What do I pack for a trip to northern Canada?

Quoi emporter voyage dans le nord du Canada

Canada is one of the prettiest and most interesting countries on the American continent. In the north of Canada, it’s possible to admire many natural attractions such as waterfalls, mountains and beautiful landscapes. 

To discover the northern part of this amazing country the right way, it’s important to know what are the essential things to pack in your suitcase. In this article, we share very useful tips to help you pack for a trip to northern Canada.

What to bring on a trip to Northern Canada?

Whether you are going to Northern Quebec, Nunavit, Yukon or Northwest Territories, there are essential things to pack to make your trip more comfortable and light. 

Packing essentials for a trip in any season of the year

First aid kit

One thing that you should definitely carry in your suitcase for your trip to northern Canada is a first aid kit. It is very useful, especially considering the various accidents that you may be subject to during excursions in the Canadian territories.

A GoPro or a camera with an SD card

On a trip to discover the wonderful landscapes of Canada, an SD card camera cannot be missing from your suitcase. With it, you will have the opportunity to capture the most beautiful natural landscapes in Canada and share them with your friends and family. This item is especially important if you are planning to take part in a scenic flight!

Sunscreen and chapstick

Sunscreen is one of the must-haves for vacations, both in summer and winter. Therefore, having a bottle of sunscreen and a chapstick is a very good idea to hydrate and protect your lips and skin at all times.

Water and snacks

One of the things that cannot be lacking is a sufficient supply of water and food. If you are going to walk in the mountains, you must be hydrated and have enough energy. We suggest you prepare some sandwiches and buy some energy bars, as well as dried fruits and nuts.

Spare clothing and sunglasses

Among the things that you absolutely must have are sunglasses, because at high altitude, the sun usually hits hard. It is also very useful to have spare clothes such as socks (which can get wet or dirty easily), t-shirts, and, of course, it is also good to have a k-way and a microfleece in breathable fabric in the backpack.

Bug spray

During the summer it is also very useful to bring a repellent spray to ward off insects and a stick in your backpack to limit the damage and symptoms of a possible bite. Are you going on a fishing and hunting adventure? Quebec is a true fishing and hunting paradise with its 500,000 lakes, 4,500 rivers and its forest-rich territory that covers more than 50% of the province’s surface. 

With Air Tunilik’s seaplane service, you can access outfitters that are not accessible by road and explore these vast unspoiled spaces where flora and fauna dominate.

What to bring for a summer trip to northern Canada

While in winter the mountain landscapes allow you to have fun with skiing and snowboarding, in the warmer months you can admire the same landscape, but characterized by other colors and aromas. So, what should you take to northern Canada in summer to be able to explore nature in comfort and have everything you need for any eventuality?

When you think about what to pack for your summer vacation in Canada, you should consider several aspects:

  • What are the characteristics of the place you are traveling to?
  • Is it very hot during the day and very cold at night?

If you go to the mountains, you will probably have to face steep or regular trails, but in the mountains the weather can be unpredictable and in order to have fun, you need to bring tools that allow you to face different weather conditions.

The secret is to bring clothes and accessories that can make the experience always pleasant, whether the weather is very hot, or if there is a sudden downpour, etc. Now let’s get straight to the point and discover what is the list of ideal things to take on a trip to the mountains of northern Canada in summer.

  • Hiking and trekking boots are absolutely necessary and cannot be substituted for sports shoes, as you risk slipping.
  • A swimsuit for bathing in the lakes.
  • Clothes for outdoor activities: short-sleeved shirts and hiking pants, as well as shorts.
  • A sweatshirt or a windbreaker jacket in case it is cold at night.
  • A microfiber towel to dry off after your baths, they take up almost no space!

Air Tunilik specializes in air transport and has over 18 years of experience under its wing. We offer air charter solutions, scenic flights, fishing and hunting trips and much more. With our fleet of more than ten planes, we can help you discover northern Canada at competitive prices. Check out our seaplanes!

What to bring for a winter trip to northern Canada 

Travelling in winter can be fascinating and even more beautiful, especially if the place you visit is snowy (like most of northern Canada in winter) and is full of forests with many remote cottages. Seen in such a context, this type of landscape has a certain magic, reminiscent of Christmas postcards. The problem with this type of trip is how to equip yourself to be able to face the extreme cold and low temperatures. 

It is very important to decide what things to carry in the suitcase and what items are essential since winter clothing is generally larger and heavier than summer clothing. If we put on a couple of jackets, a pair of thick pants and some scarves, we will have already taken up almost all the space in our suitcase. 

So, how do we solve this problem and what things do we put in our suitcase? It is simple, you just have to choose the necessary articles and garments, with a lot of criteria and reasoning. It is not necessary to choose the most fashionable items, prioritize the things that will really protect you from the cold. 

There are also garments that are packable, which are those that can be folded (for example a packable jacket). These items will help you save space and give you the freedom to buy souvenirs or clothes at the destination of your choice.

Here the essential things that you should carry in your suitcase for a trip to northern Canada:

  • A pair of good thermal shirts
  • A jacket that protects both from wind and snow
  • A warm, waterproof pair of pants with fleece inside (if possible) 
  • Warm, fleece-lined sweaters
  • Thermal socks
  • Warm long socks
  • Gloves
  • A warm beanie
  • A scarf 

Obviously, you should not forget about the shoes, which are very important and perhaps what occupies the most space in a suitcase. A pair of Trekking Timberlands are ideal because they are comfortable, robust and go well with everything. Try to choose some in a neutral color so that you can also use them in more urban settings too.

Canadians have learned to adapt and appreciate this season as an integral part of their country’s identity. Discover what are the best things to do in Northern Canada during the winter months

How to prepare your suitcase to face the cold of the north

One thing that people tend to do often when going to a very cold destination is to literally cover themselves in many layers. This is ideal when it comes to crazy weather where you can go from hot to cold, or from rain to sun at any moment. 

But when temperatures are stable and very low, it is best to wear a thermal shirt that is in contact with the skin. This will allow you to retain body heat and avoid getting cold. You should also wear a warm sweater.

Camping gear for a trip to northern Canada

The camping gear you need will vary depending on key factors, such as the duration of the trip, the places to visit, the time of year and the means of transport used. However, here is a list of essential items you should bring:

  • Tent and sleeping bag
  • Air mattress and blankets
  • First aid kit
  • Ropes and hooks
  • Insect repellent
  • Pocket knife
  • Camping stove
  • Backpacks and bags

Organize a canoe trip 

Seaplane transport service 

Air Tunilik allows you to fly over Northern Canada’s most spectacular ecosystems and mountains. Our scenic flight service is available at all of our seaplane bases in the province, in Natashquan, Havre St-Pierre, Manic 5, Caniapiscau and Sept-Îles. Our pilots will give you thrills and allow you to see Canada and its wonders from a whole new perspective.


Book a flight 

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