Tourism Board Member Picks for the Best Winter Jackets

If you’re planning a trip to a cold weather destination, it can be challenging to figure out the right kind of jacket to pack — especially if you live in a warm climate like I do. A cute cardigan or sweatshirt is usually all I need when the temperature drops in San Diego, but those lightweight layers definitely wouldn’t work if I’m traveling to one of my favorite cities in Europe or Canada during the winter.

Winter is a great time to visit Norway to see the Northern Lights, go dog sledding in Churchill, Manitoba, or stroll through France, which is so much less crowded (but just as beautiful) at that time of year. Because you don’t want to freeze while you explore, it’s a good idea to turn to the people who know best: the locals. They’re the ones who have discovered which jackets actually work for the specific weather conditions you’re likely to find while visiting. 

Below, I’ve rounded up the 13 best winter jacket recommendations from tourism board members and hospitality pros from Scandinavia and Quebec to Antarctica so you’ll know exactly what to pack on your next trip. Expect warm, durable, and functional ski jackets, puffers, and down jackets for men and women from Fjällräven, Arc’teryx, Lululemon, and more ahead. 

Sweden: Fjällräven Expedition Down Jacket

Whether you’re out hunting for nighttime Northern Lights in Abisko, dog sledding through a snowy winter wonderland in Swedish Lapland, or enjoying an electric snowmobile ride through the Arctic Circle, the Fjällräven Expedition Down Jacket holds up against the coldest weather and is the one Josefin Haraldsson, Head of P.R. at Visit Sweden, swears by.

“This classic down parka is hands-down my go-to winter jacket for Sweden’s coldest months,” she told Travel + Leisure. “It’s super-warm, long, and even has big, easy-to-access pockets. It’s perfect for winter activities.” Water- and wind-resistant, with a cozy, protective hood, the ethically produced Fjällräven Expedition Down Jacket has achieved icon status since it was first introduced and is still a best-seller half a century later.

Denmark: Patagonia Lone Mountain Parka

Splitting his time between Copenhagen and New York, Mads Østergaard, P.R. & Press Manager for USA at VisitDenmark, is a big fan of Patagonia’s Lone Mountain Parka: “I bought it through Patagonia’s Worn-Wear program that lets consumers recycle gear as a more sustainable alternative to fast fashion, and I always make sure to bring it to Denmark in the winter.”

According to Østergaard, “The jacket is warm without being toasty and handles rain well,” and he “really likes the soft fleece inlay in the pockets when I’m not wearing gloves.” He added that it’s “perfect for the Danish climate, where it does get cold in the winter, but the constant proximity to the sea gives us a somewhat more temperate climate than most of our northern neighbors.” 

What’s more, the Lone Mountain Parka is ideal for hiking beautiful spots like Møns Klint or Thy National Park or strolling in the cities for an authentic hygge Christmas. “I have even used it for kayaking in the canals of Copenhagen and brought it with me on Icelandair’s stopover program between Denmark and Iceland, where it handled the changing weather like a champ,” Østergaard continued. “The neck can be a bit snug, so I suggest pairing it with a Fjallraven neck gaiter instead of a scarf.”

Norway: UBR Infinity Down Coat

For staying warm while chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø or dark-sky stargazing in Øvre Pasvik National Park, Torunn Tronsvang, founder of Up Norway, recommends the UBR Infinity Down Coat, a winter coat designed to withstand temperatures down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius) so you can search as long as necessary for the Northern Lights: “This jacket has been a game-changer for me, keeping me fully comfortable in Norway’s cold temperatures and letting me embrace the winter magic without being overly bulky.” 

Unfortunately, this jacket is almost out of stock, but you can get the same impressive waterproofing, wind resistance, and warmth from L.L.Bean’s Ultra Warm Coat, which uses the brand’s heavyweight insulation to provide protection and comfort in the harshest and coldest conditions.

Because Norway’s winter experiences are so diverse, including skiing from mountaintop to fjord, Arctic surfing, visiting traditional Sami reindeer herding camps, snowshoeing under the auroras, dogsledding, ice-fishing, snowmobiling through Alta Valley to the Finnmark plateau, and polar dinners fireside at a traditional lavvu (teepee-like tent), Tronsvang recommends layering so you can move from one activity to another.

Quebec City: Aritzia The Super Puff Long Climatte

“Winter in Quebec City is a wonderful adventure as long as you have the right clothes,” says Andree-Ann Groleau, public relations director for Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. For her, that means the Aritzia Super Puff Long Climatte, which is made with 100 percent responsibly sourced premium down and comes in more than a dozen colors. The soft Japanese fabric is water-repellent and wind-resistant, making it easy to take advantage of Quebec City’s walkability even during freezing weather. 

