What To Pack For Winter In Canada
Chances are Canada will be one of the coldest (if not the coldest) place you've ever been. Packing can be daunting at the best of times, but especially if it's a place unlike any you've ever been. But don't worry, we've got you covered (literally) with this list of what to pack for Edmonton and Jasper Canada in January:
Essential Clothes
1. Hat
1. Hat
Let's start at the top - hats are essential. We nearly went all out and got one of those fluffy Russian military type ones, but in the end went for beanies - they're light and wrap up small, but are still super insulated. We found them perfectly warm enough - and they fit under a hood nicely (unlike the big fluffy Russian military type ones).
Tanbay had a Thinsulate beanie which he loves and you can get here: Amazon US Store
or Amazon UK Store
I just wore my Grandma's beanie <3
2. Ski Coat
Ski coats are PERFECT for winter in Canada - they're waterproof, very well insulated and not very heavy. You can get some really cute ones from Up North Sports. Plus they have lots of useful pockets.
I also bought my beloved Gillet with me and thought I could wear it on its own if it was too hot and could wear it under the ski coat if it was too cold.
It turned out I only really needed the ski coat. It's so light, it was surprising how warm it was to wear.
If you want your own one you can find it here: Amazon US store or Amazon UK Store
Tanbay's coat was pretty similar: but heavier because he's bigger, and it wasn't pink - get your own one here: Amazon US store or Amazon UK store
3. Thermals
Thermals are always a great idea in Canada - wear them under your normal clothes to feel as snug as a bug in a rug.
When we went skiing, Tanbay wore two layers: his thermals and then his ski coat and waterproof trousers. The weather was so cold, but with the hot sun and intense exercise we quickly got hot - we definitely recommend the ski coat + waterproof trousers + thermal combo.
In the end I didn't bring thermals - I decided to take leggings and long sleeved tops to wear as under layers, because I knew it would be freezing outside, and boiling inside - I wanted to be able to take off my layers and still be allowed in public (note: you can't wear just your thermals in the pub).
For people who want thermals like Tanbay's: Amazon US Store
or Amazon UK Store
or Amazon UK Store 4. Waterproof trousers
The waterproof trousers weren't just great for skiing, they were also perfect for the other outdoor sporty activities we did in Canada: skiing, ice walking, ice skating, fat biking - basically, if you're going to do any activity in Canada where there's a chance you could fall on your butt, wear waterproof trousers.
I got mine from Aldi in the UK, and although they weren't flattering and were a tad longer than I wanted, they had a warm inner lining which I love.
5. Boots
We wore our boots everyday in Canada. You'll need boots that are suitable for wearing in the snow (so waterproof-ish); suitable for walking on ice (good grip); and warm (duh). We took it a step further and wanted boots that were also not made from animal products (no leather or fur).
In the end we went for cheap boots from Amazon which were perfect for everything I mentioned above. I'm not sure mine would have lasted longer than a month, but as we were only in Canada for nine days they were perfect. Tanbay's were a lot more durable:
or Amazon UK Store
And for people who want to dress like Tanbay: Amazon US Store
or Amazon UK Store
or Amazon UK Store Complete packing list:
For our nine day trip to Canada I took:
- x1 hat
- x1 scarf
- x1 pair of ski gloves
- x1 ski coat
- x3 vests
- x2 long sleeved tops (to wear as an under-layer/ as a top in restaurants)
- x1 warm jumper
- x1 hoody
- x2 t shirts
- x1 joggers
- x2 leggings
- x1 waterproof trousers
Tanbay took pretty much the same list, without the bras and with x2 pairs of jeans.
We found we had everything that we needed for a super jam-packed 9 day schedule in Canada, which included lots of outdoor winter sports and lots of eating out at fancy restaurants. The only thing Tanbay needed more of was socks.
Fun stuff:
Personally, I find packing clothes kind of boring, let's move on to packing the fun stuff for Canada!
Arcus multi-function backpack
An Arcus backpack is the dream for any blogger/vlogger/photographer - anyone who has a nice camera, or really anyone who just likes having a nice backpack.
What's so great about it? EVERYTHING!
