What to Pack for an Amazing Trip to Vancouver This Summer
Vancouver welcomes visitors with a temperate climate, breathtaking natural surroundings, and a lively, yet laid-back urban life. The varied summer activities in the city require some strategic packing in order to maximize the abundance Vancouver has to offer.
Below is a list of items to pack for an unforgettable vacation in Vancouver:
For Enjoying Vancouver’s Summer Weather
While Vancouver is fortunate to have a mild climate year round, summer is a particularly lovely time of year. June sees a historical monthly average high of 20C and an average low of 12C, and July and August have average highs of 24C and average lows of 15C (The Weather Network). In other words, Vancouver enjoys warm days, with cooler nights. These ranges mean that you should pack clothing for summer weather but also items, like a light jacket, that will be suitable for when the sun goes down. Fortunately, the city’s relaxed West Coast lifestyle doesn’t require fancy wear (unless you want to get dressed up), making for low-fuss, functional packing.
And while rain days are not numerous in the summer (5-7 days per month from June to August), they do happen occasionally. So, make sure to pack an umbrella. The good thing is that rain never stops anyone from taking advantage of the city, and there are plenty of rainy day activities (e.g., Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Art Gallery, CF Pacific Centre).
For those planning on taking advantage of sunny weather, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap/hat for protection from the rays. And pack a swimsuit for trips to the beaches and pools. Other gear (e.g., pails/shovels if with kids, floaties, chairs, sports equipment) will be handy if you have packing room. Vancouver has phenomenal beaches, with incredible views of the water, the city skyline, and the local mountains. Downtown, English Bay is one of the most popular beaches but you also have access to Second Beach (with a pool) and Third Beach in Stanley Park, as well as Sunset Beach on Beach Avenue.
On the west side, Kitsilano Beach (the pool is slated to open mid-June) is the busiest, but equally beautiful are beaches further west: Jericho, Locarno, and Spanish Banks. Vancouver also has an extensive parks system where people go to have picnics, play sports, and relax in the sun.
For Exploring Vancouver’s Natural Environment
Vancouver has numerous places that are close by for walking/hiking and connecting with nature. Depending on the difficulty of the terrain, you may need hiking boots versus running shoes. You'll also require clothing appropriate for walking/hiking. Of course, don’t forget other essential hiking gear, like a daypack with a reusable filled water bottle, snacks, navigation guides (e.g., a map), and a first aid kit.
Some scenic walks include the Stanley Park Seawall and forest trails, Arbutus Greenway, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Pacific Spirit Regional Park trails. For those wanting to go further afield, nearby trails include those at Grouse Mountain, Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver, and Quarry Rock and Lynn Loop Trail in North Vancouver.
For Getting to Know Unique Neighbourhoods
One of the many benefits of a stay in Vancouver is the proximity of its many activities. Nature trails, shopping, and dining/drinking establishments are woven into vibrant neighbourhoods. In addition to the items already listed (e.g., reusable water bottle), consider packing casual comfortable footwear (e.g., your favourite kicks), and other accessories for leisurely days out (e.g., a camera beyond your phone, a power bank, reading material for hanging out at a cafe, a reusable bag for carrying snacks and purchases).
In addition to Robson Street, Gastown, and Yaletown in the downtown core, other neighbourhoods great for shopping and strolling include Mount Pleasant’s Main Street, West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, South Granville, and Kerrisdale.
For a Fabulous Night Out
Once you’ve spent a packed day exploring charming neighbourhoods, you can go back to your accommodation and change for the evening. While Vancouver is laidback, there are definitely opportunities to get glammed up with a night out outfit (e.g., clothing, accessories, dressy footwear).
The city has an extensive and award-winning dining scene. In the summer, rooftop patios, like Reflections the Garden Terrace and The Roof at Black & Blue, are great places for being stylish, and eating and drinking well.
You can also watch a play or musical at one of the many theatre venues, such as the Stanley Theatre run by the Arts Club Theatre Company, or catch live music at places like Vogue Theatre and 2nd Floor Gastown (for more intimate concerts). Or, head out for a night out at its many bars, such as Prophecy Cocktail Bar and Chinatown’s Meo, and nightclubs, like Celebrities and Mansion.
So, pack your bags, and prepare yourself for all the diverse places and activities that Vancouver has to offer.