MileHacker Logo
What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

British Columbia, Canada

Clothing & Gear

The Okanagan experiences distinct seasons, calling for varied clothing choices. Layering is a strategy for all seasons outside of peak summer. In Summer (June-August), pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics. Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and sundresses suit daytime. Swimwear is a must for lake activities. Evenings cool down; a light sweater, cardigan, or jacket is a good idea. A wide-brimmed hat Offers sun protection.

For Spring/Fall (April-May, September-October), layers are helpful. Begin with Long-sleeved shirts or light sweaters. Add a fleece or a light insulated jacket. A Water-resistant jacket is good for unexpected rain. Jeans, comfortable trousers, or Convertible pants work well. For Winter (November-March), pack warm, insulated, and waterproof outer layers. A heavy Winter coat is a necessity. Thermal base layers (long underwear) of wool or synthetics add warmth. Fleece or wool mid-layers bring insulation. Warm, Waterproof pants (or Ski pants) are useful. A Warm hat, Gloves or mittens, and a Scarf are also helpful.

Activity-Specific Attire

Footwear Pointers

Summer: Comfortable walking sandals for strolls, closed-toe walking shoes for more activity. Water shoes for rocky beaches or lake swimming. Spring/Fall: Comfortable walking shoes or Hiking shoes with good grip for trails and general exploration. For serious hiking, appropriate Hiking boots. Winter: Waterproof, insulated Winter boots with good grip for snow and ice, particularly for outdoor activities.

Bags & Luggage

For efficient packing.

Nordace

Nordace.com - Modern travel bag and accessory store.

Amazon

Amazon.com - Main consumer retail platform for general clothing and gear.

VPN Services

Secure online connection.

NordVPN

NordVPN.com - Consumer VPN service.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN.com - VPN service for travelers.

Electronics & Accessories

Capture moments and stay connected.

B&H Photo

BHPhotoVideo.com - Camera and electronics retailer.

Airalo

Airalo.com - eSIMs for international travel.

Essential Documents

Main Travel Papers

Your valid passport serves as the main identification document. If a visa or eTA is necessary, have confirmation readily available, even though it is electronically tied to your passport. Keeping digital copies on your phone and a cloud service is a good approach.

Supporting Documentation

Carry both printed and digital copies of your travel insurance policy, including your policy number, emergency contact numbers for the provider, and coverage details. If your home country's driver's license is not in English or French and you plan to drive, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a consideration.

Important Records

  • Vaccination Records

    If specific health conditions dictate, carry documentation.

  • Reservations

    Printed and digital copies of flight, accommodation, and car rental bookings.

  • Emergency Contacts

    A list of personal contacts, embassy/consulate details, and 911.

  • IDs for Discounts

    Student, senior, or press IDs for potential savings.

  • Medical Letters

    Doctor's letter for prescription medications, especially controlled substances.

Affiliate Tip: Travel Security

Packing Note

Most common items are available at local stores. Specific brands or specialized products you prefer may be worth bringing if you anticipate difficulty finding them. Travel-sized versions are good for initial days.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

North America uses Type A and B plugs (two flat parallel pins, with Type B adding a round grounding pin). Standard voltage is 120V at 60Hz.

Considerations:

Photography & Apps

Capture stunning landscapes and moments with the right photography equipment. Navigation apps streamline local travel.

Equipment & Apps:

  • Mirrorless or DSLR for quality photos. GoPro HERO12 Black or Action camera for activities.
  • Google Maps/Apple Maps for navigation; AllTrails for hiking.
  • Uber/Lyft for ride-sharing in Kelowna.
  • BC Transit Umo for bus schedules/payments.

Data Management

Secure your important data with these backup solutions.

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Google Photos, Dropbox, or iCloud for automatic photo backups.

External Hard Drive

Consider a small Portable external hard drive for additional backups.

Emergency Access

Email important documents to yourself for easy access.

Affiliate Tip: Electronics

Essential Tip

Before departing, store digital copies of your passport, visa, and insurance policy on a cloud service and email them to yourself. This offers easy access if physical documents are lost or stolen.