Canada is a vast and beautiful place with all kinds of things to do and several variations in climate due to the country’s large size. This can make it hard to know how to pack for your trip.
I often get asked what to wear in Canada, what to pack, what NOT to bring, and many other questions. This list should help! Below is our guide to packing and enjoying Canada, no matter when you’re traveling.
As always, bring your patience, your flexibility, and your sense of adventure.
With so many different temperatures and activities to pack for, it’s bound to be a challenge to fit all of your clothes and gear into your luggage. Packing cubes will help you condense your items as well as organize them. That way, you will know exactly which cube your t-shirts are in and which one has pants. They are a total game changer.
These devices are a traveler’s best friend. You never have to worry about being stranded with a dead camera or phone battery. You also won’t have to spend time searching for free outlets in crowded coffee shops when you’d rather be sightseeing: just throw it in your bag and go!
If you plan to connect to Wi-Fi in public places during your trip to Canada, don’t forget to ensure a VPN like NordVPN is connected. This will protect you against potential hackers hoping to access your sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, and identity. It can also be used to access websites from your home country that may not be available in Canada.
Perfect for hiking, camping, adventure activities, crowded cities, and tourist destinations, you can’t go wrong with bringing a neck wallet to Canada. Large enough to hold your phone, passport, wallet, and anything else you may need, this neck wallet can easily be tucked beneath your clothes to keep your belongings secure.
Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO”.
Long underwear is the perfect way to stay warm during the colder seasons in Canada. If you’re planning to do any skiing, camping, or hiking, it will be especially helpful! You’ll never have to worry about feeling chilled when you’re armed with long underwear.
Travel insurance is too critical to overlook, even when visiting a country as safe and secure as Canada. You never know when you might slip on black ice, sustain a hockey-related injury, or experience a flight cancellation. Anything could happen, so make sure you’re protected.
Even in the summer, Canada’s weather can be wet and unpredictable. A windproof travel umbrella is sure to be a welcome addition to your pack. This one is sturdy and large enough to comfortably fit two people underneath. It even comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee so you can trust the quality.
Wool socks are another one of the secrets to staying warm in Canada. When your feet are warm, so is the rest of your body. These socks are breathable and compact. Wear them inside boots or sneakers for extra warmth on chilly days and stay comfortable all day long.
If you’re traveling to Canada from the US, you will not need an adapter to plug in your devices. However, if you’re traveling from Europe or somewhere else, you’ll definitely need to make sure you have a solid universal travel adapter. This one is awesome because it comes with USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at once.
Use eSIM for your upcoming trip to Canada to experience seamless mobile data. You do NOT need to pay an arm and a leg for roaming rates or international fees. With Saily, you can stay connected to the best networks in Canada and activate it as you land. We’re never going back to the days of physical SIM cards that just break or get lost, especially since eSIM is cheaper, faster, and more secure against hackers!
Use our link for a special 5% discount on your upcoming trip – code “ASHER5”.
The tap water is drinkable in Canada, so why waste money on bottles of water (which only serve to harm the environment) when you can just refill your own for free! This awesome filtered water bottle is perfect to carry with you all day and even comes with a built-in water filter to further improve the taste of tap water.
In a country as diverse as Canada, you never know when you’ll end up jumping in a lake or hiking to a waterfall. This quick-dry towel is perfect to toss into your daypack and use whenever the need arises. It also doubles as a bath towel should you find yourself in need of one.
The humble shoe bag, an often overlooked piece of artillery in your suitcase – small but mighty! In Canada, you can expect terrains with snow, mud, salt, and general street grime. Shoe bags will come in clutch for days of city trekking and mountain hiking, adding a much-needed barrier between your clean clothing items and dirty kicks. Seriously, you don’t want to be scrubbing sidewalk salt off of your cashmere sweaters!
An underwater action camera will help you capture all of the beautiful moments from your trip to Canada. You’ll be glad it’s waterproof, so you never have to be concerned about rain, snow, spray from a waterfall, or whatever form of humidity Canada decides to throw at you.
