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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To ask what to wear in Canada in August?

27 replies

Theoldoaktree · 29/05/2019 13:40

As title,

Never been to Canada before but we’re going for 2 weeks in August and seeing most of the west coast.

I’m already wondering what the hell do I wear/ pack as I’m not sure on the weather at that time of year there.

I’m also aware it isn’t a beach holiday so bikinis and pretty summer evening dresses are probably going to be out

Has anyone been to West Coast Canada in August.....would I look stupid going out to dinner in the evenings in a dress etc? Would I look scruffy during the day in jeans/ strappy top or shorts and strappy top? Am I likely to need a blummin’ waterproof

OP posts:

TheLastNigel · 29/05/2019 13:45

I never went to the west coast but lived in Toronto for a bit. It was boiling in August and the humidity was very intense.
So clothes suitable for that I guess...

ShanghaiDiva · 29/05/2019 13:48

When I was there four years ago - a bloody coat! 14 degrees does not a summer make!

Yes, to the waterproof!

Fr3d · 29/05/2019 13:50

Yes...err the West coast is massive. Are you talking Vancouver or up near Alaska? Yes, they can get rain but also fabulous summer's...I got a great tan. Bring a mix of clothes..you definitely won't look stupid in a dress (What are you expecting?)

Hobbesmanc · 29/05/2019 13:51

Mosquito repellent! Never been so bitten - but its a stunning country

redredrobins · 29/05/2019 13:56

Hot during the day, can get cooler in evening so a cardigan would be a good idea. Eating out tends to be quite casual, so summer dress or capri pants and t shirt equally acceptable.
The west coast is beautiful, enjoy! Do try to head to the Rockies, my favourite place in the world, you can't beat mountains and lakes.

oohyoudevilyou · 29/05/2019 14:02

We have family in Whistler, an hour or so north of Vancouver and when we visit during UK school summer holidays it's a bit like UK summer. Can be very warm, often need a jumper. Rain possible too.

Knitclubchatter · 29/05/2019 14:02

Early August can be HOT late August cooler. Yes to bug spray, but easily available in any drug store if wanted.
Yes to a water resistant shell, the wet coast is more prone to drizzle.
Capris work well at that time of year.

Original poster

Theoldoaktree · 29/05/2019 14:03

I can’t actually remember all of where we’re going but it includes Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Banff?

I’m really, REALLY hoping for some nice weather as this holiday is costing a fortune and if I’m cold and wet all week, well, it won’t exactly make the holiday or a lifetime.

My friend said her work colleague went to Canada a couple of years ago and wore a pretty, summer dress (I’m guessing the kind you’d wear in the evening on a beach holiday abroad) and she said she felt massively overdressed and got some looks, even though it was a maxi dress?

I’m panicking thinking, how on Earth am I going to be able to pack for both a cold, outdoors sort of holiday and a hot holiday in one suitcase Think I’ll have to book extra luggage as I’m nearly always near my luggage limit just for beach holidays with bikinis etc

I know I sound like a right idiot but I genuinely, for the first time in my adult life just don’t know what to pack

OP posts:

Teddybear45 · 29/05/2019 14:05

For Vancouver pack as you would for London in the summer - lots of waterproofs, layers, but yes will be fairly warm in the day and cooler at night. Dress code for clubs etc is fairly dressy so if you are going out a nice dress, heels etc is essential.

The further north you go the more warmer your clothes will need to be.

TitusAndromedom · 29/05/2019 14:10

I’m from the West Coast of America, so similar conditions in some areas. Banff and Vancouver are very outdoorsy places, so you’re more likely to see people wearing shorts, t-shirts and lots of Patagonia. It’s a very laid-back lifestyle. However, if you’re in a city centre no one is going to be surprised if you wear a dress out for a meal in the evening, or a casual dress in the daytime. I would take shorts, tops, a pair of trousers or two, a couple of dresses, a fleece or hoody, waterproof and maybe something for cool evenings. Make sure you have comfortable, durable shoes for hikes. It’ll be an amazing holiday with some incredible sights, so please don’t let wardrobe worries get you down.

agnurse · 29/05/2019 14:14

Vancouver has a similar climate to the UK.

You will not be overdressed. People wear all sorts of things here.

Banff is in the mountains so it gets quite cold at night. You'll want to bring a warm jumper if you plan to be out in the evening.

