How to pack for a Montréal winter holiday

The first layer is crucial

The key to lasting warmth in winter weather is layering. If you want to avoid spending upwards of $500 for a heavy-duty jacket you’ll only wear this one time, the key is to add warm layers under your usual clothing. The perfect fit will be skin-tight but not constricting — as a second skin, it creates an insulating layer between your body and the fabric. Think:

• thermal long-johns 
• long-sleeved undershirts 
• moisture-wicking textiles like polypropylene, merino wool or silk

Some great places to shop for thermal underwear in Montréal are Lolë, MEC, Sports Experts, Decathlon and Arc’teryx.

Keep building thin, warm layers

This is the key to both comfort and adaptability. In order to transition from outdoor (for a walk up Mount Royal) to indoor (for dinner by a fireplace) without having to stop back at the hotel, the best is to wear many layers you can remove or add as needed. Once you’ve got your undergarments sorted, add:

• pants, preferably wind-proof
• one or two thin long-sleeved tops, preferably that you can unzip, and ideally made from either manmade textiles like nylon or polartec, or natural textiles like wool

For your final layer, you can invest in a serious winter coat by Canadian superbrand Canada Goose, or Montréal brands like Kanuk, BEDI, Quartz Co or Desloups (which makes jackets using 100% virgin wool felt with a quilted inner lining for cozy comfort). 

Choose the perfect accessories

They say most of your heat escapes from your head, so make sure you keep it covered! 

• a soft, thick wool hat is an absolute must 
• gloves are also essential, preferably lined
• a neck tube or traditional scarf will keep the breeze out

If you have trouble keeping your hands warm, order a pair of Québec-made Hot Poc reusable hand warmers — they’re genius. Speaking of local goods, you’ll find a stylish selection of warm accessories at the made-in-Canada store Roots, and to add extra fashionable flair to your comfort, check out the Montréal stores m0851 or Rudsak.

Put your best foot forward

Winter boots are the ideal footwear for Montréal trekking, but if you’re only in Montréal for a week or two, that’s another area you won’t want to invest so much in. So use the same principle as for the rest of your body: layering.

• start with with the warmest socks you can find (a department store like Simons is perfect for those) 
• add a pair of legwarmers that will bridge the area between your pants and your socks

If you’ve got waterproof hiking boots or sneakers with insulating textiles like Goretex, those will work perfectly! The idea is to keep moisture out. In a pinch, a pair of very sturdy leather work boots will be fine too, though you may want to double up on socks.

Rent equipment from the pros

If you show up in Montréal with winter sports in mind, worry not! Keep it simple and kit up in one fell swoop by renting all you need for outdoor winter fun from Poubelle du Ski. They offer sporting equipment like skis, snowboards, toboggans, skates and more, plus it’s a great spot to purchase winter clothes for cheap. LOCAPAQ is also a great option to rent gear for activities like winter camping. For outdoor winter gear, check out Winter Wear Rentals. As the name suggests, they rent everything you need to stay warm, including winter coats, snow pants, tuques, mittens and gloves, neck warmers, boots and other cold-weather accessories.

Now that you’re kitted up, there’s no stopping you from all the winter adventures Montréal has to offer, from ice skating to sledding, or simply walking for hours along the Lachine Canal, up and down Mount Royal, in Parc Jean-Drapeau or throughout all the city’s pretty neighbourhood streets. 

Little extras that make the difference

If you’re planning a real adventure outdoors, like a full day at MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE or a dance night at Igloofest, there are special gadgets like hand or foot warmers that can really make a difference. Stay active to keep your blood flow going. And finally, bring fatty snacks (like granola or nuts) that digest slowly and will fuel your body’s furnace, along with a thermos full of a hot beverage — like cocoa made with rich coconut cream — you can sip on all day. Happy wintering!