Summer in Canada runs from June to September, but the weather can be pretty variable throughout these months.
While the days are considerably warmer than earlier in the year, spontaneous rain showers and random foggy days still happen.
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So if you’re planning to travel around the country, you’ll undoubtedly experience different temperatures and weather conditions.
As a result, knowing what to wear in Canada in summer can be a bit of a minefield at first.
However, by taking some time to plan before packing for Canada in summer, you can ensure you come prepared!
If you are traveling to Canada in colder weather, you will need to read our guide on what to wear in winter.
What To Pack For Canada During Summer
The best way to navigate the different climates in Canada is to bring many layers.
This way, you can easily regulate your temperature by adding or removing clothing items.
Aside from layers, you should bring clothing for all occasions.
A Canadian summer trip features outdoor activities like hiking and watersports, city visits, and nights out.
Here are the layers we recommend having on your packing list for Canada in the summer.
Short & Long-Sleeve Tees
You’ll need warm weather clothing like t-shirts and tank tops wherever you go in Canada. In the warmer regions, a t-shirt or long-sleeve top may be sufficient, and in colder areas, they make excellent base layers.
We recommend packing a mix of styles, from t-shirts to vest tops and perhaps one strappy top for women.
Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, nylon, and rayon.
Bring at least one or two long-sleeve tops too. Look for one with sun protection like this one from BALEAF. The SPF 50+ protection and long sleeves will allow you to enjoy your vacation without the worry of sunburn.
Hoodies & Sweaters
Many parts of Canada will be too chilly for just a t-shirt, so you’ll need a handful of hoodies, sweaters, or cardigans. We suggest at least one formal-style jumper like the Superdry Men’s V-Neck Jumper. Pairing it with a shirt or polo shirt gives a stylish, smart-casual look.
In addition, bring a hoodie suitable for hiking and other outdoor activities. We like the Libin Women’s Full-Zip Hoodie as it’s incredibly breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying.
As the temperature can vary from place to place, you may want to bring a lightweight summer hoodie and a thicker, warmer one if you’re traveling across the country.
Long Pants
With fluctuating temperatures, summer in Canada does not mean every day is a short and t-shirt day. Therefore, make sure a few pairs of long pants are on your packing list for Canada in summer.
These can include jeans for both men and women, chinos and sweatpants for men, and leggings and linen or harem pants for women.
These Dokotoo Womens Drawstring Tie Loose Jogger Pants are ideal for summer weather. They feature a breathable soft fabric to keep you feeling cool and comfortable.
Shorts
As temperatures can reach up to 35°C during summer in Canada, you’ll definitely want to bring some shorts for those hot days.
Skirts are also an excellent alternative for women, especially for days spent wandering around the cities and towns.
A 50/50 split between long pants and shorts is generally acceptable for a summer vacation in summer.
Shoes & Sandals
We recommend bringing a few different footwear options, including a good pair of walking shoes. You’ll likely spend a large part of your vacation exploring on foot. Hence, a high-quality and comfortable pair of shoes is essential.
Skechers do a wide range of comfortable walking shoes, such as these Women’s BOBS B Cute Sneakers, which come in multiple colors and go with any casual outfit.
In addition, they have a Memory Foam cushioned comfort insole with a contoured arch, so you won’t experience sore feet after a long day of exploring.
You’ll also want to pack some smart shoes for evenings out. For men, bring your favorite dress shoes, and for women, take your pick between heels, wedges, or flats.
And don’t forget to bring some sandals or flip-flops if you’re visiting the beach towns or planning to do some watersports.
Sneakers/ Hiking Shoes
Are you planning to check out some of the country’s beautiful nature spots and hiking routes?
If so, you’ll need footwear that can handle the rugged and various terrain and provide stability on the steep, rocky trails.
Opt for a pair with a breathable mesh lining like these Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoes.
They also have an air cushion in the heel for shock absorption and a Kinetic Fit™ TRI insole that contours to your foot’s unique shape for long-lasting comfort.
Smart/Casual Attire
You’ll need some smart-casual clothing if you’re visiting Canada’s big cities to check out the culinary scene. While shirts are not a travel-friendly item of clothing, cotton polo shirts are less likely to crease and much more versatile.
Some materials on women’s blouses are prone to creasing, creating a problem if you don’t have an iron.
However, dresses come in much more travel-friendly materials and various styles.
Plus, many frocks can be dressed up and down to work for both casual day wear and formal evening use.
Jumpsuits are another fantastic versatile item of clothing for women. Like dresses, you can use accessories to make the outfit more or less casual as required.
The Relipop Floral Print Ruffle Hem Romper is an excellent example. It also has long sleeves, giving you more coverage in the unpredictable summer climate.
Sportswear
Canada has an abundance of hiking and biking trails and many water sports on offer.
So, when deciding what to wear in Canada in summer, ensure you have suitable clothing for some awesome outdoor adventures.
Pack a few breathable and quick-drying sports tops and a lightweight running jacket with SPF protection.
For men, a comfortable pair of hiking pants, and for women, a stretchy pair of yoga pants with good freedom of movement.
We also recommend bringing a pair of sports shorts, which are particularly good for activities like kayaking and sailing.
Swimwear
Canada may not have warm tropical waters, but the ocean in some coastal towns is generally suitable for swimming in July and August.
