How to Buy Winter Clothing in Canada (2023)

FAQs

What clothes do I need for winter in Canada? ›

It is really important to bring thermal socks, gloves, a hat, t-shirts and leggings for layers. If you come from a country with high temperatures, you should definitely buy your jacket here in Canada. Nothing else will be enough, believe me.”

Winter shopping is expensive

In fact, the first time I looked up the prices at Canada Goose, I nearly shed a tear. A lot of the jackets and parkas there looked great but with price tags above the $1,000 range I think I'd have to take a loan out to afford one.

In Canada, all popular retailers and brands have sales at the start and end of seasons. The Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October, as well as the Black Friday weekend in November, are also popular times to find great deals.

The secret to dressing for a Canadian winter is layers. You'll be ok with your jeans, and for tops consider Long Sleeve T-Shirts, Turtlenecks, Long Sleeve Shirts... add to them Sweaters or Fleece. Cover over top with a Heavy Windbreaker (waterproof preferably, your Snowboarding Jacket would be ideal).

US is cheaper. Better quality on similar products in Canada as long as you don't buy from a US chain store. Prices lower in the US, but quality doesn't compare. At department stores, you are going to be buying the same item - probably made in Asia or Central America - whether you are in the US or Canada.

Overall, both Canada and the US are fairly expensive to live in. Canada has much higher housing costs but healthcare costs are much more expensive in the US. While US salaries are slightly higher, Canadians have a much easier time making a higher salary with less education.

Waterproof warm parka or winter coat – Outer layer

Ensure it is waterproof, this is 100% important! What is this? Wool coats are a good option for indoor sightseeing, or on early winter days, but in the thick of the cold-weather season, you do need a power parka.

What is the best jacket brand for Canada? ›

"Canada Goose's Snow Mantra Parka is the warmest coat on Earth."

A fleece or hoody is a great option, preferably made from polyester or wool if you're planning to be outside. Both materials breathe well, to help stop overheating when active. Better breathability does mean less wind resistance however.

The secret to dressing for a Canadian winter is layers. You'll be ok with your jeans, and for tops consider Long Sleeve T-Shirts, Turtlenecks, Long Sleeve Shirts... add to them Sweaters or Fleece. Cover over top with a Heavy Windbreaker (waterproof preferably, your Snowboarding Jacket would be ideal).

Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with light layers such as a t-shirt and cardigan for the summer, or warmer ones e.g. a long-sleeved shirt and thick sweater in the winter.

In Vancouver's winter you'll need to dress in layers to stay warm and dry. A waterproof gore-tex shell will be your best friend, with a scarf and sweater or fleece layered underneath it. Definitely an umbrella to walk to class! Occasionally a toque or gloves, but it rarely gets to zero degrees.

All of Canada uses the Canadian dollar, however certain retailers throughout the country will accept the US dollar as a form of payment for goods. We highly suggest you to use the local currency to pay for goods and services.

CLOTHING & SHOES

Many people would think that people in Canada earn a higher salary and that they would spend a lot on their apparel, but the situation is quite the contrary. Canadians spend only 2% of their monthly budget on clothes, even though it is inexpensive and very affordable.

What is best in Canada for shopping? ›

Roots, Canada Goose, and Herschel are one of Canada's all-time trademarks, especially when discussing apparel. One of the best Canadian clothing brands made on Canadian grounds are Roots, Canada Goose, Smash + Tess, Ecologyst, and Encircled.

The U.S. News 2021 Best Countries Report gave Canada a score of 96.7 out of 100 for safety. This ranking puts Canada significantly above the United States (10.8) and the United Kingdom (55.4).

Generally speaking, moving to Canada is not too difficult. Because Canada is open to welcoming new immigrants and offers several immigration programs, it's easier for you to qualify for one immigration stream. Still, you have to meet the requirements for the pathway you want to apply for.

At the high end of the winter jacket spectrum is Toronto-based Canada Goose. These jackets are the real deal: they're extremely warm, well-built, and downright fashionable for those that want a sleek look. Our top pick from Canada Goose is the Langford Parka, which hits a nice sweet spot between Arctic and urban use.

