I am not sure about where you are, but I grew up in Chicago and never knew that azaleas could grow outside until I moved to Seattle where EVERYONE seems to have them.
Here is a site I found about care: http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1059.htm
I would ask at your local gardening center whether or not folks grow them outside in your area. I think the winters might be too harsh where you are. They do well as houseplants though.
I had one as a kid for years in my bedroom.
Good luck.

Thank guys for your help...not sure if I found my answer yet, but working on it...again..thank you...

I'm from washington state originally and didn't know there was such a thing as an indoor azalea. Are you sure it died because it was outside? Could it have been that the soil wasn't acidic enough?

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Hello, nanasgirls. I agree with the others that florist azaleas are not cold hardy enough for your winters. But, I may have some options for you. Consider cold hardy varieties of deciduous azaleas! Some of them will withstand pretty cold temperatures and, yes, they can be planted outside. For example, Tenino and Texas Pink can handle up to -20F (-28C); and the Northern Lights Series from the University of Minn tolerate -35F (-37C)winters and below.

I suggest that you browse one of my favorite azalea web sites, by a nursery called Greer Gardens in Oregon, for examples of offerings. I believe they will ship to Canada and have mail-order paper catalogs. Their URL is www.greergardens.com.

If that helps you, have fun shopping!
Luis