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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

British Columbia, Canada

Summer Essentials

Pack light, breathable clothing. Shorts, t-shirts, and light pants are suitable for daytime. Evenings often bring cooler temperatures, so a fleece or Light jacket remains advisable.

Summer Items

  • Lightweight tops and bottoms.
  • A light jacket or fleece.
  • A rain jacket or shell (Amazon). Include Swimwear.

Spring & Fall Layers

This shoulder season calls for mid-weight layers. Bring Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and fleece jackets. A Waterproof and windproof outer shell is needed.

Recommended Shoulder Season Wear

  • Mid-weight shirts and sweaters.
  • Waterproof outer shell (jacket & pants).
  • Waterproof hiking boots provide comfort and protection on trails.

Footwear Recommendations

City Walking

Comfortable walking shoes for urban exploration, museums, and casual strolls.

Versatility

Trail Hiking

Trail shoes or Hiking boots with good ankle support. Essential for rugged, uneven, or wet trails.

Support & Grip

Water Activities

Sandals, flip-flops, or Water shoes. Useful for sandy beaches, tide pooling, or water activities.

Quick Dry

Essential Documents

Documents for Travel

Keeping your documents organized and accessible prevents stress during your trip. Have both physical and digital copies.

  • Valid passport and visa/eTA confirmations.
  • Travel insurance policy information.
  • International Driving Permit (if needed).
  • Vaccination records and health documentation.
  • Printed and digital copies of reservations.
  • Emergency contact information.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for discounts (if applicable).
  • Prescription medication documentation.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Mobile Compatibility

Stay connected and powered up while exploring Vancouver Island. Plan your electronics based on your needs. Canada uses 120V at 60Hz. Plug types are Type A and B, same as the US.

Considerations

  • Power Adapter: International travelers need a Universal travel adapter. Check devices for dual voltage compatibility.
  • Mobile Phone: Confirm your phone is unlocked for international SIM cards. Local SIMs from Telus, Bell, Rogers, or Airalo offer cost-effective connectivity.
  • Consider a Voltage converter if devices are not dual voltage, though most modern electronics are.

Camera & Charging Gear

Capture Vancouver Island's beauty with appropriate camera gear and keep your devices charged on the go.

Recommended Equipment

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use cloud services to automatically back up photos from your phone, ensuring your memories are safe.

Physical Backup

Bring an External hard drive or USB drive to transfer and store important documents and images offline.

VPN Security

Consider using a VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

Health & Wellness Items

Destination-Specific First Aid

A well-stocked personal health and wellness kit provides peace of mind and handles common travel ailments. A small, Compact first aid kit is a practical addition to any Daypack.

Kit Contents

Prescription & OTC Meds

Carry all prescription medications in their original containers with pharmacy labels. Bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note that explains your medical condition. This helps avoid issues at customs.

Familiar Medications

  • Pack a supply of familiar over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen).
  • Include allergy medication and antacids for indigestion.
  • Cold and flu remedies are helpful for common issues during travel.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness Solutions

  • While Vancouver Island does not have extreme altitudes, ferry rides and whale watching tours may cause motion sickness.
  • Pack Motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness.
  • Consider non-drowsy options if planning to drive or remain active.

Insect & Sun Protection

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Consider bringing Hiking poles for stability. A comfortable Daypack holds water, snacks, and extra layers.

Water Sports Equipment

Swimwear and a Quick-dry towel are basic. A Waterproof phone pouch protects your device when near water.

  • Consider a Wetsuit if renting one or if the water is cold.
  • A Dry bag safeguards electronics and valuables from water spray.

Wildlife Viewing Gear

Binoculars significantly enhance wildlife viewing experiences, bringing distant animals like whales or birds closer into view.

  • Purchase bear spray locally upon arrival, as air travel restrictions prevent carrying it on planes.
  • If you explore coastal areas, a tidal chart assists in planning and safety from incoming tides.

Rent vs. Buy Decision Matrix

Bring These Items

  • Personal hiking boots to ensure a comfortable fit.
  • Specialized clothing items that you know fit well and perform as expected.
  • Your own binoculars, if you have a preferred pair.
  • Any brand-specific personal items you rely on.

Rent Locally These Items

  • Kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, wetsuits, and bicycles are widely available.
  • Camping gear is available for rent, especially for multi-day treks like the West Coast Trail.
  • Skiing and snowboarding equipment at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Small items often greatly assist comfort and convenience during your travels.

Items

Region-Specific & General Items

These items contribute to readiness for the local climate.

Useful Additions

  • Rain Gear: A small, Compact umbrella or Light rain jacket for sudden showers.
  • Bug Net: A bug net or head net for sensitive individuals in wooded areas, especially at dawn/dusk.
  • Specialty Items: Bring specific brands or specialized products if you rely on them; local availability varies.
  • Camera Gear: Consider a Wide-angle lens for landscapes and a Telephoto lens for wildlife.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Fill from safe tap water, reducing plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Many stores charge for plastic; this avoids fees.

Travel Cutlery Set

Useful for picnics or market food to avoid disposables.

Portable Charger

A Portable charger for devices on long days.

Destination-Specific Items

For Coastal Exploration

  • Quick-dry beach towel for coastal visits.
  • Surf/Water shoes for rocky beaches or tide pooling.
  • Waterproof phone case to protect your device during water activities.

For Wilderness Access

  • Navigation tools like maps, compass, or GPS device for remote areas.
  • Bear spray (purchase locally) if hiking in bear country.
  • A well-stocked first aid kit for outdoor adventures.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize items by category.

Place heavier items at the bottom of your luggage. Keep liquids in sealed bags to prevent leaks.