The Ultimate Packing List for Canada: Vacation Trip, Students, Immigration, and more!

The excitement that comes from travelling to another country sometimes drops when it’s time to pack.

It can get overwhelming, especially when going to a country like Canada with varying climate regions. You are not alone!

We know packing for all these seasons at a go can be confusing, so to make your life easier, we’ve listed all the essential items that should be on your packing list for Canada. 

We went further to group them according to each season and region, so you know what to pack for the season your trip falls.

We also covered the essential items for international students. Basically, this is an ultimate guide that will help everybody figure out the essential items that should be on their Canada immigration packing list. Let’s dive in!

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Packing List for Canada – The Essentials

The Canada immigration packing list is in different categories. The number of items you’ll bring from the same category would depend on how long you are travelling, what you are travelling for, and the facilities you have available. For instance, the number of socks or underwear you pack would depend on how long you are staying and whether you have facilities like a washing machine available.

These are the essential items that have to be part of your packing list for Canada, irrespective of what season you are travelling in, whether you are an international student, or whatever the purpose of your journey is.

Let’s dive into them.

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1. Packing List for Canada – Luggage

The kind of luggage or bag you will carry should be one of the first things you tick on your list when you are packing for your trip to Canada. Several factors determine the type of bag you bring. These factors are: 

• The activities you will be engaging in.
• The season you are travelling in.
• The amount of clothing you are bringing.
• The season you are travelling.
• Your comfortable travel style.

Soft Duffel/Backpack

If you plan to go hiking, camping, or engage in similar intense activities, then a comfortable duffel bag or a soft backpack would suit you better. If you’ll be going city hopping as well as hiking or camping, a duffel or backpack is still the most logical choice. You can carry your backpack both while you are in the city and in the wilderness, but wheeled luggage won’t work in the wilderness. 

The Classic Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack is an excellent choice. The nice thing about this duffel-style backpack is it’s large enough to contain your clothes and gear, and at the same time, still portable enough to take as carry-on luggage on most airlines. 

Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes are another option. When you are packing for different temperatures and seasons, it can be challenging to fit all your gear and clothes into your luggage. However, with a package cube, that is not a problem. 

The cubes are designed to help you organize and condense your items. That way, you can quickly tell which cube has your snow pants and which has your winter boots. The 5 Set HERO Packing Cubes is a complete game-changer. It also comes with two bonus laundry bags. The quality is premium, and we love how versatile it is for any trip.

Traditional Suitcase/Wheeled Luggage

A traditional suitcase or wheeled luggage is a good option if you are travelling to Canada for a vacation and you’ll be city hopping. If you are visiting Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, etc., and the plan is just to go from the airport to the hotel and back, a wheeled suitcase would work in the summer, spring, and fall seasons.

However, in the winter, you can’t be wheeling your luggage through the snowy sidewalks, especially in busy cities like Quebec or Montreal. If a wheeled suitcase fits your circumstance, this Expandable Suitcase Luggage is the go-to. It is affordable, weightless, and effortless. It is also the perfect size for airline weight regulations. So there will be no embarrassing moments. 

Carry-On Luggage

If you are flying, your carry-on bag is another item you should consider. An example of a great carry-on bag is a backpack. The good thing about backpacks is they also work as a great day pack.

You can carry them whether you are going hiking, camping, exploring the cities, or doing other outdoor activities. The Northface Borealis Backpack is our favourite carry-on bag. It holds clothing and work-related items well and is also perfect for day trips. 

For convenience, you might also consider bringing a small cross-body bag. You can use it when going out in the city, meeting up with friends, and so on. The Fossil Women’s Fiona Crossbody Purse and the Michael Kors Jet Set Medium Flight Bag are excellent choices. You can easily toss the bag inside your bigger backpack when flying, and it won’t take up much room. 

