A newcomer’s guide to dressing for your first winter in Canada

Colder days are around the corner! If you are a newcomer facing your first winter in Canada or are planning to arrive soon, we’re here to help you plan your wardrobe essentials so you can make the most of the breathtaking Canadian winter without shivering.
Although winter in Canada officially begins in December and runs till March, snow can arrive early and last longer. Let’s dive into the winter clothing items you must pick to stay warm and comfortable even during icy cold temperatures and wind chills.
Protecting yourself against the harsh Canadian winter involves at least three layers of clothing
- The outer layer or shell
- Mid layer
- Base layer
Outer layer or shell
Your jacket forms the outer layer and must be durable enough to withstand the elements
If you live on the coasts of Canada where you’re likely to face rain and sleet – in Vancouver or Montreal, for example – you’re better off searching for a jacket with a Gore-Tex membrane. On the other hand, if you live in the hinterlands, such as Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, or Winnipeg, you need to buy DWR (Durable Water Resistant) jackets to protect yourself during the cold, snowy winters. Both materials cause your jacket to become hydrophobic, causing any water that falls on your outerwear to form beads and slide off.
You might want to also consider buying a parka: a longer form of jacket that provides more coverage against the elements. The outdoor gear & clothing brand Altitude Sports states on its website that a longer coat covers more of your body and can trap more heat easily. Some people prefer the longer fit of a parka and others prefer jackets for slightly more mobility thanks to the shorter fit. Whether it’s called a parka or a jacket doesn’t influence the quality of the product.
The inner material of your jacket is just as important: Down-filled or synthetic?
A jacket filled with down (i.e. feathers) is amazing in a cold and dry environment but is counterproductive in wet weather. Using a down jacket in the rain will cause the filling to clump together and lose its airy feel. In such cases, you will most likely need to dry your jacket in a dryer before using it again. So, opt for DWR down jackets.
Next, for down-filled jackets, make sure you look at the fill power ratings, which determine its insulating properties. Fill ratings begin at 400 and go all the way up to 900. The higher the rating, the more protective the jacket. Ideally, you want to pick up a jacket that rates 500 and above.
If you’re looking for protection in drier climates, you’re better off buying a synthetic jacket. Synthetic insulation is likely to be heavier than its down-filled counterpart, but it is equally warm, more affordable, and more importantly, resists moisture effectively.
Beyond the basics: Look for extra features
Make sure your jacket also has deep zip pockets to keep your hands warm and securely store important personal items such as your wallet, phone, and keys. It is doubly important that your mobile phone is kept close to your body so that it does not freeze in the frigid weather. To protect your head, many jackets come with hoods, many of which are detachable.
Mid layer
There’s no doubt that the outer layer is crucial but to stay toasty on extra cold days, don’t forget about the right mid and base layers. Your mid-layer traps your body heat and acts as insulation.
When it comes to selecting materials, the website of Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) – a chain of Canadian retail stores that sell outdoor recreation gear – advises you to choose synthetic fabric or synthetic insulation to wick moisture away from your skin. Down, on the other hand, won’t stay warm if it gets wet.
Base layer
Your base layer, which is in contact with your skin, works to remove perspiration from your body, enabling you to dry quickly so you don’t catch a chill.
MEC also recommends choosing a snug fit close to your skin. Cotton is a no-no! Instead, go with merino or warm synthetic materials. Merino has excellent odour-managing and heat-regulating abilities, keeping you cool when it’s warm, and warm when it’s cold. If you have sensitive skin and are looking for an alternative, use a layer made from synthetic materials, but keep in mind that these may hold odour.
Also read: The right mindset for a newcomer to Canada, explained by immigrants themselves
Expert tips for buying and wearing winter clothing
- Winter clothing can be a bit expensive sometimes. When making a purchase, prioritize effectiveness over low price. “Opting for the cheapest winter gear may seem like a quick fix, but it comes with pitfalls, especially in Canada’s winters,” says a spokesperson from Marshall’s, a clothing store that offers discounted apparel. “Cheap clothing often lacks the durability needed to brave harsh conditions. It might leave you shivering in the cold, unable to withstand the elements. Plus, low-quality items may not be waterproof or windproof, leaving you soaked and chilled.”
- Add more layers as it gets colder! Pair your base layer with an outer shell for early winter conditions, then add a good mid-layer as temperatures drop.
Level up your winter look and warmth factor with accessories!
Toque or beanie: A form-fitting hat is a great choice to prevent heat loss from your head and stay cozy. Toques are commonly made from wool and cotton, although there are options with synthetic fabrics such as acrylic, nylon, spandex and kevlar in the market. If your toque doesn’t fully cover your ears, throw on a stylish ear muff for added protection.
Wool socks and winter boots: A must-have for sub-zero temperatures, wool socks protect your feet, absorb moisture, and keep you safe from cold-related conditions such as frostbite. When selecting your boots, choose one with excellent grip, especially for walking on ice. Particularly dangerous is black ice, a treacherous form of ice that is visually transparent on roads, hugely increasing the risk of slippage.
Gloves or mittens: Choose a windproof glove made from a synthetic material such as PVC or neoprene, or a natural alternative such as wool or leather. You can also choose to layer your gloves, using a thinner one as a base layer. Or, upgrade to a down-filled pair that’s perfect when going skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing or during dangerous weather conditions including extreme cold, blizzards, and ice storms.
Remember, when we expressed earlier that enjoying the breathtaking Canadian winter without shivering is the goal? Well, these wardrobe essentials will help you do that.
Spread the warmth! Share this newcomer winter clothing guide with friends and family.