Our History

Founded in a small warehouse in Toronto almost sixty years ago, Canada Goose has grown into one of the world's leading makers of luxury apparel.

1950s

Sam Tick immigrates to Canada bringing a strong entrepreneurial spirit. In 1957, he founds Metro Sportswear Ltd. in Toronto, which specializes in woolen vests, raincoats and snowmobile suits.

1970s

David Reiss, Sam Tick’s son-in-law, joins the company and launches a new era for Metro Sportswear with the invention of a volume-based down filling machine. David also establishes the label Snow Goose, which later becomes Canada Goose.

1980s

Inspired by one of the coldest places on earth, the Expedition Parka is developed to meet the unique needs of scientists at Antarctica’s McMurdo Station. It becomes standard issue and gains the nickname “Big Red.”

1982

In 1982, Laurie Skreslet makes history as the first Canadian to summit Mt. Everest, wearing a custom parka designed and manufactured by Metro Sportswear. In 2011, this iconic “Big Mountain” jacket is re-released as the Skreslet Parka.

1990s

Dani Reiss, son of David Reiss and grandson of Sam Tick, joins the company in 1997 and in 2001 becomes President and CEO of Canada Goose. Dani ignites the company’s growth and pledges to remain “Made in Canada.”

2000s

Embracing Arctic adventure, Canada Goose partners with musher Lance Mackey. He wins the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest dog sled races four times each, making monumental world records along the way.

2004

Canada Goose, which has long been the (un)official jacket of film crews everywhere it’s cold, makes its on-screen debut in two key films: The Day After Tomorrow and National Treasure.

2007

With two-thirds of the world’s polar bears living in Canada, Canada Goose joins forces with Polar Bears International (PBI) and launches the PBI Collection. Funds from every sale go to PBI to support the conservation of polar bear habitats.

2007

Celebrating the company’s 50th Anniversary, Canada Goose publishes the first Goose People book – highlighting 50 people from around the globe who embody the company’s values and lifestyle and inspire others through epic adventures.

2009

Goose Person Ray Zahab enters the Guinness Book of World Records for his un-supported trek to the South Pole. He completes the journey on foot, without the use of skis, in 33 days, 23 hours and 55 minutes—the fastest time ever.

2009

Two inaugural Canada Goose Resource Centres are established in the Canadian Arctic. The centres provide free fabrics, buttons, zippers and other materials for Inuit sewers who hand-make jackets and clothing for their families and community.

2010s

Canada Goose acquires a Winnipeg-based manufacturing facility to meet increased product demand and further solidifies its Made in Canada commitment.

2011

Canada Goose continues to innovate by launching lighter-weight products suitable for diverse climates and high-intensity activities, including the HyBridge® Lite jacket, which wins the “Best Backcountry Jacket” in the prestigious Gear of the Year awards from Outside Magazine.

2014

Canada Goose officially opens its Global Headquarters in Toronto, significantly increasing manufacturing capacity. The company is recognized by the federal government for employing 6% of the cut & sew labour industry in Canada.

2015

A celebration of our longstanding relationship with the film industry, Canada Goose produces Out There, a short film that captures the extraordinary true stories of Goose People over the past six decades.

2016

Canada Goose opens its first two flagship stores, located in Toronto and New York City. The stores weave together Canada Goose’s Arctic heritage with modern innovation and offer customers the widest selection of product, from the broadest range of colours and styles from one-of-a-kind exclusives.

2017

Canada Goose breaks new ground with the launch of Knitwear, bringing purpose-driven design and prowess in crafting function-first apparel to luxurious Merino wool garments.