Best Snow Blowers in Canada

We strive to give Canadian consumers the best information to make their shopping process as simple as possible. We analyze consumer trends, needs, and the top requirements for the best machines for winter yard maintenance.

Our picks result from comprehensive data collection, comparisons, and evaluations of the best snow blowers in Canada. With this information, Canadian snow blower buyers can make the right decisions based on their budget, local weather patterns, and other needs. We identified multiple top choices for various scenarios using our in-depth analysis process.

Here are some factors we look for when compiling lists of the best snow blowers in Canada.

• Power Source. The battle between electric and gas-powered snow blowers is still ongoing, but each has its perks and downsides in various situations.
• Type. The type of snow blower often indicates the kind of clearing you can achieve.
• Safety Features. Some people need more safety features than others, and we always consider that when recommending snow blowers.
• Quality of Life. We want Canadian snow blower shoppers to get the highest return on their investment and enjoy using these machines.

Why Use Snow Blowers in Canada?

Canadian winters are generally harsh and can be even worse in some territories. While many still use snow shovels to clear driveways, a snow blower offers many extra benefits. It’s an investment that can serve you well for many years, ensuring your property looks neat and is safer to roam during the winter.

Snow blowers save Canadians time and energy clearing around the house. A good snow blower can ensure you don’t get stuck in the driveway or block access to utility and emergency vehicles.

Likewise, snow blowers are easier to use and don’t mess with people’s backs. They can help elderly Canadian homeowners work safely and prevent others from developing chronic pains. In addition, snow blowers have tremendous clearing power compared to classic shovels – all without requiring elbow grease and upper body strength.

Unfortunately, there are many types of snow blowers choices. Your budget, needs, and location can determine what kind of snow blower you need to get the best bang value. In addition, the following factors can help you make a more informed decision.

How to Choose Snow Blowers for Canadians

Whether you need a new snow blower or buy your first one, a couple of factors may influence your decision.

Snow Blower Type

Most people think snow blowers have two categories: gas-powered and electric. But the best snow blowers in Canada are separated into more types.

Single-Stage Electric

A single stage-electric snow blower can be the ideal choice to clear short driveways, walkways, and decks. They work best when the snow doesn’t exceed 6 inches. Single-stage electric snow blowers for Canadians aren’t larger than your average lawnmower and are quiet and easy to use.

They feature a plastic auger that pulls the snow while simultaneously blowing it through the chute in a single motion. These machines are often corded, meaning you need a long enough cable to work around the house. That said, single-stage electric snow blowers are easy to maintain.

You can also use them for higher swaths of snow but may need to make multiple passes to clear everything.

Battery-Powered

You may need more mobility and maneuverability from your snow blower, depending on the landscape, yard design, etc. In that case, you might want to look for one of the best battery-powered snow blowers in Canada.

These machines aren’t as powerful as their corded counterparts. However, they start quickly and don’t need much maintenance. A good battery-powered snow blower for Canadians can clear 9 inches of snow, albeit slower. But they excel at light dusting applications and can easily replace traditional and power snow shovels.

Single-Stage Gas

A single-stage gas snow blower has many applications. It works on levelled and paved driveways and walkways and can easily handle higher snow levels of up to 9 inches. Unlike corded electric snow blowers, the best single-stage gas snow blowers in Canada give you maximum mobility.

The machines are light, easy to maneuver and don’t take up more space than your average lawnmower. Furthermore, most single-stage gas snow blowers come with four-cycle engines. That means you don’t need oil. The only downside is that they lack the pulling power and design features to clear gravel driveways safely.

Two-Stage Gas

If you need more power, a two-stage gas snow blower could be the solution. It can clear patches up to 30 inches wide and 16 inches tall, as well as steeper inclines. Along with extra “oompf,” these snow blowers have an impeller with fan action behind the auger and feature engine-driven wheels.

Furthermore, two-stage gas-powered snow blowers for Canadians do a much better job clearing snow off gravel walkways and driveways. That’s because the auger isn’t in contact with the ground. If you want a more compact model, you can find many, but sacrificing size for easier storage may compromise the overall power.

Three-Stage Gas

Canadian homeowners who get more than 18 inches of snow or deal with heavy snow may need something even bigger. Three-stage gas-powered snow blowers are arguably the most powerful on the market. But these are the best snow blowers in Canada for heavy-duty clearing applications.

Three-stage gas snow blowers come with accelerators. They expedite the clearing process by pulling snow from collection augers and forcefully placing it into the impeller. That said, they don’t clear much wider patches than two-stage gas snow blowers. The average clearance rate is 30 inches wide, although some models may exceed it.

These machines aren’t the easiest to maneuver and are often expensive, requiring ample storage capacity.

Other Snow Blower in Canada Features

Once you know what type of snow blower you want, you’ll need to consider the following factors.

Power Steering

Power steering isn’t mandatory, but it makes snow blowers available in Canada more accessible and easier to maneuver. Power steering can increase your accuracy, make turning safer, and enables navigating around tight spaces.

