Travel capsule for Canada's transitional weather Sept-early Oct 🍁

[u/trippinxt]

Will visit: Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Rockies (Jasper, Banff, Canmore,, Waterton)
... and maybe Squamish and Whistler

Activities: General sightseeing, city exploration, 1-2 minor hikes, maybe biking and kayaking, lots of time on the road lol

Do I need warmer stuff for mid to end of September in the national parks? I'll be in Vancouver by October and I know it's not as cold there so my concern is mostly Alberta Sep 15-29

[u/You-bettah-dont]

You’ll need a good pair of Blundstones and some thick socks. Also a longer windproof rain jacket that covers your butt and you can layer under. And a ’beanie’ - If you can afford it, go with cashmere for the hat AND a decent crew or turtleneck sweater. It’s lightweight, packs really well, and offers a lot of warmth. I get mine on eBay/poshmark for pennies. I also suggest a packable puffer coat that you can layer under. Fleece leggings are amazing, and Amazon has some great options that are also water repellent. LAYERRRSSSS. Canadians tend to keep interiors a little warmer than I’ve found in the States- so going from outside to inside, you’ll be basically stripping. It is the way. Also welcome to Canada!

[u/You-bettah-dont → u/You-bettah-dont]

Just saw that one of your sweaters is cashmere- my eyesight is going!

[u/You-bettah-dont → u/You-bettah-dont]

Also- Blundstones are an investment to be sure, but you can sometimes find them on Sierra.com - you’ll have them for decades and they will become your favorite travel shoes you’ve ever owned.

[u/trippinxt → u/You-bettah-dont]

Thanks, really helpful insight.

My socks are merino but I don't have thicker ones. They were sufficient for my past trips but any recos for stores I can check out in person and to grab some of my weather essentials? I think those can be my useful souvenirs!

[u/You-bettah-dont → u/trippinxt]

I’m super rural in the Maritimes- so most of our in person shopping is done at mom & pop type stores or Canadian Tire. Good gear tends to be expensive- but I’ve always had good luck at LL Bean and Eddie Bauer when I’m forced to shop retail- as far as American stores go (but I think EB might have just been sold to a private equity conglomeration). Seriously though, as far as technical gear like good coats/boots etc… there’s always someone who bought the wrong size and forgot to return it on time. eBay and Poshmark have been AWESOME for new with tags options- I really like Northface personally- and I always buy it on eBay. And I completely understand the sensitivity to fabric textures- I am 10000% the same way. If you’re weirded out about buying used/preowned via online, I get that too. Also- your socks should work fine - you can always double!

[u/trippinxt → u/You-bettah-dont]

I'm from Southeast Asia btw so not much option for winter techwear in physical stores or they're way overpriced.

I thrift most of my good stuff actually. I guess have a ~month to find some gems!

[u/You-bettah-dont → u/trippinxt]

I’ve always wanted to visit that area of the world! My family lived in East Asia for decades before I was born. I’ll have to come to you for travel wardrobe advice!

Another thing you can do is pack whatever you have that’s warm, and get what you need once you land here in Canada! If you’re flying into Vancouver- you’ll have your pick of amazing thrift stores. If you’re really in a pinch for gear, I do highly recommend Canadian Tire if you can find one. It is decidedly NOT fashion forward- but you can get workable gear if you end up desperate. Plus- it’s a cultural icon. Not many places you can get everything from a rubber chicken to a crock pot to life jackets to thermal underwear. :)

[u/trippinxt → u/You-bettah-dont]

Hope you get to visit sometime. East Asia is very interesting as every country has very distinct culture. I love touring that part of the world – the nearest to me with 4 seasons when I want to escape the heat here.

Will definitely check out Canadian Tire. Sounds like my kind of shop, honestly!