What to Take

You’ll have little use for a suit and tie in British Columbia [1]. Instead, pack for the outdoors. At the top of your must-bring list should be walking or hiking boots. If you buy shoes especially for the trip, make sure you wear them once or twice before leaving home, just to make sure they are comfortable.

In summer, temperatures rarely drop below freezing anywhere in the province, so you don’t need a down jacket or winter boots. But be geared up for a variety of weather conditions, especially at the change of seasons.

Bring sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to provide protection from the strong sunlight. Gloves and a wool hat are a good idea if you’re camping. For dining out, casual dress is accepted at all but the most upscale restaurants in Vancouver [2] and Victoria [3]. Don’t forget your swimming costume—for taking a dip in the warm waters off Vancouver Island [4] or soaking in a hot tub up at a ski resort. Finally, bug spray is a summer necessity, but you can pick up the brands that are most effective once you arrive.

Winter temperatures vary greatly throughout the region. Golfers hitting the links on Vancouver Island in January will undoubtedly be warmly dressed, but they will be golfing. In the interior and through the northern half of the province, January brings extremely cold temperatures. For this climate, plan to dress in layers, starting with long thermal underwear. The best type of outer layer combines breathable, wind- resistant pants and a jacket. Warm boots with new liners, lined mittens, and a wool hat are a must. If you’re traveling from warmer climes, purchasing all the winter necessities in Vancouver is a good idea.

Electrical appliances from the United States work in Canada, but those from other parts of the world will require a current converter (transformer) to bring the voltage down to 120. Many travel-size shavers, hair dryers, and irons have built-in converters.

Choosing a suitcase or backpack is also important. Think about the type of traveling you’ll be doing before making a final decision. A midsize suitcase with wheels is best for carting through airports and lugging around hotels. Fold-over bags are good for keeping formal clothing wrinkle-free, but unless you’re in town on business or attending a snazzy function, you probably won’t require much in the way of dressy clothing. Besides, this type of suitcase is a bother to pack and unpack.