I’m living in northern alberta at the moment. The coldest it got last winter was -45 *c. Without the wind. That is really cold. So cold that the air sparkles with ice crystals. It doesn’t snow that often here, but once it is on the ground it stays. Last year we got the first snow in October and it didn’t melt until May.
It is -8 today and snowing. By January -8 will/would feel warm! However, being so dry here it is easy to wrap up against the cold. The sky is usually blue and the sun big, if low, in the sky. This is my 3rd winter here and I like it. Much better than rain and grey sky.
Down to -25 is ‘ok’. Below that becomes painful. As such, if you are looking to go somewhere really cold aim for a destination that is guaranteed to be below -30 and go in the winter, rather than the autumn.
Every one interested in the outdoors should have a go at ‘really cold.’ It is quite an eye opener. The crazy thing is, people just get on with their day to day business (not that they have any choice) and when you get in your car, it starts when you turn the key!
Have a good holiday!