16 Essential Down Jacket Brands from the Heart of Wintry Canada
The down jacket has long been a winter wear must-have. And if any country knows winter, it’s Canada. With the country’s long, snowy seasons and icy chills, Canadians are no strangers to the cold—nor to keeping warm through it all.
With brands such as Canada Goose and Arc’teryx gaining the status of cold-weather “it coats” worldwide, Canada is making its mark on the global outerwear industry with performance that stands up to the elements without skimping on style.
Here we have selected 19 Canadian outerwear brands for their superior craftsmanship, years of expertise, and designs that are as attractive as they are functional.
Canada Goose
Origins: 1957
Signature: Celebrity favorite
Kicking off our list is, of course, Canada Goose. The quintessential outerwear brand got its start in 1957 at a small Toronto warehouse and has since grown into one of the world’s most sought-after labels. The instantly recognizable down jacket and parka styles have gained a cult following among celebs and the public, even starring in blockbusters The Day After Tomorrow and National Treasure. As part of the company’s unparalleled craftsmanship process, each Canada Goose coat goes through 13 stages of production that allow it to keep the wearer stylish while withstanding the cold of the Canadian Arctic.
Moose Knuckles
Origins: 2009
Signature: Artisanal craftsmanship
Function meets style at Moose Knuckles, a label focusing on waterproof, windproof, and breathable outerwear. The artisanal process to produce a typical Moose Knuckles down jacket requires the work of 90 craftspeople and involves over 70 steps, mostly done by hand. All manufacturing and operations are based in Canada, ensuring quality and maintaining the brand’s Canadian heritage.
Mackage
Origins: 1999
Signature: Edgy style
Founded by Elisa Dahan and Eran Elfassy in 1999, the Mackage motto is that outerwear is an integral element of fashion. The brand’s edgy styles have long made it a darling among the fashion-forward crowd, especially with its must-have moto leather jackets. However, the Montreal-based label also delivers warmth with heavier offerings that range from premium down jackets and parkas to stylish wool coats. Mackage’s quality is matched by its design aesthetic: minimalist lines, modern silhouettes, and tailoring details.
Nobis
Origins: 2007
Signature: Technical performance with classic design
Technical innovation and classic fashion intersect at Nobis. This Canadian outerwear brand prides itself on giving high-tech performance elements to classical fitted silhouettes. Innovative material combos from cotton and nylon to leather and wool meet contemporary detailing, while also offering warmth and protection in extreme weather. Motion and comfort are at the forefront for Nobis, with lightweight down jacket styles that take the wearer through the city or across rugged landscapes.
Kanuk
Origins: 1970
Signature: Protection with timeless style
The story of Kanuk began fifty years ago when a Canadian teenager sought to develop products that could withstand Canada’s harsh climate. From a boutique on Montreal’s Rachel Street, Kanuk soon became the choice of winter wear among Canadians. Today, Kanuk down jackets and coats continue to emulate the brand’s simple purpose of making protective outerwear with a timeless design.
Olmsted Outerwear
Origins: 2017
Signature: Luxurious eiderdown coats
Montreal brand Olmsted Outerwear produces some of the world’s most weather-resistant coats. Its collection of luxurious parkas and jackets are made with eiderdown—the warmest, lightest, and most desirable down in the world, which is harvested by hand from eider duck nests. The Olmsted down jacket and coats are rainproof and windproof, thanks to its wax canvas waterproofing by expert wax masters from Scotland.
Rudsak
Origins: 1994
Signature: Premium fabrics and furs
Rudsak was opened in 1994 in the heart of Montreal’s garment district by founder Evik Asatoorian. The brand’s signature style is effortlessly elegant, with a rebellious edge inspired by the appeal of the black leather jacket. Rudsak focuses on high-quality fabrics, leathers, and furs, alongside its signature hardware and trim—a testament to the skilled craftspeople and artisans behind the brand.
