7 Tips for Smoking Cigars in a Canadian Winter

There’s something special about smoking a cigar in the cold — the quiet, the crisp air, and that slow curl of smoke against a snowy backdrop. But let’s be honest — winter in Canada isn’t for the faint of heart. Between frozen fingers and short daylight hours, you need a plan if you want to enjoy your cigar properly.

Here are some tried-and-true tips to make the most of your winter smokes

1. Choose the Right Spot

If you don’t have an indoor lounge or garage setup, look for a sheltered spot outside. A windbreak — like a corner of a porch or balcony — makes all the difference. The key is minimizing the wind; even a light breeze can ruin your draw and burn unevenly.

2. Warm/Cool Your Cigar Before Lighting

A cold cigar can crack, split, or burn unevenly. Before lighting up, let your cigar warm to room temperature for 15–20 minutes. If you’re outside already, keep it in an inside pocket close to your body until you’re ready.

If you’re taking the cigar from the warmth of your humidor at home, you can lay it near the window so that it cools a bit before you go outside to light it. A warm cigar in -20, can burst if you don’t take some steps to acclimate the temperature first.

3. Use a Torch Lighter

Forget matches or soft flames — wind-resistant torch lighters are your winter MVP. They’ll cut through the cold and light evenly, even when it’s -10°C. Pro tip:  keep the lighter warm, your pants pocket should do the trick!

4. Pick Shorter Smokes

When it’s below freezing, a 2-hour Churchill might not be your best friend. Opt for smaller vitolas like a robusto, corona, or even petit coronas. You’ll still get great flavour without losing feeling in your toes and frost bite on your nose!

5. Dress the Part

Good gloves (fingerless or smoking gloves), a thick coat, and a hat are your best allies. You can’t savour a cigar if you’re shivering. Pro tip: keep a blanket or heated cushion handy for your favourite chair.

6. Pair It with a Warm Drink

A hot drink enhances the ritual. Coffee, hot chocolate, mulled wine, or even a spiced rum — the warmth brings out the cigar’s flavours beautifully. A rich maduro pairs especially well with something sweet and hot.

7. Mind the Humidity

Indoor heating dries the air fast, and your cigars will suffer if you’re not careful. Keep your humidor stable (65–70% humidity) and don’t leave cigars in your coat or car overnight.

Winter cigar smoking in Canada is all about ritual — slowing down, bundling up, and enjoying the moment despite the cold. When the world turns icy and quiet, that glowing ember feels like a little celebration of warmth itself.

*If smoking a cigar in the colder weather isn’t your thing… consider smoking a pipe instead! It takes less time than smoking a cigar and is quite relaxing.