People in these Canadian cities are having the most winter affairs

It may be cold outside but it’s getting steamy in parts of Canada.

Ashley Madison released its list of the top 10 Canadian cities that are ready for some non-monogamous action.

The hot spots for those cold, unfaithful nights surprisingly don’t include big cities like Toronto or Vancouver, which have topped previous charts.

Rather, it’s the smaller locales that boasted the highest concentration of new sign-ups in November, according to new data from the online dating service.

Doesn’t everyone know everyone else’s business?

“In smaller or mid-size towns, people may feel social expectations more intensely because everyone knows everyone,” sex and relationship therapist Tammy Nelson told the Toronto Sun.

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“There can be pressure to present a certain image to the outside world,” she explained.

“When couples feel stuck in these roles, they may look for connection, excitement, or emotional validation outside of the relationship, sometimes discreetly, because it feels like a private place to breathe.”

Why chance it?

But instinctively, one would find that odd — or sus, as the kids say — given that the smaller the town, the higher the chances are for an awkward run-in or match up with someone familiar.

Nelson agreed, but noted that sometimes, and for non-monogamy’s sake, the reward is higher than the risk.

“It seems counter-intuitive, but the elevated risk of exploring non-monogamy within a small town can be part of the motivation,” she noted.

“It isn’t always about sex”

“When people choose to date outside their primary relationship, it isn’t always about sex,” Nelson continued.

“Sometimes it can feel like breaking out of a role and doing so in a discreet way is more comfortable and a way to avoid gossip or judgement.”

So while you might see people sneaking away for quickies in cars, Ashley Madison isn’t only about the physical; rather, it’s that connection that some feel they are missing.

And if they find it with someone and keep it strictly digital, sometimes that is enough to scratch that itch.

“In rural and mid-size communities, people often feel isolated,” Nelson said. “Without access to diverse communities like different social groups or open relationship hang outs, online platforms can be the only outlet.”

She added: “People tend to know who in their geographic area is open-minded, who is curious, or who is practicing non-monogamy. Word travels. Online apps that offer discretion can make non-traditional dating more accessible for those looking to explore.”

These are the top Canadian locales for non-monogamy, according to Ashley Madison:

— Victoria, B.C.
— Barrie, Ont.
— Peterborough, Ont.
— Kelowna, B.C.
— Kingston, Ont.
— Kamloops, B.C.
— Belleville, Ont.
— Fredericton, N.B.
— Lethbridge, Alta.
— Moncton, N.B.