Vancouver Packing List

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✅ Essentials Checklist

Passport and eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation for UK citizens flying to Canada)
Travel insurance with medical cover
Waterproof jacket — Vancouver is genuinely rainy (especially October–April)
Layers for variable weather and altitude changes
Comfortable walking shoes
Compass Card for transit (or tap contactless)
Credit card — Vancouver is largely cashless
Power adapter (Type A/B)

👕 Clothing Checklist

Waterproof jacket — essential year-round in Vancouver
Layers for morning/evening chill even in summer
Comfortable walking and hiking shoes
Ski gear if visiting Whistler in winter (hire available there)
Smart-casual for Gastown and Yaletown restaurants
Swimwear for Kitsilano Beach in summer

⭐ Nice to Have

Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain tickets pre-bought
Whistler return bus ticket booked (Sea to Sky Coach, 2 hours)
Stanley Park cycling map (hire bikes at the park entrance)
Granville Island market bags
Bears spray if hiking in the backcountry

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver worth visiting if it rains a lot?

Yes — Vancouver's mild, rainy winters are a feature, not a bug. The city remains fully functional in rain, the mountains are snow-capped and spectacular, and indoor culture (food, museums, market) is excellent. Summer (July–August) has reliably warm and dry weather. Spring and autumn bring the best mountain light.

Can you do Whistler as a day trip from Vancouver?

Yes — the Sea to Sky Highway is one of North America's most scenic drives (2 hours). The Sea to Sky Coach runs several times daily. For skiing, a day trip is practical. For hiking the Whistler area or the Whistler Village atmosphere, it's better as an overnight stop.

How expensive is Vancouver?

Very — accommodation is among the priciest in North America. Food ranges from cheap (excellent dim sum in Richmond, ramen in the West End) to expensive (Gastown fine dining). Budget at least CAD $200–300 per day per person including accommodation. Book accommodation months ahead, especially for summer.

Alex Carrington is the travel editor at 247 Packing List, building destination and trip-type packing guides from flight-delay experience, family trips and a lot of over-packed suitcases. Every list on this site is cross-checked against the destination's actual climate and airline baggage rules before publishing.

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