Complete Canadian Winter Packing List

Canada is a huge country and even the winter months can be vastly different from one end of the country to the other. British Columbia is much milder than, say, Ontario. Southern Ontario typically doesn’t get as much snow as Northern Ontario, and the Maritimes often get dumps of snow. Banff National Park and Jasper National Park are awesome destinations for winter photography. Winnipeg, Manitoba has recorded some of the lowest temperatures in the country. In any case, bundling up for the winter is likely a preference if you plan to enjoy the beauty of the winter outdoors. The activities you have planned may require a few more items than a regular weekend trip which is why I’ve split this post into two categories: Essentials for every Canadian Winters and Activity-dependent Items for Comfort. Continue reading for the perfect Canadian winter packing list.

Best Canadian Destinations in the Winter

Canada is huge and you can’t visit it all in a week! So, make sure to check out the places that speak most to you. I’ve travelled to almost all the Provinces and hope to finish the whole country in a few years!

• Best for outdoor adventure and epic views: Banff National Park
• Christmas markets and Nightlife: Toronto
• Best for skiing: Vancouver/Whistler (okay, I’m not a skiier but I love Vancouver and have heard the best things about Whistler!)
• Best for romance and charm: Quebec City
• Best for Food: Montreal
• World’s Largest Outdoor Skating Rink: Ottawa
• Northern Lights: Yukon/Northwest Territories

Canadian Winter Packing List Essentials

The number 1 and number 2 things on your Canada winter packing list to stay warm in the cold weather may seem like no-brainers but it needs to be said:

1. Pack a warm, waterproof winter jacket and;
2. Snow boots (waterproof and warm). Waterproof winter boots, like these ones from UGG, make all the difference

Having these two things will make a world of difference! (TIP: if you can, purchase a new pair of boots of a new jacket at the end of the season for the following winter to get a great deal!) I also recommend you layer with a few winter clothing items:

• Layer with shirts and sweaters. If you can get a high merino wool content in even one piece as a base layer, even better! I purchased the warmest wool turtleneck sweater at a used clothing store a few years back and it’s definitely my best winter piece.
• Sheepwool insoles to put in your boots/shoes or wool socks. (I recently purchased the insoles as a way to extend the life of my current winter boots and they are wonderfully warm).
• Down-filled jacket to layer under coats. I have this one and have layered it for winter trips under my peacoat. It’s been a great additional piece to stay warm (and stands out in pictures – bonus!).

• Something for your head. A hat, headband, earmuffs, etc. I personally LOVE my earmuffs (purchased in Quebec City on my last visit) and I get a ton of compliments on them.
• Something for your hands. Mittens or gloves are both good and if you can get the texting gloves, even better! (I recently up-cycled an old wool sweater into a pair of mitts and I’m so excited to make use of them this winter).
• A scarf. I’ve picked up a few scarves in the last 28 years but my favourite is a long wool scarf that I can wrap around my neck a few times to really bundle up (see below). Blanket scarves are also great because you can keep them on your shoulders if you head inside for a hot beverage somewhere.
• Warm, wool socks. Make sure they aren’t ankle socks that will rub on your boots and fall down! I love the Darn Tough ones (they have an unconditional lifetime guarantee). Similar to the boots, a pair of warm winter socks will make a difference in the cold winters here!

Activity-dependent Items for Comfort

There’s a whole variety of winter activities you may want to try! So, these may not be essential canadian winter packing list things, but you may want to consider them! Depending on what you’ll be getting up to you may want to pick up:

• Snow pants or wind breakers. Long johns are great too but pants MADE for snowy cold are ideal. I love these quilted pants from Rudsak. (They’re great for snowshoeing where the front of your legs get chilly but the backs aren’t as bad!)
• Hand or feet warmers. You can throw a few in your bag and use them when you need a little extra warmth. (I am all about reusable items – you can now purchase reusable hand warmers).
• Winter hiking boots (or snowshoe boots). Snowshoes have straps to keep them on your feet, and you may ruin your nice boots! If you can (and will use them often enough), a sturdy pair of winter hiking boots is great! These ones from Keen have a rubber heel so you won’t get as much wear on the boots from the snowshoe straps.
• If you’re going skiing or snowboarding, you can typically rent gear at the ski hill! So, make sure you bundle up in items from the list above and rent the gear you need!

There you have it! What’s your favourite Canadian winter destination?