What To Wear In Canada In Winter From A Canadian

There’s a saying in Norway that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” This one phrase completely changed my outlook on winter. It helped me embrace the cold, and now I look forward to the season. You can enjoy so many unique things if you’re properly dressed in Canadian winter clothing. These are the items that keep me warm on mild days to -40. Here’s a guide to what to wear in Canada in winter from a girl that never says no to an adventure.

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The Secret to Enjoying Canadian Winter

I’m certain that proper gear for Canadian winter is one of the secrets to enjoying the season. If you’re warm you’ll be unstoppable from skiing to winter festivals to stunning scenic hikes.

Some adventures you can look forward to:

• One of Canada’s best winter festivals
• Ottawa winter bucketlist
• This winter destination full of epic winter activities
• An underrated winter gem in Canada where you can spend winter in the mountains

General Tips for Dressing for Canada In Winter:

Wear Lots of Layers

Layering is key in order to trap heat and stay warm. Below I’ve shared some of my favourite items to layer with. You can always take off layers if you get warm, but it’s hard to warm up once you’re cold. If you’re getting hot, take layers off because sweating can actually make you colder if it freezes.

Beware of the Windchill Factor

Windchill is the temperature your body feels in relation to the wind, be sure to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. I always check the “feels like” portion of the weather forecast. It could be -10 that day but it feels like -20, dress for the -20!

Dressing for the Destination

Winter across Canada is very different for each province and territory. I’m based in Ontario, where we can get lots of snow but also some pretty cold temperatures, sometimes even reaching temperatures colder than marks, yikes! But the good news is that consistent cold temperatures bring some pretty uniqur adventures like skating the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest skating rink.

“Should I Bring It?”

If you’re wondering if you should bring a layer, the answer is always yes. I’d rather have it and take it off then wish I’d packed it. You can always leave extra gear in your or bag in case.

Hot Paws are amazing hand and feet warmers to have on hand. Lots of people bring them skiing or on longer winter adventures. They’re packs that you can shake, and heat activates you insert them in your mitts or boots. I keep one in my pocket just in case.

Getting Dressed for Canadian Winter

Step 1: Base Layers for Canadian Winter Activities

If I know i’m going to be outside for a long time, I always consider a base layer. I usually wear these for activities like skiing. Some of my favourite base layers have been Under Armour. Their thermal shirts and leggings provide a good base for warmth when dressing for Canadian winter. Generally, I add these when it’s cold, and I’ll be outside for a while.

Step 2: Sweater or Fleece Canadian Winter Clothing

You’ll need a good hoodie or fleece to keep extra cozy and warm for Canadian winter. Some of my favourite fleece sweaters are from Columbia. These are great for all seasons but provide that extra layer of warmth in Canadian winter. Turtlenecks are also an easy option to add some extra warmth to your neck. 

Step 3: Winter Jacket for Canadian Winter

I think investing in a good winter jacket is a game-changer for enjoying winter. Make sure your jacket is water-resistant or waterproof. 

Warm Down-Filled Parka Winter Jacket for Canadian Winter

A down-filled jacket makes such a difference in long-lasting warmth. It’s more expensive but genuinely makes such a difference, and I don’t know how I got through winter before that. My favourite and go-to winter jacket is from Soia and Kyo. A down-filled jacket has been the secret to keeping me warm in -30 winter events to skating. I love this jacket because it has an inner zipper that can keep my body warm if I’m overheated and need to unzip the outer layer. I wear this jacket on colder days like -15 and below and when I’ll be outside for a long time. This jacket was an investment but I’ve had it since 2018 and its still in great condition and never fails to keep me warm.  

Thermal Technology Winter Jacket for Canadian Winter

This thermal technology jacket from Canadian winter is a great option for an affordable jacket that can be used for winter and spring. The Columbia 3-in-1 jacket uses omni-tech so once you get moving your body heat will engage the technology and keep you warm. I used this jacket on a -20 day while cross country skiing and I had to unzip my jacket it created that much heat! There’s also a fur attachment for the hood, this will help shield your face from the elements.

