Winter Clothing in Canada – How to Dress During Winter in Canada
Curious about the best winter clothing in Canada to keep you warm during the chilly season? Having arrived in Canada in February 2021 as a newcomer and already experiencing more than four winters in Ontario, we are happy to share advice on how to dress for winter in Canada.
One of the key factors that will influence how you experience winter in Canada is your winter clothing. So, let’s review what to wear and what not to wear to stay warm and comfortable during those chilly months.
How to Dress During Winter in Canada
Winter clothing in Canada can vary based on the province you’re in, as conditions differ across the country. However, there are some key principles that apply everywhere.
In general, during winter, you’ll need to wear multiple layers—at least three. These layers include a thermal base layer, your regular clothes (like a sweater and pants), and an outer layer such as a winter jacket, winter boots, and accessories to protect your head (toque or hat), neck (scarf or neck warmer), and hands (gloves or mittens).
The amount of clothing you need will depend on your daily activities. If you have a car and are primarily driving, you might not need as many layers. However, for those who walk everywhere like we did during our first winter, you’ll need a bit more protection against the elements.
Keep in mind that this post is especially for newcomers to Canada. We walked every day through two winters without a car, and the clothing I’m sharing with you helped us stay comfortable throughout.
What is Winter Like in Different Parts of Canada?
Winter varies greatly depending on where you live in Canada. Some provinces receive heavy snowfall, while others see less accumulation.
According to Environment and Natural Resources Canada, here are the average temperatures across the provinces from 1981 to 2010. You’ll notice that the farther north you go, the colder it gets.
Over time, I’ve noticed the seasons changing. My first winter was full of snow, followed by lighter winters, and the most recent one was particularly mild. But regardless of where you live, it’s essential to be prepared for cold weather, as winter can be harsh in some regions.
Where to Buy Winter Clothing in Canada
Thankfully, Canada offers a variety of places where you can buy winter clothing to suit different budgets. Some of the brands and stores we’ve seen include: Mountain Warehouse, Lululemon, Arc’teryx, Uniqlo, The North Face, Columbia, Merrell, Hunter, Blundstone, Roots, Amazon, Walmart, and more.
Below are some of our recommendations:
- Winter Jackets: Noize (vegan brand), Columbia, Point Zero (some vegan options)
- Winter Boots: Columbia, Call It Spring
- Neck Warmers and Hats: Amazon
- Gloves: Winners, Columbia
- Thermal Layers: Uniqlo
Best Time to Buy Winter Clothing in Canada
The two best times to shop for winter clothing are at the end of winter or during special sales events like Black Friday (end of November) and Boxing Day (December 26).
However, if you’re already feeling the cold (like I did in my first year and couldn’t wait for a jacket), you can always find deals with a little searching.
If you can hold off, these key dates will give you the best prices.
Should I Buy Winter Clothing for Canada in My Home Country?
As a newcomer, I wouldn’t recommend purchasing all your winter clothing before arriving in Canada.
In my home country, Chile, I used thermal layers for riding a motorcycle in the winter. However, the temperatures there rarely dropped below -1 to -3°C, so my gear worked well for those conditions. When I brought these layers to Canada, they worked fine for the fall, but not for the harsh Canadian winter.
The lesson here: don’t buy winter clothing in your home country, thinking you’ll be all set once you arrive. Canadian brands know their climate and design clothing specifically for these extreme weather conditions. Bring a budget for winter clothing when you arrive in Canada, and you’ll be well-covered.
If you want to discover more mistakes to avoid, check out my guide: 17 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving to Canada.
Shoes to Wear in Canadian Winter
The winter footwear experience can vary depending on where you live and how much snow you get.
We spent over three years in Mississauga, Ontario, where snow removal systems ensure that streets are cleared quickly. Even on snowy days, I could walk in sneakers, though my feet still got cold and wet. For more warmth, winter boots are essential.
Here are the boots we use:
Winter Boots for Women – Columbia
I have the Columbia Minx Mid III boots. They’ve been perfect for daily walks in the snow. I bought them online in February 2021, and they were on sale. I recommend reading reviews and ordering a size up, as they fit true to size but may run a little snug.
Tip: After walking in snow, always remove the salt from your boots to prolong their life. I’m now on my fifth winter with these boots!
Winter Boots for Men – Call it spring
Aldo bought Call It Spring boots on Black Friday. These vegan boots have kept his feet warm and dry for three winters, and after a small upgrade for a new colour, he’s ready for another round.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, check out this brand. The name is Glacier by Call it Spring, if you want to check them out.
How to Dress for a Canadian Winter
Wear Layers (Base Layer, Middle Layer, and Outer Layer)
When dressing for a Canadian winter, layering is key. You’ll need protection from the cold when you’re outside, but once you’re inside a heated space, you’ll need to remove some layers.
- Base Layer: A thermal layer (we recommend Uniqlo for affordable, high-quality options)
- Middle Layer: Your regular clothes, such as a sweater or hoodie, and pants.
- Outer Layer: A winter jacket that will protect you from wind, snow, and cold temperatures.
Winter Jacket
We held on to our Chilean jackets for as long as possible, but by November, it became clear that they just weren’t cut out for Canadian winters.
Being vegan, one of our main priorities was finding outerwear that would keep us warm while aligning with our values. Though the prices were higher than we anticipated, we discovered the Noize brand, which offers insulated parkas that are not only vegan-friendly but also warm enough to handle the coldest temperatures.
Winter Jacket for Women – Noize
I first came across Noize (just to clarify, this is not a sponsored mention—I bought it all with my own money) when I found out they had a physical store near my house in Square One Mall, Mississauga. Unfortunately, they no longer have a store at that location, but I highly recommend checking out their website.
