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Packing list for Canada in Fall: You may be unsure about what to wear in Canada in fall as temperatures can get quite cold. This packing list for Canada covers exactly what you need to bring with you to stay warm, enjoy the country’s sites and look stylish while doing so.
While only a hop, skip and a jump away from the United States the difference in temperature can catch you off-guard depending on where you’re visiting. As a general rule, if you’re visiting Northern Canada pack one more winter coat than this packing list suggests, and consider packing thermal underwear if you come from a country or state with warm weather year round.
What to Wear in Canada in Fall?
How to Dress for Canada in Fall
- 1-2x warm boots: Being closer to the artic, temperatures are colder earlier on it the seasons and you’ll feel more comfortable having warm boots to walk around in. If you’re visiting northern Canada make sure atleast one of the two is insulated.
- 1 pair of sneakers: For hikes. You can save some space if you can multi-task a pair of boots.
- 6-10 pairs of underwear
- 3-5 bras
- 1 pair of gloves: mostly important if visiting northern areas. If visiting the South pack a pair just incase for colder days.
- 1-2 x Woolen hat / beanie
- Cardigan x 2: Atleast one of these should fit under your coat for chillier days.
- 1-2 x jacket/ coats: Again if visiting the North, or closer to winter you’ll want at least one of these to be insulated.
- Tops x 4-7: A mix of long and short sleeves will be fine, but if you come from a warmer country opt for more longer sleeved tops.
- Dresses x 1-2: For evenings inside which you can pair with a cosy pair of stockings
- Bottoms x 2-5: Stick to pants, but make sure atleast one is comfortable for hiking if you plan to hit the trails.
- Stockings or leggings x 1-2: to wear under dresses if you’re taking them. Pack warmer stockings, rather than the type with thinner material.
- Long johns / thermal underwear: if visiting close to winter pack a pair especially if you’re sensitive to cold temperatures.
- 1-2x Scarf
What to Pack for Canada in Fall
Medical
Should you be bringing any prescribed medicine with you, you’ll want to take your prescription along. Anything else and you’ll save more money waiting to buy it in Canada as medicine is cheaper than in the US.
Technology
- Phone and charger
- Camera gear: Camera + lenses – If you can only pack one lens, get a wide angle so you can get more in the shot (I use the Sony a6500 and 19mm f2.8 lens). This is perfect if you plan on capturing a lot of beautiful buildings and scenery. Also remember to pack 2 batteries and the charger for your camera
- International adapter for power points
- Portable battery for charging devices anywhere
Makeup & Toiletries
- Toiletries – Toothbrush & toothpaste (travel sized), deodorant and either solid shampoo or travel sized containers of shampoo and conditioner.
- Make up – Your normal make up condensed into a travel sized make up bag. Make sure you pack some travel sized moisturiser if you have dry skin too.
Everything Else
- 2 bank cards – Carry one MasterCard and one Visa as not all banks in Canada will accept your card. It’s also advisable to have two just in case one gets stolen.
- 2 x photocopies of your passport – Leave one at home and the other in a different place from where you store your actual passport incase of passport theft.
- A lock for your bags while in transit or for dormitory lockers.
Luggage
- Suitcase: You’ll be okay traveling with a suitcase. If you don’t want to check a bag, get a suitcase that meets your airline’s carry on dimensions.
- Backpack: Ideal for traveling in Canada, you can go with a backpack if that’s what you prefer. This is suitable for travellers who are able to pack light and need to have a carry on (depending on the dimensions).
When to visit Canada: Weather and Seasons
What to pack for Spring in Canada (March, April, May): Across Canada, spring starts in phases with temperatures increasing around April, although the ski season lasts through late April. Temperatures rise gradually from 1 to 17 degrees celcius (33-62F).
The landscapes start to turn green with the melting snow, providing ideal conditions for the growth of flowers. At this time of the year, locals toss off their jackets and may be seen in t-shirts. However you don’t have to do so just because the locals are, make sure to keep yourself warm.
What to pack for Summer in Canada (June, July, August): Summer in Canada is characterised by melting snow, days growing longer and an increase in temperatures. This is especially true in the central and mid-west provinces, with temperatures hovering between 5-27 degrees celsius (41-80F) across the country. However, at night temperatures can get pretty chilly.
Summer is perfect for hiking and camping in the Canadian Rockies or mountain biking in resort areas. If you’re planning to visit Canada during this season, be sure to pack a waterproof coat and an umbrella.
What to pack for Fall in Canada (September, October, November): During fall in Canada temperatures decrease to an average of -3 to 14 degrees celsius (26-57F), although the climate remains comfortable. At this time of the year, deciduous trees change colour in a beautiful spectacle that is not to be missed.
Be sure to also join in on the seasonal events during the Canadian Thanksgiving and Halloween holidays. Fall is a great season to visit Canada as you can still enjoy most outdoor activities. Therefore, be sure to pack your hiking boots and bring a day backpack.
What to pack for Winter in Canada (December, January, February): In winter, Canada is transformed into a snow-covered wonderland. During the middle of this season, most of the country experiences freezing cold. The only exception is the British Columbian coastline on the west coast which hardly sees any snow.
Long winters in the Canadian Rockies witness a lot of snow, which only settles in the higher altitudes. Montreal and Toronto experience short, but sharp winters with temperatures dipping to -20 degrees celsius (-4F). High temperatures in winter often reach 5 degrees celsius (41F) so be sure to pack thermals and other warm clothing.
Popular day tours for Fall in Canada
Quebec
- Journey through over 300 years of French Canadian history. Explore the old world charm of Quebec City on St. Lawrence River. Be enchanted by narrow streets, steep hills and historic treasures, and see a waterfall bigger than Niagara. See prices and more details here.
- Explore the Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park on this fantastic boat trip. Set sail from the pier in Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine in Quebec. Enjoy encounters with the most majestic creatures on earth – the whales. Find out more about this tour here.
Montreal
- Absorb the cultural atmosphere in Montreal on a bus drive through the city. Visit 200 sites and enjoy amazing views at Mont Royal Park, Chinatown, Place Ville Marie shopping mall and Old Montreal. Find out more information here.
Vancouver
- Discover Vancouver Island and Victoria on this sightseeing tour via ferry and coach. Cruise through the marine fantasy world of the Gulf Islands. Stroll among beautiful blossoms in Butchart Gardens, and then enjoy some leisure time in downtown Victoria. See the latest prices here.
- Go outside, breathe in the fresh Pacific air and immerse yourself in Vancouver’s natural wonders. Also visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and explore Grouse Mountain. Find more details here.
- Experience the beautiful ski resort in Whistler on this all day tour. Enjoy panoramas from the top of Blackcomb Mountain on a Peak-to-Peak cable Gondola. See prices here.
Toronto
- Witness the beauty of Niagara Falls as it is illuminated by night on this tour from Toronto. Climb on board the Hornblower boat and get up close to the magnificent cascades. See prices and more information here.