Packing for Canada in winter. Boots?

[CormorantStrikesBack]

Possibly a daft question and I think we have 99% of things covered…….but unsure about footwear? Going to Ottawa. This weekend. Would you just take snow boots and nothing else? Or would you pack something else in addition to snow boots.

I'd pack snow boots and some indoor shoes to change into

Are you going to be indoors lots? Bear in mind that malls, museums etc are well heated

I'd bring my best boots & plan to buy something there if my best wasn't good enough. City envt I doubt you'll need to buy something.

Mix of indoors and outdoors but yes shopping, etc. i didn’t know if the sidewalks would be so snowy you need boots even if shopping and visiting museums. Or would you wear trainers …..or would a pair of Timberland type boots be better for a non snowboot alternative?

Yeah, just the exchange rate means it makes sense not to buy stuff there unless necessary

Canada isn't that pricey assuming you're coming from the UK. Much cheaper than the US.

I'd take snow boots and then either sturdy fairly waterproof trainers or regular boots.

That’s good to know, I’d assumed it was USA type prices. Thanks.

We found Canada pricy! Take a pair of light boots or trainers with good soles. The pavements were not always cleared even in cities.

Yeah but if you don't need them, you've wasted money buying them in UK.
If you do need them, buying in Canada means you'll get exactly what you need, and you'll have a great souvenir. You could do so much worse as a souvenir purchase.

For that matter, they will fill your sodding suit case which is just annoying to lug around & threatens your weight limits. Buy the boots in Canada, donate to a homeless shelter just before you leave. You'd already have them in UK if you needed them here.

Fulfilling Holiday needs, charity donation, same money doing multiple good things. What's not to like?

With the temps going down to -18 at night I would be wearing my warmest boots on the plane so I had them on when landing!

We found food prices to be VERY high when we were there this summer. Groceries I mean.
Snow wise, I think the pavements and roads in the cities and large towns will be cleared very well, so your main issue will be keeping warm rather than wrecking nice boots.

It looks like Ottawa is expecting HUGE snow storms this weekend ❄️

I would say yes to waterproof/snow boots because even if the paths are cleaned, you get disgusting massive puddles right at the corners where you cross the street and you can get soaked!

Just seen this! Guess snow in Canada in Jan might be exciting!

I'd probably buy some as soon as I got there. I'd pack my walking boots but aim to buy what they would be wearing there

Yes, warm thick winter jacket and boots, at least Ugg's or something warm. Massive snowstorm expected this wknd. Ottawa is very expensive. Enjoy, it is very pretty in the winter!!

If you're getting them while you're here, There's stores called Mark's which are not as hideously expensive as some clothing stores.or a Walmart would probably do.

Ottawa is so beautiful in the fresh snow. Any mall will have tons of options at this time of year. I live on the west coast so rarely need snow boots, but whenever I go home to Ottawa in the winter I end up buying some, as the selection there is fantastic.

I would bring snow boots, and regular boots. Enjoy!

Ottawa conditions now!

Snow boots, hiking boots and inside shoes!

As @Lizzieregina said, the important thing about your footwear is that it should be WATERPROOF. Don't bother with any outdoor boots that aren't.

This is because in Ottawa, the pavements & roads will be cleared and gritted, but the salt in the grit will melt the snow (unless it's super cold) and your feet will get wet. Plus, as soon as you go indoors anywhere, the snow on your boots will melt and soak in.

It's hard to get warm, waterproof boots in the UK without spending £££ in some fancy outdoorsy shop for people who ski in Chamonix .... so I agree that you should get some boots in Ottawa if you can. Any family shoe shop would have kids ' ones, and they're usually fleece lined.