Hi, my family and I (total of 5) have planned a vacation from Australia to Canada for the Christmas Period. Essentially my questions center on the most practical winter clothes to wear in both places (Vancouver and Toronto) and What nightlife entertainment (clubs and pubs, festivals et al) are definately not to be missed by myself (19 y/o) and my 21 y/o brother and 25 y/o sister in Vancouver. We are staying in the Fairmont Hotel, so can anyone suggest some clubs in the vicinty in Vancouver? I am particuarly interested in classy, chilled or modern clubs with dance music and/ or hip hop. Oh and one last thing, where are the really great designer clothing shops that aren't at designer prices (if any?)? I'm in love with D&G, Armani, DKNY and Christian Dior. Thankyou soo much.

First to the weather question - Even Vancouver, which is in the 'banana belt' of Canada will seem cold to Aussies, especially coming from your summer to our winter. Although rain is much more likely than snow in Vancouver the temperatures are likely to be in the single digits and the dampness will make the cold even more chilling. The days are quite short, (a little over 8 hours with sunset around 4:30), but then that means the city lights are even more impressive.

If you want snow there are a number of mountains on the north side of the city rising well over 1200 metres and there will almost surely be snow there.

I'm no expert on the city's night life but there are a number of web sites you can access including that of the Georgia Straight.

High End shopping in Vancouver is mainly along Robson Street and if the Fairmont you're staying at is the Vancouver Fairmont, (there is also the Waterfront and Airport Fairmonts), then you are only a short walk away. If the weather is too cold for you then the Pacific Centre Mall is just a short block away and it also has high end stores.

Toronto will be colder - probably with snow and temperatures below freezing.

To answer the weather part of your question:

Vancouver and Toronto are quite different weatherwise.
You are much more likely to get snowy, very cold & wintery December weather in Toronto.
Vancouver is rainy, but snow is possible there too.
So bring clothes for both snowy and rainy weather.
(According to climate averages, December temps in Toronto normally range from 0C=32F down to about minus 10C=14F, although it can be much colder.
December temps in Vancouver are usually around 2C=36F to about 8C=47F).

If you are in Vancouver or Toronto on boxing day and want to shop high-end clothing head to Holt Renfrew on Boxing Day (December 26th). They have an amazing boxing day sale and definately carry all the brands you're looking for. Ask the concierge at your hotel -- he'll be able to direct you to the store in either city.

Also in Vancouver head to Leone or Boboli for high end brands. Again, the Christmas season in Canada is sale season so you should be able to find what you're looking for at discount pricing.

As for what to wear for the weather -- layers!! Waterproof Gortex with a wool sweater underneath should be fine in Vancouver -- two sweaters, a toque, mits and scarf in Toronto. In both cities you should have some type of waterproof shoes or boots for either the rain, snow or slush.

Living in downtown Toronto, I have to say we rarely have snow in December. Maybe January, and I won't say we never have snow in December, but most Christmases are not white.

Having said that, I also have to say that both Vancouver and Toronto are dreary in the winter. I have spent a lot of time in BC (where my family live), but I've lived in Toronto 27 years. We don't get a lot of sun in either place during the winter. If it's sunny in Toronto in the winter, it's cold! The last few days have been wonderful, by the way - 20 degrees Celsius yesterday!

Thankyou all for your insightful responces! I appreciate them very much!