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Canadian winter coat?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

With all the coats I have, I think I might have an issue coming up. We’re going to Quebec City for Christmas and will be doing a fair bit of walking, weather permitting. My husband has an amazing super-warm coat, but I’ve all but eliminated very warm coats from my wardrobe since our climate doesn’t tend to get THAT cold often enough.

I usually do fine with one of my warmer coats and layering underneath. But am I going to freeze my tuckus off in Quebec?? Looks like it won’t get above freezing when we get there.

I have decent Sorel snow boots, so I think I’ll be ok for footwear. They’re hiking boots so not super fashiony, but that’s ok, I think.

I have some good lightweight thermals for under my pants and tops. And I think my gloves, hats, and scarves will be fine too.

But I wonder about coats. My warmest coats are… just not super warm. My long black puffer and the teal Pendleton have the most combined coverage and warmth, but I’m not sure they’d be warm enough. I can layer underneath, as I do at home, I suppose. The black puffer was perfect in Europe a few years ago, but it didn’t get that cold while we were there.

Canadian friends, what do you think? I don’t even know if I’d be able to find a warm coat that I really like in the next week or so, considering there’s not much time to order anything online.

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SOREL Explorer II Joan

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Pendleton Women's Eureka Waterproof Hooded Raincoat

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Lauren Ralph Lauren Packable Quilted Down Coat

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General

28 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

Lesley

Veteran

As my wise Minnesotan friend once told me, "If your winter coat doesn't contain down, you're kidding yourself."

It has not struck me as a coincidence that my two favorite brands for down puffers happen to be Canadian. Soia & Kyo, although their prices have gone up in the last decade, and Aritizia, which are still a good value for their price. They are WARM. A nice cashmere hat and some shearling mittens, and you'll be set!

Lesley

Veteran

PS, I didn't really help there, with the time crunch there. Maybe Nordstrom could do an express ship? Good luck!

Dee

Veteran

Well I live in Montreal, its been rainy here lately but Quebec City tends to be a bit colder most of the time. I think your Sorel boots would be perfect, the black puffer is long and down filled which is good. Layers with lightweight thermals underneath for sure. Fleece or a down filled vest may be another option. Corduroy/flannels/wool blend items will all help too.
The temps you’ve posted seem relatively mild, but its the winds that may play a factor in how cold it feels. If there’s snow, the roads/sidewalks tend to get slushy and slippery and you’ll want your outerwear to be fairly waterproof/wind proof too.
Those I my suggestions, Bonne vacances, btw how’s your french?

Dee

Veteran

Also if you do find it necessary, you can always pick up a new coat in Quebec City, lots of great shopping there

notsaf

Veteran

I'm with Dee: wear the Lauren packable coat and a good hat and then pick up something more substantial from a Canadian retailer like S&K or Aritzia if you need. Dropping in a find for my favorite, stylish coat for spending days outdoors (it was a life saver during winter 2021 lock-down outdoor hangouts in the North East): it's from Samsoe + Samsoe, a Copenhagen brand, and has wool, down, and Thinsulate!

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SarahD8

Veteran

We spent Christmas in Montreal a few years ago and my Patagonia Vosque parka (worn with both puffer liner and shell together) was perfect. My experience was that if I was outside for any length of time I was probably walking around and so was generating some internal heat.

Helena

Veteran

I absolutely LOVE Quebec City and I think you will fall in love with it too ... but YES I would recommend planning for tuckus-freezing - even though the Christmas temps don't look too bad, if it takes a turn or a wind chill comes into the mix, it could feel pretty cold indeed!

I would suggest a coat that has a temperature rating for down to -20C type temperatures if you want to be really comfortable for time outdoors (depends how much time you'll be out and about but it's a beauty city for walking) ... doesn't have to be expensive; a simple dark neutral from Walmart or something would do the job if you want to save some funds for steak-frites!

