Canada Winter Clothing – How to Survive Winter in Canada
Winter in Canada is a serious topic. You need to make sure you have suitable Canada winter clothing to get you through the unrelenting cold weather. Otherwise, there could be severe consequences.
This article will be useful if you need to know what to pack for Canada in winter. But also, if you have just moved to Canada and need to figure out what winter clothing you will need throughout the winter season, aka the longest season of the year.
I aim to advise you on what Canadian winter clothing is required based on my familiarity with winters in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario and Ottawa, and Montreal, Quebec. I arrived in Ontario, Canada from England with the completely wrong clothes and learnt the hard way that I did not have the right winter attire.
You will enjoy winter activities much more when you are dressed appropriately. Use this Canada winter packing list to help prepare for your Ontario winter getaways too.
The part of Canada you will be spending time in will change the clothing you will need. For example, some parts of British Columbia, such as Vancouver and Victoria, will have a milder winter but more rain than the freezing temperatures that Ontario and Quebec reach in winter.
You can read about what the weather is like in the whole of Canada on the Canadian Government’s website. For your reference, winter is typically from December to March in Canada.
If you plan to visit Ontario, read my article on the best time to visit Ontario, Canada. I talk through each season and explain the pros and cons of visiting during that season.
Read more: Whistler vs Blackcomb for skiing?
Now it is time to talk about what to wear in Canada during winter.
Winter Clothes for Canada
There are some items of clothing on this Canada winter packing list that you will most likely already have in your wardrobe; however, there are things that you may need to buy new. You may also be able to borrow some of the big-ticket items, such as coats and snow pants, from friends or family if you are visiting Canada for a short period.
It is hard to know how to dress in winter in a way that keeps you warm but still looks presentable. Here are my suggestions for what to wear in winter with examples of actual items of clothing that I or my friends and family own.
You can use this as a packing list for Canada in winter.
Read more: 18 things you need to know about Whistler skiing
Jackets for Canadian Winter
A winter coat is one of the most important items you will have during a Canadian winter. Chances are, if you are travelling from somewhere in Europe, your current winter jacket will not be warm enough.
When I first came to Canada, I thought that the coat I used for skiing in Europe would be sufficient, but it was not good enough. Although it was down-filled and kept me warm most of the time, it only came down to my waist. This long coat allowed a lot of cold air to creep underneath my clothing, and I would get cold hips and thighs.
Therefore, my main recommendation is to purchase a winter jacket that ideally comes down to your knees or at least halfway down your thighs. Another tip for buying a winter jacket for Canada is to make sure it is down-filled because it will provide you with the most warmth and insulation.
My last piece of advice is that your winter jacket needs to be waterproof. When it is snowing, you need a coat that will not soak through. If the coat is not waterproof, you can use a shell or raincoat on top.
Winter Coat Recommendations
Over the years, I have managed to try out several winter jackets. The first one I have is my knee-length coat from Columbia. I wear this on days less than -5°C or when I will be outside for a long time. The coat from Columbia was the ideal coat when I had to wait outside for the bus in Toronto to get to work.
Visit Columbia’s website to see different coat options, such as this Women’s Down Mid Length Coat or this Women’s Long Hooded Omni-Heat Jacket.
My second winter coat is from UNIQLO. It works well as a day-to-day jacket in the winter. It is down-filled and comes down past my hips. I usually wear it most days that are between 5 and -5°C.
I highly recommend this down jacket from UNIQLO, as shown in the image.
Contrary to belief, Canada is not in extreme temperatures all winter long. You will need options for milder days too.
Many people wear Canada Goose; however, consider that the fur on coats from this brand is not vegan. Check if the jacket is waterproof or water-resistant so you know if you will need to wear a waterproof outer layer to protect it during a snowstorm or freezing rain.
If you are interested in buying an investment coat, you could purchase from Aritzia (women) or Arcteryx (men and women).
The brand Arcteryx has a high price point, but its products will last a very long time. The Thorsen Parka is one of their warmest coats, suitable for wearing about the city.
My boyfriend owns the Thorsen Parka and says it is so warm he can often wear it on the coldest days with minimal layers underneath.
Check out the Thorsen Parka from Arcteryx.
Aritzia is well known for selling puffer jackets as well as other fashion items. Their puffer jackets are guaranteed to keep you warm. For example, the Cloud Puff Midi will keep you warm up to -30°C.
Winter Boots
I arrived in Canada with unsuitable winter boots that didn’t make it through my first snowfall. My lace-up boots were not waterproof, they did not keep my feet warm, and they were uncomfortable. All are important to note when purchasing shoes for winter in Canadian.
Consider comfort when choosing your winter shoes because you will be wearing only a handful of shoes all winter.
I now realise that winter boots are also the second most important item of clothing to get you through a Canadian winter. Keep in mind that you may need several types of footwear for different periods of the winter.
Hunter Boots
When snow falls, it can pile up high and thick. A pair of wellington boots would stop the snow from getting your feet wet. I have a pair of Hunter boots for this.
Do not attempt to wear these boots when it is freezing because the boots can crack. Also, these boots are not good when it is icy because they do not have much grip.
