How do you dress for Canadian cold and wet weather?

The secret is layers: a wind-resistant outer layer over layers you can remove if you warm up. Keep your clothes dry and your skin covered, because cold and wet together are what cause trouble.

1. Dress in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer. If you feel warm or start sweating, take a layer off; sweat wets your clothes and chills you later.
2. Make sure everyone at home has an insulated winter jacket, waterproof boots, warm socks, gloves or mittens, a toque and a face covering. That is the basic kit you need from the first cold snap.
3. Cover your nose with a scarf and keep exposed skin to a minimum; wind and cold can freeze exposed skin quickly.
4. Check the wind chill in the forecast before going out, not just the temperature. Below -27 the risk of windburn and frostbite rises.
5. If you get wet from rain or snow, change into dry clothes right away. The body loses heat much faster when it is wet.
6. Take extra care of infants under one, seniors 65 and over, and people who work outdoors. They are among those most at risk, and extreme cold can become life-threatening for them.

Caution: Yellowish or white skin that is still soft is frostnip; if your fingers or toes go numb, get somewhere warm immediately.

Bottom line: The secret is layers: a wind-resistant outer layer over layers you can remove if you warm up. Keep your clothes dry and your skin covered, because cold and wet together are what cause trouble.

Last reviewed: 29 September 2026