Packing list for Canada

What things must you bring along when traveling to Canada? Here’s my packing list for Canada to help you pack!

Passport, eTA, Vaccinations and Travel Insurance

The following things must be on the top of your packing list for Canada!

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and must obtain one blank page.
eTA: Make sure to order your eTA in advance! If you don’t have it, you may not enter Canada. Always make sure to print out the e-mail you receive, just in case. Apply here. It costs CAD 7.
Vaccinations: Check your vaccinations, this is very important!
Travel insurance: Because I’m still depending on my parents, I am fully covered for having an accident or disease while traveling. Be sure to have insurance, it might come in handy!

Backpack or Luggage

Your backpack is also an important item on your packing list. Do you want a backpack or luggage?

Backpack: Invest in a good backpack (or luggage, but the roads are not made for luggage). I have an Osprey backpack of 40L. This one is perfect for a two-week trip, but it was just a bit small for a 3-week trip (I managed by rolling my clothes). So maybe buy the 50L backpack if you plan on going away for more than 2 weeks. Also, bring along a day backpack. It comes in handy for your camera equipment, a bottle of water, and other stuff.

Packing hack: Is a carry-on enough for long trips? It’s possible (I did it in Florida, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia), but you must be prepared to wear the same outfits for multiple days and do washes in the sink or at the laundry shop.

Luggage: If you prefer luggage that’s fine but we aware that most European cities have cobblestone roads.
Packing cubes: Bring packing cubes! They are so easy to use, and I can put in 14 pieces of clothing per bag!

Packing hack: Roll your clothes to fit more in your luggage!

Bear Bell: Hang your bear bell on your day backpack!

Medicine and toiletries

Okay, so this one is actually the most important thing on my packing list now since I’ve had Salmonella.

Mosquito Repellent and Sunscreen: This is a must. We got stung during our hikes even when we sprayed.
First aid kit: Bandages will most definitely come in handy!
Diarrhea tablets: Just in case 😉
Hand Sanitizer: I use this every time I used a public bathroom or right before dinner, which comes in handy.
Quick-drying towel: Invention of the year! Put your wet towel on a chair, and it’s dry in an hour. It’s also not as thick as a normal towel, so it’s easy to pack.
Wet wipes: I always bring my wet wipes on my holidays. If you’re in a public toilet that’s dirty or where there is no toilet paper, wet wipes are a blessing.
Small bottles: I always pack small, reusable bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You save space and weight!
Lip balm: During the flight, my lips become very dry. I always pack my Buttercream lip balm, and my lips are soft in no time!

Clothes

I don’t think anyone would forget to put these items on their packing list.

Clothes: You’ll be sweating, so try to pack linen clothing.
Sweater: Sometimes I find myself shivering in the airplane from the cold, that’s why I always pack my sweater. You can also use it as a pillow.
Travel pillow: I have a neck pillow that comes in handy for those long flights but also short flights!
Washing powder: Washing time! If you pack light, then you must also wash your clothes from time to time.
- Tip: You can also wash your clothes with shampoo.
Hat or cap: for sun protection or warmth during the colder months
Rain jacket (foldable): This is so handy! You can hang it to your purse and have the purse filled with an umbrella and wallet.
- Tip: when folded, it can be used as a pillow!

Electronics

Camera and GoPro: Pack your camera and GoPro for having HD photos and videos.
Chargers: We Europeans do need adapters!
Powerbank: Bring along a power bank! Just check your airline’s guidelines as some can’t come onto the plane.
Hard disk: Backup your photos while traveling!
Waterproof bag: I used a waterproof bag to put my power bank, smartphone and its chargers in. Everything is in one little bag, easy to find and protected from water, sunscreen, …