Arc’Teryx
Origins: 1989
Signature: Outdoor sportswear
Established in Vancouver in 1989, Arc’teryx is known for its sports-focused outerwear. The brand’s lineup began with a range of climbing gear, later expanding to sportswear and backpacks, such as its signature Vapor harness. Arc’teryx’s down jacket options and other winter outerwear are packed with technical performance elements to handle everything from hitting the slopes to scaling icy peaks, while also keeping wearers dry and warm in Canada’s wettest and chilliest cities.
Nicole Benisti
Origins: 1996
Signature: Fashion-forward styles
If you thought winter gear wasn’t exactly glamorous, Montreal designer Nicole Benisti would be certain to change your mind. Her versatile jackets, puffers, and bombers are the combo of fashion and warmth. Fashion-forward outerwear pieces showcase bold, streetwear-inspired styles that easily transition from work to play. Luxuriously warm materials take the lead—think cashmere, shearling, down, and furs in chic colors and designs that can be thrown over jeans and chunky sweaters, or worn over elegant cocktail dresses.
Luxton
Origins: 2019
Signature: Low-maintenance winter wear
Toronto designer Dinah Luxton is behind Luxton, a clothing line dedicated to women on the move. Sport, function, and relevance intersect in pieces made to withstand an active lifestyle without requiring high-maintenance care. The highly edited collection includes versatile all-weather staples such as lightweight quilted down jacket options, parkas, and wool overcoats along with a range of sumptuous cashmere accessories, ensuring the combination of luxury and practicality.
CMFR
Origins: 2010
Signature: Modern colors
Whether your taste leans classic and simple or vibrant and bold, there’s a down jacket at CMFR to suit your taste. Flattering modern coats and parkas come in various color and style options. The outerwear is lightweight and designed to keep toasty through the worst of Canada’s frigid winters without adding heaviness or bulk.
Outdoor Survival Canada
Origins: 2009
Signature: Arctic-tested down outerwear
Established in 2009, Outdoor Survival Canada is based in Toronto, Canada, where the company designs, develops, and hand sews every product at its factory. The in-house process is backed by the brand’s 35+ years of expertise in technical down outerwear, tested in practice on arctic expeditions. Bold colors, flattering cuts, and functional details such as oversized pockets and fur-trimmed hoods turn these down jacket wonders into stylish wardrobe staples.
Arctic Bay
Origins: 1965
Signature: Time-honored technique
The concept for Arctic Bay was born from the northern Canadian region of the same name, which experiences some of the world’s harshest winters. Arctic Bay parkas were inspired by the Inuit people of Canada, and the traditional garment-making techniques they passed on through generations. Premium components such as Canadian coyote and beaver fur, leather, and high fill power down insulation ensure warmth levels.
Wuxly
Origins: 2012
Signature: Cruelty-free outerwear
For those looking for a more eco-conscious approach to clothing, Wuxly puts emphasis on outerwear that seeks to reduce environmental impact. The brand dates to 2012 when founder James Yurichuk set out to design a cruelty-free parka for his girlfriend. Since then, Wuxly has offered a lineup of exclusively vegan coats and jackets made with sustainable fabrics and materials claiming to outperform down jacket and fur versions. Along with ongoing research efforts, the brand works with several charitable organizations for wildlife preservation.
SOIA & KYO
Origins: 2004
Signature: Versatile styling
SOIA & KYO, founded in 2004, is Mackage’s sister brand, offering a range of fashion-forward outerwear. Creative director Ilan Elfassy focuses on fine fabrics and effortless styling. The brand has unique and versatile mixed-media options that combine cozy wools and fluffy sherpas with practical nylon quilting or that update classic wool coats with double hoods and zippered pockets for a casual spin.
Audvik
Origins: 1979
Signature: Sustainable fabrics
With a name inspired by Inuit mythology, Audvik was founded by two outdoors enthusiasts in a village in Quebec’s Montérégie region. Local production has been at the brand’s heart for over 40 years, and every down jacket is produced in its Chabanel workshop in Montreal. The versatile styles go through a sustainable approach, with high-tech synthetic insulation.