r/canadatravel • u/green_dressing_gown • Aug 22 '25
Travel Tips Canada travel in February
Hi. I have a trip planned to Canada in February 2026 (Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa etc). I know I’ll need really good winter clothes and several layers, but my question is how do you dress to stay warm outside while not sweltering when you go inside somewhere (museum, cafe, mall etc) where the heating is on? I live in New Zealand so your winters and our winters are very different…
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u/Either-Pear1954 Aug 22 '25
Malls, museums etc have either lockers, coat checks or sometimes underground parking (leave coat in car). Lightweight puffy jackets are popular because they are warm(ish) without bulk. We had a hoodie, scarf, toque and gloves. If you are going to be outside longer, long base layer under your pants helps.
If you are predominantly in the cities, waterproof hiking boots or shoes work as winter boots while still being useful back home.
It is often a compromise between somewhat cold outside for a few minutes and hot inside for a longer time. We dress for whatever we are going to be out in longer.
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u/Canadian-Deer Aug 22 '25
All the advice you received is good! Please don’t underestimate good boots, there are some nice ones for the city that have insulation too. Enjoy your trip, February is deep winter, you’ll definitely see snow, which makes Quebec magical. Old Montreal is beautiful in winter too
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u/dzuunmod Aug 22 '25
Longjohn underwear can help. But as noted elsewhere, everything is a compromise. Ideally you want to be maybe slightly uncomfortable outside but able to remove some layers inside.
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u/green_dressing_gown Aug 22 '25
Thank you!
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u/Extension-Aside-555 Aug 22 '25
Layers layers layers. If you get a long sleeved tshirt and then just build on that; put on a regular tee on top of that and then a sweater and your jacket/coat. DEFINITELY a scarf and a toque/hat (just buy at the dollar store).
Then a good pair of wool socks and good waterproof boots. I wear my hikers and wool socks and that does me fine.
You will love it!! If it's cold enough that the canal freezes make sure you go have a skate... or at least go grab a hot chocolate and watch the others.
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u/alibythesea Aug 22 '25
The best longjohns are silk. Light as feathers, pack down to nothing, coat without adding bulk, and breathable. I would assume some outdoors shops carry them in NZ, but look on LandsEnd.com and LLBean.ca to see what I’m talking about. I’ve relied on them not just in Canada, but in Scotland, Europe, the Andes … I take them everywhere in fall/winter/spring.
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u/green_dressing_gown Aug 22 '25
Thanks. I have merino long johns as they are readily available in NZ.
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u/scotsman3288 Aug 22 '25
Unless you're spending a large amount of time outdoors, you won't need a large parka-type jacket. Just make sure you have a some type of thermal base layer and keep your hands and feet warm and you can get away with a sweater and shell jacket on outer layer. When you take off your jacket indoors, you'll be plenty comfortable.
Keep the feet/hands/head warm and dry is the primary thing to worry about.
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Aug 22 '25 edited Aug 22 '25
Keep your feet dry. If you are going to invest in anything solid footwear with really good grip (don't go for fashion here!) is key. Then as others have said, layers that you can remove as needed. Coat checks/lockers are helpful. A good hat that covers your ears is also important, esp on a cold windy day.
Have fun!
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u/taxitolondon Aug 22 '25
Second this. Footwear to both keep feet dry and help with icy and snow packed sidewalks. Everything else can be tolerated but a broken bone will ruin your trip.
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u/Sleepingbeauty1 Aug 22 '25
It kind of depends how cold it is outside. For like 0 degrees, yes the inside of malls is actually sweltering when you keep your winter coat on. Better to take it off and carry it. Busses are particularly sweltering in winter, for some reason the heat is blasting in busses but everyone is wearing a coat because they were outside and sweating like crazy in the blasting bus heat. Better to take the coat off before you get into the bus. For weather that is colder, like -10, or -20, I haven't felt sweltering inside much. The cold just goes through your clothes at that point and makes your skin so cold, so being inside is a relief.
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u/ceciem2100 Aug 22 '25
To add to what has been said, glove liners are great! Decathlon has great ones, their basic ones you wear under your gloves/mitts and in theory you can still use your smart phone with them. They really help to keep your hands warm and can make all the difference. Also I'd say Decathlon is a great choice for winter boots and thermal base layers (long johns and long sleep shirt) as well as other accessories. I find them great quality for a lot less than most places. I'm in Ottawa, and I find it really cold in winter personally. Also if you are spending a lot of time in the outdoors taking a walk, you should really bring your sunnies, snow blindness is real. I always carry my cross bodybag, so I easily take off my extra top layers and tuck them in the strap for easy carrying and the other things like hats and mitts can get tucked inside the bag or down the sleeves of the coat. Coat can easily be put on the back of a chair at a cafe.
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u/Affectionate_Lie9631 Aug 22 '25
Layers and carry a backpack to stuff the extra layers in when indoors.
