Yes, Hawaii and Florida are two hotspots for the winter months to avoid the cold. It makes sense after spending that much time in Sweden that Canada and North rather than South would be more similar. It's funny how things work out sometimes.
The rail is very interesting in and of itself. I have a couple of friends that worked on the lines and here in Texas, Dallas and Fort Worth are both railroad cities dating way back. Though i think it would have to be a cold day in hell after if froze over to get that kind of snowdrift.
Your photo reminds me of SnowPiercer... which has a movie and a show. Both are good but i prefer the original movie which i linked there. You are probably familiar with both if i had to guess. Are you still in Canada now, and if so whereabouts if i may ask?