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2. Packing List for Canada – Your Documents 

Now that you know what type of luggage to get, the first thing that should go in should be your vital documents. These are arguably the most important things you need to pack. You can’t afford to forget them. It’ll be best if you organize them in a folder or plastic wallet and keep them within reach in your luggage.  

• Your Valid and In-Date Passport: Your passport is a must when you are visiting Canada, and it has to be valid and in-date. If you are coming from the EU, you are likely used to travelling around the Schengen area with your ID cards. However, this would not work for Canada. You need to have your passport.      

• Port of Entry (POE) Letter: If you intend to get a study or work permit, you need to bring your POE letter along. It is the letter you’ll get from IRCC if you’ve been approved for a work permit, study permit, or super visa. You have to show this letter to the officials at the Canadian port of entry before getting your work or study permit. 

• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Visa-exempt foreign citizens and lawful U.S permanent residents require an eTA to enter Canada by air. You should confirm whether you need an eTA or a visa before embarking on your journey.

• Insurance Proof: You need to take out travel insurance or foreign health insurance to protect you if any emergency arises during the duration of your stay. Note that a blue EU health insurance card won’t be enough. Check out the insurance plans offered by InsuranceWand.

• Drivers License (if you have one) and International License (if you’ll be renting a car): If you are renting a car, you’ll have to carry your driver’s license and likely an international driver’s license. To make things easier, you can request an international driver’s license before leaving your home country.

• Money and Bank Card(s): Another essential is cash, debit cards, and/or a credit card. A debit card that has no fees when using it abroad would be great. Also, since you can pay for lots of purchases with a Credit Card in Canada, so you can decide to bring a credit card instead or bring both. 

• Proof of finances from Your Bank: For example, a printout or bank statement.  

• Hotel/hostel booking: You may need to give your hostel or hotel the address when you first arrive at immigration.

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): This is if you are an international student, and it applies to your circumstance. 

• Letter of Acceptance: You’ll need a copy of your acceptance letter if you are an international student.

• Letter of Introduction: For international students, this is the letter the visa officer sent you after approving your study permit.

• Any other documents you are required to provide, such as a letter of employment, student transcripts, birth certificate, marriage certificates, and so on.  

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3. Packing List for Canada – Clothing 

After your documents and money have gone inside your bag, the next items on your packing list for Canada that should go in are your clothes. Canada has a climate that varies, which surprises travellers. It goes through all four seasons, and the temperature during winter ranges from  5℉ (-15℃) or even colder while during summer, it ranges from 70-86℉ (20-30℃). 

Non-coastal regions may have snow that lasts up to six months on the ground. Coastal areas like British Columbia have cold, rainy winters. At the same time, interior provinces may undergo intense heat in the summer. These are the conditions you need to consider when choosing the clothes on your packing list for Canada. 

We dived into the different clothes you need to pack for different seasons in the season-specific sections below. But before we get there, these are the clothing items you should pack, irrespective of the season or location. 

Fleece Jacket

A fleece jacket is a necessity for all seasons. It works fine as an outer layer during long summer nights and cooler fall or spring days. At the same time, you can also wear it as a middle layer under your warm winter coat in the winter. Our pick for women is the Columbia’s Women’s Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece Jacket. It is a best seller and has a soft, comfortable fabric with two handy side zippered pockets that can keep your items safe. For men, we love the Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 Fleece Jacket. It is also a best seller with soft, comfortable fabric and side zippered pockets as well.

Formal Suit

If you are going for a job interview, then you mustn’t forget to pack a formal suit. Students might also need to pack one.

Shirts/Tops

Shirts are very important. The season or weather and the activities you intend to engage in determine the shirts/tops you bring. Generally, a mixture of regular t-shirts and long sleeve shirts is excellent for different temperatures. 

Long sleeve shirts are suitable for cool summer evenings, while t-shirts would work during hot summer days. If you’ll be going for nice dinners, dates, or drinks, don’t forget to bring nicer shirts or tops or dress shirts. 

Pants

Pants like shirts are super important. There are several types of pants you should bring and just like shirts, your activities determine which ones you bring.

