Northern Ontario, Ontario, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Northern Ontario, Ontario, Canada? If you're planning to go to Northern Ontario, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Northern Ontario
- Important essentials for Northern Ontario
- Activities for Northern Ontario
- Northern Ontario in January: weather and what to pack
- Northern Ontario in February: weather and what to pack
- Northern Ontario in March: weather and what to pack
- Northern Ontario in April: weather and what to pack
- Northern Ontario in May: weather and what to pack
- Northern Ontario in June: weather and what to pack
- Northern Ontario in July: weather and what to pack
- Northern Ontario in August: weather and what to pack
- Northern Ontario in September: weather and what to pack
- Northern Ontario in October: weather and what to pack
- Northern Ontario in November: weather and what to pack
- Northern Ontario in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Northern Ontario, Ontario, Canada
Based on the climate and weather in Northern Ontario, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Northern Ontario, Ontario, Canada
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northern Ontario, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Northern Ontario. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most places, but check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Northern Ontario, Ontario, Canada by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Northern Ontario is biting cold and somewhat snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C) to low 10s F (10+ below zero C), although night temperatures can dip into the 20+ below zero F (30+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thick pajamas
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Neck warmer/cold weather mask
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Heated gloves
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Night cap
It's important to wear something on your head at night here like this
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Northern Ontario, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
February
Traveling to Northern Ontario in February, you will notice that it can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear something on your head at night in this weather like this
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Neck warmer/cold weather face mask
-
Heated gloves
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Thick pajamas
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Northern Ontario, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
March
March in Northern Ontario is frosty and somewhat snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Night cap
It's important to wear a head warmer at night in this climate like this
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Heated gloves
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Northern Ontario, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent option.
April
April in Northern Ontario can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain sometimes. It also snows sometimes. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pajamas
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Northern Ontario, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent choice.
May
If you go to Northern Ontario in May, you will notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Northern Ontario, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
June
June for Northern Ontario is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
July
July in Northern Ontario is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
August
August in Northern Ontario is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
September
September in Northern Ontario is crisp and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
October
Traveling to Northern Ontario in October, you will notice that it can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month and snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Northern Ontario, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect option.
November
In November, Northern Ontario can be extremely cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s F (single digits C) and about half of the time jump into the low 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Northern Ontario, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
The best pick: here
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Northern Ontario, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great option.
December
In December, Northern Ontario is biting cold and very snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C) and once in a while jump into the low 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Northern Ontario, with of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heated gloves
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Night cap
It's a good idea to wear a head protector at night in this climate like this
-
Neck warmer/cold weather face mask
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Thick pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Northern Ontario, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
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