Article content. There are more than a few Canadian companies that make winter jackets. Canada Goose is the first one that comes to mind, but there's also Nobis, Quartz Co., Kanuk, Arc'teryx, Vallier, Soia & Kyo, Mackage, MEC and undoubtedly more here and beyond our chilly borders.

When it comes down to it, if you have the money to invest in a parka, and you've tried other options and they're not working for you, a Canada Goose coat is absolutely worth the money. Not only is it extremely warm, but I, a curvy person with disproportionate limbs, found the coats to fit well, too.

What brand of winter clothing does Quebec wear? ›

Kanuk. Forty years after its founding, the Kanuk brand is now a well-known figure in Quebec's winter landscape. The brand has built its reputation by offering many models of parkas, all designed to face the particularly capricious and cold temperatures of the country.

“The Long John Index is a 'not-scientific-whatsoever' method of measuring when, and if, one should be wearing a pair of thermal long underwear, known more commonly in the Dominion of Canada as 'Long Johns',” reads the website.

Staying warm in Canada is all about wearing synthetic thermal layers. The first layer sits right next to the skin. Materials like silk, nylon or polyester are the best options, but any fabrics that wick perspiration away from your body are suitable. Base layers should be worn on your top half and legs.

Merino Wool: The other more common type, a merino wool base layer is made of a gentler type of wool that's less irritating to the skin. It excels at regulating body temperature, so it's great for insanely cold weather but won't have you overheating when things start warming up.

Winter Boots

Speaking of snow, it is not uncommon to see a few inches of snow on the ground in Toronto– if not a couple feet! So a good pair of winter boots are exactly what you will need to walk through the snowbanks.

Denim is a sturdy fabric that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It is also relatively breathable, which makes it a good choice for activities in cold weather. However, denim is not as insulating as other fabrics, so it may not be the best choice if you are looking for a warm pair of pants.

Sneakers are not the ideal footwear for snow, but they can be worn in a pinch. They will not protect your feet from the cold as well as boots, and they will not provide the traction you need to walk on slippery surfaces.

Most sneakers are not designed to withstand the snow. They could get damaged or simply not provide enough support, dryness or warmth for your feet. And, chances are you would prefer boots to keep your feet toasty in cold weather.

What kind of clothes do you wear in Canada? ›

Canada is very welcoming, and there are no specific dress codes for any place. The dressing is very casual, and you will find people wearing athleisure clothing when they are out and about. If you know me in person, you will see me wearing Lululemon leggings and my denim jacket (sometimes with a scarf!).

Pack for the Weather

You are well advised to have a very thick warm coat. Gloves, cosy boots, scarf, a warm hat, and ear muffs are also a very good idea. Sunglasses are useful in the snow too, to protect against the reflected rays. For extra warmth pack some long thermal underwear – you'll be grateful you did.

Dress in layers of warm clothing, with an outer layer that is wind- resistant. Cover all exposed skin: wear a hat, mittens and a scarf, neck tube or face mask. Keep active. Check face and extremities for numbness or whiteness (frostbite).

RBC retained its title as Canada's most valuable brand, growing its brand value by 74% over the last two years to US$37.7 billion. RBC is the world's 57th most valuable brand, according to Kantar BrandZ's annual global ranking, and the second most valuable bank globally.

There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can bring into or take out of Canada, nor is it illegal to do so. However, any time you cross the border, you must declare any currency or monetary instruments you have in your possession that are valued at CAN$10,000 or more.

Cover up in layers

The winters of northern parts of Canada are not to be taken lightly – you need layers! Starting with thermals or innerwear, followed by regular wear, a sweater/jumper/hoody of choice, a well-insulated jacket, muffler/scarf, cap, gloves and snowshoes – I could go on and on!

As a visitor, you can bring certain goods into Canada for your own use as personal baggage. Personal baggage includes clothing, camping and sports equipment, cameras and personal computers. This also includes your mode of transportation, including vehicles, private boats and aircraft.

Rude gestures – raising your middle finger is rude in Canada like the UK. Talking about sex, politics and religion – these are taboo topics and should be avoided with strangers. These are considered private topics by Canadians and should not be brought up.