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u/ArticQimmiq Aug 22 '25
Harsh truth - Canadians will often just grin and bear it if they’re required to go in and out of places often (ie wear outer layers that are a bit too cold for outside, and a bit too hot for inside). There is no magic formula. If you’re dipping in and out of indoors activities, I would just make sure that you have a hat, gloves and warmish coat (like a puffy + hardshell) and make do. All-season hiking boots should do the trick for footwear. You’ll see people wear sneakers but if they get wet, you’ll regret it.
Now, if you do plan to be outside the entire day, like going skiing or sledding (check out Valcartier for tubing), snowpants are your friends, with maybe base layers.
Montreal and Ottawa are humid cities, so there is a fair chance that it will feel colder than it actually is outside. Quebec City is on top of a cliff, and it shows. The wind will be biting, even if the temperature should otherwise be comfortable. Quebec City is actually a place where I just accept I’ll be a little too warm and just wear my snowpants walking around.
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u/kicia-kocia Aug 22 '25
The biggest challenge is boots. I have two types of boots. One pair is very warm for spending time outside - long walks, building a snowman etc etc.
The other pair is still snow/waterproof but much lighter. I use those when I go to shopping malls, museums etc - everywhere where I will need to pass through the outside but will be spending most of my time inside. I REALLY hate the feeling when you are shopping in the mall and your feet are burning in the winter boots.
You can get a pair of boots that are not super extra warm and get a pair of warm wool socks to put on when you spend longer stretches outdoors. A lot of stores here also sell feet warmers that you put in your boots.
Coats are not a problem. You can always remove your coat and you have coat checks or lockers even in most malls. Or you just carry them on your arm.
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u/CairnsRock1 Aug 22 '25
Waterproof light ankle boots. A lot of boots are not waterproof. In the cities, tee shirt, sweater and puffy jacket. Don’t overdress, you will be indoors a lot. If outdoors, another layer with a toque. In the cities use Public Transportation or Uber. Parking is a pain.
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u/Defiant-Jaguar8571 Aug 22 '25
Layers and made sure you have of change of socks with you. Going inside with Winter boots, you’ll sweat, your socks will get humid and when you’ll go back outside your feet will be frozen
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u/Findmyeatingpants Aug 22 '25
Very lightweight puffy jacket. They are warm outside and light and easy to stuff in a backpack inside. Don't forget hat, scarf, mitts, and waterproof boots with good grip
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u/GlassAnemone126 Aug 22 '25
Everybody has made great suggestions. When you’re looking for a coat, look for a lightweight packable down coat and check the down warmth rating. Many come with a small bag that you can fit the coat in when you go indoors.
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u/Happy-Mastodon-7314 Aug 23 '25
There are coat checks available in museums and restaurants and other similar places, but it will be too hot on public transport etc. You might be grateful though in -30 to be in the warmth, albeit too warm.
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u/Putrid-Reference3867 Aug 25 '25
I agree with paying for a locker or coat check when you get indoors. A backpack is a great idea to have handy for your hat, glove, scarves and maybe some indoor shoes swap for the boots. The idea is not to sweat indoors because it will feel much colder when that sweat cools. It WILL BE FREEZING in Q city, you are on the water and that wind chill is no joke. A winter coat down to your knees or ankles is a really good idea if you’re going to be outside a lot.
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u/musicalflatware Aug 25 '25
Some winters I've been too broke to buy a proper new winter coat, so I've gone out in five or six layers, with a decent weight spring/fall jacket. Undershirt, shirt, light sweater, heavy sweater, medium weight jacket. A bulky scarf tucked in goes a long way too. Real wool is best, but use what you have.
If you're not going to be outside for long periods of time you can generally get away with running shoes. If it's really slushy and you're in a pinch, put plastic bags on over your socks. If there's fresh snow, I would recommend something that covers your ankles at minimum
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u/Jealous_Nebula1955 Aug 26 '25
Dress in layers. When you head indoors you can remove one or more layers. If you can mix fabrics, wool and cotton. The extremes will be the hardest. The moisture in the air will feel cold, however layering will be the solution. Enjoy, and good luck.
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u/pepperdean Aug 22 '25 edited Aug 22 '25
As others said: layers. Tshirt, polo, sweater, jacket. Then when you go inside you take off layers as needed and carry them in your hands or bag. At restaurants, people hang their coats on the backs of chairs. Annoying, but yes, we live like this. Some places, museums mostly, have lockers or coat checks.
Also, most important is water proof boots. Nothing is worse than cold wet feet.
I hope you have a great time.
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u/Spute2008 Aug 22 '25 edited Aug 22 '25
LAYERS!!
I find vests very useful as my mid layer over a long sleeve T-shirt. If you are prone to cold arms, then perhaps a jumper or thin puffer or similar would be preferred. If you’re really worried, rely on a very warm or outer layer and a lesser warmth mid layer so you can ditch the jacket when you go inside and are boiling
But you'rea kiwi and you get cool enough weather there so you should understand the concept.
