What to Pack for a Cross Canada Road Trip

Essential Prep, Packing Tips, and Camper Van Guide for a Cross-Canada Road Trip

Anja's Canadian Road Trip – Blog Entry #2: Prep, Pick Up And Packing!

What to Pack for a Cross Canada Road Trip - Planning a cross-Canada road trip is an adventure in itself, filled with lists, logistics, and a dash of excitement. From prepping for the journey to picking up the rental camper van and perfecting your packing strategy, this part of the journey was as thrilling as it was rewarding. Here's a detailed look at how I tackled these essential steps for my cross-country adventure from Kingston, Ontario, to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Preparation began with a deep dive into weather forecasts and road conditions. The weather across Canada can be unpredictable, especially in spring. Southeastern Ontario was just beginning to warm up and turn green when I started planning, but Northern Ontario's forecast still included snow. This variability meant sourcing extra layers, emergency gear, and an array of supplies to cover every possible scenario. 

What to Pack for a Cross Canada Road Trip 

My first packing strategy was layering. From Ontario's cool mornings to the Rockies' unpredictable weather, I knew I'd need options. A mix of thermal shirts, a variety of waterproof jackets and coats, as well as lightweight t-shirts were packed. For footwear, I packed hiking boots, sneakers, a pair of sandals for the warmer days out west, and of course my trusty campsite crocs - perfect for campground shower facilities!

How to Prepare, Pack, and Hit the Road for a Cross-Canada Road Trip: Planning the Route

What to Pack for a Cross Canada Road Trip? Another key prep step was mapping out the route. Online tools helped plan driving distances, while making reservations ensured I'd have a place to rest each night. To ensure I stayed on the right path I picked-up paper maps and downloaded the digital version of the CAA Classic: Trip Tiks. I knew there would be stretches of highway without cellular service and I wanted to ensure I was prepared. For more information on how I planned this cross-Canada road trip, check out my blog, "How to Plan a Canadian Road Trip: Heading West from Ontario to British Columbia".

How to Prepare, Pack, and Hit the Road for a Cross-Canada Road Trip: Picking up the Rental Camper Van

Two days before we were set to leave, I picked up the rental camper van, my home on wheels for the next three weeks. After weeks of planning, seeing the van in person felt surreal. The team at Karma Campervans provided amazing support through emails and even an orientation video that walked me through the many features: a compact kitchenette with fresh and grey water storage as well as a quality cooler, a cozy sleeping space consisting of a queen size mattress, a complex off-grid solar system that, thankfully, works without me having to do anything, an easy-to-use heater, and plenty of storage and USB outlets! I did a thorough walk-around, checked off the list of supplies and was on my way!

Driving the van for the first time was a mix of excitement and adjustment. It was larger than my everyday vehicle, so I took it easy on my drive home from the rental pick-up location in Ottawa. Picking the van up a couple of days early provided me with ample time to get familiar with driving it, loading all the gear and stocking the supplies, like food, paper towel, maps and charging cables.

Packing Like a Pro for a Cross-Canada Road Trip

What to Pack for a Cross Canada Road Trip? Packing for a cross-Canada road trip requires strategy and foresight. My approach aimed to balance practicality with comfort, ensuring I had everything needed for the journey. It was a bit like packing for a camping trip, but with a mix of things you'd need in a hotel. Here are the essentials that made it into the van:

• Layered Clothing: Packing for varying climates was non-negotiable. The Rockies' cold winds called for fleece jackets and thermal pants, while the Okanagan's sunny valleys demanded breathable fabrics.
• Non-Perishable Snacks: Granola bars, trail mix, and dried fruit became my go-to staples, minimizing unnecessary stops. I also packed a cooler for fresh items like fruit, cream cheese, and drinks.
• Refillable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated was easy thanks to refill stations at campgrounds and rest stops.
• Toiletries: like biodegradable soap and shampoo, plus tooth brushes and tooth paste, and a kit to take to the campsite showers.
• Entertainment: Long stretches of road required distractions. Pre-downloaded audiobooks, playlists, and podcasts kept me company when the radio signals and cell service faded.

The camper van's many storage spaces were a blessing, but staying organized was crucial. I used bins for clothes that fit on the camper's elevated shelving, and the kitchen cupboards for dry food. I stashed camping gear and other bulky items in the camper van "garage" which is the storage area under the bed accessible through the back doors.

Prepped, Packed and ready to go on a Cross-Canada Road Trip!

Whether you're planning a similar journey or simply dreaming of hitting the road, these steps can make your adventure smooth and enjoyable. The open road awaited, and with my camper van packed to perfection, I couldn't wait to see what Canada had in store.

Stay tuned for Anja's Canadian Road Trip – Blog Entry #3: How to pass the time on a long road trip.

What to Pack for a Cross Canada Road Trip

 Tips and tricks on prepping and packing for your cross-Canada road trip