What to wear in Canada

[eliev]

I will be spending next semester (September-January) in Kingston, Ontario. I have never been to Canada before.

Any suggestions on what to pack? I was thinking about getting most of my winter clothes once I get there. I will definitely be needing a warm coat. However, since it's August, most of the winter stuff is on sale here and I can get a pretty decent North Face-type jacket for about 150 euros (200 USD)

I am trying to pack light.

I will mostly be attending classes so I do not need to bring anything formal.

Thanks for your help!

 

[weizemanner]

Just find a shopping cart and put 40 gallons of milk in it. Should make you fit right in.

You should also load as many full gas cans into your vehicle as possible. Safety is not a concern, just get as much gas and milk into your vehicle as possible.

Or do what the Canadians around here do, put a hefty garbage bag into a dufflebag and fill it with gasoline at the pump. Nothing safer or less suspicious than wavy fumes pouring out of a suitcase in the cabin of a vehicle on a hot day as you cross the border....

 

[treewhale]

Kingston has a fairly mild climate by Canadian standards. September will likely be warm, you may not even see freezing temperatures until October or November. I suggest that you buy winter gear once you get to Canada because it is plentiful and will be available in a wide range of prices. $200.00 USD is pretty high for a winter coat in Canada unless you are looking for particularly styling or high end gear. Most Canadians buy winter clothes for function rather than style. If you plan to take your winter clothes home with you at the end of your trip and possibly use them for skiing later, spend more and get something that will last, otherwise, you will blend right in if your winter clothes are a bit dowdy. If you want the "Full Canadian Experience" you can shop at the Hudson's Bay Company, which was originally a fur trading company that has become the largest department store chain in Canada. Another option for particularly warm but unfashionable winter clothes is Mark's Work Wearhouse.

From inside out, here is what you will want for when it gets very cold:

Long underwear. Don't get the full body suits like some do, it is inconvienent and doesn't layer well. Get seperate long bottoms and top. Make sure that the material is breathable and preferably wicking. Stanfields is a well recognized brand, and is not expensive. UnderArmour is more stylish, but since this will be under your clothes, style is secondary to function. You may not wear it at all, you may wear it every day in November and December, it depends on what the winter is like. You can get this stuff at the Bay (Hudson's Bay Company) or Wal-mart (an experience to be had in itself if you are in North America) Get a long-sleved thermal undershirt. Long underwear will give you a layer under your usual clothes and will allow you to simply wear a normal set of street clothes much later into the winter season.

A couple of pairs of thick wool socks (not at a time, but to alternate and let dry) will keep your toes from freezing, which is a painful thing when it happens. Make sure you find a pair of shoes or boots with deep rubber treads for traction in wet snow.

Your legs will be the last thing to get cold, especially if you are wearing long underwear. Ordinary pants will do mor most purposes, unless you plan on doing some very active winter sports that will cause you to be getting a lot of snow on you, in which case you may look to get some waterproof shell pants or ski pants. Even most Canadians would not consider wearing that in the coldest weather unless doing some winter sport.

A warm sweater - wool or synthetic - is an important part of layering clothes. You can pay a little or a lot. A Queens University hoodie may be a good keepsake as well as keeping you warm.

A warm jacket is important, but also important in that climate is to make sure it is waterproof, or at least water resistant, because once you are wet, you are going to get very cold. You may be able to get by with what you would wear in a Parisian winter for September and October. For November through January, you may want to buy a parka, which is a heavy, down or synthetic filled padded coat. Parkas can be had at fairly low prices as brands are generally secondary. If you can find one that is down filled, they are the best. A fur lined hood is traditional but harder to find these days and may not make any friends in Europe on your return, so we are told here in Canada.

You will also want one or two pairs of gloves lined with 3m Thinsulate or a similar material (two to let pairs dry out between uses) a wool or fleece scarf to keep the wind out of your jacket, and a Touque (not like chefs wear, this is a Canadian term for a knitted winter hat.) Scarves and toques with logos are often given away as promotional items. You may also consider a Balaclava, although even in Canada it will make you look like you are about to rob a bank.

All of those items can be had for probably around $300.00 Canadian total if you are looking for function rather than brand names.

Also remember that wind is almost as important a consideration as the actual temperature. You will get cold much faster at -5 with a high wind than at -15 with no wind.

Remember, you may see locals wearing much less winter clothing that you might be comfortable with. I live in Edmonton, and I don't think about putting on a hat or gloves until it is well below the freezing mark and my parka doesn't come out until we hit -20 degrees C. This is because I have lived here all my life and I am used to it. I know how the cold affects me, and how to tell if it is so cold my ears or face will start to freeze without being covered or my fingers and toes are in danger of losing blood flow. You won't have that almost instinctual feel for the weather. Err on the side of warm, and dress in layers. You can always take layers off, you cannot put more on if you do not have them.

If you want any insight into Canadian weather, customs, culture, or pretty much any other topic, feel free to PM me, I am more than happy to help!