– Jeans are very versatile. They are perfect for everyday exploring, and you can dress them up or down depending on the outing. They don’t usually require ironing, which makes your life easier. Pack at least 4 to 5 pairs of jeans to save you from spending money on jeans when you land in Canada. 

For women, we love the Levi’s Women’s 711 Skinny Jeans. They are soft, comfortable, and have a great fit. For Men, the Levi’s Men’s 505 Regular Fit Jeans are an excellent pick. It is a best seller with thousands of ratings. They are not too tight, comfortable, and of good quality.     

– Active Pants like yoga pants are a must if you’ll be going hiking. They are also useful for relaxing and lounging, plus you can wear them under other pants for warmth. These IUGA High Waist Yoga Pants are incredible. They have an ultra-stretch fit and side pockets that can hold your items. 

– If you’ll be going for nice drinks or dinner, then a dress pants or nice looking chino would be a good idea. We’ll cover other types of pants that are suitable for different seasons in the season-specific section.  

Socks

The thickness of the socks you choose will depend on the season. We’ll go into this below. However, it is always good to have lighter socks. Two weeks’ worth of socks would suffice for international students.

Underwear

This is a standard item in your packing list for Canada. Your choice depends on your personal preference. You’ll need at least two weeks’ worth if you are a student.

Other items include a rain jacket and a hat.

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4. Packing List for Canada – Footwear

Your shoes are another item on your essential packing list for Canada. Like clothing, the activities you plan on doing and the season you are travelling in will determine the shoes you will be packing for Canada.

Walking/Hiking Shoes 

You’ll be doing a lot of walking to travel here, so it would be best if you pack a comfortable shoe, boot, or sports shoe. It will also work if you plan to go hiking. We recommend this Merrell Women’s Hiking Shoe for women and the Columbia Men’s Hiking Boot Shoe for men. They are waterproof, lightweight, and comfortable for all-around walking and hiking. Just what you need! 

Indoors Slippers/Flip-flops

You should also pack a pair of slippers or flip-flops to wear indoors. 

Formal Shoes

If you’ll be going for job interviews or work events, then a pair of formal leather shoes will also do.

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5. Packing List for Canada: Gadgets and Basic Travel Items

Your packing list for Canada should also include some gadgets/electronics and necessary travel items. We’ve itemized them below:

Phone and Charger

This one is a standard item on packing lists. A phone is a necessity. Apart from using it to make important calls and send messages, you can also use google maps to look up where you are and navigate Canada. 

Computer/Tablet and Charger

 You’ll need your tablet or laptop computer with you if you are travelling for studies or work. Staying connected to the internet is not an issue since Canada as a whole has Wifi. 

 Virtual Private Network (VPN)

If you intend to connect to the WiFi in public places during your trip to Canada, you need to connect to your VPN. It will protect you from potential hackers hoping to access your sensitive private information, like passwords, credit card numbers, and identity. You can check out NordVPN options.

Camera and Charger

Canada is a country with so many beautiful scenes that are worth photography. There are many stunning views you might want to capture and keep for memories from the coastline on the East Coast to the Rocky Mountains and lakes. We love the AKASO Brave 4 (a waterproof HD camera). It also has anti-shake activities, and it’s perfect for capturing your activities.  

Memory Card

Memory cards help you store memories from your video cameras and camera. If you are looking to buy one, we recommend SanDisk memory cards. They won’t create errors on your device or files. 

Neck Wallet

You should include a neck wallet in your packing list for Canada. It’s perfect for crowded areas, and adventure activities like hiking, camping, etc. You can’t go wrong by bringing the neck wallet on your trip to Canada. It has enough space to carry your passport, IDs, phone, wallet, and other essential personal items. You can simply tuck it underneath your clothes to keep your belongings safe. 

E-reader and Charger

If you like to read, you’ll know books are heavy, and they’ll contribute more weight. An e-reader is a better choice. A Kindle Paperwhite is lightweight, holds a good charge, and is easy to carry about.  