Divebar · 29/05/2019 14:18

The mountains are super casual, outdoor brands, check shirts, T shirts, flat shoes / boots.

dottiedodah · 29/05/2019 14:28

Been to Vancouver in June a couple of times.Very similar to British climate.From memory took a dress (used for evening barbie at SIL house).Some cotton trousers and stretchy jersey pants.T Shirts , a jumper or Cardi and waterproof .Would wear socks and shoes when in mountains if possible and defo take some bug spray along.Have a lovely holiday and Vancouver has some lovely shops /stores with reasonably priced clothes too!

ajandjjmum · 29/05/2019 14:34

I'm currently packing for Vancouver, Whistler and Alaska. It's a nightmare - we leave on Friday, and I'm still gathering stuff. First time ever, I'm struggling to fit it all in one case. On a cruise for part of the trip, which brings an added layer of confusion! I have a feeling that half of the stuff will be unworn, and the rest will be washed and washed!

Got skin so soft for the mossies, and some jungle formula, so hopefully we'll be ok.

emmaluvseeyore · 29/05/2019 14:42

Not been there but went to New England last year. Everyone was wearing shorts, tops (tee or vest) and trainers/sandals. If you’re exploring nature then you need proper shoes. You can’t walk round in the same stuff you’d wear on a beach holiday. What do you wear when it’s nice weather here? Surely you wouldn’t wear maxi dresses all the time, so you can’t do that when exploring on holiday.
Will you have access to washing facilities? I normally try and wash clothes when I’m on longer holidays to prevent needing to pack so much. Also, I would maybe take 3 or 4 options for the lower half of me and enough tops for a clean one each day rather than enough tops and bottoms for each day.

Original poster

Theoldoaktree · 29/05/2019 14:55

Thanks guys. Kinda what I was thinking then. I’ll dig the itinerary out when I get home so I can see exactly where we’re going and what we’re doing each day as this will have a massive bearing on what to pack, and in all honesty I’ve completely forgotten.

In all honesty, in the U.K. I guess I dress quite ‘stylishly’ the majority of the time. Despite being a horsey/ country chic I’m not a jeans and trainers kinda girl and in the summer I tend to wear pretty summer dresses, or for dog walking a pair of trainers or wellies and skinny jeans/ denim shorts and strappy tips. I definitely don’t look ‘glam’ in these though which I guess is why I’m a bit disappointed that im going to have to wear them on holiday when I want to look semi- decent we are doing lots of fun activities though so I guess it may be worth looking a bit...scruffy/ casual if it enables me to do all of this.

I have a big feeling I’ll be needing 2 suitcases though

OP posts:

rideawhiteswan · 29/05/2019 15:00

We did exactly the same in August, I took jeans, a couple of pairs of shorts and a couple of white skirts, a fleece, smart navy jacket and a warm waterproof. Then lots of tops,which went with everything a couple of long sleeves but the rest short.

roboticmom · 29/05/2019 15:07

I'm from BC and lived in the UK for years and then moved back. August is hot and might be smoky due to the increase in forest fires in recent years. Shorts and tank tops are all I wear in the summer. Going out I'd wear a nice sundress (styles are like, 5 years behind over here so things that are stylish there can be seen as outlandish here.) It can get cold at night even on the hottest days. Also mosquitoes love the evening. So bring layers.

Check out Chatelaine magazine's website for some more ideas.

Original poster

Theoldoaktree · 29/05/2019 15:14

Ride- what was the weather like when you went?

Thank you Robotic

OP posts:

Juanbablo · 29/05/2019 15:17

We went in July and it was lovely and warm, mid 20s. Wore leggings and t-shirt or dresses. Cardigan for evenings.

tryingtobebetterallthetime · 29/05/2019 16:41

Dress in Vancouver is very casual almost anywhere. You will not feel out of place in almost anything you would wear in the UK. People are not very concerned about fashion in my experience. August in Vancouver can be very hot and dry. Usually very little rain, but there can be exceptions. Bring mostly hot weather clothes with a jumper (sweater) and a light packable rain jacket.

The weather around Banff is more changeable but my bet is it will be warm. The interior of BC can be VERY hot in August. Vancouver Island is usually a more moderate version of Vancouver but can get cooler.

I hope you have a wonderful time.

HappenedForAReisling · 29/05/2019 17:01

I'm in Western Canada but not as far west as Vancouver, which others have said is like the UK.

Dress as you would in the UK.

tryingtobebetterallthetime · 29/05/2019 17:47

For those cruising to Alaska. It can be really chilly especially near the glaciers. I wanted a much warmer jacket, a hat, and gloves on our cruise in early August. You will likely want to be on deck to watch everything so being warm is good. It was warm in other ports so summer clothes. It did rain a bit. I guess the theme is be prepared.

rideawhiteswan · 29/05/2019 18:01

It was pleasantly warm everyday, except for one day of drizzly rain.

Sumsuch · 29/05/2019 18:08

I'm from Alberta....
People tend to be more casual there, but dresses are still fine.
Definitely a mix of clothes. August can be absolutely stinking hot. Or a bit chilly
Have fun in Banff ff 😊

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