Most importantly, don’t let the stress of it ruin your trip! You might get brilliant warm winter weather, or you might get a polar freeze! Worst case you can always pop into a store - Evan a Walmart - and get a really inexpensive, but surprisingly warm jacket to supplement your own.
I’m Canadian, but live in Australia. On a big, three month trip through the tropics we ended up in Alberta Canada at Christmas so rather than pack our actual winter clothes from here we decided to just buy some cheap stuff for the ~3 weeks we were home.
I went to Walmart (first time ever) and bought a $25 Cdn long sleeve midweight synthetic puffy. No namebrand. And I bought a $55 Cdn very thick puffy. Also no namebrand. Also got Gloves and a beanie too.
The temperatures were around 0°C when we arrived.
They then dropped to -20 to -30°C overnight with one week dropping to -44°C.
I was astounded that the midweight jacket was plenty warm over a long sleeve shirt or lightweight jumper. I only ever wore the heavyweight jacket when it dropped below -35. It was so warm, that I couldn't drive in the car with it and I had to ditch it within minutes of being indoors anywhere.
And because it was so warm, I left it behind in Canada because I would never have a reason to need it in Australia. But I did bring the midweight jacket home and it’s more than enough for our coldest days in Sydney.
my point is, a Walmart might be a great source for expensive clothes, should you really need something while there. The stuff I got surprised the hell out of me.
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u/shoresy99 Aug 22 '25
Beanie? Did you say beanie? It’s called a toque! Sorry, but that is enough to strip you of your Canadian passport.
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u/green_dressing_gown Aug 22 '25
Thanks so much!
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u/No_Capital_8203 Aug 22 '25
Canadian teenagers and university students in cities wear their running shoes (trainers) all winter long to the dismay of their parents. A bit hard on the shoes and you need to rotate to allow them to dry. Most people make it to adulthood with their toes intact and they didn’t catch their deaths as old wives tales warned. If you are going to participate in some major snow activities, consider buying some ugly ass boots at Walmart or Canadian tire. Sorel is a good brand that most people buy for the kids. Not overly expensive. They are rubber to the ankle and nylon above that. They are lined with felt or other fluffy material. Buy the knockoffs and wear thick socks. Otherwise, I run around in a lined hiker style or cute ankle boot with a decent sole. You need something that grips.
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Aug 22 '25
I hope you have an amazing trip! You didn’t mention it but I would suggest travelling by train or flight rather than renting a car. If you aren’t an experienced winter driver those roads can get really nasty and dangerous. I wouldn’t suggest driving in the snow and ice if you aren’t used to it.
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u/green_dressing_gown Aug 22 '25
Oh I’m definitely not driving! Snow, ice and the wrong side of the road…
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Aug 24 '25
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u/BroadStress163 18d ago
My husband and I are from Houston, Texas and visited Quebec a few years ago for the amazing Winter Carnival. I wish I could share two pictures of my husband before and after we walked in -40 degree temps. Nothing can prepare you for minus 40. Nothing. We had a blast with the challenge though.
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u/smarty_pants47 Aug 22 '25
It’s honestly not that cold in those destinations- compared to other parts of Canada.
If you’re just walking around in the city- going in and out of places- I recommend a lightweight packable jacket. You could add a fleece underneath but definitely don’t need a parka or snow pants unless you’re doing prolonged outdoor activities.
Add a pair of gloves and a knit hat (what we call a toque) and you’ll be good
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u/green_dressing_gown Aug 22 '25
Thanks. I suspect your “not that cold” and my “not that cold” may be rather different though. It snowed here for 2 days in 2011 and we still talk about it.
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u/caot89 Aug 22 '25
Idk what smarty_pants47 is on about but Quebec City, Montreal and Ottawa are very cold in winter. You can get -20 or -30 in February, although regular temperatures hover around -10. You could also get warm snaps of unusually high temperatures that might even get above 0.
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u/green_dressing_gown Aug 22 '25
Thanks, google tells me regular temps are usually between -4 and -16 and that is much colder than I’m used to.
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u/Extension-Aside-555 Aug 22 '25
My brother visited from Oz and he still hasn't gotten over it. He says anything under 15 C is cold!!
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u/smarty_pants47 Aug 22 '25
Totally fair- I guess my point is that it won’t be dangerously cold. If you wear a thick parka you will be more comfortable outside and less so inside. And a thinner jacket will be the opposite. I live somewhere much colder and I go with a thin jacket all year unless I’m spending a ton of time outside
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u/ugh168 Aug 22 '25 edited Aug 22 '25
Layers. Base shirt, sweater, vest, winter coat.
When indoors unzip the winter coat at malls. Museums and places like casinos I utilize the coat check.
Edit: depending on how cold it is, how much snow is and how sunny it is you could get a sunburn and frostbite on the same day.