Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]
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Ready to pack for Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada? If you're planning to go to Vancouver Island, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Vancouver Island
- Important essentials for Vancouver Island
- Activities for Vancouver Island
- Vancouver Island in January: weather and what to pack
- Vancouver Island in February: weather and what to pack
- Vancouver Island in March: weather and what to pack
- Vancouver Island in April: weather and what to pack
- Vancouver Island in May: weather and what to pack
- Vancouver Island in June: weather and what to pack
- Vancouver Island in July: weather and what to pack
- Vancouver Island in August: weather and what to pack
- Vancouver Island in September: weather and what to pack
- Vancouver Island in October: weather and what to pack
- Vancouver Island in November: weather and what to pack
- Vancouver Island in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Based on the climate and weather in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
What to wear/what to pack for Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Already know when you're traveling?
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Vancouver Island, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
What to wear/what to pack for Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada by month
January
January in this region can be extremely cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Sweaters
Heavy jacket
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
Our pick: this
Travel footwear storage
You will need multiple footwear options, so consider
travel footwear storage.
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
this
Gloves
Heavy socks
Such as:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent option.
Safety + Security
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in 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 repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, 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
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 excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.
Travel neck pillow
Our fave is this one
February
If you go to Vancouver Island in February, you will notice that it can be brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
Extra socks
Jacket or coat
Light gloves or mittens
Warm pants or jeans
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Vancouver Island. 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. Save money with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel neck pillow
Our favorite is this one
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.
March
March in Vancouver Island is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to high 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Warm pants or jeans
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
Extra socks
Light gloves or mittens
Jacket or coat
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good kit.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little 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.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in 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 nowadays, an AirTag can help you 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
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. Check that you get the correct kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.
Travel pillow
A good option is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
April
April here can be brisk. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
Fleece
Jacket or coat
Warm pants or jeans
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
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 belongings.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in 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 frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: 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
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs 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 areas.
Travel neck pillow
Our fave is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
May
If you are traveling to Vancouver Island in May, you will notice that it is cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great option.
Safety + Security
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 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 constantly losing bags nowadays, 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
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 large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
June
Traveling to Vancouver Island in June, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Pants or jeans
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
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 one.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, 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 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.
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
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.
Travel neck support pillow
What we like is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
July
July in Vancouver Island is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Breathable footwear or sandals
Bug repellent
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Sandals
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.
If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
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 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 frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of 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
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel neck pillow
What we like is this one
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require 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.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
August
August in Vancouver Island is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Extra socks
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
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 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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, 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
Our favorite is this one
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change 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 huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
September
Traveling to Vancouver Island in September, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
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.Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Extra socks
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing luggage recently, 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 Island. 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
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply 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.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Travel neck pillow
Our fave 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
October
October in Vancouver Island is relatively cool. 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
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
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 choice.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find 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 Vancouver Island. 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.
Travel pillow
A great choice is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
November
November in Vancouver Island can be very chilly. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Jacket or coat
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
Light gloves or mittens
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Vancouver Island. 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
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.
Travel neck support pillow
A great choice 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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this
December
December in this region is very cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Lip balm
Our pick: this
Gloves
Warm pants or jeans
Heavy socks
Such as:
Travel footwear storage
You will need multiple footwear options, so consider
travel footwear storage.Sweaters
Heavy jacket
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
this-
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
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.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, 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 Vancouver Island. 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
Travel neck pillow
What we like 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
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
What to do in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Island, located in British Columbia, Canada, is a popular destination for tourists from all around the world. This island is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor adventures, wildlife, and pristine beaches. If you are planning a trip to this amazing island, then here are some top tourist attractions in Vancouver Island that you cannot miss.
1. Butchart Gardens: The Butchart Gardens are a world-renowned attraction and known as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Covering over 55 acres, this garden features several themed gardens, a rose garden, a sunken garden, and several water displays.
2. Tofino: Tofino is a small coastal town located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This town is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque landscape, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy whale watching, surfing, hiking, and kayaking in this beautiful town.
3. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: This reserve is a protected area that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. With sandy beaches, ancient rainforests, and hiking trails, this national park is a true paradise for nature lovers.
4. Victoria: Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia and a famous tourist destination. This city is known for its beautiful architecture, historic buildings, and cultural attractions. Some of the most famous attractions in Victoria include The Royal BC Museum, The British Columbia Parliament Buildings, and The Fairmont Empress Hotel.
5. Whale Watching: Vancouver Island is known for its whale-watching opportunities, and there are several operators who provide whale-watching tours. Visitors can spot humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales in the waters around Vancouver Island.
6. Clayoquot Sound: Clayoquot Sound is a biosphere reserve located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This reserve is a natural wonder, and visitors can explore the old-growth rainforest, pristine beaches, and the incredibly diverse marine life of the area.
7. Cathedral Grove: Cathedral Grove is a park located in the middle of Vancouver Island, and it is known for its stunning old-growth forest. Visitors can walk through the towering trees, some of which are up to 800 years old.
Overall, Vancouver Island is a perfect destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a peaceful, beautiful vacation spot. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and cultural attractions, this island has something for everyone. So, if you are planning a trip to Canada, make sure to include Vancouver Island on your list of destinations – you won't regret it!
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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