Your first winter in Canada is very manageable with three things sorted early: warm layers under a proper insulated coat, waterproof boots with good grip, and a home set up for dry, heated air. Buy the coat and boots before the first cold snap, and add the rest as you go.
Coming from Lagos or Abuja, the cold is only half the surprise. The other half is how dry the air gets indoors, and what that does to your skin and hair.
How cold it gets, and how to dress for it
Winter varies a lot across Canada. Toronto is mild by Canadian standards: at Toronto Pearson, the 1991 to 2020 climate normals put January’s average daytime high at about -1°C (30°F) and the average overnight low near -9°C (16°F). During cold snaps, nights can drop below -20°C (-4°F), and the Prairies get colder still.
Wind makes it feel colder, so check the wind chill in the forecast each morning, not just the temperature. Environment and Climate Change Canada says that at a wind chill of -28, exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes, and faster as it drops.
Dress in three layers
- Base layer: a thermal top and leggings in wool or a synthetic fabric. Avoid cotton next to the skin, because it holds sweat and leaves you cold.
- Middle layer: a fleece, sweater or light jacket that traps warmth.
- Outer layer: an insulated, windproof winter coat.
Layers let you adjust. You will peel them off on the subway and in heated offices, then put them back on at the bus stop.
Choosing a winter coat
Look for down or synthetic insulation, a length that covers your hips or longer, a hood, and cuffs that close around the wrist. Try it on over a sweater and lift your arms; it should not feel tight. One warm coat you wear every day beats three stylish ones that are not.
For the middle layer and milder days, see the store’s men’s outerwear and women’s outerwear.
Boots, hats, gloves and the small things
Boots
Winter boots need three things: waterproofing, insulation and a thick rubber sole with deep tread for ice. Leave room for thick socks. Sidewalk salt leaves white marks on leather, so wipe your boots with a damp cloth when you get home.
Hat, scarf and gloves
- A warm hat that covers your ears. Canadians call it a toque.
- A scarf or neck warmer that can cover your nose and mouth on windy days.
- Insulated gloves, or mittens on the coldest days. Mittens keep fingers warmer because they share heat.
- Wool or thermal socks, with a spare pair in your bag.
For dry days and the office, the store has men’s boots and women’s boots in leather and suede.
Skin and hair in dry indoor air
Heated Canadian homes are dry in winter, and skin used to West African humidity notices fast. Expect tight, ashy skin, cracked lips and rough knuckles in the first weeks. Hair gets drier and breaks more easily, especially under wool hats.
Skin
- Switch to a thicker cream than you used at home, and apply it to damp skin straight after bathing.
- Take warm, not hot, showers. Hot water strips more oil from your skin.
- Keep lip balm and hand cream in your coat pocket.
Hair
- Moisturize your hair more often, and seal it with an oil or butter.
- Wear a satin scarf or bonnet under your toque, or choose a satin-lined one, to cut friction.
- Sleep in a bonnet or on a satin pillowcase, since heated air dries hair overnight too.
This is general care advice, not medical advice. If your skin cracks, bleeds or itches badly, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
Browse skincare and hair care for creams, lotions and hair oils.
Setting up your home: heat, humidity and safety
Know your heat rights
If you rent in Toronto and your landlord supplies the heat, the City requires a minimum of 21°C in your unit from October 1 to May 15. If it is colder, tell your landlord or property manager first. If the problem is not fixed within 24 hours, call 311.
Use a humidifier
- Aim for indoor humidity of about 30 to 45 percent. A small hygrometer shows you the number.
- If water collects on the inside of your windows, the air is too humid. Turn the humidifier down.
- Empty and rinse the tank daily, and clean it as the manual says. Standing water grows bacteria and mould.
- Warm-mist models can scald, so keep them out of children’s reach.
Use a space heater safely
- Buy one with a certification mark such as CSA, cUL or cETL, plus tip-over and overheat shut-off.
- Keep it at least 1 metre (3 feet) from curtains, bedding, furniture and clothes.
- Plug it straight into a wall outlet, never an extension cord or power strip.
- Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep, and never dry clothes on it.
Check your alarms
Ontario requires a working smoke alarm on every storey of a home and outside sleeping areas. Homes with fuel-burning appliances, such as a gas furnace or gas stove, or with an attached garage also need carbon monoxide alarms. Press the test button on each one when you move in.
The store’s heating and cooling section has humidifiers and space heaters.
Frequently asked questions
When should I buy my winter coat?
Buy it in the fall, before the first cold snap, so you are not shopping in a hurry. Coat and boots first; hats, gloves and thermals can follow.
Do I really need a humidifier?
It is not essential, but it makes dry, heated air more comfortable for skin, lips and hair. Keep indoor humidity at roughly 30 to 45 percent to avoid condensation and mould.
Are space heaters safe to use?
They are safe when used properly: a certified heater, at least 1 metre (3 feet) from anything that can burn, plugged straight into the wall, and switched off when you leave the room or sleep.
How do I protect my hair under a winter hat?
Wear a satin scarf or bonnet under your hat, or choose a satin-lined one, to reduce friction and breakage. Moisturize and seal your hair more often than you did at home.