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What to Pack for Surrey

What to Pack for Surrey

Surrey British Columbia, Canada Travel Guide

Summer & Shoulder Seasons

Summer (June-August): Light clothing, shorts, t-shirts, airy dresses. Breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Evenings cool down; bring a light sweater or jacket (Light jacket).

Layering Guidance

Winter & Cultural Dress

Winter (December-February): Warm layers are necessary. Thermal underwear or Base layers, sweaters, and fleece. A heavy, waterproof, and insulated coat or jacket. Hat, Gloves or mittens, and a Scarf.

Cultural Dress Code

  • Surrey has a casual dress code generally.
  • When visiting religious sites, modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) shows respect.
  • Some Gurdwaras require head covering and shoe removal.

Footwear Recommendations

Walking & City Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes are vital for exploring.

You will walk more compared to you expect.

Wet Weather

Waterproof walking shoes or ankle boots are strongly suggested for fall, winter, and spring.

Keep your feet dry.

Summer & Hiking

Sandals or light shoes for summer. Sturdy hiking boots for extensive trail use.

Break in hiking boots before your trip.

Essential Documents

Important Travel Documents

Have both physical and digital copies.

  • Travel documents: Valid passport, eTA or TRV confirmation.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Printed and digital copies having emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If your domestic license is not English/French.
  • Vaccination & Health Records: Useful for personal your health history or prescription medications.
  • Reservation Confirmations: Flights, accommodation, car rentals, tours.
  • Emergency Contact Info: Family/friends, embassy/consulate.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs: For potential discounts.
  • Keep vital documents in a Travel wallet or Money belt.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Canada uses Type A & B electrical outlets (120 V, 60 Hz). A North American adapter is necessary if your devices use a different plug type. Most modern electronics are dual voltage.

Mobile & SIM Options

  • Unlocked phones supporting GSM/UMTS/LTE bands common in Canada work.
  • Consider a Prepaid SIM card from Rogers, Bell, Telus, or sub-brands. Airalo offers eSIM options.
  • For secure browsing, consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Photography & Utilities

Bring your standard camera gear. A waterproof or weather-sealed camera, or a protective case, helps if you plan outdoor activities during rainy periods.

Essential Accessories & Apps

  • Extra batteries and memory cards. Portable chargers are highly recommended.
  • Navigation: Google Maps, Apple Maps, TransLink Trip Planner.
  • Translation: Google Translate. Ride-sharing: Uber, Lyft.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud to back up photos and documents.

Physical Backup

An External hard drive provides a physical backup for large photo libraries.

Offline Maps

Get offline maps for Surrey and Vancouver to save data and support navigation without internet.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked personal health kit helps you handle minor ailments. While pharmacies are readily available, immediate access to certain items helps.

Kit Contents

Prevention & Personal Care

Address common health concerns with preventive measures and carry personal hygiene items.

Items

  • Insect Repellent: For evenings, near parks, wooded areas (warmer months).
  • Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, Sunglasses, and a Wide-brimmed hat.
  • Personal Hygiene: Bring specific brands or specialized products if you have preferences, as local availability or pricing might differ.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Sickness

  • Surrey is at low elevation; altitude sickness is not a concern here.
  • If planning day trips to higher elevation areas (Whistler, Grouse Mountain), be mindful.
  • Consider appropriate cures if you are sensitive to altitude changes.

Motion Sickness

  • If prone to motion sickness on winding roads or ferries, bring Medication.
  • Especially relevant for ferry travel to Vancouver Island.
  • Consider sitting in the front of vehicles or focusing on the horizon.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & Cycling Gear

Tailor your packing list to planned activities for a safe and enjoyable experience.

  • Hiking: Small daypack, water, snacks, extra layers.
  • Hiking: Hiking poles for longer trails (most Surrey trails are gentle).
  • Cycling: Helmet (mandatory in BC), comfortable cycling shorts.
  • Rentals for bikes are available in some areas.

Camping & Water Sports

If planning to camp in nearby provincial parks or engage in water activities, specialized gear is needed.

  • Camping: Tent, Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear.
  • Water Sports: Personal Wetsuit or specific gear.
  • Rentals are generally available for kayaks, paddleboards, and specialized equipment.
  • Consider rental for skiing/snowboarding at nearby resorts.

Specialty Items

Unique essentials for a British Columbia experience.

  • Rain Gear: A high-quality, Compact umbrella or a Packable rain jacket.
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: Many shops charge for plastic bags.
  • Binoculars: Useful for birdwatching at Serpentine Fen or Blackie Spit Park.
  • Personal items: Prescription goggles or specialized camera gear.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

When to Bring Items

  • Personal items: Items with specific fit, comfort, or sentimental value.
  • Prescription items: Eyewear, specific medical devices.
  • High-cost items: If rentals exceed purchase value for your typical use.
  • Specialized gear: If you have unique requirements hard to match with rentals.

When to Rent Items

  • Bulky items: Skis, snowboards, kayaks – avoid airline baggage fees.
  • Infrequent use: If you only use an item for one specific trip activity.
  • High-quality equipment: Access well-maintained, current models.
  • Bicycles: Especially if you do not travel with your own bike.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

A few extra items significantly improve travel comfort, security, and convenience.

Items

Region-Specific Essentials

Some items are especially useful for a visit to Surrey and British Columbia.

BC-Specific

  • Rain Gear: A high-quality, Compact umbrella or packable rain jacket.
  • Binoculars: Ideal for birdwatching in local parks.
  • Specialized Gear: If you depend on a particular brand or type of item, bring it.
  • Water Purification: Not needed for tap water; a reusable bottle is enough.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Coffee Cup

For your daily caffeine fix.

Foldable Shopping Bag

For groceries and souvenirs.

Travel Utensil Set

Reduce plastic waste.

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated with tap water.

Destination-Specific Items

General Considerations

  • Camera: For capturing Surrey's diverse landscapes and cityscapes.
  • Bug Spray: For wooded parks and evenings during warmer months.
  • Physical Map: A backup if digital navigation fails.

Coastal & Outdoor Activities

  • Swimsuit: For Crescent Beach or local pools.
  • Hat: A Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection during outdoor exploration.
  • Sturdy Shoes: For comfortable walking on several terrains.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes when packing to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use Packing cubes to organize different clothing types.

Pack a small "day bag" or Backpack for daily excursions. This holds your water bottle, snacks, camera, and any layers you might need to shed or add.

What to Pack for Surrey. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials