How To Pack For Your Canadian Working Holiday

Before you embark on your Canadian adventure, you'll want to ensure you're well-prepared. With this packing list, you'll be ready to make the most of your time in Canada and create unforgettable memories in the Great White North.

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Winter Coat:

Especially when you’re in the mountains. A good quality winter coat is essential to keep you warm and dry. Look out for fully waterproof and insulated jackets from popular brands and do your research before investing. 

Sweaters, hoodies, and thermal layers:

Thermal socks and durable, scarves, gloves, and a warm hat are all essentials in Canada during the winter, even a short stroll outside in -20C can be made a lot more comfortable with these small items.

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Travel Adapters and Converters:

Canada uses the same plugs as they do in the US. It’s pretty easy to buy a USB plug in most airports and gas stations to charge your phone but it’s worth buying adapters for electronics like laptops, hair dryers, shavers and anything else you’re thinking of taking with you. 

Personal Hygiene and Toiletries:

Don’t forget to bring a couple of towels and enough travel shower gel, shampoo, deodorant etc. Easy enough to buy but always good to have for as soon as you land. 

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Summer Gear:

Despite being associated with amazing snowy winters, Canada also has some really hot summer days with temperatures briefly reaching 40C in certain parts of the country. Be sure to bring shorts for hiking, swimming costumes, sandals and some good quality shoes for long hikes followed by chilled lake swims. 

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Backpack or Daypack:

A versatile bag for day trips and excursions is a must. Depending on how big your adventure is, you may want anything from a good daypack that's light and comfortable, all the way to a 65-litre pack that will allow you to pack your tent, sleeping bag etc.

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Canadian Dollars:

While you can exchange currency upon arrival, having some Canadian dollars in advance can be helpful for initial expenses and especially for tips at the bar and in case you need to use public transport.

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Canada has a huge outdoors industry so there’s often a lot available and some clothing and equipment are even cheaper than elsewhere in the world so don’t stress too much if you haven’t packed everything, shops like MEC, Canadian Tire and even local Outfitters are great places to pick up the gear you need but having a few of the essentials beforehand can really save you time and money.

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