I recently traveled to the distant archipelago of Haida Gwaii, which will be about a two-hour flight from Vancouver. I’d never been around western Canada, so I wasn’t too certain to pack. After viewing showers in the forecast, I moved with rain gear and active wear, which ended up being the right move, as I quickly learned what “coastal rainforest” meant.
You’ll find temperate and coastal rainforests (see: muddy grounds and misty rain) throughout British Columbia, Canada. From a tuque and chewing gum boots–that is Canadian for winter hat and rain boots –to the perfect hybrid puffer rain coat, here is what to pack for British Columbia during the main tourist season (April through October).
What to Pack for British Columbia: The Suitcase
Cotopaxi Chumpi Travel Duffle Backpack
An awesome hybrid duffel-backpack, ideal for a week-long trip. And, the 50L size fits as a carry-on with most airlines. . . .MORE
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To get to most areas in British Columbia, then you’ll likely need to fly to Vancouver and then have a smaller plane to your final destination. For this reason, I took my Cotopaxi Chumpi duffel backpack. It was an ideal size for my own five-day excursion, and I didn’t have to think about checking it. When wanted I could carry it in my back, and also the outer nylon-canvas material held up in the rain. And, of course, I used my trusty packing cubes to arrange everything.
Things to Pack for British Columbia: The Personal Object
Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote Package, 22 L
This hybrid tote-backpack is a great daypack or private item on a trip. . . .MORE
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For this particular trip, I introduced a Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote Bundle as my private product. It’s a hybrid tote that changes between a tote and backpack. It offered an ideal quantity of space for my laptop along with other planetary essentials and doubled as my daypack on hikes.
What to Pack for British Columbia: In-Flight Essentials
- Silk eye mask: This plush silk eye mask out of Yala provides a luxe component to the rather non-luxe experience that is a red-eye trip.
- Headphones: I’m a diehard Beats Solo-wearer (only do not forget the aux cord!) .
- Collapsible water bottle: This model from Hydaway saves packing space when not in use.
- Tablet: This came in handy on my shorter flight to the islands since there was no seatback entertainment.
- Neck cushion: Nemo’s Fillo pillow is not embarrassing, along with the memory foam cushion works wonders.
- Snacks I was pleased to have KIND bars for my trip and on lifts.
Things to Pack for British Columbia: Shoes
- Waterproof hiking boots: LOWA’s Innox Evo GTX boots did the trick for me. The grippy sole was perfect for mud, as a number of folks wearing rain boots ended up sinking.
- Casual slip-ons: This pair from Rockport was great for travel days and casual dishes.
- Water shoes: based on what time of year you visit, you’ll need water shoes to the rocky coast if you are planning on doing any water activities.
What to Pack for British Columbia: Jackets
- Nau Poncho Via: This outer-shell coating is ideal to throw if showers hit.
- Craghoppers Voyager Hybrid Jacket: This mid-weight jacket was watertight and insulating. I couldn’t think of a jacket for a visit.
What to Pack for British Columbia: Clothing
- Hiking trousers: I really enjoy the stitch-knit waistband on Helly Hansen’s Hild Quick Dry pants. The set is comfy like yoga pants but dries.
- Leggings: Bring a few pairs of your preferred full-length leggings for trekking and traveling times.
- Layering shirts: Due to the rain and varying temps, deliver a few layering pieces like tanks, short-sleeve tees, long sleeve tees, and pullovers.
- Sweaters: Bring a minumum of one mid-weight sweater for night–I have a tendency to enjoy Gap’s sweater collection for affordability and fashion.
- Jeans: Bring one pair of jeans for casual meals.
- Sports Watches: All these are a must for busy days.
- Swimsuits: BC is well known for its hot springs, so make your lawsuit if this is on your itinerary.
Things to Pack for British Columbia: Toiletries
- Dramamine: You will want some kind of motion sickness relief for seaplanes and boats if those typical BC actions are on your itinerary.
- Basic toiletries: Depending on your accommodations, you might choose to bring travel-size versions of your essentials. Properties in British Columbia will vary in what they provide in terms of amenities, for example on Haida Gwaii some accommodation provides basic coverage, but maybe not all. To be safe, deliver the fundamentals.
- Disposable shower cap: Attract one to pay your hiking boots while traveling home.
Things to Pack British Columbia: Gadgets
- Backup phone charger: If you are going to have a great deal of pictures and videos onto your phone, bring a backup charger. Most of the actions you’ll do in British Columbia will get you out.
- Physical fitness tracker: Any trip to British Columbia is an active one, so give yourself some credit.
Things to Pack for British Columbia: Accessories
- Hat: In the spring and autumn you’ll need a beanie-style hat, or as Canadians state–tuque, to keep your ears warm. For summertime, a hat is a good idea for sun protection.
- Wool socks: These are a must for hiking and other outdoor pursuits.
- Daypack: Be sure to have a lightweight, waterproof or water-resistant daypack.
What to Pack for British Columbia ( I did not)
- Umbrella : I didn’t bring one and was pleased with my poncho, but some travelers in my group did use an umbrella. Even the BC climate is much more likely to light showers than continuing downpours, but you will want to be ready for both.
- Gloves: In the spring and fall, you’ll need a pair of thin, waterproof gloves.
- Mobile clothesline: Bring one if you’ll do a lot of outdoor activities or washing any articles of clothing.
What Not to Bundle for British Columbia
- Dressy clothing, accessories, or shoes: Unless you are heading to British Columbia for a unique event, leave your valuables and dressy garments at home.
HYDAWAY Collapsible Pocket-sized Traveling Water Bottle – 21 oz.
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Fire HD 8 Tablet
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NEMO Fillo Pillow HQ
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