproof Sneakers - Passo - Canada Reimatec Waterproof Sneakers  - Passo - USA My youngest uses this durable shoe and I love that the ankle support is higher and the sole of the shoe has so much cusion for the rough trails. Exterior Layer & Shells Shell pants make a big difference when exploring because my oldest is often climbing over things and not only are these waterproof but snag proof. My kids hiking pants are very messy after each adventure but these wash up so well. Waterproof Reimatec Outdoor Pants - Sampu - Canada Waterproof Reimatec Outdoor Pants  - Sampu - USA Softshell Water-Repellent Outdoor Jumpsuit - Nurmes - Canada Softshell Water-Repellent Outdoor Jumpsuit  - Nurmes  - USA The jumpsuits are super easy for Fall hiking because the kids quickly zip into them and I don't have to worry about the jacket riding up at all. I always know they are dry and warm underneath too. Waterproof Reimatec Snowsuit - Marte - Canada Waterproof Reimatec Snowsuit - Marte - USA I already have my kids in snowsuits here in the Rockies during the Fall. I have to on some hikes that are up in the Alpine due to temperature drops. Nash has worn this suit now for two seasons and his fleece sweater fits nicely under it. Reimatec Waterproof Outdoor Pants - Kaura - Canada Reimatec Waterproof Outdoor Pants - Kaura - USA These pants have been great for the trail too because of their toughness. My kids love scaling rocks and these don't rip at all. Accessories Keeping kids hands warm and dry is critical to stay out adventuring and hiking longer. Merino Wool Blend Knit Gloves - Sormin - Canada Merino Wool Blend Knit Gloves  - Sormin - USA These gloves always get rolled together and pack into the hiking carrier. They are quick drying and are great when the trails are little chilly on the Fall days. Wool Blend Beanie - Kalotti - Canada Wool Blend Beanie  - Kalotti - USA The best toques/beanies are made by Reima. They fit really well and stay on my kids heads well. They are super warm and I love how they aren't super bulky either. They match well and have many colour options too. Fall hiking is the most memorable and thanks to Reima's Fall product line, my kids are warm and protected from the cold. Layering is critical and these items that I have recommended are sustainable. You will have a few seasons from them for sizing and be able to pass down to all of your kids. Reima gear is super durable and doesn't wear out.

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