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
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
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
Clothing6
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Packable waterproof rain jacketKristina's pickShowers are common outside of summer.
Warm fleece for the waterFerry decks and whale-watching boats are chilly.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
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 ones5
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
Health & toiletries3
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech4
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For the grown-ups
- A trench or chore jacket
- White sneakers
- One dinner outfit that packs flat
For the kids
- Cozy knits that layer
- Navy or olive leggings and joggers
- A raincoat with a hood
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
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.
let's stay in touch
New destination lists, seasonal tips, and the gear we're loving.
Keep exploring
More family packing lists
Want the whole trip handled?
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.