The “Stay Warm” Winter Guide for Canadian Newcomers (Part 1)

Enjoy all the season has to offer while staying warm

Every new immigrant has to get through it: that first Canadian winter. Temperatures well below freezing, snow blizzards and high winds can all seem daunting — if not downright terrifying — but it doesn’t have to be! Surviving your first winter in Canada can be an exciting, fun and adventurous experience.
The key is to prepare, be educated about safety and staying warm, and take advantage of all the highlights the season has to offer, from sports to events and the beauty that you’ll witness during your first true snowfall.
Part 1 of this series is all about keeping warm. Here is what the whole series will cover, one every day for the next five days:
Keeping warm
Seasonal fun
Staying healthy in cold and flu season
Preparing your home
Preparing your car
Not-to-be missed winter festivals
Bundle up
When it comes to braving your first Canadian winter, there’s some dressing guidelines you’ll want to keep in mind for you and your family during both milder and colder days. Let’s have a look at the best articles of clothing to wear in winter weather …

Milder temperatures (above zero degrees Celsius) and non-precipitation days
 
Adults
a regular winter coat layered over a shirt and light sweater is best
mittens or gloves
scarf, gloves and hat are optional, but it’s still best to have them on hand in your bag or purse
pants or, for women, a longer heavy skirt with thick tights and high boots
sunglasses to protect your eyes from UVA/UVB rays; even though it is winter, the sun can still be strong
warm socks and shoes; women should avoid high heels and open-toed shoes
 
Children
regular winter coat, snowpants and hat, scarf and mittens if they will be playing outside
warm pants and a layer of undershirt, light long-sleeve shirt and sweater
warm socks and shoes or boots
if in a snowsuit, light-layer clothing underneath
 
Deep-freeze (below zero degrees Celsius), high windshield and storm days
 
Adults
warm underwear, including long underwear for men and stockings or tights for women
two or three layers of lighter shirts or sweaters, as opposed to one heavy sweater — this is more insular and will keep the heat in
warm wool socks
a heavy down-filled coat or parka with hood
a hat that covers your ears and scarf to cover your face and mouth (to protect your lungs from extreme cold)
heavy mittens or gloves; consider layering two pairs
knee-high and heavy waterproof boots that are wool or fabric lined
 
Children
full warm underwear
two or three layers of lighter shirts and pants
warm wool socks
a heavy snowsuit or a heavy down-filled coat/parka and snowpants
a hat or balaclava that covers the face, nose and ears
a scarf to cover the face and mouth
heavy mittens; layer two pairs
high, heavy waterproof boots that are wool or fabric lined (consider lining boots with plastic bags under a second pair of socks to keep water out)
 
Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of this series on making the most of the season with winter fun!