Universal Travel Adapter/Converter

Your Canada immigration packing list should also contain a universal travel adapter or converter. The North American plug style is the “two flat prong.” So if you’re coming from Europe, you’ll need an adapter that can fit this style. 

We recommend this universal travel plug adapter since it also allows you to charge several USB-based charging products such as phones, laptops, tablets, etc., at the same time.

Travel Blanket/Pillow

A lightweight travel blanket can help you stay comfortable and warm on the plane. It will also come in handy when you get cold on a bus or relaxing in your residence in the winter. It can also function as a picnic blanket during summers. A travel pillow will also provide support and comfort for your neck throughout your flight. 

LifeStraw Water Bottle

You need a water bottle on your packing list for Canada to help you stay hydrated during your activities. Canada has drinkable tap water, so you can easily just refill your bottle with water. You can carry this fantastic LifeStraw water bottle with you all day and stay hydrated. It also comes with an in-built water filter to remove bacteria and parasites.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential for many seasons. Hot summer sunshine can be really bright, but winter also has very bright sunlight. It’s vital to wear sunglasses in the winter when it’s really sunny because the sun’s reflection off snow can cause snow blindness. These Sungait sunglasses have an outstanding quality and UV protection coating.

Windproof Travel Umbrella

You need a windproof umbrella for every season. Canada’s weather can be unpredictable and wet even during the summer. This HERO Travel Umbrella is sturdy and can fit two people underneath it. 

Medications

These are super important. If you have medications you take regularly; you should bring enough to last you for the entire trip. It’s best if you bring the pills in their original packaging. That way, the border security can know precisely what you are bringing into the country.  

First Aid Kit

Packing a first aid kit for emergencies is essential, especially if you’ll be spending time outdoors. Your first aid kit should include a thermometer, bandages, sunburn care, motion sickness medication, anti-diarrheal medication, and other things you deem fit. 

This mini first aid kit is perfect for travelling and contains up to 110 useful hospital-grade first-aid supplies. You should have it with you when you are hiking, camping, or doing any outdoor activities. Also, keep one in your rented vehicle in case an emergency arises.   

Snacks

Canada is very picky with allowing fruits, meat, vegetables, and other perishables inside the country. So you should either eat any perishable food before landing or just bring snacks like chips or crackers.

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6. Packing List for Canada – Toiletries

Seasonal changes do not really affect your toiletries. These are the basic ones you’ll need: 

Toiletries Bag

A toiletries bag helps keep all your toiletries in one place. The Herschel Chapter Toiletry Kit has enough compartments to hold all the toiletries you need and will easily fit into your luggage. 

Shampoo and Body Wash

You wouldn’t want to go out shopping immediately after you arrive in Canada. To prevent this, you should ensure to bring shampoo and body wash along. You can keep them in travel-sized bottles like these. They are leak-proof and easy to refill.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Your toothbrush and toothpaste are essentials. Don’t forget to bring them along. Your toothpaste has to be under 100ml if you want to put it in your carry-on luggage. We recommend foldable travel toothbrushes like these ones. You can easily fold them and fit them inside your bag. 

Face Cream (with SPF)

You‘ll need a face cream with SPF even for winter travels. Wearing it protects your skin from the damage that can arise when the snow reflects the winter sun. We recommend this CeraVe SPF 30 Facial Moisturizing Lotion. It does the job and protects your face so well.

Deodorant

If you have a particular brand of deodorant you prefer to use, you shouldn’t forget to bring it along. Of course, if you do, you can always get one when you arrive in Canada, but they may not have your preferred.  

Deodorant Wipes

If you plan to do many rigorous activities during your trip to Canada or if your trip is in the summer, you’ll need some handy deodorant wipes. They easily control sweat and leave you smelling and staying fresh the entire day. These La Fresh wipes are safe antiperspirants, and you can travel with them without them spilling or leaking.     