With the amount of natural beauty Canada has to offer, you’re bound to spend a lot of time exploring the great outdoors. Whether you’re hiking a mountain or paddling down a river, a cooling towel will surely come in handy as you work up a sweat outside. These clever towels get 20-30 degrees cooler than the outside air temperature as soon as you wet them. They stay chilly for up to an hour, and you can use them again and again.
Don’t forget to bring a daypack on your trip to Canada! You’re sure to be spending a lot of time exploring the cities, hiking, camping, and doing outdoor activities. This sturdy and reliable daypack is perfect for carrying anything you’ll need to bring with you during the day.
Pickpocketing is common in many parts of the world. While Canada is relatively safe, having luggage locks on your suitcase when it’s checked (and out of sight for many hours) is a wise precaution. These are TSA-approved, so they won’t cause you any delays at security checkpoints.
Whether you’re swimming at the beach or get caught in a spontaneous rainstorm, you can’t go wrong packing a waterproof phone case. Give yourself the peace of mind that your smartphone is safe and dry under any circumstance. This case is great because it allows you to take photos and videos underwater.
Especially if you’re traveling during the summer or plan to do a lot of strenuous outdoor activities during your trip to Canada, you’ll want to bring along some handy deodorant wipes. Great for a quick refresh when you need it, these wipes will keep you feeling and smelling fresh all day long.
As we’ve mentioned before, Canada is a destination where you’ll likely be spending a lot of time outdoors and where hiking and camping are central activities, depending on your location. You’ll be glad you brought along a sturdy pair of hiking boots to make the most of all that Canada has to offer!
The winters can be fierce in many parts of Canada! Prevent your fingers and toes from turning into little icicle digits. These hand and foot warmers are an absolute treat and will warm you from your socks, gloves, and shoes. The oxidation process will begin almost immediately and gradually dissipate after 10 hours, so they’ll insulate you for long days of exploring.
This bag has completely changed my life while traveling. You’re going to bring a lot of standard toiletries, skincare, and styling items, and I doubt you’ll want to pack and unpack all of those things every single time you use them. Maintain your sanity and your self-care routine with this hanging toiletry bag. A hook hangs on the door, giving you shelf-like access to all your favorite products.
Let’s be real – international cuisine is one of the most fun parts of traveling! But sometimes food poisoning can be caused by even the nicest of restaurants. This activated charcoal supplement helps to absorb toxins and remove them from your body quickly (so you have fast relief and don’t spend your travels in the bathroom!)
It’s always wise to pack a first aid kit, but especially if you’re planning to spend significant time in the Great Outdoors. Take one of these kits with you when you’re hiking or doing outdoor activities and keep one in your rental car in case of emergency.
The Great White North has so many local goods you’ll want to take home with you. Bags are always a little tighter on the return trip home than when you first packed for the trip, right? This “just in case” bag is a lightweight, duffle material so it’s perfect for packing away and whipping out when you need it. It also counts as your personal item bag to avoid carry-on fees, woohoo!
We’re obsessed with our luggage straps! These bad boys reinforce your luggage so they can withstand the bumpy journey ahead.
Not only do the fun prints and bright colors help me to identify my bags in a crowd of generic black suitcases, but they also keep everything cinched-in so we don’t have any blow-outs. This happened to a friend of mine and he watched his clothes come down the conveyor belt at the airport, spilling his clothes in every direction. It’s like suitcase insurance, but more stylish! 🙂
When visiting Canada, it’s crucial to consider the time of year you’ll be going. However, while Canada does have 4 distinct seasons, you can experience beautiful or horrible weather during any of them. On top of that, this is a large country, and each region has its own distinct weather patterns. Be sure to take the area you’ll be visiting into account when packing for your trip. Generally, though, it’s always best to come prepared; pack a few items to layer (or un-layer) regardless of what time of year you visit.
Of course, you’ll also need to consider what types of activities you’ll be doing during your trip. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors, pack hiking or sports clothing. You’ll want something breathable and quick to dry, as it can be humid in Canada. The most important thing to remember when packing for Canada is to take layers. You really need to be prepared for anything. You can never go wrong with jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, fleece jackets, and raincoats.
