The blog was produced in partnership with Mark’s.
When you’re embarking on your first winter in Canada, the first things you’ll want to invest in are a good winter jacket and the right pair of winter boots. But if your head is exposed, your feet are cold or your hands aren’t properly protected, the frosty temps will impact how good of a time you’re having out there. That’s where the right accessories come in.
To help you get geared up with everything from cozy toques to thermal socks, we’ve partnered with Mark’s, Canada’s clothing and footwear retailer, who makes it their mission to keep Canadians warmer, drier, safer and more comfortable.
Being happy outside is a head-to-toe adventure. Here are our top 5 accessories to keep you smiling this winter.
1. Winter Hats & Toques
Whether you work outside, you’re an outdoor enthusiast or you’re just heading out to run a quick errand in the cold, protecting your head and ears is key. Exposure to cold and windy conditions for a lengthy period without a hat can result in frostbite, which can temporarily damage your skin. Thankfully, retailers like Mark’s have a lot of different hats and toques to choose from depending on how cold it is and the kind of activity you plan to do.
A thin, lightweight cap with close-fitting material is perfect for milder temperatures or to wear under your helmet if you’re hitting the slopes. Look for models like the Dakota WorkPro Series Men’s DRI-WEAR Beanie (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him or the WindRiver Women’s Heritage Fine Gauge Cuff Toque (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her.
As the weather gets colder, look for a knitted, double layer or fleece hat like the Carhartt Unisex Watch Hat Toque (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item). Originally designed as a workwear essential, this toque has become an iconic winter accessory. We like it for its stretchy rib knit that creates a nice, snug fit. If you like the addition of a pom-pom (always fun!), the Denver Hayes Women’s Cable Pom Toque (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her is a great option as well.
If you plan to go outside on days when it’s extremely cold, it’s best to have a hat with ear flaps or thermal insulation. The WindRiver Men’s T-MAX Insulation Nylon Aviator Style Hat (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him has a quilted fleece lining and earflaps lined with faux fur for added warmth. For her, the WindRiver Women’s Heritage Chunky Knit Pom Toque (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) is lined with extra soft fleece for a cozy feel. Much needed for when the temps are extra frosty!
2. Scarves, Balaclavas & Neck Warmers
Another way to keep the cold at bay is to protect your neck area. Zipping your parka up all the way is a good start, but adding a scarf, neck warmer or even a balaclava on those really cold days is a pro move!
For everyday warmth and comfort, a good place to start is the WindRiver Acrylic Knit Scarf (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him and the Denver Hayes Women’s Lightweight Weave Scarf (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her—both cozy and stylish options for your winter outings.
If you prefer the tidiness of a neck warmer that you can tuck in under your jacket, then the WindRiver Microfibre Microfleece Tube (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him and the WindRiver Women’s Sherpa Neck Loop Scarf (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her are both excellent options.
For those extremely cold days, you may want to consider wearing a balaclava like the Dakota WorkPro Series Men’s T-MAX Convertible Balaclava (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him or the Denver Hayes Women’s Knit Snood (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her that you can pull on under your toque, work hat or ski helmet for added protection from the wind and cold. The more covered up you are on days like that, the better!
3. Gloves & Mitts
Anyone who has experienced winter in Canada knows how easy it is for your hands to get cold, which can not only affect your plans (“I’m freezing! Let’s go home!”) but also your dexterity, so if you work outdoors and need agile hands, having the right gloves is doubly important.
As a general rule, look for good-quality, insulated gloves or mitts with water-resistant features to ensure your hands stay warm and dry. You may also want to consider things like touchscreen compatibility and PU/silicone detailing on the palm which provides extra grip.
Above all, make sure you choose the gloves or mitts that are right for both the weather and for what you plan to do outside.
Lightweight options like the WindRiver Men’s T-MAX HEAT Multi Task Gloves (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him and the WindRiver Women’s T-MAX Insulation 4-Way Stretch Winter Gloves (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her are great for earlier or later in the season when the temperatures are on the milder side.
If you’re looking for leather gloves that are great for commuting, the WindRiver Men’s Deerskin T-MAX Insulation Winter Gloves (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him are warm, soft and durable, and the Denver Hayes Women’s T-MAX Lined Leather Gloves (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her have a form-fitting design and are treated to resist moisture penetration. Dry hands are warm hands!
As the temperatures drop, insulated, water-resistant gloves are a smart option, especially if you plan to be outdoors for long periods of time either working or enjoying winter activities. The WindRiver Men’s T-MAX HYPER-DRI Gloves (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him and the WindRiver Women’s Flex T-MAX Waterproof Shell Mittens (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her both have a waterproof membrane and innovative T-MAX® ELEMENT insulation to ensure that your hands stay warm and dry even on the coldest days.
4. Warm & Cozy Socks
Cold feet will send you and your family home from the toboggan hill early so it’s important to keep them warm and toasty inside your favourite pair of boots!
Thankfully, Mark’s carries an extensive assortment of socks, the warmest of which feature their proprietary thermal T-MAX HEAT® technology, like the WindRiver Men’s 3-Pack T-MAX HEAT Thermal Boot Socks (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for him and the WindRiver Women’s Twist Knit Thermal T-MAX HEAT Crew Socks (If living in Quebec, click here to view the item) for her.
In addition to keeping your feet warm, T-MAX HEAT® socks also come in a variety of weights, silhouettes, and colours. Big, thick socks are great for some activities (even if that activity is just staying inside with a cup of hot chocolate!) but it’s good to have thinner ones in the mix too depending on what you plan to do outside. Which brings us to our last key accessory for enjoying winter in Canada…
5. A Spirit of Adventure
When you’re properly dressed from head to toe, your time spent outside discovering all that Canada has to offer will be so much more enjoyable. But, in addition to your hat, scarf, gloves and socks, don’t forget to bring your spirit of adventure out with you too. Winter activities are what make Canada, well, Canada, so the best thing to do is to bundle up and make the most of it. Happy winter, everyone!
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