Sunscreen/Bug Repellant

If you’ll be spending time outdoors during the summer and spring months, you’ll need a bug repellant and sunscreen to protect you. 

Hairbrush

Ensure you don’t forget to bring your hairbrush. A small travel-sized hairbrush like the LOUISE MAELYS Folding Pocket Hair Comb will be easy for you to pack in your bags and carry around when you arrive in Canada.   

Make-up (if it applies)

Canada can get pretty humid in the summer, so bringing a heavy liquid foundation may not be best. If you wear make-up, ensure to bring along all that you need. Depending on the duration of your trip, you may pack only a minimal amount of makeup.  

Razor

You’ll need your razor if you shave regularly. You’ll need an adapter if your razor is an electric one.

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Student Packing List for Canada

The section above has covered many of the items you’ll need as an international student. To make your life easier and so you don’t forget the most valuable things, we’ll cover the essential items international students will actually use in this section. 

Your Documents

We already covered this above. Ensure you bring all your important documents and have them organized in a file so you can easily reach and present them.

Laptop  

If you are coming as a university student, you will need to own a personal laptop. Most of the professors will upload your course files on the cloud platform. So, a laptop that can perform all the functions you’ll need is a necessity. However, if you don’t own one, you can buy one when you get to Canada. Check out:

• Best laptop to buy for Engineering students.
• Best laptop for Computer Science students.
• Best laptop for Accounting.
• Best laptop for Architecture students.

Apple also offers some back-to-school deals for students. So, if you indicate that you are a university student when buying your laptop, Apple might give you a free headset or AirPods. You can bring a USB or external storage along, but most times, Canadian students share documents on Google Drive instead of USB.

Stationary List

• Books.
• White sheets.
• Pens.
• Pencils.
• Erasers.
• Scribbling pad.
• Stapler.
• Stapler pins.
• Blade.
• Glue stick.
• Pencil box.
• Stick on pad.
• Ruler.
• Safety pins.
• Needle.
• Thread.
• Cello tape.

Non-Prescription Medications

If you have some medications you are used to applying from your home country, you might want to bring them, especially essential ones like eyedrops, anti-allergy pills, diarrhea pills, etc. Note that they may not allow you to bring in herbs. 

Eyewear

Purchasing a pair of glasses in Canada can be quite pricey. Even with student insurance, you may not be able to cover the entire expense with the reimbursement amount. So, ensure you do not forget to bring your pair along.

Bedding

You won’t be needing a heavy quilt because Canada is heater friendly. So, the heater will be on at night. Most Canadian households have a cloth drier, so you don’t need to worry about wet bedding. Just one or two sets of bedding should be sufficient.   

Skin-Care

If you are used to using North American skincare brands, you may not need to bring them from your home country. But if you are not and have specific brands that work for you, you might want to bring those along. 

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Packing List for Canada: Seasonal Section

It is difficult to generalize weather and climate as Canada is a vast country with varying climates. So we’ve broken down the items you need for different seasons and provinces in this section. 

Other items are clothing, toiletries, and electronics. We’ve covered a bunch of them in the section above. If you have kitchen items you can’t part with, bring them along too.

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Packing List for Canada Winter (December, January, February)

Winters are no joke in Canada. Expect ice, snow, sideways rain, or even the three, depending on the region you are. During winter, the West Coast is usually more rainy than snowy. So, you are prone to getting wet and will have to dress warmly. 

Places like Quebec, the East Coast, Ontario, and the Prairies are usually very cold in winter. Let’s look at these winter-specific items that you need to pack for your Canadian winter trip.

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Base Layer

Quality base layers are a super important part of your winter packing list. The best base layer material is merino wool. Synthetic materials like polyethylene, polyester, and microfiber-based fabrics can also be used.

