Vancouver Packing List for Anytime of Year

Being next to the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is relatively mild year round. Summers are sunny and warm, and winters are rainy and cool. If you think of Canadian Winters, you likely think of a lot of snow and below freezing temperatures. However, Vancouver winters are very mild and only about 4 inches of snow falls in Vancouver all winter. For context, Ottawa got 20+ inches in ONE day this year. The best time of year to visit Vancouver is the summer, but the spring and fall are great for budget travellers. Vancouver’s rainy season is October to June. For this Vancouver packing list, you will want to pack in layers and bring comfortable clothing.

I like my packing list to rely on items I already have: packing layers is the perfect way to not have to go out and buy something new. Creating capsule wardrobes, wearing multiple layers and being prepared are key!

I organize my packing lists with an app called Stylebook. I use it daily, but it’s also really helpful to visualize the items you’re packing in your bag.

What to Wear in Vancouver

Vancouver is very outdoorsy and eco-friendly. Home to the athletic brand Lululemon, you’ll find a lot of people in comfortable exercise gear biking and walking through the city. You can’t go wrong packing casual outfits for your visit. Winter temperatures average around 7-8°C (45°F). Summer temperatures average around 20-22°C (68-72°F). There are a wide variety of activities to do in Vancouver including: hiking, nightlife, exploring the city, swimming at the beach, biking, etc.

I love packing a clothing capsule when travelling. Choose a small variety of items that can all be styled together. I typically stick with neutrals and one bright jacket. I recommend shorts/dresses in the summer with a waterproof jacket and shoes, if possible. In the winter, you’ll be comfortable in a warmer jacket and pants but don’t forget about the rain either!

Vancouver Packing List for Spring/Summer

• 1-2 activewear outfits (hiking Grouse Grind or biking in Stanley Park)
• 2-3 casual day outfits (shorts/t-shirts and dresses)
• 1-2 nightlife outfits
• A waterproof jacket (especially during the rainy season)
• 1 pair waterproof shoes (Vessi’s are a great option)
• A pair pj’s

Tops for Spring/Summer in Vancouver

Spring and summer are perfect seasons to visit Vancouver. A warm but not humid Canadian city, you’ll be comfortable exploring the city in short sleeves or a dress. Spring evenings may be a bit cooler so pack a sweater or bomber jacket for warmth.

If you do plan on hiking the Rockies, I recommend packing warmer layers in the spring. As elevation rises, the air is cooler. Having sweat wicking bottom layers will help stay warm on longer hikes, because you’ll notice you’ll be quite chilly at the bottom and work up a sweat as you get to the summit – but then if you stay at the summit for photos you get quite chilly again! Sweat wicking layers help you stay warm.

Bottoms for Spring/Summer in Vancouver

These pants from Aritzia are my favourite travel pants because they’re stylish but very comfortable and pack up tightly without wrinkling. You’ll want to pack a pair of leggings or two for outdoor activities. Bring shorts or a dress for a night out in the city!

Shoes for Spring/Summer in Vancouver

Comfortable walking shoes will be your best friend. Waterproof is even better. Vancouver is very hilly so be prepared to do a lot of walking or take transit.

If you plan on hiking, you will not regret packing a pair of sturdy hiking shoes but you will be able to purchase them in the city. I recommend bringing socks that go past your ankles – these are perfect for hiking in mountains (look for cushioned wool socks to prevent blisters). Having a second set of comfortable shoes to walk around is a great idea! Hiking shoes can be quite heavy and bulky and having a second pair of shoes gives your feet a bit of a break.

If you have never purchased hiking shoes before, you want them to have about a thumbs width of additional length past your toe – this is for doing downhill when your feet will slip to the front of your boot.

Vancouver Packing List for Fall/Winter

• 1-2 activewear outfits (NOTE: Grouse Grind is closed in the winter but there’s a ton of skiing to do on the west coast)
• 2-3 casual day outfits (warm sweater and pants for winter months and shorts/tshirts/dresses for summer months)
• 1-2 nightlife outfits
• A waterproof jacket (especially during the rainy season)
• A pair waterproof shoes (Vessi’s are a great option year round in Vancouver)
• 1 pair waterproof hiking shoes and day pack
• A pair pj’s
• Canada and America have the same outlets but if you’re coming internationally pack a universal adapter for your chargers

Outerwear for Vancouver

A waterproof jacket is a necessity – Vancouver is more rainy than cold and snowy in the winter. I have this down filled rain jacket that I bring everywhere. It packs up in a small bag, and is bright for awesome contrast in photos (see my link here for how much you need a yellow jacket for travelling). It’s a great layering piece for extra warmth in the morning!

If you get cold easily, I also recommend a pair of mittens, a scarf, and a hat. If you’re a novice hiker, dress a bit cool when you start and you’ll warm right up on the hike up a mountain! Wear your puffiest and biggest clothing items on the plane to save space in your baggage.

Tops for Fall/Winter in Vancouver

Vancouver is much milder than the rest of Canada so you’re likely to be comfortable wearing long sleeve shirts under a puffer jacket. If you plan on snowshoeing or skiing, having sweat wicking bottom layers will help stay warm on longer. Sweat wicking layers help you stay warm. If you can create a clothing capsule and pack items like sweaters/cardigans that will be warm on an outdoor adventure but nice for a dinner outing, you’re set!

Bottoms for Fall/Winter in Vancouver

Warm, waterproof or quick drying pants will be your best friend. These pants from Aritzia are my favourite travel pants because they’re stylish but very comfortable and pack up tightly without wrinkling. You’ll want to pack a pair of leggings or two for outdoor activities. You can also bring a pair of rain pants or snow pants for comfort but you’ll be okay without them.

Shoes for Fall/Winter in Vancouver

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes will be your best friend. Winter is one of Vancouver’s rainy seasons so keep those toes dry! Vancouver is very hilly so be prepared to do a lot of walking or take transit.

If you plan on hiking, you will not regret packing a pair of sturdy hiking shoes but you will be able to purchase them in the city. I recommend bringing socks that go past your ankles – these are perfect for hiking in mountains (look for cushioned wool socks to prevent blisters). Having a second set of comfortable shoes to walk around is a great idea! Hiking shoes can be quite heavy and bulky and having a second pair of shoes gives your feet a bit of a break.

Colour Coordinating your Outfits for Photos

Another thing to consider is if you’re interested in coordinating your outfit to the scenery. You will find a lot of blues and greens in Vancouver, so contrasting colours like red and yellow give a perfect pop of colour. A red plaid shirt is a quintessential Canadian look.

Other Essentials for your Vancouver Packing List

• A reusable water bottle. This is one of the top items that should be on every list! You can drink the tap water in Vancouver and you need to bring water with you on hikes.
• Towel/Flip Flops: if you plant to stay in a hostel, pack a pair of shower shoes and check to see if you have to bring or rent a towel.
• Sunscreen: it’s likely you will be at a much higher elevation and therefore closer to UV rays. You’ll want to protect your skin from the harsh sun
• Toiletries/makeup: toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, face wash, moisturizer, a comb/brush, etc.
• Photography equipment: including my camera, lens, tripod, shutter remote, extra SD cards, extra batteries and camera bag.
• Electronics and their chargers. This will include my camera battery, iPhone, Fitbit and Kobo chargers.
• Universal adapter.

Non-essential Packing Items

• Hair straightener – can double as a curling iron
• Especially these days, I pack these sanitary wipes in my bag to wipe down any plastic surfaces on the plane/public transport
• Cold medicine and Advil (considered a non-essential because you can buy some in Vancouver if you need to).