Canada experiences intense winters, with even the southern parts of the country experiencing snow and ice. This means that drivers need to take extra steps in order to drive safely during the winter months.
One of the best ways to prepare for driving in the winter is to use snow tires. Snow tires help your car grip the ground while driving on snow and ice, greatly reducing the chance of you sliding out of control. In addition, you can get a discount on your car insurance after purchasing a set of winter tires.
Let’s take a look at the 10 best winter tires for Canadian winters, what factors make them stand out, and how they compare to each other.
Top 10 Best Winter Tires in Canada for 2026
Here’s a table summarizing our top picks. The scores are indicative: basically, the closer to 10, the better the performance across the board:
| Tire Model | Ice & Snow Braking Performance | Cold Weather Grip & Compound Tech | Wet Slush & Hydroplaning Control | Tread Life & Owner Ratings | Price-to Performance Value | Overall MyChoice Score (/10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 | Outstanding stopping power on ice and packed snow | Multi-cell rubber stays soft below −20 °C | Excellent slush evacuation | 3–4 seasons typical | Mid- premium; worth it for harsh winters | 9.2 |
| Michelin X- Ice Snow | Smooth, predictable braking on ice | EverGrip compound stays elastic in deep cold | Very good water & slush clearing | 4–5 seasons common | Premium, justified by longevity | 9.0 |
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 | Superb traction on snow- covered and icy roads | Aramid- reinforced, Arctic- grade flexibility | Confident in deep slush | Heavy-duty construction | High-end for extreme conditions | 8.8 |
| Toyo Observe G3 ICE | Good grip; better with studs, less bite on sheer ice | Micro-bit silica improves ice contact | Strong slush clearing; noisy at speed | Wears faster due to softness | Excellent value | 8.3 |
| Continental ContiWinter Contact TS830P | Solid in mixed snow and ice | High-silica tread; firmer below −25 °C | Balanced wet grip | Long life, even wear | Good value, often discounted | 8.2 |
| Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT | Strong in snow; ice grip fades in extreme cold | Winter polymer mix with solid cold grip | Good in light slush | Some note quicker wear | Mid-range, accessible | 8.0 |
| Pirelli Ice Zero FR | Sharp braking, great for icy city roads | Adaptive compound; slightly hardens in extreme cold | Outstanding on slushy city streets | Moderate wear | Slightly pricey but capable | 7.9 |
| Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2 | Reliable on snow, less aggressive on ice | Smart polymer for cold city use | Handles mild slush | Good lifespan for the price | Budget- friendly | 7.8 |
| Yokohama iceGUARD iG53 | Stable, consistent stops for urban use | Medium- soft, consistent winter compound | Strong hydroplane resistance | Longer- than- average life | Affordable, consistent quality | 7.7 |
| Firestone Winterforce 2 | Decent; best for light- moderate winter | Soft rubber works well but wears faster | Acceptable for moderate slush | Shorter tread life | Strong everyday value | 7.4 |
Here’s a quick breakdown of what sets these tires apart from the rest:
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS90: This has fantastic grip on ice and snow, predictable braking, and stable handling even in deep cold.
- Michelin X-Ice Snow: Made by one of the best winter tire brands, this is known for quiet comfort and impressive longevity. It has excellent snow grip, with a compound that adapts well to temperature swings.
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3: This tire is made for the toughest conditions, with superb ice control and a heavy-duty build for trucks, SUVs, and rural drivers.
- Toyo Observe G3 ICE: This is a smart mid-range choice that’s dependable in ice and slush, and affordable for most drivers.
- Continental ContiWinterContact TS830P: This tire combines a balanced performance with refined ride comfort. It excels in wet and slushy conditions, and lasts longer than most.
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT: It’s dependable, with strong snow traction and predictable steering; a safe mid-range option.
- Pirelli Ice Zero FR: It’s stylish and steady in urban settings, and excels on icy city roads and short commutes.
- Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2: This tire is affordable, dependable, and surprisingly refined for its price class.
- Yokohama iceGUARD iG53: This is great for regions like B.C. or the Maritimes, where wet, slushy winters dominate.
