Shovelling snow is a Canadian reality — and a leading cause of winter back injuries. Choosing the right shovel for Ontario's heavy, wet snow can make the difference between a manageable chore and a trip to the chiropractor. After years of professional snow removal across the GTA, here's what we recommend.
Types of Snow Shovels
1. Pusher Shovels
Designed to push snow forward rather than lift it. Best for clearing flat surfaces like driveways and sidewalks with lighter snowfall (under 15 cm). They reduce back strain significantly because you're pushing, not lifting.
2. Scoop/Lift Shovels
Traditional shovels designed to scoop and throw snow. Necessary for heavier snowfalls where pushing isn't enough. Look for ergonomic handles with a secondary grip to reduce bending.
3. Combination Shovels
The most versatile option for Ontario homeowners. These work as both a pusher for light snow and a scoop for heavy dumps. The Garant Yukon is the gold standard in this category.
Our Top Picks for Ontario Snow
Garant Yukon 26-Inch Ergonomic Snow Shovel
$35-4526-inch wide poly blade with ergonomic bent handle. Works as both pusher and scoop. Steel wear strip on blade edge for durability. Made in Canada.
Available on Amazon.ca — search 'Garant Yukon snow shovel' for current pricing. Also widely available at Canadian Tire and Home Hardware.
Snow Joe Shovelution SJ-SHLV02 Strain-Reducing Shovel
$30-40Spring-loaded secondary handle reduces lifting effort by 30%. 20-inch blade. Excellent for anyone with back concerns.
Available on Amazon.ca — search 'Snow Joe Shovelution' for current pricing.
True Temper 20-Inch Aluminum Combo Shovel
$25-35Lightweight aluminum blade won't crack in extreme cold. Steel wear strip. Good all-around shovel at an affordable price.
Available on Amazon.ca and Home Depot — search 'True Temper aluminum snow shovel' for pricing.
What to Look for When Buying
- Blade width: 18-22 inches for walkways, 24-26 inches for driveways
- Blade material: Poly (plastic) is lightweight; aluminum is durable in extreme cold; avoid steel (too heavy)
- Handle: Ergonomic bent handles reduce back strain. Look for a secondary D-grip
- Wear strip: A steel or aluminum strip on the blade edge prevents wear on concrete and asphalt
- Weight: Lighter is better — the snow is heavy enough. Under 2 kg for the shovel itself
Snow Shovelling Safety Tips
- Push snow whenever possible instead of lifting and throwing
- Bend at the knees, not the waist, when lifting
- Don't twist your body while throwing — turn your whole body to face the dump spot
- Shovel in layers during heavy snowfalls rather than waiting until it stops
- Take breaks every 15-20 minutes — snow shovelling is intense cardiovascular exercise
- Apply salt or sand after shovelling to prevent ice formation
Pro Tip: Spray your shovel blade with cooking spray or silicone lubricant before shovelling. Snow slides right off instead of sticking, making every scoop faster and lighter.
Skip the shovelling entirely. Expert Property Care offers reliable snow removal for residential and commercial properties across the GTA. We also sell rock salt ($18/bag) and treated salt ($20/bag) for ice management. Get a free quote today.
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