USA & Canada · Best Jun–Sep
Vancouver and Victoria packing list for families
Vancouver and Victoria mix city sights with ferries, rainforest trails, and time on the water, so layers matter more than outfits. Here is what keeps kids dry and happy from the seawall to the whale-watching boat.
Photo by Masaru Suzuki on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Vancouver & Victoria
- Rain is part of life here for much of the year, so I pack a real waterproof jacket and shoes that can handle wet sidewalks. Summer is the exception, when it is usually dry and gorgeous.
- The ferry between Vancouver and Victoria takes about an hour and a half and is a highlight for kids. Keep a small bag with layers and snacks handy, because the outer decks are windy even in summer.
- Whale-watching boats out of Victoria get cold and wet on the water, even on warm days. Dress everyone in a warm layer under a shell, and bring a hat that will stay on in the wind.
Best timeJun–Sep
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyCanadian dollar (US cards widely accepted)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Vancouver & Victoria
This time of year
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable waterproof rain jacketKristina's pickShowers are common outside of summer.
Warm fleece for the waterFerry decks and whale-watching boats are chilly.
Shoes4
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Waterproof sneakersWet sidewalks and forest trails at Stanley Park and Capilano.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Adventure1
Kids' binocularsWhales, seals, and eagles are often spotted at a distance.
Little ones13
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech18
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Vancouver & Victoria weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44°F 7°C | Cool, gray, and rainy, with snow in the city only now and then and plenty on the nearby mountains. | |
| February | 46°F 8°C | Cool, gray, and rainy, with snow in the city only now and then and plenty on the nearby mountains. | |
| March | 50°F 10°C | Mild spring with frequent showers, blossoms, and brightening days. | Cherry blossoms line Vancouver's streets and parks, usually peaking late March into April. |
| April | 55°F 13°C | Mild spring with frequent showers, blossoms, and brightening days. | Cherry blossoms line Vancouver's streets and parks, usually peaking late March into April. |
| May | 62°F 17°C | Mild spring with frequent showers, blossoms, and brightening days. | Whale-watching season out of Victoria, with orcas and humpbacks often seen. |
| June | 66°F 19°C | Warm, mostly dry summer with long days and comfortable temperatures. | Whale-watching season out of Victoria, with orcas and humpbacks often seen. Dry, sunny weather that is perfect for biking the Stanley Park seawall. |
| July | 71°F 22°C | Warm, mostly dry summer with long days and comfortable temperatures. | Whale-watching season out of Victoria, with orcas and humpbacks often seen. Summer fireworks competition over English Bay, usually late July into early August. Dry, sunny weather that is perfect for biking the Stanley Park seawall. |
| August | 71°F 22°C | Warm, mostly dry summer with long days and comfortable temperatures. | Whale-watching season out of Victoria, with orcas and humpbacks often seen. Summer fireworks competition over English Bay, usually late July into early August. Dry, sunny weather that is perfect for biking the Stanley Park seawall. |
| September | 66°F 19°C | Warm, mostly dry summer with long days and comfortable temperatures. | Whale-watching season out of Victoria, with orcas and humpbacks often seen. Dry, sunny weather that is perfect for biking the Stanley Park seawall. |
| October | 56°F 13°C | Cooling fall days as the rainy season returns. | Whale-watching season out of Victoria, with orcas and humpbacks often seen. |
| November | 48°F 9°C | Cool, gray, and rainy, with snow in the city only now and then and plenty on the nearby mountains. | |
| December | 43°F 6°C | Cool, gray, and rainy, with snow in the city only now and then and plenty on the nearby mountains. | Holiday lights at Butchart Gardens near Victoria and around Vancouver. |
Questions families ask
Vancouver & Victoria with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Vancouver & Victoria with kids?
The best time is Jun–Sep. Warm, mostly dry summer with long days and comfortable temperatures.
What's the weather like in Vancouver & Victoria?
Typical daytime highs range from about 43°F (6°C) in December to about 71°F (22°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Vancouver & Victoria?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Vancouver & Victoria?
None. Vancouver & Victoria uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Vancouver & Victoria with kids?
Rain is part of life here for much of the year, so I pack a real waterproof jacket and shoes that can handle wet sidewalks. Summer is the exception, when it is usually dry and gorgeous.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.