The Ultimate Canada December Packing List for Warm, Worry-Free Winter Travel

Canada in December is a winter wonderland—snowy cities, frozen lakes, and cozy holiday scenes. But make no mistake: it’s seriously cold. Depending on where you’re headed, you may face sub-zero temperatures, icy sidewalks, and blizzards. Whether you’re visiting Vancouver, Toronto, Quebec, or Banff, packing properly is key to enjoying your trip.

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From holiday markets to snowy mountain trails, you’ll need thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, and all the cozy essentials. With this list, you’ll be ready to embrace winter—without freezing through it.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Canada in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• 🌨️ Toronto: -6°C to 2°C (21°F to 36°F), snow and wind.
• 🌬️ Quebec City: -10°C to -3°C (14°F to 27°F), very snowy and festive.
• 🏔️ Banff: -15°C to -5°C (5°F to 23°F), heavy snow and ice.
• ☔ Vancouver: 1°C to 7°C (34°F to 45°F), rainy and damp.

What to Pack for Canada in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Hard-shell suitcase – Handles slush and snow well.
• 🎒 Thermal daypack – For city outings or ski days.
• 🧩 Packing cubes – Separate layers, cold gear, and accessories.
• 👟 Shoe bags – Store wet boots or snowy shoes.
• 🧼 Toiletry kit – Winter skincare = essentials only.
• 📂 Travel doc holder – Store ID, insurance, and reservations.
• 👜 Foldable tote – Great for groceries, souvenirs, or gifts.
• 🧺 Waterproof laundry bag – For damp socks and thermals.
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – Winter clothes are heavier than you think.
• 🔒 TSA lock – For flights or shared accommodations.
• 🎒 Zipper pouch – Carry lip balm, gloves, hand warmers.
• 🧻 Quick-dry towel – Great for spas or gym visits.
• 💤 Neck pillow – For long train rides or flights.
• 😴 Sleep mask – Winter sunrises can be late but bright indoors.

👗 Clothes

• 👕 Thermal tops (3-5) – Merino wool or fleece-lined.
• 🧥 Insulated parka – Waterproof and windproof essential.
• 🧥 Midlayer fleece or wool (2-3) – For layering warmth.
• 👖 Thermal leggings – Under jeans or pants daily.
• 👖 Lined pants or jeans (2-3) – Comfortable but warm.
• 🧣 Wool scarf – Wraps and shields you from wind chill.
• 🧤 Waterproof gloves – Insulated and touchscreen-friendly.
• 🧦 Wool socks (6-8 pairs) – Cold feet? Never again.
• 🧢 Beanie or winter hat – Covers your ears from the wind.
• 👘 Warm pajamas – Cabins, lodges, and hotels can vary in heat.
• 🩲 Underwear (5-7) – Choose warm and breathable fabric.
• 🧴 Bras – Sports or everyday, depending on your activities.
• 👙 Swimsuit – Hot tubs, thermal spas, or hotel pools.
• 👗 Dress or outfit – For holiday events or indoor dinners.

💆 Skincare

• 🧼 Cream cleanser – Gentle and hydrating.
• 💦 Hydrating toner – Replenish skin after the cold.
• 🧴 Rich moisturizer – AM and PM essential.
• 🧴 SPF 30+ – Snow glare can still cause sunburn.
• 🧽 Balm/oil makeup remover – Removes makeup + hydrates.
• 🎭 Overnight mask – Rescue dry, wind-burned skin.
• 👁️ Eye cream – Prevent puffiness and dryness.
• 💄 Lip balm (x2) – Chapped lips are common here.
• 🌫️ Hydrating spray – Midday winter skin fix.
• 🧴 Exfoliator – Weekly for dry skin removal.
• 💊 Spot corrector – Cold air = weird breakouts.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Moisture-rich base – Foundation or BB cream.
• 🖌️ Concealer – For redness or winter fatigue.
• 🧼 Powder – Optional to control shine indoors.
• 💗 Cream blush – Doesn’t flake on dry cheeks.
• ✨ Highlighter – Lovely for frosty day glow.
• 🟤 Bronzer – Warm up pale winter skin.
• 🎨 Neutral palette – Versatile for day or night.
• ✒️ Waterproof eyeliner – In case of snowy eyes!
• 👁️ Mascara – Windproof if you can find tubing type.
• 🧴 Brow gel – Keeps things tidy under beanies.
• 💄 Lip color – Bold looks great in a snowy scene.
• 💦 Setting spray – Lock in makeup in dry air.
• 🖌️ Brushes – Essentials only.

