What to Pack for Vancouver, British Columbia

What to Pack for Vancouver British Columbia 5 Weeks in WInter Packing Light #packinglist #packinglight #travellight #travel #traveltips #livelovesara #livelovesaratravelcapsules

Tank • H&M | Striped Shirt • H&M | Wrap Shirt • Topshop | Blue Long Sleeve • Topshop |
Black Long Sleeve • H&M | Blouse • Mango | Pullover • Mango | V-Neck Sweater • Mango |
Cardigan • Mango | Dress • H&M | Casual Denim • H&M | Denim • Mango | Black Pants • Mango |
Blazer • Dorothy Perkins | Coat • Mango | Coloured Scarf • Urban Outfitters |
Neutral Scarf • Cole Haan | Hat • Brixton | Sunglasses • Le Specs | Flats • Madewell |
Sneakers • Converse | Boots • Topshop | Purse • Matt & Nat | Clutch • Mango

My father was in the air force and when I was a kid I moved a lot. Not as much as a lot of military families but a fair amount. From ages 4 – almost 9 I lived in Victoria, British Columbia which is just a ferry ride across from Vancouver. My grandmother lived in Vancouver so we went there a lot and I loved it. I can honestly say the years there were the best of my childhood, the ones I remember most fondly.  I would love to be able to live in Vancouver but it’s so expensive that I can’t see it ever becoming a reality even though it is the only other city in Canada that Tom would be able to work in for film. Vancouver and Toronto are the two Canadian film cities.

This packing list actually covers two cities but they are of similar climates. I received a request for a 5-week trip to Vancouver and Denver, Colorado in the middle of winter. The two cities don’t have long, drawn out, cold winters like many other cities. In fact they both start to get warmer in February and many times you will see flowers starting to bloom at that time (in Vancouver at least). I can remember my mom once having to mow the lawn in February which is pretty crazy.

I didn’t include any winter or cold weather boots in this list because honestly the snow is minimal (if any at all), the roads/sidewalks will be clear for walking, and the temperatures will range from around 7°C and up to the mid teens. But if you feel that you need some sort of winter boot then just omit one of the choices I included. Five weeks are a long time but with access to laundry you can get away without bring too much. You can change-up the looks a lot with different accessories so you shouldn’t get to board with not bringing a lot. Don’t forget that all the items listed aren’t to be packed. Your travel outfit comes from the pieces I include, and should be selected from the heavier/bulkier, harder to pack items that will take up the most room in your suitcase.

It’s been noted that a waterproof jacket might be a good idea to bring, an umbrella can easily be bought if needed but a waterproof jacket will come in handy especially if you are going to be doing a lot of out of the city walking and sightseeing. Something like this that has a lining, is hooded, and wind/waterproof will be sufficient because you can layer a sweater underneath. You also have to remember that what is considered cold to one person won’t be to another so if the temperatures are dramatically colder than you usually experience, then you need to pack accordingly since it will take a bit to acclimate.

I have friends who go to Disney World every winter from here (Toronto area), and every single time they go they say that while they are running up and down the beach enjoying the weather which seems warm to them most Floridians wear coats and jackets because it is freezing to them. Dress for your personal comfort.

The outfit are found in this post.

Did you move around a lot as a child?

If you like this post you can find more packing lists and outfit options in my:
Packing Light Series 
What to Wear Options

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Vancouver Photo via © Can Stock Photo / kwest19

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Sara

Sara is the founder and creative behind livelovesara. A George Brown College Fashion Styling Graduate, she provides advice on finding your personal style regardless of age and budget. She is always on the hunt for the perfect wardrobe piece and is a vintage and thrifting enthusiast who can't wait to share her newest finds. She is also trying to learn French.

2 Comments

  1. Yikes! I’ve lived in the west and would strongly recommend warmer clothing with at least one weather resistant hoody jacket. The temperatures may seem mild but driving wind, rain, and high humidity add up to ch ch ch chilly!! A cozy cardigan is a helpful go to if not a must.

    • Haha! This is coming from a southern Ontario perspective which is probably biased in what I consider chilly 😉 cardigan is on the list but thanks for the weather resistant jacket comment, I’ll probably add one.

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