Merrell
When the snow starts to condense and freeze, the paths get very icy and slippery. Therefore, shoes with good grip would be your goal. Some walking boots should work well for this, paired with some thick socks that go above your ankle.
My walking boots are from Merrell. They are multi-purposeful because you can wear them in the other seasons for hikes and outdoor adventures.
Sorel
When it is not snowing, but the temperatures are well into the minus degrees, you need shoes to keep your feet warm. So, for those who are wondering what boots to wear in Canada in winter when it is cold – I would suggest the following popular snow boots amongst Canadians.
One familiar brand in Canada for winter shoes is Sorel. These boots are known for being warm and waterproof.
While I do not own these boots, I know many people who do own them and they all recommend this brand.
Blundstones
Blundstones are excellent boots for winter because they have a removable sheepskin lined insole that keeps your feet toasty. They also look great with jeans and leggings, which means you can wear them to dinner in winter or to walk around the city.
Blundstones are an Australian brand based in Tasmania. They have become popular in Canada for their laceless boots. Most Blundstone boots are unisex.
I love my Blundstone shoes so much that I now have two pairs. I have the Blundstone 1478 – Winter Thermal in Rustic Black and Blundstone 550 in Classic Black. The 550 boots are for rainy days and the 1478 boots are for winter wear.
Something worth knowing about Blundstones is that they take some time to wear in. When you first purchase the boots, they will be very tight on the front of your feet and uncomfortable on your ankle.
However, with time and good socks, they will conform to your foot shape and eventually be your most worn shoes throughout the year. You will likely wear Blundstone boots to enjoy fall activities in Ontario.
You should also use a waterproof protector to keep your Blundstone boots looking new. I use Sno Seal Beeswax waterproofing protector on my black Blundstones.
Buy your Blundstone Boots here.
Thermals
One of the best ways to stay warm in winter in Canada is by wearing leggings, long johns, tights or thermals underneath your trousers. Whichever you chose, this method is an essential winter routine.
Some types of thermals for your legs are a good option if you will be outside for a long time. For example, you are doing outdoor winter activities, at an alfresco event (such as a Christmas market) or commuting to work in winter.
Thermals are also great to own for other occasions, such as for backcountry camping at night.
A pair of jeans with thick tights or leggings underneath can go a long way in a Canadian winter. Dark coloured denim is the best type of jeans because it is harder to see any kicked-up slush on the back of your legs. You cannot go wrong with a pair of Levi jeans.
You can also wear leggings underneath sweatpants if you are going for a casual look, such as when going for a walk.
For ladies, I recommend leggings from Lululemon or H&M. For men, I suggest thermals from Ice Breaker.
I have Mountain Warehouse thermals that I highly recommend because they are so soft and warm. Purchase the thermal top here and the thermal bottoms here.
Base Layers
Following on from thermal leggings, you will also need base layers for your upper body. Long sleeve t-shirts, roll-neck tops, and other t-shirts you can layer will be your best friend throughout winter in Canada. This type of clothing is known as thermal underwear.
UNIQLO does excellent base layers from their HeatTech range. I also love turtlenecks from UNIQLO and the warm-lined pants.
Browse the UNIQLO Heattech clothing here.
This clothing can be used for skiing as they make great layers.
Snow Pants
Commonly known as salopettes or snow pants, these are a pair of thick, waterproof trousers that you can wear for winter activities, such as skiing. However, they are also suitable for freezing days and snowstorms because they are usually oversized. Depending on the fit, you can wear them over your usual trousers or thermals.
I suggest purchasing your snow pants from stores like Helly Hanson or The North Face. Here are two recommendations for women.
Sweaters
When visiting or living in Canada, you need to have a collection of knitwear. These items will likely be your most worn Canada winter clothing.
It is good to have a range of fashionable sweaters and more practical clothing, such as a Merino wool zip-up sweater. You can buy wool items from stores like Aritizia, UNIQLO, Amazon and Banana Republic.
I also own a zip-up vest (gillet) from Arcteryx, which goes well over a long-sleeve t-shirt while in the house or as an extra layer under a coat.
Winter Accessories
The following accessories are essential for daily use during winter in Canada. When walking outside at all, you will need to wear a hat and gloves.
Gloves
Again, you will need several types of gloves for different scenarios. You will need some thinner gloves for general winter use when it is relatively cold. Then, you will need thick ski gloves or mittens for when the weather is harsh.
You can get gloves with touchscreen fingertips. These are handy to avoid taking your gloves off when using your phone.
Otherwise, The North Face sell gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingertips. Check these North Face gloves out here.
Mittens work well for the frigid days. You can buy mittens from Roots that have a flap to turn them into finger gloves for when you need to use your fingers. Buy the Roots Flap Mitts here.
You can also check the cold rating of gloves on some websites. For example, you can filter gloves on The North Face and purchase their warmest pair. These men’s ski gloves from The North Face have touchscreen compatibility and will keep your fingers warm.
Alternatively, visit Amazon to see reviews for these mittens that will keep your hands warm up to – 40°C.
