So you’ve decided to go on a canoe trip, congratulations! Hopefully this will be the first of many. Your guide will handle everything for you including food, tents, canoes, and anything else you could think of (and probably some you wouldn’t) to make this trip perfect! You’ll still have to pack your own clothing and personal items but you want to make sure to pack the right stuff and that theres not too much or too little of it.

Clothing

When choosing your materials, wool or synthetic blends are always a better choice than cotton. It will keep you warm even when wet, dries quickly, and is just all around awesome. It’s a good idea to break down your clothing into dry and wet outfits (dry for the campsite, wet for daytime travel). From the head down, we’ve got you covered.

Wet (Day)

• Sun hat/sunglasses
• Neck warmer/buff – great for staying warm on rainy days, or dip in water and wrap around your neck to cool off on the hot ones
• Lightweight t-shirt/long sleeve
• Sports bra/Underwear
• Rain jacket
• Hiking pants (in early seasons, layer up long underwear with thinner pants, adjust depending on weather)
• Wool/synthetic socks (quick drying socks are great. There is nothing more cringeworthy than starting your day with wet socks)
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Rain pants

Dry (Night)

• Toque/knit hat (the coziest thing to put on after a long day)
• T-shirt
• Sweater (thicker in the colder seasons)
• Long underwear
• Sweatpants/track pants
• Wool socks (extra pair couldn’t hurt)
• Lightweight ‘site shoes’ (easily slipped on, durable, water friendly – think, Tom’s or Croc’s)
• Extra underwear!

*The list includes the clothes you will be wearing on the first day so don’t pack extras (i.e. pack 2 T-shirts and wear. Bring clothes that are light-weight, loose-fitting, and that can dry quickly if they get wet.

Pro Tip: Leave your coziest outfit in your car for the drive home. Or sit in the car with your wonderful forest stench, that’s nice too.

Extras

Items marked with * are optional

• Small stuff sack to keep personal items easily accessible (phone, wallet, keys, medication)
• Water bottle (1 litre)
• Flashlight/Headlamp
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Sunscreen & Insect Repellent 
• Quick dry towel*
• Pillow case
• Power bank/small solar charger for electronic items*
• Feminine hygiene products
• Notebook and pencil*
• Spare cash, just in case
• Camera*
• Binoculars*
• Playing cards*

What not to bring

• Denim clothing (jeans are heavy and stay wet)
• Dark coloured clothing (bugs love em)
• Brand new boots/shoes (unless you really want blisters on your feet)
• Perfume, cologne, scented lotions or soaps (bugs love em)
• Bottles or cans (if bringing alcohol, please transfer it to a plastic bottle beforehand or ask us for tips) 
• Speakers (lot's of folks don't appreciate the noise) 
• Expensive jewelry (trust us on this one)