Here's an overview and some tips on what you should pack when taking a trip to Ontario's Sunset Country.
Depending on the type of vacation you are going on and the time of year, your packing list can look quite different.
In this article, we are going to focus mostly on what to bring and wear during the Spring, Summer, and Fall months. These are guidelines of course but will be helpful in helping you decide what to pack. Keep in mind, the weather can change from day to day (or even morning to evening!). Take a look at the average weather temperatures here.
Download a checklist for basic items for every trip to Sunset Country here. (coming soon)
Since every trip is very different, we have compiled a few checklists to download to help you pack.
We also have specific packing lists for:
- What to pack on a houseboat trip (coming soon)
- What to pack for your fishing trip (coming soon)
- What to pack on a fly-in trip (coming soon)
- What to pack on a wilderness canoe trip (coming soon)
- What to pack for a camping trip (coming soon)
- What to pack for your winter vacation (coming soon)
General Clothing List:
Spring
If you are visiting in April, May or early June, pack long-sleeve shirts, pants, a waterproof jacket and waterproof boots and/or shoes. A pair of gloves may be handy as well (lighter ones in June). If you are fishing just after the ice comes out, I'd also bring thermal underwear, a heavier jacket and a toque. Mornings can be cool!
Summer
Mid-June to the end of August are the hottest months to visit. Days are long, with the sunset setting near the summer solstice around 10:30 or even 11 pm. Pack a few pairs of shorts and several T-shirts or tank tops. Bring a swimsuit for a dip in the lakes! Evenings in June and towards the end of August can be cool, so don't forget Pack a rain jacket so you can enjoy the outdoors if it rains.
Fall
September to November’s weather can vary a lot. September is often a beautiful month - no bugs, decent days and cooler evenings. The days are getting shorter. The sun sets around 8-7 pm in September and by November it sets around 5-4 pm (Sets around six until the clocks turn back for daylight saving time).
The leaves are changing colours from mid-September to the first or second week of October. You’ll need T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, hoodies or fleece, a rain jacket and a fall/winter jacket come October/November. Mitts or gloves, thermal underwear, wool socks, and a toque as well if you are heading into October and later. Layers are key!
We hope the above printable checklists will help you to pack for your trip to Sunset Country.
Here are a few basic packing tips:
- The very first thing you need to do is to find out what the outfitter does or does not supply. This is very important. Each place can supply very different items. If you are flying into an American Plan Lodge, chances are you don't need to bring much. However, some cabin rentals require you to bring bedding and towels. You don't want to overpack and bring them though if they are already supplied.
- Add or subtract to the above lists to work for you.
- Plan with your whole group. For some items, you may need one or two people to bring the item rather than 6 or 7 people bringing the same thing.
- Roll your clothes rather than folding them to save space.
- Do not use hard suitcases or totes, especially if going on a fly-in. Soft-sided suitcases are much easier to pack in a plane, Also, pack smaller duffle bags rather than one large one. Cardboard boxes for food can be broken down and burned in the fire.
- No glass, especially beer bottles.
- Pre-cook as many meals as you can. i.e. stews or spaghetti sauce. These can also be frozen and help keep other items cooler during travel.
Use the above printable checklists to check off items as you pack them do you don't forget anything.
Have a great trip!