Nothing beats getting lost in a good story on a cold winter night. While the wind howls outside, why not curl up with a blanket and spend the evening with a classic Canadian novel?

Canada has a rich literary tradition of authors capturing the essence of winter in all of its beauty, whether in the city or the depths of the stark wilderness. From heartwarming stories to epic tales of survival, here’s a list of classic winter reads by Canadian authors that will make those chilly evenings a little warmer.

Who Has Seen the Wind by W.O. Mitchell

Published in 1947, Who Has Seen the Wind is widely considered to be the best work of beloved Canadian author W.O. Mitchell. It is a beautiful story that revolves around Brian, a young boy growing up in a small Saskatchewan town in the 1930s. Although it’s not exclusively set in winter, the harshness of prairie life and the often bleak, yet beautiful landscape feel especially poignant during the colder months. Mitchell captures a sense of place and atmosphere that makes you feel the bite of prairie winds.

The Outlander by Gil Adamson

Set in the Canadian Rockies, Gil Adamson’s The Outlander is a tale of survival against all odds, making it an ideal read for winter. The novel follows Mary Boulton, a young widow on the run in 1903, as she escapes into the mountains to evade her pursuers. The harsh wilderness, brutal winters, and isolation of the Rockies create a thrilling, atmospheric setting that pulls readers into Mary’s fight for survival. The story is both haunting and exhilarating, perfect for those who love an edge-of-your-seat read.

Fifth Business by Robertson Davies

A staple in Canadian literature, Robertson Davies’ Fifth Business is the first book in his acclaimed Deptford Trilogy, but it is also a fantastic standalone read. It opens with a snowball thrown in winter, which has dramatic consequences for the characters involved. This novel combines myth, psychology, and Canadian history in a narrative that’s both intellectually stimulating and entertaining. Davies’ storytelling and wit are timeless, making it a satisfying book to curl up with, and the story’s wintery undercurrents make it feel just right for the season.

The Shipping News by Annie Proulx

Annie Proulx, best known for her short story Brokeback Mountain, may not be Canadian by nationality but she is of French-Canadian descent. The Shipping News is also a quintessentially Canadian novel that takes readers into the heart of coastal winter. The story follows Quoyle, who moves from upstate New York to his family’s ancestral home in Newfoundland, where he learns about resilience, community, and finding purpose amidst the rugged beauty of the coast. Proulx’s poetic prose brings Newfoundland’s winter to life, with all its rough edges and hidden warmth.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

If you’ve never picked up this Canadian classic before, then now is the time. While not specifically a winter novel, L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables is a Canadian classic that’s just as heartwarming during the colder months. Set on Prince Edward Island, the novel tells the story of Anne Shirley, a spirited and imaginative orphan who finds a home with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Montgomery’s descriptions of PEI’s landscapes, including snow-covered hills and icy brooks, feel like an embrace, perfect for a cozy read.

Canadian literature offers many perspectives on life in the North with books that will transport you across our diverse landscapes. So, pour yourself a warm drink and get cozy with one of these reads.