When you’re in the middle of the first cold snap of the year with temperatures  plummeting south of -20°C (-4°F) you really start to think about to wear in Canada in winter.

Cold weather clothing is a necessity so you can still enjoy getting outside. Stay indoors for the next five months at the expense of both your mental and physical health. Learning to love the winter is the key to surviving it.

While we have cold, flu and RSV viruses in our midst, it’s going to be especially important to get outside and enjoy the break.

Here’s what to wear in Canada in winter so you can take advantage of days that are -20°C or even a little colder. Your world in winter will open up when you wear the right clothes. You might be surprised at how much there is to do.

Recommended reading: 87 Fabulous Things to Do in Canada in Winter

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What to wear in Canada in winter – layering is the way to go

Start with long underwear – either the Capilene or merino wool variety. The other bonus to merino wool is that it doesn’t stink – even if you sweat a lot. I prefer the feel of merino wool over Capilene but both of them work well at wicking moisture away from your skin.

For super cold days I use thermal weight long underwear for added warmth.

Add wind-proof, heavy duty long pants, preferably made with Gore-Tex if you’re planning to be outside for any length of time. If you’re just planning to walk around a city in a Canadian winter, you can certainly just stick with long underwear and your usual pants.

For cross-country skiing or snowshoeing I’ll usually wear heavy long underwear and a shell pant – preferably with a full zip of the leg. This insulated one by Patagonia would also be a great choice. Or try these winter outdoor leggings. 

What to wear above the waist

What works for me to wear above the waist on the extra cold days in winter in Canada is a synthetic or merino wool long sleeved top preferably with a zipper at the collar in case I actually get overheated. I love the ones that Icebreaker makes – though I find they run small.

Then I add afleece jacket(a wind-proof one can come in handy) and a down vest.

On top I will wear either another down sweater(it’s more like a short down coat but I like the ones with a hood) and then a waterproof-wind-proof shell.

If I’m not moving a lot, I’ll go for a really warm down parka for the outer layer.

What to wear in Canada on your head

You lose a lot of heat through your head so it’s vitally important you protect both your neck and head.

A neck warmer or scarf or even a buff are simple items make such a difference in keeping you toasty in winter in Canada. Don’t forget to add a winter hat like the Bluster Bomber pictured below.

If snow is in the forecast – even if you’re not skiing, I recommend taking ski goggles so you can see that much better.

What to wear in Canada in winter on your hands

Go for a pair of very warm heated gloves or mitts – like those made by Quebec, Canada company Auclair. They partnered with ewool – a company known for its innovative heated technology to produce premium mitts and gloves that will change the way you enjoy outdoors in winter.

If it’s a warm day, you don’t even need to turn the heat on but if it’s bitterly cold you have three levels or warmth to choose from to provide up to seven hours of warmth.

I also bring Ignik handwarmers with me – and in fact keep several in the car in case our car ever breaks down. They will also help keep your hands warm for up to six hours.

How to keep your toes warm on a -20C day in Canada

Heated socks are also an option – and they have worked well for my husband. My husband has frozen his feet several times so now he wears these heated socks powered by batteries. They aren’t inexpensive but they sure make a huge difference.

You can also buy Ignik toe warmers. My husband swears by them now that’s he has tried them, because the heat lasts for upwards of six hours.

I wrote about the heated socks here. 

What to wear on your feet in Canada in winter

I wear merino wool socks– and again they don’t stink. They come in a variety of weights so pick what works for you.

Fashionable boots aren’t always the warmest boots. Check out these winter boots from MEC. I have found the Salomon brand works really well, especially on cold days. I’d recommend adding a thick insoleto further insulate your feet from the cold.

The reward for getting outdoors on a -20C day in Canada in winter

The rewards are great for people who get outdoors.

A world waits for you – be it walking in Calgary’s Nose Hill Park on a crisp winter day, skating at Lake Louise, cross-country skiing in Banff National Park or doing the icewalk up Johnston Canyon.

Invest in the clothes. What you wear in the winter in Canada makes a difference. Buy quality and your clothing and gear will last a long time – and make the winter fun and enjoyable.

Further reading on things to do in Canada in winter

• A Winter Visit to Beautiful La Mauricie National Park in Quebec 
• Where to See the Northern Lights in Canada
• Crazy and Fun: Winter Fat Biking in Calgary 
• Things to Do in Canmore in Winter
• What’s Better – Lake Louise or Sunshine Village for Skiing?

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