💇 Hair Care

• 💇 Brush/comb – Hat hair is real.
• 🧷 Hair ties – High buns work under hoods.
• 🧴 Moisturizing shampoo + conditioner – Hydration is key.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Between washes in cold places.
• 🔥 Heat protectant – For styling tools.
• 🧴 Leave-in conditioner – Keeps your ends soft.
• 💨 Travel dryer – Some B&Bs don’t have them.
• 🪞 Flat iron or curler – Optional depending on trip type.
• 💧 Hair oil – Smooth frizz and seal strands.
• 🎀 Hair clips or thermal headband – Style + function.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 🥾 Waterproof winter boots – Grippy soles + insulated.
• 👟 Sneakers – Only for dry days in cities.
• 🥿 Flats or nice shoes – Indoor dinners/events.
• 🧤 Liner gloves – Add them under mittens for extra warmth.
• 🧣 Thermal scarf – Thick enough to shield your face.
• 🕶️ Sunglasses – For bright, snowy days.
• 👜 Crossbody or anti-theft bag – Secure and winter-friendly.
• ⌚ Watch – Cold drains phone battery fast.
• 💍 Minimal jewelry – Safe and simple.
• ☂️ Umbrella – Only for Vancouver; snow areas don’t need it.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 Passport + visa (if required).
• 📄 Travel insurance – Essential in icy conditions.
• 💳 Credit/debit cards – Widely accepted.
• 🗺️ Offline map – Some rural places have no signal.
• 🎟️ Booking confirmations – Print or save offline.
• 📒 Emergency contacts – Local and international.

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Blister bandages – Snow boots need time to break in.
• 🧻 Wipes – Clean hands or gear on the go.
• 💊 Cold/flu meds – Canadian winter = germ season.
• 🌡️ Thermometer – For quick checks in case of illness.
• 🧽 Cotton pads/Q-tips – Daily grooming basics.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Prescription meds – Bring extra for snow delays.
• 💢 Painkillers – Headaches or muscle soreness.
• 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Keep it on you at all times.
• 🧻 Pocket tissues – Winter sniffles are constant.
• 🧽 Feminine hygiene – Your preferred products.
• 🪥 Toothbrush + paste – Minty fresh and packable.
• 🧴 Deodorant – Choose long-wear for layers.
• 🌬️ Fragrance mist – Subtle refresh indoors.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Smartphone – With weather and transit apps.
• 🔌 Canadian plug (Type A/B) – 110V standard.
• 🔋 Power bank – Cold drains battery fast.
• 📸 Camera – Canada is gorgeous in the snow.
• 💻 Laptop/tablet – Optional but nice for long stays.
• 🎧 Headphones – For flights or indoor lounging.
• 📶 SIM or eSIM – Great coverage in most regions.

🎧 Entertainment

• 📖 Cozy book – Perfect with cocoa by the fire.
• 🎧 Canadian playlists or podcasts – Get local vibes.
• 📝 Journal – Track your snowy adventures.
• 🎲 Card game – Great for snowed-in evenings.

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Snacks – For trains, slopes, or late-night cravings.
• 💧 Insulated bottle – Keep drinks hot in the cold.
• 🛍️ Tote – For local markets or gift shopping.
• 🧺 Detergent sheet – For longer winter stays.
• 🧵 Sewing kit – Patch mittens or repair layers.
• 🧦 Hand/foot warmers – You’ll thank yourself later.
• 🧼 Shoe spray – Snow boots get funky fast.

🌍 Travel Tips

• ❄️ Dress in layers—don’t rely on one bulky coat.
• 🚇 Use local transit apps—snow affects timing.
• 📲 Download weather alerts for your region.
• 📸 Protect your phone—cold kills battery life fast.
• 🎿 Book winter tours, sledding, or ski passes in advance.

🛂 Visa Tips

• 🛂 eTA or visa needed for non-Canadian travelers.
• 📄 Proof of return travel and accommodation may be required.
• 📸 Carry ID during intercity or regional flights.

⭐ Must-Haves

• 🛂 Passport + ID.
• 🧥 Waterproof parka + insulated boots.
• 🧤 Gloves, scarf, beanie.
• 📱 Phone + battery pack + cold-proof case.
• 💳 Credit card + printed confirmations.
• 🧴 Moisturizer + lip balm.

👍 Good-to-Have

• 🧦 Extra wool socks + hand warmers.
• 🔖 Foldable shopping tote.
• 💤 Travel blanket or thermal scarf.
• 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones.