Climate-Appropriate Clothing: Thousand Islands

Summer & Shoulder Seasons

Summer (June-August): Pack lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton and linen. Include shorts, t-shirts, and light Long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection. Evenings are cooler; bring a Light jacket, sweater, or fleece. A Windbreaker or light Waterproof jacket is good for boat tours.

Spring & Fall Layering is

Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October): Medium-weight sweaters, fleeces, and long-sleeved shirts work well. Jeans or Convertible pants are comfortable and versatile.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer. Add an insulating mid-layer (fleece, wool sweater). Finish with a Waterproof and windproof outer shell for protection against rain and fluctuating temperatures.
Cultural Dress Code: No specific cultural dress codes apply. Casual attire is generally acceptable for sightseeing and activities. Smart-casual attire suits nicer restaurants.

Winter Season Attire

Winter (November-March): Focus on warm, insulated clothing. Thermal base layers are essential. Include fleece or wool mid-layers. A heavy Winter coat, waterproof and windproof, is important. Insulated pants (Snow pants) are useful for outdoor time.

Winter Accessories & Layering System

Bring a Warm hat that covers your ears, insulated Gloves or mittens, and a Scarf. These items prevent heat loss.
A robust layering system is for winter: a wicking base layer, two insulating mid-layers (e.g., fleece and a puffy jacket), and a Waterproof/windproof outer shell.
Activity-Specific Attire: Pack a Swimsuit for summer. For boat cruises, layered clothing, a windbreaker, hat, and sunglasses are useful.

Footwear Recommendations

Everyday Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are for daily exploration. You will do much walking in towns and at attractions.

Ideal for town strolls.

Hiking & Water Activities

For extensive trail use or longer hikes, Sturdy hiking shoes or boots like Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Pack Water shoes or Sandals that can get wet for kayaking or swimming.

Grip and support.

Winter Footwear

Insulated, Waterproof boots with good grip are necessary for snow and ice. Brands like Sorel Caribou Boot offer excellent warmth and traction.

Warmth and traction.

Required Documents

Keeping Your Documents Organized

Having all your important documents organized and accessible prevents travel delays and stress. Create both digital and physical copies of everything.

Passport and visa documentation: Carry your original passport. If a visa is needed, have it with you. For visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada (excluding U.S. Citizens), confirm your eTA is approved and linked. Keep digital and physical copies separate.
Travel insurance policy information: Print a copy of policy details, including emergency contacts. Keep a digital copy. This is your first contact in a medical emergency.
International driving permit (if applicable): If renting a car and your license is not in English/French, an IDP is recommended. Carry your original license with the IDP.
Vaccination records and health documentation: Carry essential medical records for specific health conditions. For prescription medications, a doctor's letter is useful, especially for controlled substances.

Printed and digital copies of reservations: Keep both printed and digital copies of flight tickets, accommodation, and major tour reservations. Store digital copies on your phone, email, and cloud storage.
Emergency contact information: Create a separate list of important contacts, including family, friends, and your country's embassy or consulate in Canada.
Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): Carry relevant identification for discounts. An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) offers student discounts. Proof of age qualifies seniors for reduced entry fees.
Questioning: Be ready for questions from border officials. Honesty and clarity contribute to a smooth process.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Mobile Connectivity

Consider power needs and communication for your trip.

Essentials

Power adapter and voltage: Canada uses 120V at 60Hz with Type A/B plugs. A Power adapter like the Ceptics North America Travel Adapter Set is needed for different plug types. Check if devices are dual voltage (100-240V) to avoid a Voltage converter.
Mobile phone compatibility and SIM card options: Most modern smartphones are compatible. Consider a local Prepaid SIM card for calls and data. Major providers include Rogers, Bell, Telus. Buy at airports or mobile stores in Kingston, Gananoque, or Brockville. Confirm your phone is unlocked. For eSIMs, consider Airalo.
Portable chargers and power banks: Useful for charging devices on the go, especially during long boat tours or island explorations. An Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger keeps your phone and camera charged.

Photography & Digital Preparedness

Capture your memories and protect your data.

Camera and Data Safety

Camera equipment: A camera with good zoom is useful for wildlife and distant island views. For water activities, a Waterproof camera or Action camera like a GoPro HERO12 Black is excellent. Consider a Waterproof case for your Smartphone. For camera gear, check B&H Photo.
Recommended apps: Google Maps or Apple Maps for navigation (download offline maps). Google Translate. Weather apps like The Weather Network. Booking.com/Airbnb. Uber (Kingston only). For VPN, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Backup solutions for data: Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos/documents. An External hard drive offers larger storage. Regularly back up photos from your camera or phone.

Digital Readiness Summary

Offline Maps

Download offline maps for your phone. This helps navigation even if cell service is lost on the water or in remote areas.

Device Security

Consider using a VPN for public Wi-Fi. Keep devices password-protected.

Cloud Sync

Set up automatic photo and document syncing to cloud services before you travel.

Health & Wellness Items

Essential Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit addresses minor issues and ensures comfort during your travels.

First Aid & Medications

First aid kit: Pack a Basic first aid kit. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen), and personal allergy medication. For hiking, include blister treatment like Compeed Advanced Blister Care.
Prescription medications: Bring enough supply for your trip, plus extra days. Carry in original containers with labels. A doctor's letter is useful for controlled substances.
Over-the-counter medications: Include Anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, and cold/flu remedies.

Prevention & Personal Care

Focus on protecting yourself from local conditions and maintaining personal comfort.

Sun, Insects & Hygiene

Motion sickness remedies: Highly relevant for boat rides. Dramamine Original Formula for motion sickness.
Insect repellent and sun protection: Insect repellent is needed, especially in spring/summer. Sawyer Permethrin (clothing) and Sawyer Picaridin (skin) are effective. High SPF sunscreen (e.g., EltaMD UV Clear), Lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are also recommended.
Personal hygiene essentials: All common hygiene items are available locally. Bring specific brands or specialized products if preferred.

Specialized Considerations

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness remedies are useful for boat cruises.
The gentle rocking of boats can affect some individuals.
There is no altitude sickness risk in the region.

Water Purification

Water purification is not typically needed.
Tap water in the Thousand Islands and throughout Canada is safe to drink.
A Reusable water bottle like the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle is useful for refilling.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Boating & Kayaking

A Dry bag protects electronics, cameras, and valuables from splashes or unexpected submersion. A Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag keeps items safe.

Kayaks and canoes for rent locally.
Stand-up paddleboards for rent locally.
Fishing boats for rent from local marinas.
Paddling is a great way to explore.

Hiking Essentials

A Small daypack (e.g., Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack) is useful for carrying water, snacks, extra layers, and your camera.

Comfortable hiking shoes or boots are a must.
Bring your own small backpack for comfort.
Rent larger items like kayaks.
Fishing rods can be brought or rented.

Unique Regional Items

A good Pair of binoculars, like the Nikon Prostaff 3S 8x42 Binoculars, are useful for spotting wildlife, viewing distant islands, and examining mansion details.

Binoculars greatly enhance sightseeing.
A valid Ontario fishing license is needed.
Pack a small, waterproof dry bag.
It protects your phone, camera, and wallet from splashes.

Rental vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Items to Rent Locally

Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are readily available from outfitters in Gananoque and Rockport.
Renting saves on transport and storage.
Fishing boats can be rented from local marinas.
Specialty equipment for activities like diving might be rentable.

Items to Bring From Home

For hiking, comfortable shoes and a Small backpack are better to bring, as they fit well and you know their comfort.
If you have specialized fishing equipment and prefer using your own, bringing it is an option.
Personal safety gear like a life vest if you have a specific fit preference.
High-end camera gear for specific photography needs.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, a few extra items can greatly upgrade your travel comfort and convenience.

Travel Essentials

Comfort items for transportation: For long journeys, consider a Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs. A good Travel pillow like the Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow makes a significant difference.
Security items: Small, TSA-approved luggage locks (Lewis N. Clark) for bags. A Money belt (Zero Grid) offers a discreet way to carry cash/passport. An RFID blocking wallet (Travelambo) protects credit cards.
Reusable items: A Reusable water bottle (Hydro Flask) for refills. A Reusable shopping bag (Baggu Standard). Consider Reusable utensils for takeout.
A good pair of sunglasses is needed. The glare off the water can be intense, especially on sunny days. Polarized lenses offer enhanced glare reduction.

Region-Specific & Practicalities

Items tailored to the Thousand Islands experience and general travel advice.

Local Considerations

Region-specific essentials: A Waterproof phone case is highly recommended for boat activities to protect your device from splashes or accidental drops.
Small denominations of cash: Useful for small purchases, local markets, or tips where credit cards are not accepted.
Items difficult or expensive to purchase locally: Most common items are readily available. However, specialized outdoor gear or specific medication brands might be harder to find in smaller towns. Bring them from home if you have unique needs or preferences.
A small notebook and pen: Handy for jotting down notes, directions, or contact information.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Refill from taps, reducing plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For groceries and souvenirs.

Reusable Utensil Set

For meals on the go.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect the freshwater ecosystem.

Destination-Specific Items

For Water Exploration

Binoculars for wildlife and distant island views.
Waterproof camera or phone case for boating/kayaking.
Motion sickness remedies for boat tours.

For Land Exploration

Offline maps downloaded on your phone.
Comfortable hiking shoes for trails.
Insect repellent, especially for wooded areas.

Packing Pro Tip

Pack a small, waterproof dry bag. This bag protects your phone, camera, and wallet from splashes on boat tours or kayaking trips. It is a simple addition with big benefits for peace of mind near water.

Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize items and maximize luggage capacity.

Climate-Appropriate Clothing