Vacation-Need Help (activities, backyard, land)

[sarasentor]

Hi,
I am from NJ and planning a vacation to Toronto/Montreal for X-mas. I know it gets cold but what should I pack to enjoy outdoors. NJ and Pocnos layers with a down is good ---want to make sure I can enjoy warmly so help me out!

Thanks
Sara

[Acajack]

I looked up the Poconos and it looks like Toronto is slightly colder and Montreal would be a bit colder than Toronto still.

December can be somewhat variable in these cities: sometimes there is no snow and it can be mild (everything being relative: mild in Dec. is still generally under 50 F), and there can be little snow.

This year it appears that temperatures are going to be seasonably cold. Here are the forecast trends for the next two weeks:

14 Day Trend: Toronto, Ontario - The Weather Network

14 Day Trend: Montréal, Quebec - The Weather Network

Pretty much all below freezing for both cities. Montreal has already received a lot of snow which will likely stick around. Toronto has received some dustings but will likely get more (based on this forecast) between now and Christmas.

You can also get cold snaps at this time of year that will drop the (generally night time) temperatures down to 0 F or lower, but this does not happen every year.

My best advice would be to bring any gear that you would wear for going skiing. You may not have to wear all of it (esp. pants) for just walking around town during the day (both cities have subways and extensive underground networks), but if you do want to spend an extended period of time outdoors or if you want to partake in winter activities you will likely need the ski-type clothing.

[sarasentor]

Thanks. here is a list I made feel free to add or subtract.

Outer wear:
Down Jacket

Mid Layer
----------
warm mittens insulated
warm hat
wool socks
Fleece Jacket
ski sweater
Fleece Top & Bottom

Thermal (Baselayer)
thermal underwear
sock& mitten lining

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by sarasentor

Thanks. here is a list I made feel free to add or subtract.

Outer wear:
Down Jacket

Mid Layer
----------
warm mittens insulated
warm hat
wool socks
Fleece Jacket
ski sweater
Fleece Top & Bottom

Thermal (Baselayer)
thermal underwear
sock& mitten lining

You need boots of some kind to keep your feet both dry and warm, especially if you find yourself trudging through snow on sidewalks. It may not be super deep but even a few inches can make your shoes wet and this is not pleasant.

You should be fine with the rest unless you intend to partake in stuff that might land your rear end or knees in the snow. In this case you would warm and waterproof ski-type pants.

[sarasentor]

Thanks Guys all this really helps!@!!!

[Acajack]

I know you had a pretty bad winter in your part of the world earlier this year, so just wear what you did when out and about during the snow and cold in January and February 2010 and you should be fine.

The worst of December in Toronto or Montreal is probably no worse than what you saw in your own backyard 10 or so months ago.