Hi, im new to this site and hope im putting this in the right bit!!

Me and hubby and 2 kids should be moving to Calgary Jan/Feb time. Just wondering, is it better to buy winter stuff when we are in Calgary or get it before we come out there? Dont want to freeze when we get of the plane ,

Thanks, Jenny

With regard to outerwear, In general its much cheaper to get Canada proof clothing in Canada, the danger is that in Jan/ Feb the choice may be limited... Perhaps someone local to Calgary can comment on availability at that time, but in Ontario many stores are stocked up with spring fashions (such as there is fashion in Canada) by that time, so it can be slim pickings for winter stuff.

Places like Walmart or Zellers will have cheap and cheerful winter stuff still I expect, and Marks Work Wearhouse, despite its utilitarian name, will have some good value winter boots and outerwear... Id say bring a minimum to get you past the first few days and then kit up here, What you already have will probably get you by, if its cold then layer up more. Having said that I bought an expensive fleece and goretex shell in the UK, and Im still using them 13 years later, so I dont regret the fact I could have got something cheaper here when I arrived. However, Winter boots and such are a lot cheaper (and warmer) here in Canada.

You'd be fine with decent stuff brought from home.

It really all depends on how much time you think you'll be spending outside.

My wife walks the kids to school and back every day, come rain, hail, shine or -30C, so they need good gear.

Then there are other kids who get driven to school every day, where the mum is still in her pyjamas.

We arrived in Calgary in the middle of January and were able to source clothes without an issue. I agree with Jings, unless you are looking to scale peaks, regular warm clothing from England will be fine - fleece, windproof etc. There are loads of technical clothes here and the day to day winter stuff is likely to be cheaper in Calgary than where you are now, but, day to day, what you have in your wardrobe at home is likely to suffice, unless you will be walking everywhere in minus 30.

Buy the gear in Canada. The kind of clothes you'll need to survive the low temperatures will only really be found here in abundance. In the UK you'd have to go to a specialty mountaineering or outdoor survival shop. When you get off the plane just try and stay inside until you get your equipment sorted.

The secret for comfort is layering, they probably have some stuff they can wear here for a few days, they will perhaps have to wear an extra layer and avoid doing anything like this 'till they are properly equipped...



For mundane day to day life though nothing special is needed as others have said, most of the indoors has heat

IainK, im still laughing at the picture, dont think we will be doing any of that . Thanks everyone for your quick replies.

Any of you know any areas that are family friendly and not too far from downtown? Husband will be working downtown and dont want his commute to be too long. We will be renting initially, also company are giving us £3000 canadian towards rent, will that get us a decent place??

Jenny

$3,000 per month should rent you a nice place and cover the utilities.

I agree with Jingsamichty and Almost Canadian when it comes the the clothing issue.

A fleece inner jacket with a windproof outershell would be ample for short periods outside at -20°C

That all my most often worn winter gear is along with a decent pair of gloves.

Yup, good gloves/mitts, decent boots and the occasional hat. Footwear is probably what most UK folks wont be equipped with I suspect.

As you say, Windproof is important. Cold on its own is not so bad, but cold and windy and you know all about it if you are not dressed appropriately.

Thermal undies all round though. Longjohns and long-sleeved vests - you'll be amazed at the difference that makes.

Haven't owned a pair of thermeal underwear since I was in my teens.

If you are only spending short periods outdoors thermals are overkill IMHO.

Just curious, Oink: are you from anywhere near Barnsley, originally? I see you are using the picture from the film Kes as your avatar - some of it was filmed at my old junior school.

We live in the NW (Hawkwood) which is a 30-40 minute commute down-town if driving, a little less if taking the C-Train. All I would say is try to avoid the deep SW and SE as the 2 major routes into down-town are a nightmare (Macleod Trail and Deerfoot Trail). You might want to try somewhere like Kensington first - it can be walkable to down-town and has a trendy and almost British village feel to it. But a lot may depend on schooling for your kid(s) and if you would want to change schools in a few months' time. What age(s) do you have (I can give you some ideas on things to do)? Also take a look at www.calgaryschild.com

Finally, you may (or may not!) be happy to know that you will not have a problem finding people from Aberdeen here - all our best friends are from there originally (we are not) - Oil & Gas industry transfers, of course.

All the best with your move.

Thanks CalgaryTyke! We have 2 boys, ones was four in August and the other will be 2 next week. Totally confused about which area we should stay in, i think we will just wait till we get there to check them out.

Any info would be great