“I love that it covers my legs and is designed for temperatures that go down to 7 degrees Fahrenheit (about minus 40 degrees Celsius),” she explained. “Plus, it’s a great combination of comfort and style.”

If you’re staying at the historic hotel, you can wear it on the toboggan slide next door, while sightseeing around the old city, and walking along Rue du Petit-Champlain, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful streets in the world. “It’s even more stunning in the wintertime,”  Groleau gushed. “And the jacket lets you stay outside to experience the feeling of being in a real-life snow globe.” 

Switzerland: Mammut Broad Peak In Hooded Jacket

Planning to tackle the world’s longest sled run, Big Pintenfritz, in Grindelwald, Switzerland? Or go on a winter hike to take in the sweeping views of the Aletsch Glacier from Moosfluh above the charming car-free village of Riederalp? Don’t forget to pack Mammut’s Broad Peak IN Hooded Jacket, the go-to outer layer for Manuela Hess, Media Relations Manager at Switzerland Tourism, who said, “It’s lightweight enough to tuck right into a pocket yet it’s got the warmth and versatility needed for all your Swiss adventures, whether you’re gliding through the fairy-tale forest of the Lower Engadin on the Engadin Ice Trail in Sent or just savoring mulled wine and fondue at the Noël au Quai Christmas market in Geneva.”

Thanks to its versatility, durability, and portability, the Mammut Broad Peak jacket checks all the boxes for Hess. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly choice, made with responsibly sourced hydrophobic down for warmth and recycled, abrasion-resistant outer fabric to keep moisture out. 

“With Mammut’s renowned Swiss quality, you can count on this jacket to last for many years to come,” Hess explained. “Plus, this jacket comes with some serious Swiss mountain credibility. Don’t be surprised if the locals start chatting with you as if you’re one of their own, because you’ll blend right in, looking like you’ve been trekking mountain trails and breathing alpine air your whole life.”

France: Rossignol Corbet’s 2L Ski Jacket

Winter activities abound in France so you’ll need a jacket that will keep you toasty enough to stay outside and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. And, of course, one that’s tres chic. “When I spend time in France’s Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region in the winter, I opt for Rossignol’s nearly-sold-out Corbet’s 2L Ski Jacket,” Kate Schwab, Media Relations Manager of Atout France, the official French Tourism Board, told T+L. “It’s stylish and keeps me warm whether I’m hiking just outside a city like Grenoble or sledding.” If it’s out of stock, we recommend checking out Columbia’s Cirque Bowl Insulated Jacket, which is fortified with the brand’s “waterproof-breathable” shell and advanced thermal-reflective lining, plus convenient pockets for your ski pass and goggles. 

Rossignol has been outfitting winter sports enthusiasts for more than a century and this jacket is designed for skiers, offering warmth, breathability, and waterproofing that’s “equally versatile for après-ski when the sun sets on the Alps and you need to keep yourself warm during dinner at a raclette restaurant in a ski resort such as Les 3 Vallées,” according to Schwab. 

Finland: Joutsen Reina Down Coat

In the wise words of Sami Joutsenvuo, Head Concierge at The Hotel Maria in Helsinki: “To make the most of Helsinki’s winter, staying warm is key.” He suggests opting for a jacket “from a Finnish brand known for their dedication to quality and warmth like the Joutsen Reina Down Coat,” noting that it’s “thoughtfully designed for Nordic winters, offers top-notch insulation, and uses responsibly produced down to shield against harsh winds while allowing ease of movement — perfect for strolling through Helsinki’s winter markets or taking in the snowy beauty of Esplanadi Park.”

The Hotel Maria is just a short distance from the sea, which can bring a brisk sea breeze. When choosing a winter jacket, Joutsenvuo suggests looking for features that block the wind and retain warmth, like down insulation, thermal linings, and well-fitted hoods. He explained, “These will keep you cozy as you explore Helsinki’s winter offerings, from public parks to fascinating museums and cozy cafés.”

If the Joutsen Reina Down Coat is out of your price range, give Quince’s Responsible Down Long Puffer Jacket a try. A responsibly sourced pick, its water-repellent and wind-resistant fabric is ready for any cold-weather adventure and provides lasting cozy-warm coverage while you’re exploring. 

Antarctica: Helly Hansen Juell 3-in-1 Shell and Insulator Jacket

A top bucket list destination, Antarctica requires a top-of-the-line jacket that’s both windproof and waterproof. To make it easy to enjoy all this extraordinary region has to offer, Robin West, Seabourn Cruise Line’s Vice President and General Manager of Expeditions, shared that many cruise lines outfit guests themselves to ensure they have the right jacket. In fact, Seabourn guests are given complimentary PolarShield Parka, developed in partnership with Helly Hansen.

