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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Ontario, Canada

Summer & Spring Attire

For summer (June-August), pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Shorts, t-shirts, and dresses work for daytime. Spring (April-May) is similar, with layering being important.

Items

Fall & Winter Attire

For fall (September-October), layering is wise with sweaters or fleece. Winter (November-March) is cold and snowy, needing substantial outerwear.

Items

Footwear Recommendations

Summer Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are great for city exploration. Sandals suit casual wear and beach visits.

Ideal for urban exploration and warm weather.

Fall/Spring Footwear

Waterproof walking shoes or light boots protect against rain and cooler temperatures.

Protection from rain and moderate cold.

Winter Footwear

Warm, Waterproof insulated boots with good grip are needed for snow and ice. Look for boots with traction to prevent slips.

Useful for snowy and icy conditions.

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

  • Valid passport and visa/eTA documentation (printed confirmation).
  • Travel insurance policy information (print and digital copies).
  • International driving permit (if applicable, with home license).
  • Vaccination records and health documentation, list of prescription medications.
  • Printed and digital copies of flight, accommodation, tour, and car rental reservations.
  • Emergency contact information (local embassy, family/friends).
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable).
  • Organize all documents for easy access.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay connected and powered up with the right electronic gear. Canada uses Type A and B outlets (120V at 60Hz). A Universal travel adapter is recommended.

Essentials

Camera & Apps

Capture Kingston's landscapes, historic sites, and cityscapes with versatile camera gear. Bring extra batteries or charging cables. B&H Photo has a wide range.

Digital Tools

  • Navigation apps: Google Maps, Transit app for bus schedules.
  • Translation app: Google Translate for quick language help.
  • Backup solutions: cloud storage or an External hard drive for photos/documents.

Data Security & Backup

Secure Internet

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

Data Protection

Use cloud storage or an External hard drive to back up photos and important documents, protecting your memories and information.

Device Security

Keep your smartphone and other devices updated with security patches. Use strong passwords and device locks.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

Pack a personal health kit to address minor issues and manage ongoing needs. Adventure Medical Kits are good for travelers.

Contents to Include

  • First aid kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen), allergy medicine.
  • Prescription medications in original packaging with documentation.
  • Over-the-counter medications for common issues (cold/flu remedies, cough drops).

Protection & Hydration

Protect yourself from the elements and maintain good hydration. Kingston's tap water is safe to drink.

Protections

Special Health Considerations

Food & Water Hygiene

  • Tap water in Kingston is safe to drink.
  • Restaurants and food establishments maintain high hygiene standards.
  • Eat with confidence at regulated establishments.

Allergies & Preventative Measures

  • Be prepared for seasonal allergies (high pollen in spring/summer).
  • Carry personal allergy medication if susceptible.
  • Practice good hand hygiene to deter common cold/flu, especially in fall/winter.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Essentials

If planning serious hiking, bring specialized gear.

Cycling Gear

If bringing your own bike, remember safety items. Most gear can be rented locally.

  • Helmet (mandatory under 18; recommended for all).
  • Appropriate cycling attire.
  • Lights if cycling at night.
  • Repair kit for personal bikes.

Paddling Gear

For kayaking or canoeing, consider these items. Most recreational Sports gear can be rented.

  • Dry bag for electronics.
  • Swimsuit if planning to visit waterfront areas.
  • Water shoes or sandals.
  • Sun hat and sunglasses.

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Advantages of Renting

  • More convenient, avoiding extra luggage.
  • Cost-effective for single-use or short-term activities.
  • Local rental shops often provide all needed safety equipment.
  • Access to well-maintained, appropriate gear for local conditions.

Considerations for Bringing Own Gear

  • Justified for very specialized, high-quality gear you prefer to use.
  • Avoids rental costs if you plan extensive, repeated use.
  • Luggage fees or transport challenges may offset savings.
  • Research availability and quality of local rentals beforehand.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items improve your comfort and security during travel. For general packing needs, Amazon and Nordace are good sources.

Travel Aids

Eco-Friendly & Convenience

Reduce plastic waste and ensure convenience with reusable items.

Reusable Items

Sustainable Travel

Waste Reduction

Carry reusable items (bottles, bags, utensils).

Public Transit

Utilize Kingston Transit for lower environmental footprint.

Active Transport

Walk and cycle to explore the city.

Local Support

Shop local, choose eco-conscious businesses.

Cultural Dress & Activities

Dress Code Considerations

  • Kingston's dress code is generally casual and comfortable.
  • Smart casual attire for nicer restaurants or theatre performances.
  • No specific modesty requirements for general tourism.

Activity-Specific Attire

  • Hiking: sturdy hiking shoes or boots, moisture-wicking socks.
  • Swimming: swimsuit for waterfront areas or hotel pools.
  • Formal Events: check venue's dress code beforehand.

Pro Tip: Packing Light

Packing light makes moving around easier and saves on baggage fees. Stick to versatile, layerable items that can mix and match.

Consider rolling clothes to save space. Utilize packing cubes for organization.