Long Sleeve Tops

 This is your innermost warm layer. We recommend this Icebreaker Merino Women’s Long Sleeve Base Layer Shirt as a thermal base layer. They also have one for men as well. They both help you stay warm, and they have a flattering fit. One other awesome thing about these tops is they don’t give off a smell after you wear them for a couple of days.     

Merino Wool Leggings

The Icebreaker’s Merino Wool Leggings are premium quality. They are a little pricey because they are made from merino wool, but they are worth it. They’ll last really long, and you won’t have to worry about getting another pair in years. One to two pairs of these leggings would be sufficient for your trip to Canada. A less expensive option is this fleece-lined seamless legging. 

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Middle Layer

How many middle layers you wear depends on how well you can handle cold. These are the intermediate layers for your packing list for Canada winter. 

Fleece Jackets

They are great as a second layer. This Columbia Women’s Fleece Jacket is lightweight, comfortable, and fits well enough for you to throw an outer layer over it. They also have one for men right here.

Puff/down Jacket

They are great as a second layer and even a final layer. They fit so well under your rain or winter jacket and keep you protected from the wind and warm.  Our pick for men is the Eddie Bauer Men’s Down Jacket, while for women, the Wantdo Women’s Hooded Down Jacket works just fine.

Sweater

You can layer your sweater over your collared shirt or pair them with a scarf to make them more elegant. You definitely need a sweater in your winter packing list, and we recommend that you go for one made of wool like this Merino Wool Sweater. 

It is a little pricey, but it is worth it. It is high quality, functional, and durable enough for Canada’s winter. So paying those extra dollars will surely guarantee your warmth.

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Outer Layers

Warm Winter Coat 

This is one of the most important things you need on your winter trip. It keeps you warm but not sweaty. A coat made of real wool will give you much better warmth than one made of synthetic materials. We recommend this gorgeous A-line Zeagoo Double-Breasted Wool Coat. 

It will not only keep you warm but also look beautiful in your pictures. This fleece-lined thermal insulated jacket is also a great alternative. Wool jackets are ideal for extra cold days. For men, this INVACHI Winter Warm Wool Jacket is just perfect for cold days. It also has a detachable soft wool jacket.

Rain jacket

This Columbia Women’s Rain Jacket is perfect for laying all your other layers underneath. It is waterproof and lightweight, which contributes to the convenience it brings on days with unpredictable weather conditions. The one for men is the Columbia Men’s Glennaker Rain Jacket.

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Other Gear

Warm Winter Boots

These warm winter boots provide great support when you are walking on slippery sidewalks, icy trails, and frosty paths. It keeps your feet warm and dry throughout your Canadian winter adventures. 

Wool Socks

Accompany your winter boots should be your wool socks. They help your feet stay warm, and this warmth adds to your entire body’s warmth. These wool socks for men are compact and breathable. They also have one for females. These socks in your boots or sneakers will give you extra warmth on cold days and help you stay comfortable.

Gloves/Mittens

Your hands can get cold, which can be very uncomfortable. But, these Pure Wool Gloves and Waterproof mittens are just what you need. They keep your hands warm and help you stay comfortable.

Warm Hat/Beanie

 A warm hat is a necessity for the cold weather, and it can also work as an accessory. This unisex roll-up beanie fits perfectly into this description.

Hand warmers

 These hand warmers will come in handy. They are superb for keeping your hands warm no matter how cold it is outside.

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Canada Packing List Summer (June, July, August).

Summer can get really hot in Canada. Although, it depends on where you are. Summer in Ontario can be scorching while it is cooler on the West Coast- Vancouver. This can serve as a guide to determine what should be on your Canada packing list -summer.  

A Swim Suit

If you plan on doing any swimming, you’ll surely need a swimsuit. Summers in Canada can get really hot, and you may want to check out some of the many beaches for a dip.

Shorts

This is the weather for shorts. Wearing pants in summer in parts of Canada like Ontario can get really uncomfortable. You will need to put on shorts for convenience.

Dresses/Sundresses

The humidity in the summer can get awful, so packing lighter dresses to wear can be a huge relief. 

