After three trips to Quebec in 3 different seasons (I have not been brave enough to go in the wintertime–nonetheless!) , I have learned what is better to leave at home and what is most important to pack. Of course, your own Quebec packing list will be different based on what activities you’re about to do and when you are going. From sightseeing in Montreal to hiking in a national park, the region has plenty to offer. But of things to pack for Quebec the list is an excellent starting point.
Things to Pack for Quebec: The Suitcase
- Travelpro Maxlite 4 International Carry-On Spinner Suitcase: This bag fits within many airlines’ carry-on size constraints (including Air Canada’s) and has hardy spinner wheels that will assist you maneuver through airportsand train stations, and cobblestoned roads.
Things to Pack for Quebec: The Personal Item
- Lander Timp Backpack: Because it is hard to find everything into only a carry-on, I used this backpack to stow more things under my seat. Water-resistant and lightweight, this sleek bag is an appropriate day pack for outdoor adventure and both sightseeing.
What to Pack for Quebec: In-Flight Essentials
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Sleep Restoration Natural Silk Sleep Mask: Flights to Montreal are not too long for many Americans (only 90 minutes from nyc, two hours from Chicago, and 5 hours from Los Angeles), but it is still worth throwing an eye mask into your bag. You can use it to catch a fast doze or simply block the world out while you listen to your tunes.
- Noot In-Ear Earbuds: Speaking of songs, I prefer little earbuds to large noise-canceling cans–they weigh almost nothing and are easy to tuck into your personal item between uses.
What to Pack for Quebec: Shoes
- Saucony Women’s Kineta Relay Running Shoe: In case you’ll be walking about Montreal, Quebec City, or other cities in Quebec, you’ll need comfortable shoes. This comfy set from Saucony comes in an colour that goes with any outfit and doesn’t attract attention.
- Hiking boots : While shoes are sufficient for Quebec’s simpler walking paths, you’ll want boots with ankle support if you are heading out on moderate to strenuous hikes, especially in the Laurentian Mountains.
- Ballet flats: A very simple set of black ballet flats is everything you will need for evenings out on the town, and this kind of shoe won’t take up much room in your suitcase.
What to Pack Quebec: The Jacket
- Columbia Whirlibird Interchange Jacket: This three-in-one coat is a good option for just about any time of year in Quebec. Over the summer you can get by with just the outer shell to help keep you warm on a cool day; if you are planning a trip to, say, Quebec City’s Winter Carnival, layer up and wear the two parts of the jacket over a sweater.
What to Pack for Quebec: Clothing
- Jeans: Bring a minumum of one pair for sightseeing throughout the day and also for casual evenings out.
- Hiking trousers: If you’re planning lifts or other outdoor excursions, water-resistant pants are a must-pack.
- Base layers: Summers are short in Quebec, especially as you move further north. For the majority of the year you will love having base-layer garments to help you stay warm.
- Swimsuit: Quebec may not be known as a beach destination, but it will have a few stretches of sand appropriate for swimming in the summer months. If you would like to join , bring your suit.
Things to Pack for Quebec: Toiletries
- Sunscreen: This really is a must if you’re enjoying some of Quebec’s abundant all-natural landscapes. And yes, you need it in the winter: Sun reflecting off ice or snow could be as damaging as it’s on the shore.
- Insect repellent: During the winter months, Quebec’s lakes and forests occasionally arrive with a undesirable side of germs. Fend them off with your insect repellent of choice.
Things to Pack for Quebec: The Purse
- Crossbody tote: I like Travelon’s lineup of crossbody purses, which comprise antitheft features like locking compartments and slash-proof body straps and panels.
Things to Pack for Quebec: Gadgets
- Backup phone charger: Whether you’re using a mapping app to find your way around the Eastern Townships or posting unlimited poutine pictures on Instagram, you are likely to need to keep your smartphone installed during your journey.
- Kindle Paperwhite: A e-reader stocked with good books is helpful for any flight, but I was particularly glad I had mine after I missed my connection and had to kill six hours at the Montreal airport.
What to Pack for Quebec: Accessories
- Umbrella: Quebec’s weather can be mercurial, so it’s worth throwing a umbrella in your bag just in case. You might want to consider packing a rain poncho.
- Sunglasses: All these are always crucial, whether you will be walking through urban neighborhoods or along forest trails.
- Hat or headband : I chucked a wool headband into my purse on a whim, not expecting to need it –but then found myself wearing it just about every night during a late-summer trip to Abitibi-Temiscamingue. I wore a baseball cap to keep the sun.
- Plastic bags: Bring different sizes–like a tiny zip-top to guard your mobile on a rainy lift or bigger grocery bags to hold muddy hiking boots or wet bathing suits.
Things to Pack for Quebec ( I Didn’t)
- Scarf: A warm, colorful scarf may dress up an evening outfit and keep you warm on those cool Quebec nights.
- Gloves or mittens: A thin pair of gloves is fantastic for a spring or fall trip to Quebec, while mittens are a must if you’re visiting in winter.
- Sandals: It was not warm enough for all these during my late-summer visit to Abitibi, but Montreal will get hot and humid in the height of summer, making sandals an appealing option.
What Not to Pack for Quebec
- Valuable watches and jewelry: You will not need these in Quebec’s metropolitan areas, and in towns they will only be magnets for thieves. Leave them at home.
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