Electric Start

Traditionally, gas-powered snow blowers have pull cords that allow you to start the machine. But more snow blowers feature an electric start function these days. Pressing a button to start your snow blower is much easier and more reliable, especially when you have to clear snow daily or in a hurry.

Speed Control

Not all snow blowers in Canada have advanced speed control, although multistage snow blowers should have at least four speeds. Extra levels, especially reverse speeds, make it easier to prevent clogs when clearing heavy, wet snow. If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall, consider choosing a more powerful snow blower with 

Adjustable Discharge Shoot Direction

Discharge shoot controls are often quality-of-life features. They can also increase snow-clearing efficiency.

Typically, you can use them to alter the discharge chute trajectory from vertical to horizontal and get better aim when clearing. This is usually a more high-end feature, but you may be able to find a snow blower with this specific update.

Dead Man’s Switch

Snow blowers are generally safer to use than lawnmowers, but that doesn’t mean the spinning auger isn’t dangerous. A dead man’s switch is essential for quickly stopping the auger and impeller, preferably when releasing the grips.

Heated Grips

Heated grips aren’t a must-have feature in snow blowers for Canadians. But they can help a lot in keeping you comfortable and active. Additionally, heated grips can let you operate the snow blower with thinner gloves, making it easier to work small levers and buttons.

Additional Factors

Finding the best snow blower in Canada may come down to additional considerations.

• Skid Shoes. Many look at skid shoes and see them as must-have components to clear gravel pathways. But it would help if you still had at least a two-stage gas-powered snow blower. That said, skid shoes provide more height adjustability and help you get the necessary lift to handle gravel driveways and pathways safely.
• Headlights. Not everyone clears snow at night, especially when using a gas-powered snow blower. It can be a bit noisy for the neighbours. But that doesn’t mean LED headlights aren’t helpful. You can use them at the crack of dawn for better visibility and at night. Furthermore, they make you more visible to drivers and pedestrians should you venture off the driveway and into the sidewalk or street.
• Drift Cutters. Think of drift cutters as knives for your snow blower. They are often essential for breaking down icy snow without overloading the machine.
• Brand. Like power tools, the manufacturer can make a big difference in performance, durability, longevity, and reliability.
• Warranty Policy. Prolonged warranties are often preferred, but you may also want to look at the policy for specific exclusions and a list of covered damages.
• Steering Trigger. Some snow blowers available in Canada come with a trigger mounted on the handlebars. The trigger can disengage one or both motorized wheels to help you make the turns easier.

How to Safely Use Snow Blowers in Canada

Using snow blowers correctly is the only way to preserve their service life and get rid of snow efficiently during harsh winters.

• Maintenance is key to getting the most out of your snow blower. If it breaks down naturally, the warranty probably covers repairs. But improper maintenance falls on the user and can even void warranty policies. Therefore, you should always keep spare belts and shear pins on hand and a fuel stabilizer. The latter helps gas-powered snow blowers, especially when you don’t use one often.
• Don’t use snow blowers in Canada that aren’t made for clearing snow from gravel. Even compact electric snow blowers for Canadians can pull stones and throw them through the chute. You can hurt yourself and others and damage the machine in the process. Likewise, adjust skid shoes accordingly to prevent pulling gravel.
• Avoid clogging by moving faster, and consider spraying light cooking spray on the blades and the chute.
• When the snow blower clogs, shut down the engine and wait for the blades to stop spinning before unclogging the machine.
• Wear tight clothing to avoid getting tangled in the snow blower’s moving components.
• Don’t multitask. Remain focused on what you’re doing, and keep your eyes on the snow blower and your path.
• Don’t test or start snow blowers inside a storage shed or garage to avoid releasing carbon monoxide in enclosed spaces.
• Wear eye and ear protection, especially when using powerful gas-powered snow blowers.
• Use appropriate winter footwear that will give you good traction and prevent slipping. Some snow blowers available in Canada are heavy and hard to maneuver. Thus traction is mandatory to avoid injuries. Cleats or spikes are often the best footwear for clearing snow.
• Don’t let kids and pets roam around the yard when using a snow blower.
• You may clear snow more often during heavy snowfalls or when dealing with wet snow to avoid overloading the snow blower in a single pass.
• Always use tools instead of your hands when unclogging a snow blower, even if it isn’t turned on.
• Perform regular maintenance on gas-powered snow blowers to maximize their performance and service life.
• Take a few rest breaks when clearing large patches of land. It will prevent arm fatigue and give the snow blower a chance to cool off.
• Don’t remove shields and other safety components from a snow blower.
• Drain the machine of fuel once winter ends before you put it in storage.
• When possible, go through the snow to clear it of objects and debris that may damage your snow blower.
• Don’t aim the chute towards the street or sidewalk.
• Keep track of the power cord at all times to avoid tripping or running over it with the auger or drift cutters.
• It’s best to avoid consuming alcohol, drugs, and medicine that may hinder your ability to concentrate when using a snow blower.