That being said, I have gotten away with layering a lighter puffer under a wool coat and that will get you far (with all the base layers, etc.). But if you can swing one with a temp rating, that is the ideal scenario I would say.

It also has some hilly bit so the Sorels will be great in case it's slippery.

Have a beautiful time; hope you'll share loads of photos! x

LaPed

Veteran

I do some part of the winter holidays in QC/NB pretty much every year. Although my home isn't that far south of the US/CA border, I find Quebec City in particular can be brutally cold, especially if there's any wind.

I agree with those who've suggested bringing your most layerable coats, plus thermal baselayers, and if you find it isn't cutting it, do some shopping while you're there. Lots of great shops, with probably a better selection than whatever you might scramble to find locally beforehand.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thank you so much! This really helps. I think I’ll take the long black puffer and plan on layering accordingly underneath. We have a couple of days in Manhattan on the way, and as you say there is good shopping in QC, so if it really seems like I’m needing something new, we will be in good shopping places!

I had looked at a Soia & Kyo a few years ago but the fit was not great on me — a bit too narrow in the hips, which is always a potential issue in long coats. But I always like the looks of them, so I’d try again!

Anonymous

Looks like typical January/February weather around here to me!
The puffer looks like it should be warm enough, but if you need something warmer, I recommend this MK puffer. I got it at Rack, and seems like a normal thing they have. Definitely warm enough for the bitter cold days.

Michael by Michael Kors Missy 3/4 Down Faux Fur Trim Jacket

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doggeh lover

I live in Minnesota and bought a Down Coat (Laundry by Shelli Segal (sp?) 9 years ago and still keeps me very warm. 1st year I had it we had a Polar Vortex Winter, also a young puppy who needed to go outside every few hours. We hadn't puppy-proofed the yard yet so had to be on a leash. She was from the boonies, where cars were a rare sight (we live 10 minutes from downtown mpls) so she was fascinated by them and had to watch each car until it went out of sight....so, many nights -25 to -35, windchills easily hit -40 as we stood in the yard at 3 am, watching cars go by. I was so grateful for my coat and very happy it still looks and feels great. So long story short I'm on team Down forever! Have a great Holiday!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Janet, this sounds like fun! Quebec City is magical in winter (or any time of year).

I'm with those who say layer like crazy under the puffer and go buy something. There's a Simon's in Quebec with a pretty decent selection (not like Montreal, but still ok) and probably an Aritzia, too, and who knows what else. Maybe a Mackage store.

You could also look online at Altitude sports and have something delivered to your hotel -- and return if it does not work! They have so much in the way of coats -- everything from gear to high fashion. But mostly online.

Jonesy

Veteran

I'm not in Canada, but right over the border in the Great Lakes region of the US. Those look like moderate winter temps :). I think your long puffer should be plenty, with some layers underneath--I guess I would hesitate to buy a new coat just for one trip. If you are shopping or going to cafes, etc., you will want to be able to take off your coat/layers throughout the day. A puffer is nice and lightweight so not too tough to carry.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have a Canadian puffer for arctic temperatures like these and would recommend you get something similar! And wear Uniglo Heattech undies. MUST wear hats, gloves and scarves that INSULATE!!

ETA: See you have decided to go with what you've got. Extra thawing time inside can't hurt

And laughing at Jonesy, who has MUCH better resistance to the cold than I do

Soia & Kyo Water Resistant Hooded Down Walking Coat

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Rejoiceandbe

A hat and winter gloves have not yet been mentioned. I find that if my head and hands are warm, the rest of me feels warmer. Typically, here in Muskoka, I find sheepskin mittens to be best, followed by Thinsulate type mittens. If you are doing a lot of outdoors activities, ski mittens are good but they don't look so stylish.

LJP

Veteran

Oh dear . Those temps are not cold at all for this time of year - unless you’re trudging around outside for hours on end but why would you be unless you’re skiing or hiking - then we are talking about different gear altogether . The Sorels and black coat will be fine , but it’s the mitts / gloves that might need attention . Gloves are useless in those temps - I’d try to find some leather mitts or something down filled . Cashmere hat as usual . Also a cash scarf . I love Quebec City - so pretty at any time or year . What airport are you landing in ? The big Cdn winter / outerwear fashion brands like Mackage have stores in duty free that have winter gear .

