North Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for North Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada? If you're planning to go to North Vancouver Island, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to North Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Based on the climate and weather in North Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for North Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in North Vancouver Island, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for North Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada by month

January

If you vacation in North Vancouver Island during January, you will probably notice that it is brisk and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days and snow sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Vancouver Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

February

In February, North Vancouver Island can be brisk and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) and sometimes jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for North Vancouver Island, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Vancouver Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

March

March in North Vancouver Island is pretty cool and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C), with a few days below 28 F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • 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 North Vancouver Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

April

April here is pretty cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Vancouver Island. 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

May is chilly and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 North Vancouver Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

June

June in North Vancouver Island can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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 luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Vancouver Island. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

July

If you visit North Vancouver Island during July, you will probably see that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Vancouver Island. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

August

If you visit North Vancouver Island during August, you might notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Vancouver Island. 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 belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

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. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option 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. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now 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 work in most countries.

September

If you go to North Vancouver Island in September, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Vancouver Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

October

October here can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Vancouver Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

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. Ensure that you choose the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

If you go to North Vancouver Island in November, you will notice that it is pretty cool and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • 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 North Vancouver Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

December

If you vacation in North Vancouver Island during December, you are likely to see that it is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days and snow sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Vancouver Island. 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 airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like 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. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

What to do in North Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

North Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada is a picturesque region that boasts a wealth of natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities for tourists to indulge in. From the rugged coastal landscape to pristine waterways and temperate rainforests, this region provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here are five top tourist attractions in North Vancouver Island that you should consider visiting.

1. Strathcona Provincial Park

Located in the heart of Vancouver Island, Strathcona Provincial Park is the oldest park in British Columbia. It offers visitors breathtaking views of alpine meadows, ice-capped peaks, and shimmering lakes surrounded by dense forests. With over 250,000 hectares of wilderness, hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts can explore the park's rugged terrain, including its numerous waterfalls, glaciers, and mountain peaks.

2. Telegraph Cove

Nestled on the northeastern tip of the island, Telegraph Cove is a charming village that showcases British Columbia's marine life in all its glory. Surrounded by the Johnstone Strait, this picturesque town is home to orcas, humpback whales, harbor seals, sea lions, and other marine animals. Visitors can take whale-watching tours, go kayaking, or simply stroll along the boardwalks to soak in the panoramic views.

3. Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park

Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park is a hidden gem located in the center of Vancouver Island. The park features an expansive lake surrounded by pristine forests, making it the perfect destination for camping, boating, and fishing. With over 3,000 hectares of abundant wildlife, visitors can explore its numerous hiking trails or engage in outdoor activities like mountain biking and horseback riding.

4. Cape Scott Provincial Park

Cape Scott Provincial Park is an unspoiled wilderness located on the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. It boasts a rugged coastline, old-growth forest, and sandy beaches, all of which offer unparalleled natural beauty. Hikers can explore its trails, including the North Coast Trail, which challenges even the most experienced trekkers. A visit to the park is also an opportunity to explore the cultural history of the region, including the ancient First Nations village of Nels Bight.

5. Mount Cain Ski Resort

If you're a winter sports enthusiast, then Mount Cain Ski Resort is the perfect destination. Located on Vancouver Island's northern tip, this resort features fresh powder slopes that are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Its compact ski area is perfect for beginners and advanced skiers alike, and accommodation is available in nearby townships.

In conclusion, North Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, provides a blend of natural wonders, cultural history, and outdoor adventure activities that make it a perfect destination for tourists. With its breathtaking scenery, camping opportunities, and marine life, North Vancouver Island is a must-visit region for any adventure 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.

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