Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]
Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.
Ready to pack for Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada? If you're planning to go to Lower Mainland, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Lower Mainland
- Important essentials for Lower Mainland
- Activities for Lower Mainland
- Lower Mainland in January: weather and what to pack
- Lower Mainland in February: weather and what to pack
- Lower Mainland in March: weather and what to pack
- Lower Mainland in April: weather and what to pack
- Lower Mainland in May: weather and what to pack
- Lower Mainland in June: weather and what to pack
- Lower Mainland in July: weather and what to pack
- Lower Mainland in August: weather and what to pack
- Lower Mainland in September: weather and what to pack
- Lower Mainland in October: weather and what to pack
- Lower Mainland in November: weather and what to pack
- Lower Mainland in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada
Based on the climate and weather in Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
What to wear/what to pack for Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada
Already know when you're traveling?
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lower Mainland, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
What to wear/what to pack for Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada by month
January
January for Lower Mainland can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Fleece
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
Jacket or coat
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.
Travel neck support pillow
A versatile choice is this one
February
February in Lower Mainland is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Jacket or coat
Fleece
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
Light gloves or mittens
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck pillow
Our fave is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
March
If you visit Lower Mainland during March, you are likely to notice that it can be brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
Fleece
Light gloves or mittens
Jacket or coat
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right type. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.
Travel pillow
A great choice is this one
April
If you vacation in Lower Mainland during April, you are likely to find that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Pants or jeans
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Light jacket or fleece
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel neck support pillow
A great choice is this one
May
If you vacation in Lower Mainland during May, you are likely to see that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Extra socks
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel pillow
A top rated pillow is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.
June
June for Lower Mainland is mild. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Extra socks
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Pants or jeans
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb kit.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel neck pillow
What we like is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.
July
If you go to Lower Mainland in July, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Extra socks
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent one.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel neck pillow
Our favorite is this one
August
If you go to Lower Mainland in August, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck pillow
An excellent option is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
September
If you visit Lower Mainland during September, you will probably notice that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Pants or jeans
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel neck pillow
A great choice is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
October
October here is cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Travel pillow
A good option is this one
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
November
November here can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
Jacket or coat
Light gloves or mittens
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
Fleece
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel neck pillow
What we like is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
December
If you go to Lower Mainland in December, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Jacket or coat
Light gloves or mittens
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
Fleece
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lower Mainland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel neck support pillow
A good option is this one
What to do in Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada
Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and world-class attractions, the region has something for everyone. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Lower Mainland that you wouldn't want to miss:
1. Stanley Park:
Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, covering over 400 hectares of forest and waterfront. The park features many attractions, including the Vancouver Aquarium, totem poles, beaches, gardens, and biking and walking trails. Visitors can take a horse-drawn carriage ride, rent a bike or a pedal-powered car, or just walk around and enjoy the park's natural beauty.
2. Granville Island:
Granville Island is an iconic Vancouver attraction. It's a hub for artists and artisans, with galleries, studios, and craft shops. The Granville Island Public Market is the heart of the island, where visitors can find fresh produce, seafood, and baked goods from local vendors. There are also many restaurants, theaters, and outdoor performance spaces in the area.
3. Capilano Suspension Bridge:
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a must-visit attraction for adventure seekers. The 140-meter-long bridge spans a deep canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding forest. Visitors can also explore the Treetops Adventure, a network of suspension bridges high above the forest floor, or the Cliffwalk, a narrow walkway attached to the rock face.
4. Grouse Mountain:
Grouse Mountain is a year-round attraction that's popular with both locals and tourists. In the summer, visitors can take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain and enjoy hiking, zip-lining, and wildlife encounters. In the winter, the mountain turns into a winter wonderland, with skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing trails.
5. Whistler:
Whistler is a premier ski resort that draws visitors from all over the world. The resort boasts over 200 ski runs, multiple terrain parks, and a vibrant village filled with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. But there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Whistler in the summer, too, including hiking, biking, and golfing.
6. The Museum of Anthropology:
The Museum of Anthropology is a world-renowned museum located on the campus of the University of British Columbia. The museum showcases the cultures of the Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia, with a collection of over 50,000 objects. Visitors can explore the museum's permanent exhibits or attend one of the many special exhibitions and festivals.
7. Fort Langley:
Fort Langley is a National Historic Site that tells the story of the Hudson's Bay Company and the fur trade in Canada. Visitors can explore the fort and its buildings, participate in interactive programs, and learn about the Indigenous and European cultures that shaped the region.
In conclusion, the Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada, is a treasure trove for tourists. It offers a breathtaking combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and world-class attractions. From the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Stanley Park in Vancouver to Whistler and beyond, this region promises to be one of the most unforgettable experiences for any traveler.

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Chicagoland, Illinois, United States of America, Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Wareham, England, United Kingdom, Karon, Thailand, Zakynthos, Greece, Schneverdingen, Germany, Ca Na, Vietnam, Kaili, China, Tafea, Vanuatu, Shamrock, Texas, United States of America, and Beni, Bolivia.