If you’re planning to do any hiking, camping, or other recreational activities, it’s best to pack activewear for those activities. Nylon hiking pants, breathable synthetic tops, and polar fleece sweaters are all staple items. Always think in layers when dressing for Canada, as the temperature can fluctuate widely at any time of year.
Jeans are always a safe staple item in your wardrobe for Canada. You can dress them up with a button shirt and a stylish jacket, or down with a t-shirt and sneakers. In cities, there is undoubtedly more cause for dressing up, though it is never vital. You will look right at home in jeans and a t-shirt anywhere you go. A fleece jacket is always a sensible choice for extra warmth under your rain jacket.
Canada’s spring typically brings lots of rain mixed in with sunny days. Occasionally the temperature will even be high enough to warrant wearing shorts, but generally speaking, jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters are the ideal spring attire. Of course, you always need to be equipped with rain gear as well. A fleece jacket is perfect for keeping warm on brisk days and can be worn with a rain shell to shield you from the water. If it happens to be hot and rainy merely wear the rain shell without the fleece! As you can see, dressing in layers is critical in Canada.
When it comes to footwear, waterproof boots, whether they be rubber or leather, are ideal in the spring.
Summer is the most magical time of year in Canada. The days are extra long and often warm. Though, there can be the occasional summertime bout of fog, wind, or rain, particularly on the coasts of the country. Be sure to pack light layers when visiting Canada during the summer. Shorts or jeans paired with a t-shirt will be perfect most of the time. In the interior provinces, you’ll experience much warmer temperatures; shorts and sundresses are definitely in order for those locations.
Don’t let the warm weather lull you into letting your guard down though, as spontaneous rain showers or foggy days are not unheard of. Come armed with fleece jackets or a thick flannel shirt, and a rain shell to protect you in case of emergency.
Fall in Canada is usually pleasant and often is just an extension of the summer weather. However, it can be rainy and cold, especially as November draws near. Expect warm, pleasant days, and chilly nights.
Fall is when you can begin to transition your go-to footwear from sneakers to boots. Thick socks will keep your feet cozy on chilly days, and a fleece sweater will usually be a sufficient outer layer, as long as it isn’t raining.
Winters in Canada are no joke. You can expect snow, ice, sideways rain, or a combination of the three, depending upon which region you’re visiting. Winter on the prairie provinces tends to be cold, but sunny, and with lots of snow. Meanwhile, the east and west coasts are more humid and experience a combination of rain, snow, and ice.
Regardless of where you go, always pack warm layers to survive the Canadian winter. Wool socks and sweaters, jeans, fleece jackets, and of course a rain or snow jacket are all essential. For footwear, boots, or sneakers worn with thick socks are your best bet. Gloves, scarves and wool toques will offer additional protection from the elements. Though cold, winters can be sunny, so come prepared with sunglasses to shield your eyes -- especially if there is snow on the ground.
Skiing - There are many world-famous ski hills in Canada that draw visitors through the winter and spring. Always be sure to pack appropriate cold-weather clothing when skiing. You’ll want flexible, waterproof ski pants, an athletic, moisture-wicking top, and warm outer layers. On unusually cold days, long underwear will be a welcome addition to your ensemble.
Around Town - While nature is likely the first thing that comes to mind when Canada is mentioned, the country always features world-class cities, like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. When exploring Canadian these large cities, dress in fashionable but casual clothing; leather boots, jeans, and a stylish outer layer will have you blending right in. For women, a crossbody purse with room for an emergency umbrella is ideal.
Dining Out - While most restaurants won’t mind casually dressed patrons, it’s always wise to bring a more formal outfit for fine-dining experiences. For women, a dress or dark jeans paired with a cute sweater is appropriate, and for men, dark jeans, a collared shirt, and a blazer are ideal.
Canada has plenty of well-stocked drug stores where you’ll be able to pick up just about anything you possibly ever need — even in remote locations. Things like sunscreen, hand lotion, and even shampoo and conditioner just take up excess space in your pack. Plan to purchase these items upon arrival and save yourself the extra weight.