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I'm not in Canada. But I see you're leaning toward a coat that you hve, with layers underneath. I will just make a recommendation here for long underwear that is cozy and easy to layer over: the Heattech from Uniqlo that Angie has recommended in the past. I have a pair of the leggings, many of the long-sleeved tops, and some socks. I find them very insulating when I need to be out in the cold for hours.

Women Heattech Crewneck T-shirt

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, all! I’m sorted with Uniqlo heat tech layers (I wore the pants every day hiking in Utah!). I could probably stand a second top though, so I may pop into Uniqlo in Manhattan for another.

Here in our area, it’s not so common to have days that don’t get above freezing. Our cold weather typically has colder nights sometimes but usually daytime highs in winter are in the 30s or 40s.

I have some good warm mittens and glove liners, but an extra warm pair may be a good thing to pick up before then. I have cashmere hats and some good warm scarves. My warm sock game is very strong because of all the hiking I do in the winter.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You should be fine, then, Janet...and can always add more layers if required! The length of the black coat will also help matters.

Style Fan

Veteran

Quebec City will be magical at Christmas. I have spent many winters in Montreal. It is cold. And I am from mid to northern Ontario. What makes Montreal cold is the dampness. It can be the same temperatures as my hometown in Ontario, but it feels much colder because it is damper.
People in Quebec are outside more. The cold does not stop them. At least, that is the way it seemed to me.
Shopping for winter clothing in Montreal is the best. I have heard great things about shopping in Quebec City.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I live in New Hampshire. Not quite QC! I grew up in the desert. I'm always cold. I have the same Soia & Kyo coat Angie recommended-- that and a very old Patagonia my daughter took off me are the only coats I've ever owned that were really serious-cold-winter-friendly. My feet are chilly even in most Sorel boots on long winter walks and instead they like shearling lined plus Uniqlo heattech socks. In your case, I don't see the value in buying a new coat but rather using heattech layers, plus adding an extra fleece or insulated vest under whatever coat you bring could be a good idea.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, a quilted vest under my coat is a great idea. Definitely adding it to my packing list!

Runcarla

Veteran

Your US $ will go far in Canada, too, so I’d suggest shopping if you feel you need warmer stuff.

Currently $1 CA = 74 cents US

CarolS

Veteran

Sounds like you're well sorted, Janet. Layers and wind protection will be your friend! No one ever really mentions this, but a blazer (if you happen to be travelling with one) is also an excellent layering piece if it's really cold, and assuming it fits under your coat.) A lined blazer basically adds two additional heat-trapping layers under your coat, so, if you were walking out for a nice dinner, for example, the blazer could be an under layer instead of a vest...

That's the voice of experience after decades of winter commuting in Manitoba winters -- including a few years where I waited outside to catch a bus in the dead of winter With a blazer underneath even a not so warm puffer kept me quite comfortable.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Ok great advice on this thread, but is Maryland really that warm in the winter? (Said by someone breaking out her coats now that the highs are "only" in the 70s !)

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Jaime, this is pretty typical for December. We don’t tend to get colder until January or February and even then, it’s rare to have many days when the temps stay below freezing.

Despite popular belief, Maryland is a southern state. We’re just the northernmost one!

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Staysfit

Veteran

A down or polar fleece vest may work underneath your current coat and in my experience is a more flexible layering piece. It can add a lot of warmth where you need it, your torso, and in your climate may still be useful in the fall and winter on a chilly day without being too warm. I wear them on walks when it’s in the 40’s and 50’sF.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

SF, yes! I have a Fjallraven one in marine blue that’s quite thin — I wear it a ton for my hikes too, but rarely for other wear. This would be a great use for it!