 

[Acmemfg]

Plaid...anything plaid and you will blend right in, but you REALLY want one of these if you so choose to look like a real local, eh? And..should you want to do it totally correct, you shall also need the authentic hat to go with it............
View attachment 358543



Be aware though...wearing one of these hats I have been told, can be grounds for institutionalization in many areas of America (probably not Canada though)

 

[jzuzphreek]

Something like this...

 

[Luc]

I've never been to Kingston but I don't think the weather is that much different compared to where I am. However, I would agree with Bruce that it might be milder over there.

Good winter coat is required, gloves are a must if it's really cold. a Tuque is a yes for sure. You might want a scarf or not, depends on the jacket but if you throat is exposed and it's windy, it's annoying.

Finally, boots, you need good boots.

All of this also goes down to how much time are you spending outside? To the bus stop to uni and that's it or you will be outside for more than 20 minutes? For short periods you might not need a full, heavy gear. For longer periods, you better have them otherwise you will be cold.

 

[dakotaev]

Joking aside, get yourself a good pair of boots, a warm winter jacket & some gloves. If you're just staying in the city I doubt you'll need a really heavy jacket. Typical casual winter wear could include jeans and v-neck sweater or similar.

 

[dakotaev]

Damn, Luc you beat me. But looks like we have the same idea lol.

 

[eliev]

Kingston has a fairly mild climate by Canadian standards. September will likely be warm, you may not even see freezing temperatures until October or November. I suggest that you buy winter gear once you get to Canada because it is plentiful and will be available in a wide range of prices. $200.00 USD is pretty high for a winter coat in Canada unless you are looking for particularly styling or high end gear. Most Canadians buy winter clothes for function rather than style. If you plan to take your winter clothes home with you at the end of your trip and possibly use them for skiing later, spend more and get something that will last, otherwise, you will blend right in if your winter clothes are a bit dowdy. If you want the "Full Canadian Experience" you can shop at the Hudson's Bay Company, which was originally a fur trading company that has become the largest department store chain in Canada. Another option for particularly warm but unfashionable winter clothes is Mark's Work Wearhouse.

From inside out, here is what you will want for when it gets very cold:

Long underwear. Don't get the full body suits like some do, it is inconvienent and doesn't layer well. Get seperate long bottoms and top. Make sure that the material is breathable and preferably wicking. Stanfields is a well recognized brand, and is not expensive. UnderArmour is more stylish, but since this will be under your clothes, style is secondary to function. You may not wear it at all, you may wear it every day in November and December, it depends on what the winter is like. You can get this stuff at the Bay (Hudson's Bay Company) or Wal-mart (an experience to be had in itself if you are in North America) Get a long-sleved thermal undershirt. Long underwear will give you a layer under your usual clothes and will allow you to simply wear a normal set of street clothes much later into the winter season.

A couple of pairs of thick wool socks (not at a time, but to alternate and let dry) will keep your toes from freezing, which is a painful thing when it happens. Make sure you find a pair of shoes or boots with deep rubber treads for traction in wet snow.

Your legs will be the last thing to get cold, especially if you are wearing long underwear. Ordinary pants will do mor most purposes, unless you plan on doing some very active winter sports that will cause you to be getting a lot of snow on you, in which case you may look to get some waterproof shell pants or ski pants. Even most Canadians would not consider wearing that in the coldest weather unless doing some winter sport.

A warm sweater - wool or synthetic - is an important part of layering clothes. You can pay a little or a lot. A Queens University hoodie may be a good keepsake as well as keeping you warm.

A warm jacket is important, but also important in that climate is to make sure it is waterproof, or at least water resistant, because once you are wet, you are going to get very cold. You may be able to get by with what you would wear in a Parisian winter for September and October. For November through January, you may want to buy a parka, which is a heavy, down or synthetic filled padded coat. Parkas can be had at fairly low prices as brands are generally secondary. If you can find one that is down filled, they are the best. A fur lined hood is traditional but harder to find these days and may not make any friends in Europe on your return, so we are told here in Canada.

You will also want one or two pairs of gloves lined with 3m Thinsulate or a similar material (two to let pairs dry out between uses) a wool or fleece scarf to keep the wind out of your jacket, and a Touque (not like chefs wear, this is a Canadian term for a knitted winter hat.) Scarves and toques with logos are often given away as promotional items. You may also consider a Balaclava, although even in Canada it will make you look like you are about to rob a bank.

All of those items can be had for probably around $300.00 Canadian total if you are looking for function rather than brand names.

Also remember that wind is almost as important a consideration as the actual temperature. You will get cold much faster at -5 with a high wind than at -15 with no wind.

Remember, you may see locals wearing much less winter clothing that you might be comfortable with. I live in Edmonton, and I don't think about putting on a hat or gloves until it is well below the freezing mark and my parka doesn't come out until we hit -20 degrees C. This is because I have lived here all my life and I am used to it. I know how the cold affects me, and how to tell if it is so cold my ears or face will start to freeze without being covered or my fingers and toes are in danger of losing blood flow. You won't have that almost instinctual feel for the weather. Err on the side of warm, and dress in layers. You can always take layers off, you cannot put more on if you do not have them.

