Vancouver Fall Packing Guide

My trip to the Vancouver area was one of the best trips I’ve been on to date. We loved the vibe of the city, enjoyed all the opportunities to hike and get outdoors, and the food was incredible.

We visited in September for five days, where the weather was cooler and chilly, but still sunny and comfortable during the day. Our itinerary included a walking food tour, a trip out to Whistler to hike around, and an MLS soccer game. I needed clothes that could stand up to all the walking and hiking we did, while still having some dressy-casual options to wear out in the city. The weather changed often and unexpectedly, so layers were key. I always use my universal carry on packing list as a guide and make modification as needed.

Curious to know what I packed?

• Two pairs of leggings – we did SO. MUCH. WALKING. I opted to bring two pairs of leggings given all the hiking and park-trekking we had planned. These were perfect for nature hikes in Whistler and for pairing with a sweater to walk around the city during the day. I was happy to have something with a forgiving waistband, too, since I enjoyed A LOT of food during our trip.

• Jeans – for those times when I needed to step up from the leggings. I wore these on the plane to save space in my carry-on. Jeans make a great base for most outfits and can be dressed up or down. It’s also easy to re-wear jeans during your trip, assuming they don’t get too dirty!

• Two Shirts – I packed along two basic t-shirts in gray and black. The black top was more for everyday wear around town. The gray top was moisture-wicking and just what I needed for our big hiking day.

• Two Sweaters – layers were key, since it often got breezy and cooler in the mornings and evenings. I packed along two sweaters that kept me warm – ideal for all the outdoor cafes I frequented. One of the sweaters was more lightweight which came in handy on warmer days.

• Dress – I usually hit up one nicer restaurant while traveling and like having a dress on hand. I got double duty out of this and paired it with the tights and boots one day for a dressier day look.

• Waterproof jacket – SO ESSENTIAL! This kept me dry and warm when the rain and wind rolled in. Since I walked just about everywhere, it was nice to have something to protect me from the elements. A jacket is always my #1 packing essential!

• Boots – we did encounter some rain, so I was grateful to have something waterproof to keep my feet dry. Vancouver had a casual-cool vibe, so these boots fit right in with what most others were wearing. I wore these most days.

• Flats – I don’t like packing heels since they take up so much space, so I tucked in a pair of ballet flats in case I needed “nicer” footwear. These take up minimal space in a carry on and went with my dress perfectly.

• Tennis shoes – with the hiking and walking we did, I needed something supportive and substantial. I normally shy away from packing sneakers because they take up a lot of room, but this was one of the trips where I needed them. With that being said, a lot of people were wearing tennis shoes around Vancouver, so I didn’t stick out when I wore these.

• Baseball cap – I sported this hat during the MLS game, but it was also ideal for keeping the midday sun off my face.

• Sunglasses – even when the weather isn’t hot, the sun can shine fiercely. I was thankful to have these when we took a road trip to Whistler.

• Tights – these are so lightweight that they can be packed up easily. I like how a thicker pair of tights can transform a skirt or dress into a viable option to wear during the day – keeps your legs warm!

• Handbag – I usually don’t haul around a purse since I just need my small wallet. However, we rarely stopped at our hotel during the day, so a bigger handbag was necessary for shedding clothing layers and packing along snacks.

• Necklace – having a statement necklace can dress up a plain tee and jeans, giving your basic outfit some life.

NOT PICTURED

• Underwear – my rule of thumb is a pair for each day, plus one

• Socks – I packed along a pair of socks for every day, given how much we were walking

• Bras – my go-to is a black and nude bra

• Make-up essentials – small eyeshadow palette (one color could double as a brow filler), mascara, eyeliner pen, lip balm, pressed powder, travel kit of makeup brushes, eyelash curler

• Beauty essentials – face lotion, make-up remover wipes, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, perfume rollerball, razor ( I used the hotel body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash)

• Other travel essentials – passport, wallet, phone charger, phone battery bank, book for the plane, reusable water bottle, and my plane carry-on essentials

This packing list gave me more than enough options for our shorter week in Canada. It also easily fit in a carry on - no need to check a bag!

Have you been to Vancouver? What was your favorite part of your trip? Drop a comment and let me know! If you haven’t checked out my essential Vancouver eats guide, check it out HERE!

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