What’s more, many surfers frequent the east and west coasts in summer.
So, if you’re planning to spend time by the sea on your Canadian vacation, packing a swimsuit is not out of the question!
Travel Outfit Ideas For Canada In Summer
When deciding how to dress in Canada in summer, remember to bring clothing for all occasions.
Here are a few Canadian summer outfit ideas to inspire you.
Outfits For Men
Below, you’ll find travel outfit ideas for men.
City Breaks
Generally, people dress smart/casual in Canada’s big cities. Even so, comfort remains vital, especially if you’re walking around all day.
Start your city outfit with this KUYIGO Slim Fit Long Sleeve Polo Shirt. As a long-sleeved top, you can easily roll the sleeves up if it’s warm outside, and you can pair it with jeans for a day-to-night look.
We like the Lee Performance Series Extreme Motion Athletic Fit Jeans. They have a comfortable and flexible waistband that adapts to your body and gives a full range of motion.
Keep the look semi-formal with these Cole Haan Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoes with a high-quality, stylish upper.
They also feature Grand. OS comfort technology that heightens comfort during extended periods of walking.
Finally, complete the look with a pair of Gucci Sunglasses.
Small Town Visits
If you’re visiting the smaller towns in Canada, you’ll see how the locals keep it casual. So choose a relaxed look to blend in and feel comfortable.
These Hey Dude Wally L Stretch Shoes are insanely comfortable and durable with an excellent memory foam cushioned insole.
If you’re blessed with beautiful weather, unpack your shorts. You can’t go wrong with these Wrangler Authentics Premium Twill Cargo Shorts, which come in various colors.
Pair them with a casual tee like this INTO THE AM Short Sleeve Crew Neck Tee is a complementing color.
Don’t get caught in an unexpected rainfall or temperature drop. Instead, carry around a lightweight rain jacket like this North Face one that folds up into a small carry bag and a cozy, lightweight hoodie like this one from 32 DEGREES COOL.
Outdoor Sports
Make the most of the great Canadian outdoors with this comfortable, flexible, and breathable outfit.
These Adidas Terrex AX3 Hiking Shoes give an extraordinary grip even in wet conditions, and the mesh upper prevents overheating.
We love these Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants, as you can turn them into shorts on hot days thanks to the zip-off legs feature.
They are also made from breathable, wicking, UPF 50 fabric, protecting you from the sun’s harsh rays, the elements, and overheating.
Choose a moisture-wicking hiking top like the Under Armour Tech 2.0 Short-Sleeve T-Shirt and a lightweight pullover like the Willit UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie with long sleeves and thumbholes for complete sun protection.
Outfits For Women
Below, you’ll find travel outfit ideas for women.
City Breaks
Find the right balance between sleek and comfort with this gorgeous SheIn Floral Tie Front Flare Dress.
It features a cute deep v neck and a ruffle hem design with a self-tie front that can be dressed up and down, taking you from day to night.
The dress looks adorable with this Straw Panama Hat, which features wide brims and sun protection to keep the sun out of your face.
And of course, a lightweight cardigan is a must, like this one from Daily Ritual. It has a comfortable, flowy fit and open design, giving the dress a casual day look. Switch to this Sidefeel Casual Blazer when going out in the evening.
Wedges and sandals look beautiful but look for ones with a flat, cushioned sole suitable for all-day walking. For example, the DREAM PAIRS Open Toe Ankle Strap Espadrille has a Cushioned PU insole and durable PVC outsole.
Small Town Visits
When visiting beach towns and rural areas, opt for a cozy, relaxed outfit like this. Pair these Wielsscca Drawstring Shorts with this MIHOLL Cute Twist Knot Waffle Knit Tank Top for an effortless look and a comfy feel.
Keep your feet feeling good with a comfortable pair of walking shoes like these Reebok Dailyfit Walking Shoes, which were voted “Best for All-Day Comfort” by Women’s Health Magazine.
They feature an innovative airflow technology that moves air to give the best cushioning for each stride.
Add some style to your look with a pair of Micheal Kors Sunglasses, and don’t forget a packable rain jacket. The 33,000ft Women’s Raincoat has a slim-fit style and a 100% fully sealed design.
Outdoor Sports
Enjoy an epic hike with this stylish yet functional outdoor outfit. Start with these eye-catching Merrell Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoes with a breathable mesh lining and a Kinetic Fit Base removable contoured insole for flexible support.
Pair them with these Libin Lightweight Joggers. They boast a quick-drying, breathable fabric to keep you cool and dry whatever the weather and the elastic cuffs allow you to roll them up if needed.
Opt for a breathable, loose-fit sports top like this Kimmery Criss Cross Back Tee and layer up with a hoodie.
The moisture-wicking mesh fabric dries sweat and rain quickly but does not offer total rain protection, so don’t forget your rain jacket!
Final Thoughts On What To Wear In Canada During Summer
We hope this guide has given you a clear understanding of what to wear in Canada in the summer.
Although you’ll need to bring various layers, the good thing about traveling during these months is that you don’t need thick, bulky clothing.
By following our list on what to pack for Canadian summer, you can travel light yet be prepared for all weather conditions.
If you still haven’t booked your accommodation for Canada, we recommend using Booking.com to compare hotels and hostels.
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