Sometimes your gloves won’t be able to keep your hands warm when you are outside for an extended period of time. Therefore, you will need some hand warmers.
Socks
Thick socks will be your saviour, not only for keeping your feet warm but also to avoid any blisters in your winter footwear.
Some of my favourite winter socks have come from Roots and UNIQLO – for both men and women.
Feet warmers come in handy when you are doing winter sports. They are like insoles that stay heated for several hours when activated. Purchase your feet warmers on Amazon.
The final items of clothing you will need for a winter in Canada are as follows.
- Knit hat
- Thick scarf
- Sunglasses
Beanie hats are known as toques in Canada. You can buy hats and scarves in many fashion outlets; however, my two favourite hats are from H&M and Club Monaco.
I own the Turnback Ribbed Beanie in pink from Club Monaco. It is cashmere and really soft.
Just because it is winter does not mean that it is not sunny in Canada. A common Canadian winter day involves cold temperatures and a clear blue sky. That is when it is not snowing.
So, pack your sunglasses and ensure they have good UV protection because the sun can be harsh when it bounces off the white snow.
Toiletries for Winter Use
Even though this article is on Canada winter clothing, it is worthwhile touching on toiletries you may need in winter. When temperatures reach minus 10 degrees every day, the cold is going to affect your body physically.
I suggest having some intensive hand cream to keep your hands from cracking. I recommend buying Aveeno hand cream or E45 hand cream. Aveeno and E45 also do great body lotions.
Your lips are also going to take a hit from the blistering cold. For the first few years in Canada, I used to use Vaseline, but I found I had to reapply it so much that it was causing me more harm.
After trying out many lip balm products, I found that Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment is the only product that works in winter. You can buy a mini tub to take with you during the day. Additionally, if you buy a big tub of it as I do, you can also use it on extra dry parts of your body.
Purchase Aquaphor Healing Ointment from Shoppers Drug Mart.
Where to Buy Winter Clothes in Canada?
Below is a summary of the shops I like to buy my winter essentials and staples from in Canada.
| Canada Winter Clothing | Brand |
|---|---|
| Thermals | Mountain Warehouse, Lululemon, Arcteryx, UNIQLO |
| Outerwear | The North Face, Columbia, Arcteryx, UNIQLO, Aritzia |
| Footwear | Blundstone, Merrell, Hunter |
| Socks | UNIQLO, Roots |
| Gloves | Lululemon, Roots, The North Face, Amazon |
| Toiletries | Amazon, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart |
How to Stay Warm in Canadian Winter?
All the Canadian winter clothing I mentioned above are non-negotiable if you want to stay warm. Therefore, if you have and use all the items I suggest, you will be fine in winter.
However, there are some days where even the warmest clothing cannot combat the extreme temperatures. For example, sometimes there are strong winds that cause minus degree Celsius wind chills. My best advice for you during this time is to remain inside as much as possible to stay warm.
If you live in Toronto, you will likely use the PATH, the underground network of pathways, much more than other times of the year. You will also need to use transportation more than usual, such as cars, trains, buses, or taxis.
What are Winters like in Toronto, Canada?
I can talk from experience about the weather in Toronto in winter. I lived in Toronto for nearly two years and commuted over an hour to work during winters by public transport.
Depending on your Toronto accommodation location and your plans for the day, you can mostly stay out of the cold. By using the subway and the PATH, you can get to many downtown areas without going outside.
However, the winter weather can cause the subway to have difficulties and break down. So, you should be well-dressed in case you have to wait outside in the cold.
The subway has a North to South line and an East to West line; meaning there are many gaps in the network. Therefore, for some parts of the city, you will need to find an alternative method of transport, such as walking, the bus or a streetcar (tram).
Clearing snow on the footpaths in front of residential buildings is the residents’ responsibility. But some residents do not always clear their snow, which means the thick snow can turn icy a few days after snowfall. The icy paths are a huge nuisance and outlines when having shoes with good grip is most important.
Read my article on the best time to visit Ontario for more information on what the weather is like in Toronto throughout the year. I also share other travel tips on where to visit within Ontario.
How Does Winter in Ontario Compare to Other Parts of Canada?
Canada is a huge country, so I do not mean to imply that winter will be the same no matter where you are in the country. There are vast differences between each province.
For example, Alberta will see colder temperatures than the Greater Toronto Area. Although, some places in Southern Alberta experience a weather phenomenon known as a chinook. A chinook is when there are winds that warm the air significantly for a short period.
Vancouver in British Columbia has one of the warmest winters in Canada due to its location on the Pacific Ocean. It also sees a lot of rain throughout winter.
On the surface, Toronto seems like it has milder winters than many other cities in Canada due to its slightly higher temperatures. However, Toronto’s proximity to Lake Ontario, as well as neighbouring cities, leads to wind chills causing it to feel colder than the temperature suggests.
Although Ottawa is only a 5-hour drive from Toronto, Ottawa will have around 120 days of snow each year, whereas Toronto has roughly 65 snow days.
What I am trying to say is while Canada’s winter weather varies across the country, many parts of Canada experience cold temperatures. This article should have assisted you in planning your winter wardrobe for those periods.
