Hola Nisita. I read that you are from Toronto, so welcome to a fellow Canadian. I was hospiatlero in Ponferrada last year at the Albertue San Nicolas de Flue from mid October to first week of November. It is a donativo and the hospitaleros are all volunteers, it seems that a lot of Canadians go there as hospitalero, I was replaced by 3 Canadians when I left Ponfe.
So here is my 2-cents worth.
There is a lot of good advice in the responses in this thread. I suggest that you follow those about being prepared from some cold and rainy weather. A sleeping bag is a must as most Albergues will not have the heat on during the night. They may turn the heat on for a few hours in the late afternoon/early evening but it generally gets turned off during the night.
Last year, it rained almost every day while I was in Ponferrada and later after I left to go to Santiago. Rain proof gear is a must. You may also go through snow at the higher elevations, so be prepared before you leave in the morning. A hat and gloves will be a must.
You mention that you are planning 15 days +or- to get to SdC. Ponferrada is 200 Km from SdC to that will be an average of less than 15 Km per day. It is very feasible but check about where Albergues will be opened. Some of them start to close in November. That being said, enough of them will be opened so lodging should not be a problem.
Ponferrada is a city of approximately 65,000 people. There is enough to do if you want to spend a day or two before starting on the Camino. The castle is definitely a must. If you show your credential, you get a discount on the admission price and they will stamp your credencial.
I like Ponferrada, but I was there long enough to get to know the city more than just be a passing pilgrim. The people are very friendly and they will help with directions if you look like a pilgrim who is a bit lost. If you speak Spanish, even better as they will engage you in conversation.
The walk out goes through the city and by the castle. You can take the
Camino Frances or the Invierno as they seperate just as you get close to the castle. Make sure that you follow the directions for the Camino that you wish to take. I advise taking the Frances at that time of year.
The walk to Villafranca del Bierzo is 23 Km. It can be done in one day if you are already in Camino shape. Someone mentioned Cacabelos in an earlier reply. That's approximately 16 Km from Ponferrada and may be a good stopping stage. They have several Albergues and you can book on Booking.com is you want to be sure to have a bed, although it should not be a problem at that time of the year. Make sure to get a SIM card for you phone when you get to Spain, this way you can call in advance to find out if an Albergue is opened as you plan your next day.
Make sure to download an app on your phone. I use Gronze and I find it very reliable. It is only in Spanish but Google translate can help if your Spanish needs some polishing. Most of what is on Gronze is easy to understand with a basic knowledge of Spanish.
There will still be a lot of pilgrims walking but not the crazy numbers of the Summer months. You will definitely not be alone and you can easily walk with your Camino group (or family) if you wish.
In SdC, I suggest the Albergue Seminario Menor. You can book it on booking.com (which is advisable). Last year, I stayed there and I had a single room with a shared bathroom and shower. It is within walking distance to the Catedral. The staff are friendly and will answer your questions in English if necessary. They even called a taxi for me the day that I left.
Don't let any of the things that you read on the forum discourage you. You will have a good adventure, as long as you are prepared and can adjust to changes.
Buen Camino
) and try not to worry. Merino wool items are a game changer. I think that most people jettison excess things along the Way, and believe it or not, whatever I am giving up will be exactly what you (or someone else) is looking for! 
haha fair point