For starters, there are pockets everywhere - meaning that everything has a special place and you'll never be routing around searching for xyz again:
GoPro
We still have an old 3+ GoPro, and it still works perfectly. Generally we only use our GoPro for underwater scenes (and for many, many selfies) so it was nice to try it out in a new way: whilst skiing!!
GoPros are perfect for skiing - it's kind of what they're designed for.
Get your own GoPro here! Amazon US Store
or Amazon UK Store
And if you have a GoPro, you'll probably need a selfie stick - we love this one: Amazon US Store
or Amazon UK Store
Mythro Air headphones
But Mythro Air Headphones are even better than that: they also have a DJ4two feature which means that if you have two of them, you and your buddy can listen to the same device at the same time!
As a travelling couple, this is a dream come true for us - we spent the four hour journey from Edmonton to Jasper enjoying music together (and having two earplugs each).
They were especially essential on our flight from London to Edmonton: we flew with budget airline WestJet - so budget that they don't even provide TVs on their aeroplanes, instead you must download their app and to watch stuff on your device.
We travel with an iPad with a massive screen and a phone with a tiny screen. BMA (before Mythro Air), we would have squabbled over who gets to watch on the iPad. But with the Mythro Air DJ4Two feature, we could both watch on the iPad! And thus we could watch films together on our flight!!!
[We don't really recommend that you fly with WestJet cause they are kind of crappy, but we do highly recommend that you check out Kiwi.com - this website is incredible for finding the flights that you need - be it cheap flights, easy flights or a combo of the two!]
Personally, I find packing clothes kind of boring, let's move on to packing the fun stuff for Canada!
Arcus multi-function backpack
An Arcus backpack is the dream for any blogger/vlogger/photographer - anyone who has a nice camera, or really anyone who just likes having a nice backpack.
What's so great about it? EVERYTHING!
For starters, there are pockets everywhere - meaning that everything has a special place and you'll never be routing around searching for xyz again:
- There's a hard pocket that's impossible to squash at the top - perfect for fragile things like sunglasses and headphones
- There are not one but two 'secret' pockets for your valuables - one close to your neck perfect for your wallet and phone, and a larger one near your liver - perfect for your passport.
- If you have a big DSLR camera and lenses, we recommend getting the camera insert to put inside the backpack - this means you'll have quick and easy access to your camera. Plus it's super padded: a must for expensive camera equipment
- On top of the camera insert there is enough room for a book, some snacks and comfy plane socks (that's just what we put in it)!
- There's also an additional 'secret' pocket there for important documents
- At the back there is a large thin pocket perfectly designed for a laptop and an iPad and tablet.
- Finally, there are two more thin pockets on the front of the bag - perfect for things you want easy access to, but aren't necessarily valuable - think maps, notes, cables etc.
We also LOVE that it's hand luggage size - and fits nicely under the seat in front of you.
GoPro
We still have an old 3+ GoPro, and it still works perfectly. Generally we only use our GoPro for underwater scenes (and for many, many selfies) so it was nice to try it out in a new way: whilst skiing!!
GoPros are perfect for skiing - it's kind of what they're designed for.
Get your own GoPro here! Amazon US Store
or Amazon UK Store And if you have a GoPro, you'll probably need a selfie stick - we love this one: Amazon US Store
or Amazon UK Store Mythro Air headphones
Mythro Air Headphones are awesome! If you've never used bluetooth headphones before, you are missing out: you can listen to music without the annoying cord attaching your to your device. So? So this means you can walk/jog/ski without worrying about being strangled by your iPod!
But Mythro Air Headphones are even better than that: they also have a DJ4two feature which means that if you have two of them, you and your buddy can listen to the same device at the same time!
As a travelling couple, this is a dream come true for us - we spent the four hour journey from Edmonton to Jasper enjoying music together (and having two earplugs each).
They were especially essential on our flight from London to Edmonton: we flew with budget airline WestJet - so budget that they don't even provide TVs on their aeroplanes, instead you must download their app and to watch stuff on your device.
We travel with an iPad with a massive screen and a phone with a tiny screen. BMA (before Mythro Air), we would have squabbled over who gets to watch on the iPad. But with the Mythro Air DJ4Two feature, we could both watch on the iPad! And thus we could watch films together on our flight!!!
