Key takeaways
- Buy in this order: boots, coat, mittens and hat, then base layers and extra socks
- Look for features, not brands: waterproof, windproof, a hood, hip length, good tread, room for a thick sock
- Budget: discount stores and thrift shops. Mid-range: work-wear and sports chains. Premium: outdoor specialty brands
- Children need snow pants, boots, mittens and a hat every school day; buy used where you can
- The best sales are in late winter (February and March); buy for next year then
What to buy first
- Boots. Cold, wet feet make winter miserable, and ice is a real fall risk. This is the item to spend more on.
- Winter coat. It must block wind and snow and cover your hips. A hood is important on windy days.
- Hat, mittens or gloves, and a scarf or neck warmer. These can be inexpensive. Mittens are warmer than gloves.
- Wool or synthetic socks. Two or three pairs per person.
- Base layers. Thermal tops and leggings for very cold cities, long walks or outdoor work.
- For children: snow pants or a one-piece snowsuit, boots, two pairs of mittens and a hat. Schools usually send children outside every day.
Not sure how many items your family needs? Use the winter clothing budget calculator.
How to choose winter boots
- Waterproof: look for a waterproof lower shell (rubber) or a sealed membrane. Salt and slush ruin non-waterproof shoes.
- Insulated: a felt or synthetic liner, often removable so you can dry it overnight.
- Grip: a deep, soft rubber tread. Hard soles slip on ice. Ice cleats that slip over boots help on icy days.
- Fit: try them with the thick socks you will wear. You should be able to move your toes.
- Height: mid-calf or higher keeps snow out.
Temperature ratings (for example “−40°C”) are set by each brand and are not a standard test. Use them only to compare boots from the same brand.
How to choose a winter coat
- Windproof and water-resistant outer fabric. Wind is what makes cold feel dangerous.
- Insulation: down is very warm for its weight; synthetic insulation stays warm when wet and is often cheaper.
- Length: below your hips. Longer parkas are warmer for waiting at bus stops.
- Hood, high collar, and cuffs that close around your wrists.
- Room for layers: try it on with a sweater underneath.
In Vancouver and Victoria, a waterproof rain jacket with a warm layer underneath often works better than a heavy parka. In the Prairies, a long, heavy parka is worth it.
Where to buy: store types and price tiers
Prices change every week with sales and seasons, so compare the same item across store types. This table shows what each type of store is good for.
| Tier | Store type (examples) | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Settlement agency clothing drives, community clothing banks, faith groups, “buy nothing” groups | Children’s clothing, hats, mittens, coats | Limited sizes; go early in the season |
| Budget | Thrift stores (for example Value Village, Salvation Army Thrift Stores); discount stores (for example Giant Tiger, Walmart) | Accessories, base layers, kids’ gear, a first coat | Check zippers, seams and boot soles; thrift items are final sale |
| Mid-range | Work-wear and general chains (for example Mark’s, Canadian Tire); sports chains (for example Sport Chek) | Warm boots with good grip, insulated coats, work gear | Frequent sales; compare features, not only the price |
| Premium | Outdoor specialty stores and brands | Very cold climates, long outdoor time, long-lasting gear | High price; buy at end-of-season sales |
Store names are examples only. We do not have a business relationship with any of them. Check current prices on each store’s website or flyer.
Buying for children
Children grow out of winter gear every year or two, so:
- Buy used snowsuits and boots from thrift stores, online marketplaces or school swaps.
- Buy one size up for coats and snow pants, but boots must fit.
- Buy two pairs of mittens: one is always wet or lost.
- Label everything with your child’s name.
- Ask your school or settlement agency about free winter clothing programs.
For more school tips, see our schools and children guide.
Hats, mittens, socks and base layers
These smaller items make a big difference and are the easiest to find cheaply:
- Hat: a knit hat (toque) that covers your ears. Fleece-lined hats are warmer in wind.
- Mittens or gloves: mittens keep fingers warmer because they share heat. Many people wear thin gloves inside mittens so they can use a phone.
- Scarf or neck warmer: a neck warmer (tube) stays in place better than a scarf and can cover your face in strong wind. Health Canada advises covering exposed skin in extreme cold.
- Socks: wool or synthetic, not cotton. Keep a dry pair at work or school.
- Base layers: thin wool or synthetic tops and leggings worn under clothes. Useful in very cold cities, for long walks to transit and for outdoor work.
Thrift stores and dollar stores often sell hats and mittens for very little, and settlement agencies often give them away in the fall.
When to buy
- September to November: best choice of sizes. Buy boots and coats before the first snow.
- Black Friday (late November) and Boxing Day (December 26): big sales on coats and boots.
- February and March: end-of-season clearance. A good time to buy next year’s coat, or children’s gear one size up.
If you land in winter, wear your warmest clothes on the plane and buy boots and a coat in your first days. See our before you land checklist.
What you can skip
- Expensive “fashion” coats that are not windproof.
- Cotton thermal underwear: it stays wet. Choose wool or synthetic.
- Heavy parkas in Vancouver or Victoria: a rain shell and warm layers are more useful.
- Buying everything at once: get the essentials, then add items as you learn what you need.
Read the full first winter guide for heating, safety and health tips.
Common questions
Where can newcomers get free winter clothes?
Many settlement agencies, community clothing banks and faith groups run free winter clothing programs, especially in the fall. Ask your local settlement agency or use our support finder.
Is a cheap winter coat good enough?
It can be, if it blocks wind, covers your hips and has a hood. Check the features, not the brand. Spend more on boots if your budget is limited.
Are boot temperature ratings accurate?
They are set by each brand, not by a standard test. Use them to compare boots from the same brand, and choose boots that are waterproof, insulated and have a good grip.
Should I buy winter clothes in my home country?
Bring warm layers you already have. Most newcomers buy boots and a coat in Canada, where they are made for the local climate and easy to return or exchange.
When are winter clothes cheapest?
At end-of-season sales in February and March, and during Black Friday and Boxing Day sales. Thrift stores have low prices all year.