If you’re traveling to Antarctica via a cruise that doesn’t include a jacket, however, try West’s top jacket recommendation: the Helly Hansen Juell 3-in-1 Shell and Insulator Jacket, which is the brand’s closest equivalent to Seabourn’s exclusive PolarShield Parka. Featuring the same Helly Tech protection, its components can be used together or separately as three different jackets to meet all your weather needs.

Canada: Lululemon Wunder Puff Jacket Tech Canvas

America’s neighbor to the north is a convenient and beautiful destination for outdoor winter activities, especially if you pack Lululemon’s Wunder Puff Jacket Tech Canvas, the jacket of choice for Nick Talbot, head of marketing at Canadian Affair, a tour operator specializing in tailor-made holidays, flights and travel packages to Canada.

“The insulation of 600-fill-power down is great on ski trips to Whistler and Alberta,” he raved. “And the exterior pocket with a hidden phone sleeve is perfect for snapping photos of the Northern Lights in the Yukon where temps dropped to minus 9 degrees Fahrenheit (about minus 23 Celsius).” The relaxed fit makes it easy to move around and add extra layers underneath when you head out to winter wonderlands like Mont-Tremblant or Churchill.

Victoria: Anián Quilted Wool Jacket

Victoria is one of Canada’s most walkable cities, which requires a warm yet comfortable jacket to take it all in. For Jodi Westbury, Vice President, Marketing and Communications for Destination Greater Victoria, that jacket is the Quilted Wool Jacket from Victoria’s own circular fashion brand, Anián, which “transforms post-consumer textiles into beautiful and functional garments that are truly built to last.” she said, highlighting that the jacket is “perfect for looking stylish while enjoying the warmth of wool whether you’re strolling through the magical oasis of Butchart Gardens, which celebrated its 120th anniversary this year, getting out on the water for whale watching in the harbor or admiring First Nations art in Thunderbird Park.”

Travelers can find a similar style and warmth level in the Italian Wool Fleece Jacket from Bonobos, which features luxe wool on the exterior and breathable, soft cotton inside — plus a funnel neck collar to keep the chill out. 

Iceland: 66 North Hornstrandir

“Iceland isn’t as cold as most people think,” declared Ryan Connolly, co-founder of Hidden Iceland. “So the real key to dressing for comfort is to layer up and make sure your outer layer is fully waterproof and windproof.”

Whether he’s taking guests on ice cave tours in winter or glacier hikes in summer, Connolly is suited up in the durable 66 North Hornstrandir shell jacket. It’s no surprise that he’s a big fan of the Icelandic brand because they’re intimately familiar with the country’s unique terrain and climate: “It’s still quite breathable and flexible, which is important as you can get overheated quite easily as you walk through the mountainside to get a safe perch to view an active volcanic eruption, ice climb on a moving glacier, or just wander around the black sand beaches before bathing in a natural hot pool.” 

For an equally protective, warm, and functional lookalike, the Patagonia Triolet Jacket features three layers of durable waterproof fabric, smart tapered cuffs, and a drawstring waist to seal in warmth so you’re never cold on your adventure. 

Banff/Lake Louise: Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody

Banff and Lake Louise in Canada are home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world and some of the best winter adventures. Because temperatures can drop to minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), though, you need a jacket like the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody to enjoy them in comfort.

“If you spot me outside in winter, chances are I’ll be wearing this down jacket,” quipped Kim Logan, Senior Manager, Media and Influencer Relations for Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. “I love it for its warmth, lightweight design, and versatility, and because it keeps me comfortable when I’m skiing, snowshoeing, ice walks, ice skating, e-fat biking, and more.” 

The jacket is easy to pack for day trips and overnight adventures through the Canadian Rockies. If you’re marveling at skijoring or exploring the Snow Sculptures during the annual SnowDays Festival, Logan recommends pairing it with a mid-layer and/or waterproof shell for added warmth.

Tofino, Canada: Arc-teryx Beta AR Jacket Stormhood

You may not have heard of Tofino, a tiny town on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, but it’s a unique destination during winter, or what the locals call “storm season.” According to Danielle Fox, Media & Communications Manager for Tourism Tofino, “Having a versatile raincoat is critical for the Tofino winter. The Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket Stormhood is the one that I personally wear out here on the coast in the stormy winters.”

Fox praises the jacket’s Gore-Tex Pro shell, its helmet-compatible hood, and the fact that it’s waterproof, windproof, and breathable, making it ideal for Tofino winter activities like hiking through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve or storm watching on Chesterman Beach. 

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