[We don't really recommend that you fly with WestJet cause they are kind of crappy, but we do highly recommend that you check out Kiwi.com - this website is incredible for finding the flights that you need - be it cheap flights, easy flights or a combo of the two!]
360 camera
This was the first trip we've taken with a 360 camera: we wanted to start shooting in 360 degrees!
The 360 degree camera we have is super compact and light, and obviously takes awesome shots!
Instead of investing in a heavy tripod we decided to utilise what we already had to make our own: we use the above mentioned selfie stick (for length) screwed onto a gorilla tripod. I was a bit dubious about this at first, but having used this combo on over 20 different occasions now - including on precarious surfaces like ice, snow and abandoned aeroplane - I can promise you - it won't fall over!!
Get your own 360 degree camera here: Amazon US Store
or Amazon UK Store
And the gorilla tripod which we also use for vlogging Amazon US Store
or Amazon UK Store
Tep Wireless
We recommend taking a Tep Wireless with you when you go to Canada. A Tep wireless is a small device that let's you connect your phone, tablet and laptop to the internet anywhere!
In the past we've always got by by just using free hotel wifi, but it wasn't until we had a Tep Wireless that we realised how restricting that is: you have to really plan ahead, and waste lots of time print screening maps/opening times. With a Tep you can be 100% flexible.
And it's not just for on-the-move surfing that we found our Tep useful: we also needed it a few times for secure surfing in hotel rooms - if you need to check your credit card online, you don't want to do it on an open wifi. Tep is for you!
Get your own Tep here: Tep Wireless Device
Travel Insurance
What do you call something dull but essential? Travel insurance of course!! I cannot stress how important travel insurance is. It's always so important, but especially in Canada where even if you're not doing cool outdoor sports like skiing and fat biking (which you should), it's Canada - there's a big chance you could slip and fall on the ice and break a bone or two!
We recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance - this is what we've been using for the past three years. They are really designed with travel in mind - they don't leave anything out!
Flights
Looking for the cheapest and easiest flights to get to Canada? We recommend kiwi.com they're the best comparison website out there - you can be vague about the date you're going, the exact place you're going to, Kiwi doesn't care, they'll find you the cheapest flight. They also make sure to show you which flights are the least hassle too.
So there you have it! Clothing and gadget essentials we think you should take with you to Edmonton and Jasper. I was a bit unsure about what to take, so I hope this has been helpful to you!
Special thanks to Edmonton Tourism and Tourism Jasper for hosting us!
We recommend taking a Tep Wireless with you when you go to Canada. A Tep wireless is a small device that let's you connect your phone, tablet and laptop to the internet anywhere!
In the past we've always got by by just using free hotel wifi, but it wasn't until we had a Tep Wireless that we realised how restricting that is: you have to really plan ahead, and waste lots of time print screening maps/opening times. With a Tep you can be 100% flexible.
And it's not just for on-the-move surfing that we found our Tep useful: we also needed it a few times for secure surfing in hotel rooms - if you need to check your credit card online, you don't want to do it on an open wifi. Tep is for you!
Get your own Tep here: Tep Wireless Device
Travel Insurance
What do you call something dull but essential? Travel insurance of course!! I cannot stress how important travel insurance is. It's always so important, but especially in Canada where even if you're not doing cool outdoor sports like skiing and fat biking (which you should), it's Canada - there's a big chance you could slip and fall on the ice and break a bone or two!
We recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance - this is what we've been using for the past three years. They are really designed with travel in mind - they don't leave anything out!
Flights
Looking for the cheapest and easiest flights to get to Canada? We recommend kiwi.com they're the best comparison website out there - you can be vague about the date you're going, the exact place you're going to, Kiwi doesn't care, they'll find you the cheapest flight. They also make sure to show you which flights are the least hassle too.
So there you have it! Clothing and gadget essentials we think you should take with you to Edmonton and Jasper. I was a bit unsure about what to take, so I hope this has been helpful to you!
Special thanks to Edmonton Tourism and Tourism Jasper for hosting us!
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