- Firestone Winterforce 2: This offers no-frills safety for the price, making it perfect for budget-minded drivers needing solid snow control.
Top 3 Best Winter Tires for SUVs in Canada
Canadian SUV drivers often juggle city commutes, icy highways, and weekend adventures in the snow. These three tires stand out for their grip, stability, and cold-weather resilience.
| Criteria | Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 (SUV Fit) | Michelin X-Ice Snow (SUV Fit) | Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 (SUV Fit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice and Snow Braking Performance | Excellent braking traction; short stopping distances and great control on steep or icy inclines. | Smooth, steady braking on both packed snow and black ice. | Superior bite on ice and deep snow, with aggressive tread. |
| Cold-Weather Grip and Compound Tech | Multi-cell compound stays flexible even below −25 C, maintaining grip across long cold spells. | Next-generation rubber compound adapts well to fluctuating temperatures and resists stiffening. | Aramid-fortified rubber resists cracking and stays pliable in extreme northern climates. |
| Wet Slush and Hydroplaning Control | Deep grooves channel away slush efficiently; very stable in half-melt conditions. | Handles slushy roads with ease; impressive wet stability even in thawing snow. | Heavy-duty tread blocks plow through deep slush but it can feel firmer on wet pavement. |
| Tread Life and Owner Ratings | 3 to 4 winter seasons typical; strong feedback for predictable handling and even wear. | 4 to 5 winter seasons possible; praised for quiet ride and slow wear rate. | Designed for heavier SUVs, excellent longevity when rotated properly. |
| Price to Performance Value | Mid-premium pricing | Premium-tier cost, justified by longevity and overall comfort. | High-end pricing, but unmatched performance for drivers in severe winter regions. |
| Overall MyChoice Score (out of 10) | 9.2. | 9.0. | 8.8. |
Top 3 Best Winter Tires for Trucks in Canada
Canadian truck owners need load-bearing stability, durability, and confidence in sub-zero conditions. These tires deliver exactly that:
| Criteria | Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3 (Truck Fit) | Bridgestone Blizzak LT | Toyo Open Country WLT1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice and Snow Braking Performance | Exceptional braking in snow and ice. | Excellent snow and ice control with predictable braking | Strong traction on snow-packed roads. |
| Cold-Weather Grip and Compound Tech | Aramid-reinforced compound remains supple down to −40 C. | Advanced winter compound retains flexibility for heavy- duty use. | Microbit technology keeps grip consistent. |
| Wet Slush and Hydroplaning Control | Deep channels evacuate slush and water efficiently; performs well on wet highways. | Very capable in slush, though slightly less refined in standing water. | Handles wet and slushy roads well. |
| Tread Life and Owner Ratings | Extremely durable; reinforced sidewalls resist chipping and cracking. | Long tread life, but some users report faster wear than expected for the price. | Reliable wear pattern; good balance of durability and comfort. |
| Price to Performance Value | Premium cost, but worth it for hauling and extreme winter reliability. | Mid-range price; strong performer with good value. | Excellent value choice for practical, everyday truck use in winter. |
| Overall MyChoice Score (out of 10) | 8.9. | 8.5. | 8.2. |
How To Maintain Winter Tires
Winter tires are made from softer rubber compounds designed to stay flexible in cold temperatures, but that softness also means they wear faster. Here’s how to keep them in top shape and ready for the winter:
- Check tire pressure often: Cold air reduces pressure, and low pressure affects grip and causes uneven wear. Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
- Rotate your tires regularly: Swap front and rear tires every 8,000–10,000 km. Rotating helps them wear evenly, especially since winter driving often involves more sliding and braking on slippery roads.
- Inspect tread depth: Winter tires need at least 5 mm (6/32 in) of tread to grip snow and ice properly. Use a tread gauge or toonie test to make sure there’s enough left for safe traction.
- Clean before storage: At the end of winter, wash off salt, mud, and grime to prevent corrosion.
- Store them right: Keep tires in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat. Stack them flat (if unmounted) or hang them (if mounted) to avoid deformation.
Our Methodology for Ranking the Best Winter Tires in Canada
The MyChoice team used five key criteria that matter most to Canadian drivers, assigning each a weight to reflect its importance.