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

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

Contents

When to go to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

Traveling to Vancouver in January, you will notice that it is cold and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time and snow sometimes. 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

February

If you go to Vancouver in February, you will notice that it is brisk and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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 luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

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

  • Plug adapter

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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

March

March in Vancouver is cold and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

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 added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Vancouver is crisp and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 30s 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Check that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

May

Traveling to Vancouver in May, you will notice that it can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, 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 Vancouver. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

June

If you vacation in Vancouver during June, you are likely to see that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

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 these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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 find the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • 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

July

If you are traveling to Vancouver in July, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s 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.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave 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. Check that you choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August in this region is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

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.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Take care to pick the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for 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 penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

September

September for Vancouver is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

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 constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: 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 Vancouver. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

October is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. 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

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

November

If you vacation in Vancouver during November, you may see that it is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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 locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for 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

December

If you vacation in Vancouver during December, you are likely to notice that it is cold 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). Humidity is generally around 80.9 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time and snow occasionally.

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate 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 large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

What to do in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant downtown, and unique cultural offerings, Vancouver is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Canada. Here are some of the top tourist attractions you absolutely cannot miss when visiting this beautiful city.

Stanley Park

One of Canada's top tourist destinations, Stanley Park offers 1,000 acres of natural beauty right in the heart of Vancouver. The park is dotted with beautiful gardens, scenic trails, unique landmarks, and cultural landmarks like the renowned Vancouver Aquarium. Stanley Park offers visitors a wide range of activities, including biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and much more. This is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Vancouver.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park spans over 450 feet and offers stunning views of Vancouver, the surrounding North Shore Mountains, and Capilano River Canyon. Visitors can take a walk on the park's incredible suspension bridges, visit the treetops adventure park, and explore the park's beautiful gardens. This is one of the city's most popular attractions and is perfect for anyone looking to explore the outdoors while in Vancouver.

Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery is home to over 11,000 pieces of art, ranging from historical works to contemporary pieces. The gallery features work from world-renowned artists like Emily Carr and is a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in art. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibits and installations throughout the year, making it a great place to visit no matter when you're in Vancouver.

Granville Island

Granville Island is a vibrant urban oasis located in the heart of Vancouver. The island is home to a bustling market, wonderful galleries, quaint shops, and a plethora of restaurants and cafes. Visitors will find everything from fresh seafood to handmade crafts at Granville Island, making it a perfect destination for the whole family.

Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The mountain offers stunning views of the city, as well as a variety of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Visitors can also take the Skyride, a gondola ride that takes you to the top of the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the city below.

In conclusion, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is a destination that is full of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unforgettable attractions. This incredible city offers something for everyone, no matter what your interests may be. Whether you're exploring Stanley Park, taking in the art at the Vancouver Art Gallery, or hiking at Grouse Mountain, you're sure to find something that will take your breath away in Vancouver.

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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