The best way to describe it is that it feels like your jacket is a hot paw. Here is how it becomes three jackets:

• Layer 1: This is the shell that will keep you warm from the wind and can be worn alone for warmer months.
• Layer: 2: This is the omni-tech layer that will keep you warm. Wear it alone on warmer days
• Pair both layers together for those cold winter days.

Step 4: Pants for Canadian Winter

Option 1: Chill Activity

I’ll usually wear a warm layer. Avoid jeans. There is nothing worse than the feeling of cold jeans on bare skin. Want to wear a skirt? You can get some great thermal leggings that look like regular tights.

Option 2: Layered Pants

Depending on how cold it is and the activities, sometimes I’ll wear fleece-lined tights under my pants and find that keeps me warm enough!

Option 3: Snow Pants

For hours outside or super snowy adventures like skiing or ice-climbing, snow pants are the move! Even for skating, I find keeping my legs warm makes the whole activity more enjoyable. I usually wear pants and get thinkly insulated but some wear without pants and get higher insulated. Here’s some good options for snowpants.

Step 5: Boots for Canadian Winter

Proper winter boots are essential for keeping your feet warm and dry. Look for boots with good insulation, a waterproof membrane, and good traction on the sole to prevent slipping on ice. There is nothing worse than having cold feet or even worst, wet feet from bad-quality winter boots. Here are some of my favourites:

Columbia Winter Boots

These are my go-to winter boots, the Columbia Keetley Boots. They’re super comfortable and will keep your feet warm on any adventure. I’ve tested them in huge slush puddles to -20 and below temps, and they’ve passed all the tests. If I could only recommend one pair of winter boots, it would be these ones. They also have great grip for that uneven terrain.

Sorel Boots

I’ve had my Sorel Boots for over 10 years! This is a great brand for proper winter boots for bigger adventures and lots of snow! They’ll keep your feet nice cozy, and warm. This is the exact pair I’ve owned for years. They’re great for temperatures as low as -25. 

Blundstones

For milder, less messy days, I always reach for my Blundstones. They’re an investment I was hesitating about making, but I’m so glad I did. I will own a pair of these for the rest of my life. Not only are they super comfortable, but they’re also versatile. I wear them Winter-Spring. I wouldn’t go puddle-jumping them, but with the waterproof spray I haven’t had any issues navigating snow or rain. I’ve also heard great things about thermal inserts for colder winter days.

Sock Recommendations

Colder day? I’ll opt for a thicker stock like a Roots cozy sock or these merino wool socks! They’ll keep you nice and toasty warm in your boots. I’ve warn both on many adventures.

Step 6: Warm Hands

I recommend getting a good pair of waterproof mitts to keep your hands warm. I prefer mitts over gloves because they keep your fingers warmer for longer. Sometimes I’ll wear mini gloves from the dollar store inside my mitts if I’m taking my hand out a lot to use my camera. 

Fleece-lined gloves can be good for small stops like on your way to dinner with friends or shopping but for a winter adventure, you’ll want something insulated and waterproof. Some of my favourite mitts have been from Kombi, this pair is similar to my favourite pair. SAIL carries a lot of great brands that offer strong winter mitts and gloves.

Step 7: Toque for Canadian Winter

You’ll want a good quality toque that keeps your warms nice and cozy. Something I look for is one that is thick at the ears because there’s nothing worse than feeling like the wind is moving through them. 

Step 8: Scarf for Candian Winter

Get a good scarf for those super cold days, and keep your neck warm. I love wearing scarves on those extra frosty days to stay all bundled up. I usually go for a knit scarf or one that’s thick. If you’re skiing or it’s windy a neck warmer or balaclava are good options.

Step 9: Sunglasses for Canadian Winter

Don’t skip this essential step! Reflection on the snow can be intense so I always pack sunglasses with me!

Step 10: Bonus – Skincare

The elements can do a number on your skin, and I always find myself reaching for certain products after a winter day. Below are some of my favs to save my skin from the winter weather. Make sure to wear sunscreen because the reflection on the snow can make the sunshine more intense.

Now that you have the right winter gear, here are some winter activities to enjoy 🙂