Sandals

Light shoes like sandals are comfortable for car rides and the beach. Sandals you can easily remove at the beach without having to look for support are a great choice. We like these lightweight, comfortable sandals. 

Apart from wearing them at the beach, they are also comfortable for walking around. This pair of Docker Sandals too, do it for the men. They are also comfortable and lightweight. 

Travel Towel

You’ll need a towel you can easily toss in your daypack if you plan to go hiking, canoeing, or camping. This travel towel is perfect for the beach, and outdoor activities and can also work as a bath towel. 

Camping/Hiking Gear

If you have really nice gear, you can bring it along. But it’s not compulsory. You can always rent any summer outdoor gear you need when you get here.

Do not let your guard down because of the warm weather. Sometimes, you can experience spontaneous rain showers or foggy days. So, you should still come with your fleece jacket and a raincoat. They’ll protect you in situations like these. 

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Parking List for Canada’s Fall (September, October, November)

Fall is usually an extension of the summer weather. Overall, it is pleasant, but it can get rainy and cold, especially in November. So, there will be warm enjoyable days, and cold, chilly nights. Overall, they’ll bring a transition in your dressing, and you’ll need to pack these items.

Waterproof Jacket

A good outer layer is vital for this season. A lightweight and water-resistant jacket like the North Face Men’s Waterproof Jacket and the one for women can serve as a windbreaker if you are on the East Coast or as a rain guard. 

Waterproof Boot/Shoe

A waterproof rubber boot is a good idea for protection against damp ground. They are warmer and also suitable for hiking. 

Light Gloves

A fall glove helps you keep your hands warm enough not to wear the huge winter ones.

Spring and fall have a similar climate. So these items will work for both seasons. Spring in Canada occurs between March to May. 

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Packing Tips for Your Canada Trip

• You can’t afford to forget your documents or money so they should go into your bag first.
• Pack according to the weather. If it’s a long-term trip, like hairbrush going as an international student, consider all four seasons when packing your clothing. 
• Check the Canadian security requirements for the list of permitted and non-permitted items.
• Do not pack your entire wardrobe. Pack only the things you need, except you don’t mind paying for overweight.
• Bring your necessary medications.
• Do not forget your other travel accessories such as iron, hair brush, etc. These things will make your life easier during your stay.
• Buy compression packing bags. They help remove space from bulky garments and items. You can save up to 80% space.
• Put on the heaviest clothing so you don’t need to pack it and can save space.

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What Should You NOT Pack to Canada?

1. Lots of cash- It is unnecessary. Most businesses accept credit cards, and you can easily access an ATM nearby, so you don’t need to carry tons of cash with you. 
2. Excess toiletries- While toiletries are super important, if they are taking too much space, you can easily purchase some of them at drug stores upon arrival.
3. High Heels- If you are on vacation, it is unlikely that you will have a reason to wear these. Practical and more comfortable shoes would be better. You should only pack these if you are sure that they are necessary and you will need them.
4. Books- Books take a lot of space and weight. Unless you are an international student and you really need them, you don’t need to carry heavy books. As a tourist, you can just opt for a Kindle and download whatever you’ll like to read on your vacation. Besides, this is even economical as e-books usually retail at a lower price than paperbacks.
5. Don’t go overboard- Generally, you should not overpack. It is easy to keep piling clothes upon clothes. The key is when making your packing list to Canada, only add a few flexible pieces that you can layer in different combinations.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Packing List for Canada: Vacationers, Students, and Immigration

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Final Words

And voila – there you have the essential packing list for Canada. We tried to cover what you’ll need for all seasons and overall tips that’ll make the process easier. Every trip is different, and everyone packs according to their difference, but this post can be your guideline whether you are coming here as a tourist or an international student. 

Let’s Chat!

How did your trip go? Did you find our list helpful, and are there other things you feel we should add for future travellers? We’d love to hear from you!

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