If you want any insight into Canadian weather, customs, culture, or pretty much any other topic, feel free to PM me, I am more than happy to help!

Wow, thanks! They should publish your post on the Queen's web site for exchange students! Sounds like I should wait until I get there and shop where the locals go!

Here in Paris, people seem to have the opposite approach to winter clothes: fashion first! Canada Goose jackets have become incredibly popular here even though it's never very cold.

 

[treewhale]

Fashion tends to take a back seat when there is a legitimate chance of freezing to death or losing an ear to frostbite. Don't let the Yanks give you the impression that we are all a bunch of lumberjacks and fur trappers and Inuit, that is just something they do to annoy us, just like we make fun of them for being insular, obeese, overbearing, imperialist, heavily armed rednecks and gun nuts who make the cast of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo look sophisticated and show up late to every war except the ones they start themselves. We say these things about one another out of love, like siblings who fight. Of course, Mother England always loved us best.

(Attention! I am not saying these things about Americans, I am using them as examples of things that Canadians and Americans make fun of about each other. I have many American friends and family members, and I love traveling in the States and spending time with Americans and immersing myself in the diversity of rich cultures in the United States! I love living next to the USA, and all the good and the bad that comes with it, I would not trade neighbours with any other country. Of course, the fact that I have to include this disclaimer may say something about my perception of exactly how seriously Americans take being American. Kindly direct any angry e-mail or flaming to [email protected])

 

[jzuzphreek]

Fashion tends to take a back seat when there is a legitimate chance of freezing to death or losing an ear to frostbite. Don't let the Yanks give you the impression that we are all a bunch of lumberjacks and fur trappers and Inuit, that is just something they do to annoy us, just like we make fun of them for being insular, obeese, overbearing, imperialist, heavily armed rednecks and gun nuts who make the cast of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo look sophisticated and show up late to every war except the ones they start themselves. We say these things about one another out of love, like siblings who fight. Of course, Mother England always loved us best.

(Attention! I am not saying these things about Americans, I am using them as examples of things that Canadians and Americans make fun of about each other. I have many American friends and family members, and I love traveling in the States and spending time with Americans and immersing myself in the diversity of rich cultures in the United States! I love living next to the USA, and all the good and the bad that comes with it, I would not trade neighbours with any other country. Of course, the fact that I have to include this disclaimer may say something about my perception of exactly how seriously Americans take being American. Kindly direct any angry e-mail or flaming to [email protected])

Hey!! I'm not insular!

 

[treewhale]

Hey!! I'm not insular!

And that there, is why I love our neigbours to the south. That and the cheap cheese. I load up on about 40 pounds every time I cross the border. Oh, and Vodka at $26 a gallon. Also, I fill ziplock bags with cheap gasoline and carry them over the border in my pockets.

(I am kidding about the Gasoline)

 

[jzuzphreek]

And that there, is why I love our neigbours to the south. That and the cheap cheese. I load up on about 40 pounds every time I cross the border. Oh, and Vodka at $26 a gallon. Also, I fill ziplock bags with cheap gasoline and carry them over the border in my pockets.

(I am kidding about the Gasoline)

I thought you'd appreciate that!

 

[the_edski]

Beaver repellent, they bite if James is to be believed...

 

[jzuzphreek]

Beaver repellent, they bite if James is to be believed...

Good point Ed. Also, since he'll be in Ontario, within a few hours of James, he should probably pack a rain coat or umbrella... you know, if James decides to flush a pen and change inks while he's in the region.

 

[treewhale]

Beaver repellent, they bite if James is to be believed...

Cougars are the more dangerous animal in most parts of Canada. I was mauled by one in the bar of the Mile Zero Hotel in Grimshaw Alberta, and barely made it out with my clothing intact. It was horrible.

 

[rider4life]

Simple answer - clothes. Well, shirt and shoes anyway. You try getting into a restaurant without shirt or shoes and they'll kick you out. Pants and undies are optional.

As has been said Kingston is on the milder side of things, however, they are in the middle of a snow belt and tend to get a bit more snow than other areas. With the way the weather has been the last couple years though, snow isn't really starting until December/January and it's still 10-15C in October/November. Check out theweathernetwork.com or accuweather.com and look at some of the historical weather trends. That will help you decide on what you should bring. I can almost guarantee that between September and January you'll experience every type of weather and temperatures from +30C to -20ish C.

Hope you enjoy your time over here!!

Cheers,

M.

 

[COHunter]

The Tuxedo. Canadian style.

 

[maxman]

My advice is to get good boots. If your feet get wet and cold, you are not going to be happy at all.

 

[treewhale]

The Tuxedo. Canadian style.

I wish I could say that the term "Canadian Tuxedo" is undeserved, but this is a real thing, and something I was often guilty of in my youth.

Note, as part of the English Speaking world that speaks English rather than American, Canadians wear a "Dinner Jacket" not a "Tuxedo".