It’s really unnecessary to carry excessive cash when traveling within Canada. The vast majority of businesses will accept credit cards, and for those that don’t, there’s typically an ATM nearby.
When packing for Canada it’s easy to go overboard piling sweater after sweater into your suitcase. However, the key to packing for Canada is to bring a few versatile pieces that can be layered in different combinations. A fleece sweater, a wool sweater, and a rain jacket are the essential warm layers.
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll have an occasion to wear high heels on vacation to Canada. Even if you are visiting a big city, heels just aren’t that practical as you’re liable to be walking long distances. Instead, pack practical, comfortable shoes that will keep your feet warm and cushioned.
With the increasing popularity of e-readers, there’s really no need to pack around heavy books when you travel. Instead, opt for a Kindle and download a selection of titles that you might like to read on vacation. A Kindle takes up far less space in your luggage, and ebooks often retail at a lower price than paperbacks.
There’s nothing really wrong with bringing a money belt to Canada, other than the fact that it will make you stand out as a tourist. Canada is a very secure country, and petty theft just isn’t that common, so money belts aren’t really necessary. They’ll only serve to remind everyone around you that you’re a tourist. Instead, just avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and mind your pockets, or use a hidden carrying pouch that isn’t obvious when you have to access it.
While French is Canada’s official second language, it is not spoken by all Canadians. The French-speaking population of Canada is concentrated in the east of the country, near Quebec. You will encounter some people in other areas of the country who speak French, but it is not the norm.
Tipping is expected in Canada. It is reasonable to tip 15 – 20% on meals. You are liable to be prompted to tip in many other scenarios as well, including taxis, coffee shops, hair stylists, tour operators, and more. In these instances, the amount of the tip is left entirely up to your discretion.
Whether or not you spot wildlife really depends where you visit in Canada, however, generally speaking, wildlife sightings are common. While you shouldn’t expect to see any large animals in major cities, there is always the possibility of spotting something in natural areas. Canada is known for bears, wolves, mountain lions, deer, beavers, moose, caribou, and more.
While Canadian winters are typically quite cold, the summer months are actually quite pleasant. Of course, the temperatures will be dictated by your geography, but in most places in Canada, you can expect average summer temperatures of 23 degrees and higher (in some places MUCH higher, up to 40 degrees).
Because Canada is such a massive country, it’s easiest (and likely cheapest) to travel by rental car. Within big cities, there are reliable public transportation systems, but in smaller towns, public transportation is usually lacking; plus, waiting for a bus isn’t particularly fun when it’s raining or snowing outside. If you’re traveling between cities or provinces there are buses, and sometimes trains, but travel by these methods isn’t particularly comfortable, and it can be surprisingly costly. Renting a car is the most efficient, and the best way to travel because it gives you the flexibility to visit harder-to-reach locations, which also tend to be the most impressive!
Canada’s most widely known delicacy is probably maple syrup, which is a tasty complement to pancakes or French toast in the morning. However, if you’re looking for something truly and uniquely Canadian, you must try poutine. This greasy dish, composed of French fries drizzled with gravy and topped with cheese curds, may be the world’s best hangover food. Try it at least once during your visit, just to say you did!
The absolute best time to visit Canada is the shoulder season: Spring or early fall (after Labor Day). In these times, you’re bound to experience the best weather, the best prices, and the smallest crowds. Canadian schools let out for the summer, so popular destinations become flooded with tourists, both national and international. If you visit during the shoulder seasons, you’ll have a much more peaceful vacation. That said, be sure to do your research before committing to a shoulder season visit, because some attractions are closed in the off-season.
Asher has been traveling the world since he left Australia to study in the USA in 2004. He received a Master’s in Business Administration degree in 2013. He has lived all over the globe including India, Europe, Hawaii, and mainland US. He enjoys researching the travel industry, loves being a dad, cooking & eating delicious food, photography (took many of our photos), surfing big waves on Maui, camping trips and walking barefoot on the earth.