Noize offers parkas for women, men, and even dogs, so there’s something for everyone. I bought the Trinity Mid Length Parka for about CAD 240, and I’ve been using it for years now
If you’re planning to shop for a winter jacket, I recommend waiting until sales like Black Friday (end of November), Boxing Day (December 26), or even after winter has already started. You can score significant discounts during these times, which is always a plus!
Winter Jacket for Men – Point Zero
Aldo was looking for a winter jacket that didn’t cover his legs, so he found a great alternative from Point Zero. Just like mine, it’s a vegan option made from recycled plastic bottles, which is a huge plus.
He got his parka for just 150 CAD on Black Friday, and it’s still his main winter jacket after more than four winters.
Point Zero offers both vegan and non-vegan options, so you’ll have plenty of choices based on your preferences.
Winter Jacket for Women – Noize (longer version)
As I mentioned earlier, I walked every day through winter, and although the Trinity Mid Length Parka was comfortable, I still found my thighs and knees getting a bit cold on longer walks. So, I kept my eye out for a solution.
One day, Noize sent out an email about discounted parkas, which is why I always recommend waiting for those seasonal sales! I was able to grab the Kaylee Long Length Parka for an amazing 100 CAD! It’s been perfect ever since, and now I’ve got two Noize parkas that I alternate depending on the weather.
The Kaylee Long Length Parka provides even more coverage and warmth, so I’m always comfortable on the coldest days.
The Importance of the Hood
Here’s a small detail that makes a big difference: most parkas, including those from Noize, come with a hood that has a fur trim (vegan, of course). This design is specifically meant to protect you when it snows. The fur trim helps prevent the snow from falling into your face, which can be a lifesaver during a heavy snowfall.
Aldo’s parka doesn’t have that fur trim, and he often finds himself battling snowflakes in his eyes during snowy walks. It’s one of those little details you might not think of right away, but it makes a noticeable difference on snowy days.
Warm Socks
Long, warm socks are a must in Canada. We bought ours at Winners, and they’ve kept our feet warm through every winter.
Gloves or mittens
I was able to use the gloves I brought from Chile until mid-January. These gloves were fine at first (they were a gift), but as the temperatures dropped, it became harder and harder to keep my hands warm.
Eventually, I decided it was time to invest in a new pair of gloves—ones that could truly handle the Canadian winter!
I finally found a pair that worked. We call them “crab gloves” because they have a unique design that makes it a little tricky to use your fingers freely, but they are incredibly warm. I bought them in the girls’ section of Winners, but I had to go with a size L to ensure they fit properly.
As for Aldo, he also purchased gloves from Winners, but we don’t necessarily recommend them. While they worked fine at first, over time, the interior lining began to thin out, and his hands started getting cold and wet.
By the end of the winter, his gloves were no longer able to keep out the freezing temperatures, which made outdoor activities a lot less enjoyable.
When it comes to winter clothing in Canada, it’s important to find items that are durable and designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
Gloves are especially crucial for keeping your hands warm and dry throughout the winter months, so be sure to choose quality ones that are built for Canadian winters.
Toque or hat or beanie
A toque (or beanie) is a Canadian winter essential. I bought mine at Winners, and it’s served me well. Look for ones with fleece lining for extra warmth.
Sunglasses
Even though you might expect winter to be all dark and snowy, there are plenty of beautiful sunny days throughout the winter season in Canada (see photo above). When those sunny days arrive, take full advantage of them and enjoy the outdoors.
However, you’ll want to make sure you have a good pair of sunglasses. Without them, the snow’s reflection can make it difficult to keep your eyes open, especially on those bright, crisp days.
We bought our sunglasses at Winners (which didn’t require any optical adjustments), but if you need prescription glasses, Specsavers is a great option. They offer a wide selection of sunglasses that can be fitted with your prescription, ensuring your eyes are well-protected.
Scarf or Neck Warmer
At first, I bought a scarf, thinking it would be enough to keep me warm during my first Canadian winter. However, once I discovered neck warmers, I quickly realized the scarf was no longer necessary.
While the scarf was warm, it was bulky and sometimes a hassle to manage, especially when wearing gloves. If one of the corners of the scarf slipped loose, it became a challenge to readjust it without taking off my gloves—definitely inconvenient in the middle of winter!
My recommendation, if you’re preparing for a Canadian winter, is to invest in a neck warmer instead. They are much more practical as they cover both your neck and face, providing warmth without the fuss of constantly adjusting it. It’s a simple solution to one of the common winter clothing problems in Canada.
The neck warmer is incredibly warm, yet breathable, which makes it easy to wear for long periods. It’s a small item, but it made a huge difference in keeping us comfortable during the cold months.
We highly recommend this neck warmer, especially for those braving the Canadian winter. It’s an essential piece of winter clothing in Canada that will make your outdoor experiences much more pleasant.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember about your first Canadian winter is don’t panic. Embrace the season, and find joy in the new experiences it brings. Go for daily walks, join community activities, or even try your hand at some winter sports.
With the right winter clothing, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy everything this beautiful, snowy season has to offer. Winter in Canada can be challenging at first, but once you have the proper gear and the right mindset, it’s an adventure waiting to be explored!
In terms of dressing for winter in Canada, winter clothing varies depending on the province, as each region has its own weather conditions. However, there are some key principles that apply across the country.
In general, you’ll need to layer your clothing—at least three layers. Start with a thermal base layer, add your regular clothes like a sweater and pants, and finish with an outer layer that includes a winter jacket, boots, and accessories like a toque or hat, a scarf or neck warmer, and gloves or mittens.
