Canada packing list: Everything for your outdoor adventure

On our comprehensive Canada packing list you’ll find everything you need for your trip to Canada. The packing list is perfect for you if you…

• want to discover nature in Canada,
• are travelling by hire car or motorhome,
• need recommendations for clothing and outdoor equipment.

Our Canada packing list is divided into sections to give you a quick and easy overview. Let’s get started!

Clothing for the Canada packing list

The best time to travel for outdoor adventures in Canada is from May to October. During this period temperatures are often pleasant. However, the weather can change quickly, so the Canada packing list prepares you for every eventuality.

Clothing and shoes

• Weatherproof clothing: Good rain protection is essential. A waterproof jacket and trousers will protect you from unexpected showers.
• Hiking boots: Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots are a must for every hike. Go for a high ankle if you’ll be walking along muddy sections of trail.
• Layering principle: With the layering or onion principle you can adapt perfectly to changing temperatures. Pack T-shirts, a fleece jacket and a lightweight jacket.

Our product recommendations for you:

• Rain jacket, e.g. from Patagonia Torrentshell for men and women and rain trousers from Patagonia for men and women.
• Hiking boots e.g. from Lowa with a high ankle.
• Lightweight shirt that dries quickly for men and women as the bottom layer when layering.
• Fleece jacket, e.g. from Patagonia Better Sweater (men) and Patagonia Better Sweater (women).
• Light synthetic jacket, e.g. Patagonia Nano Puff (men) and Patagonia Nano Puff (women) for outdoor activities.

Equipment for outdoor activities

For an unforgettable adventure in Canada, having the right equipment is essential. Here you’ll find the most important items for your Canada packing list that you’ll need for hiking and kayaking so you’re well prepared on the road.

Hiking

When you go hiking in the west of Canada you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes and the beauty of nature up close. Here are the most important things for your Canada packing list.

Hiking equipment:

• Water bottle: Ideally use a bottle that doesn’t contain plasticisers.
• Small sit pad: A lightweight sit pad offers a comfortable and warm base when you take a break.
• Rucksack: A comfortable rucksack with enough space for day hikes and excursions is essential. A capacity of 21–35 litres is ideal for food, clothing and extras such as a camera.

Clothing:

• Hiking trousers (zip-off) or hiking leggings: Hiking trousers with a zip-off function allow you to wear them as long trousers or shorts depending on the weather. Hiking leggings offer flexibility and comfort.
• Fleece jacket: A fleece jacket is breathable and keeps you warm in cooler temperatures without making you sweat.
• Hiking jacket (softshell): A softshell jacket with several pockets is ideal for keeping small items such as maps, snacks and your mobile phone close to hand. It is also windproof and water-repellent, which makes it perfect for changeable weather.

Our product recommendations for you:

• Long hiking trousers, e.g. Fjallraven Karl (men) and Fjallraven Karla (women) with detachable legs or leggings with pockets for hiking.
• Breathable fleece jacket with plenty of freedom of movement for men and women.
• Wind-resistant and breathable hiking jacket, e.g. Fjällräven Kaipak (men) and Fjällräven Kaipak (women).

Kayaking

Kayaking gives you the opportunity to explore spectacular landscapes and observe wildlife. Here are the most important pieces of equipment for your Canada packing list so you’re well prepared for your kayaking trip.

Kayaking equipment:

• Waterproof bags: These are ideal for keeping your camera dry.
• Shoes for kayaking: If you’re on a tour for several days (e.g. in an orca camp), we recommend neoprene shoes or sandals with a hook-and-loop fastening, as you’ll get wet feet when getting into the kayak. In most orca camps neoprene shoes are also provided.
• Neck strap for sunglasses: The glasses can be taken off without the risk of them falling into the water.

Clothing:

• Shorts or long trousers: Choose trousers made from quick-drying material. Even though you wear a spray skirt in the kayak, your trousers can still get wet quickly. Quick-drying material is especially practical on cool days.
• T-shirt and long-sleeved top: Here too, quick-drying material is an advantage as you can work up a sweat when paddling on warm summer days.
• Rain jacket: A rain jacket protects you from sudden showers and keeps you dry.
• Lightweight windproof jacket: A lightweight windproof jacket protects you from cool winds without you overheating.

Our product recommendations for you:

• Long trousers that dry quickly, e.g. from Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers (men) and Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers (women).
• T-shirt that dries quickly and is odour-inhibiting, e.g. from Super.Natural (men) and Icebreaker (women).
• Rain jacket, for example from Patagonia for men and women.
• Lightweight jacket that is highly wind resistant, for example from Patagonia Houdini (men) and Houdini (women).

Equipment for wildlife watching

Wildlife watching in Canada is a unique experience that you’ll remember for a long time. Here are the most important things you need on your Canada packing list to experience wildlife up close.

• Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars allows you to observe animals in the distance.
• Camera equipment: A camera with a zoom lens helps you capture wildlife. It also allows you to keep a respectful distance from the animals.
• Wildlife travel guide: With our special travel guide for western Canada you’ll find the best outdoor experiences where you can watch animals. It includes seasonal wildlife routes for spring, summer and autumn, sustainable tour operators and spectacular nature experiences such as hikes and kayaking tours. With this travel guide you can make sure you visit the best places at the best times for unforgettable wildlife sightings.

Personal hygiene and health

• Microfibre towels: For road trips in a motorhome, microfibre towels are very practical as they dry quickly.
• Insect repellent: Mosquito spray protects you from annoying insects, especially in forested and damp areas.
• Sun protection: Sun cream is essential to protect you from UV rays.
• First aid kit: You should always have a small first aid kit with you so you can quickly treat minor injuries.

Technical equipment for the Canada packing list

In this section you’ll find important photography equipment that shouldn’t be missing from your Canada packing list.

Camera equipment for Canada

• Camera
• Lenses
• Batteries and charger
• Memory cards
• Cleaning brush and air blower for lenses

Power supply on the road

• Power bank
• USB car charger
• Travel adapter
• Charging cables for your mobile phone and other devices

Important: For safety reasons you should always carry your power bank in your hand luggage.

Documents and paperwork for the Canada packing list

To enter Canada you need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA). Here are the most important documents you should have with you on your trip:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your trip.
• Driving licence: An international driving licence is helpful if you’re renting a vehicle.
• Credit card: A credit card is useful for payments and bookings.
• Folder with copies of documents: Keep copies of all important documents such as passport, eTA, driving licence and credit card in a separate folder. This helps in case of loss or theft.

Luggage

The right piece of luggage can make the difference between a relaxed trip and a stressful one. Here are some recommendations on which type of luggage is most practical for different types of travel in Canada:

• Suitcase: A sturdy suitcase is well suited to trips where you mainly stay in cities or easily accessible accommodation. It offers plenty of space and organisation but is less practical for outdoor adventures or rough terrain.
• Travel bag: A travel bag is flexible and easy to handle. It’s particularly suitable if you’re travelling a lot by motorhome. Its advantage is that it can be squashed down and stored more compactly in the motorhome than a hard-shell suitcase.
• Backpack: A backpack (rucksack) is the best choice if you’re planning multi-day hikes. It offers maximum carrying comfort and mobility. Make sure you choose a model with good ventilation and carrying comfort that offers enough space for your equipment and provisions.
• Packing cubes: Regardless of the type of luggage, packing cubes help you store your belongings in an organised and space-saving way. They are particularly useful for quick access to clothing and equipment and to avoid chaos in your luggage.

A well-planned packing list for Canada is the key to a successful adventure. With the right equipment and preparation you can enjoy nature to the full.

Do you have any questions or additions? Leave a comment and share your experiences with us!