LOVED

Canada Goose Changed My Life

February 28, 2014

No, I’m not being hyperbolic. Promise. Living in one of the coldest countries in the world – where “polar vortex” has become the phrase of the year – can be harsh and incredibly depressing. So if there’s anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that can make our long winters more bearable I am willing to give it a try. A few years ago, I invested in a Canada Goose Whistler Parka that truly changed my life. How? It kept me warm and dry so I could get outside and explore to my hearts content. It turns out, embracing the Canadian winter (instead of fighting it) is the key to my happiness…

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

It’s incredible how liberating something as simple as a jacket can actually be. And how much it can alter the way you spend 4-6 months of your life each year! I quickly learned that dressing in proper gear was absolutely essential in my enjoyment of all-things-winter. My parka became my winter uniform; I took it everywhere with me. I was in love. So you could imagine how thrilled I was when Canada Goose sent me a Montebello Parka this year just in time for my press trip to Montreal. The hip-length jacket was perfect for all the skating, snowshoeing and sledding we had on our itinerary.

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

As a proud owner of two Canada Goose jackets, I started sharing the love. Not only online, but literally! Canada Goose is not a cheap product, so before my friends and family invested in the jackets, I wanted them to try mine out to make sure they’re just as excited about it. First, my photog sported the Whistler Parka in Montreal:

And then my mom gave it a shot on my press trip to K-W (the ultimate test since she’s incredibly honest and we spent the day outside in the snow belt):

My parka was mom-approved!

Throughout the winter, my friends and fam took my parka out for a test run and one-by-one they fell in love. There’s a reason why scientists, film crews, bouncers, news anchors, adventurers and all those who spend countless hours outside in the cold sport these jackets! So, to any of you who are even considering getting a jacket to shield you from our unforgiving winters, I have one piece of advice: buy a parka from the Arctic Program Collection and you’ll be over the moon. Their jackets truly changed my life.

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

Some facts to consider before the big buy:

  • Founded over 50 years ago in a small warehouse in Toronto, Canada Goose has kept 100% of their production in Canada.
  • The coats are hand stitched, water resistant and extremely durable. Oh, and they’re fully warranted.
  • Canada Goose uses coyote fur around the hoods on their jackets. Why? It never freezes, doesn’t hold water and it protects exposed skin. They work with coyote fur because it’s abundant and they only purchase fur from certified Canadian trappers (who are strictly regulated by the provincial and territorial wildlife departments in Canada).
  • Not every jacket offers the same amount of warmth. They’ve developed an index (TEI) to help you find the right jacket. It’s a five-point system that ranges from lightweight products (good for temps ranging from -5C to 5C) to extreme products (that will protect you in -30C temps). It’s also good to note that everyone experiences temperature differently. So if your friend is cozy in a particular jacket, it doesn’t mean it’ll provide enough warmth for you!

I prefer parkas from the Arctic Program Collection to keep me toasty during my winter adventures. Photo credit: Sik Photography.

And some tips:

  • If you want to choose from a large selection of jackets in stores, try to buy your jacket before the first big snow storm of the year. I actually bought my parka in July!
  • It takes a bit of time to get accustomed to your jacket: you lose some of your peripheral vision when your hood is up! You’ll get used to the “body turn” in no time.
  • For those having a hard time stomaching the cost of Canada Goose parkas, think of it this way: you likely spend way more money on coffee/tea during the winter. Do yourself a favour: put $10 away each week and buy yourself some warmth and freedom next year.
  • Oh, and make sure you buy Canada Goose products from a licensed retailer. I can not stress this enough. Many of my friends have purchased jackets from stores they thought were legit, but ended up freezing because they were counterfeit.

Canada Goose sent me a Montebello Parka along with some accessories as a part of a campaign. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own. 

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17 Comments

  • Reply
    Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews)
    March 3, 2014 at 8:11 pm

    AMAZING post! I was waiting for this one! Those of us that have not made the investment are crying right now and I know people that felt guilty about splurging on a Canada Goose coat in previous years but this was the year they felt no guilt at all!

    ps – The teal colour is so gorgeous!

    • Reply
      admin
      March 3, 2014 at 9:01 pm

      Thanks Elaine! It’s truly been a lifesaver this winter.

  • Reply
    Lindsay
    November 17, 2014 at 11:13 am

    Fantastic post. What a wonderful story and insight into your experience. Love that you can enjoy winter now.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 19, 2015 at 11:17 am

      Thanks so much Lindsay! It is honestly a life changer for me. Yeay winter!!

  • Reply
    Jessy
    January 6, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    I’ve owned to CG coats in my life and haven’t switched brands in years! Love their style and warmth.
    jessydust.com

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 6, 2015 at 4:34 pm

      They are honestly the best investment EVER – and with that warranty, you really can’t go wrong! What colours are yours Jessy?

  • Reply
    Shawn Cruickshank
    January 18, 2015 at 11:43 pm

    Well I guess you’re not concerned about torturing animals then…but as long as you’re comfortable.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 19, 2015 at 11:15 am

      Thanks for your comment Shawn. As with all fashion, wearing fur is a personal choice and I completely respect your opinion. I’m very aware of the conversations and negative media surrounding the brand and the use of fur in general, but I’m a firm believer in CG’s ethical and responsible practices. I like that they don’t support fur farms and that they only purchase fur from certified Canadian trappers who have a profound respect for nature. I’m also familiar with the manufacturing practices of other brands out there and have chosen to support this one. But I do respect that you’ve chosen otherwise.

  • Reply
    Nina
    August 20, 2015 at 9:44 pm

    I’ve been contemplating whether it’s worth it to buy CG or not, but because of this post, I think I found the answer. LOL.

    I hope you don’t mind but, what type of camera are you using? Your pictures are great, and so is your blog. I’m a fan 🙂

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      August 22, 2015 at 11:19 am

      It is honestly worth every penny. My photog takes all the photos with her pro cam — I know it’s a Canon but will let her chime in re: exact specifications — not my forte lol. Thank you sooo much for your kind words re: the blog, Nina.

    • Reply
      Dee
      August 22, 2015 at 12:20 pm

      Thanks for the compliment on my photos Nina – you’re too kind! In terms of the camera I use, I have a Canon 5D but a lot of it is also in the lens you use. Happy to give you more details if you’re interested. My website is currently under construction but here’s my contact details: info.sikphotography@gmail.com. If you’re on Twitter or Instagram my handle is @dee_sik. 🙂

  • Reply
    csgo skins condition
    April 18, 2016 at 1:52 am

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  • Reply
    KaD
    January 23, 2017 at 7:56 pm

    Most people don’t realize the fur ruff isn’t decorative, it’s functional. If you live in a really cold climate it keeps the moisture from your breath from blowing back into your face and freezing on your skin.

  • Reply
    Claudia
    November 15, 2017 at 11:31 am

    I live in Chicago and have been debating on splurging on this baby. Beautiful post!!!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      November 15, 2017 at 3:08 pm

      I highly recommend it — the one I bought 5 years ago is still perfect.

  • Reply
    Carla
    December 11, 2017 at 5:47 am

    Amazing review. Can you tel what size you are wearing in the whistler coat.m please.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      December 11, 2017 at 7:45 pm

      Thank you! The Whistler is in a large actually (I have quite the booty so I went one size higher than the Montebello)

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