When I moved to Ontario, I braced myself for cold winters, but nothing could prepare me for the sting of -16°C. As someone who grew up in the milder winters of southern Ukraine, I was used to bundling up against the chill, but this felt like stepping into a frozen fairy tale — beautiful but harsh. This year, I decided to face the frost head-on with an unusual challenge: cooking breakfast outdoors using a Winnerwell camping stove.
The idea was equal parts adventure and experiment. I’d heard rave reviews about this compact, stainless steel stove, and I was eager to see if it could hold up to the cold while adding some warmth and flavor to my frosty morning.
Preparing for the Trip
The plan was simple: pack up the stove, firewood, food, and thermals, then head to Island Lake, a serene escape with camping spots, ice fishing, and enough open space to embrace winter in all its glory.
Our first hurdle came when we tried to set up the tent and prepare it for the stove’s pipe system. Unfortunately, my friend’s tent was missing the essential fittings to use the stove safely inside. It was disappointing, but we adapted quickly, deciding to test the stove outdoors instead. The icy winds made the idea of outdoor cooking seem almost ridiculous, but that’s where the Winnerwell stove was about to shine.
Firing Up the Stove
The stove setup was straightforward, even with our fingers growing numb from the cold. We placed it on a cleared patch of snow, loaded it with firewood, and lit the flame. Within minutes, the stainless steel body radiated a surprising amount of heat, turning our icy surroundings into a pocket of warmth.
As the stove crackled cheerfully, I began preparing breakfast.
Cooking in the Cold
There’s something magical about the contrast of sizzling food and frigid air. I cracked eggs into a pan and placed them on the stove. The sound of the eggs frying was music to my ears, and the aroma cut through the cold like a beacon of comfort. I flipped the eggs with surprising ease — they cooked faster than I expected, even in the icy temperatures.
Next, I boiled water for tea. Watching the steam curl into the crisp winter air felt surreal, almost like a scene from a movie. The tea was ready in no time, and the first sip was a revelation. The warmth spread through me instantly, battling the chill that had settled in my bones.
A Morning to Remember
That morning wasn’t just about cooking breakfast; it was about redefining my relationship with winter. The Winnerwell stove didn’t just deliver on its promise of reliable outdoor cooking — it transformed a freezing challenge into an unforgettable experience.
Sitting there with my friend, surrounded by the serene beauty of Island Lake, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. We laughed, we warmed our hands by the stove, and we discovered that even in the harshest conditions, there’s joy to be found in the simplest things: good food, good company, and a little warmth in the cold.
The Winnerwell stove turned what could have been a miserable morning into a memory I’ll cherish. It’s more than just a stove; it’s a gateway to new experiences and a reminder that winter’s chill can’t dim the fire of adventure. Would I do it again? Absolutely — but next time, I’m double-checking the tent.
