Some travelers are perfectly happy to toss a few things in their carry-on right before leaving on a big trip. If they wind up not having something during their vacation, they simply do without.
Others prefer planning out their packing lists weeks or even months in advance. They like to plan for every possible scenario, with outfits for different weather and activities that they might enjoy during their trip.
Regardless of where you fall on the packing preparation spectrum, knowing what items are essential for your visit to Sointula Lodge is important. For instance, you won’t want to forget to get your Canadian fishing license ahead of your trip. If you’re visiting from outside of Canada, your passport is another must-have. Other items, like sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, warm layers, and a swimsuit in case you want to hop in the hot tub can also make your visit a little more comfortable and enjoyable.
But while we’ve compiled packing lists to help you make the most of your luggage and have everything you’ll need, there are also a few items that you can leave behind on your next trip. This will not only save some room in your bag but might also help make your trip a little more fun or a little less stressful. Keep reading to learn what items you can leave at home.
1. Your Fishing Gear
If you’ve never enjoyed a fishing trip before, you might be wondering whether you need to go out and purchase a rod, reel, or tackle to bring with you. Or, if you’re an avid angler with a large collection of gear at home, you might be thinking about bringing your favorite set-up along with you.
But traveling with fishing gear can be a major headache. From checking fishing rods to keeping hooks and lines from tangling in your suitcase, it’s a hassle that you won’t want to deal with. Some gear can’t even be included in your carry-on and needs to be carefully packed in checked luggage.
Luckily, when you visit Sointula Lodge, you won’t have to worry about any of this.
That’s because we provide all of the fishing gear that you’ll need during your visit. Not only does this mean not having to handle bringing your own along, but it also means that you’ll be equipped with the right equipment for the type of fish you’ll be casting for. Besides providing the gear, our experienced guides will also make sure that you know how to properly set it up to increase your chances of a successful day on the water.
2. Canadian Cash
For American and other foreign visitors, you might be planning to exchange your cash for Canadian dollars when you reach the airport. But for the most part, this is one thing you don’t need to worry about.
Most Canadian merchants accept standard credit cards that you likely use at home, including Visa, MasterCard, and AMEX. You will need to check with your credit card company or bank to find out whether you’ll need to pay international transaction fees for your purchases.
At Sointula Lodge, your package includes just about every expense you’ll come across while on our property. The only things you’ll need money for once you arrive are any items you’d like from the gift shop, and tips for staff members. Your food, gear, and other expenses are covered by your trip fee, so you won’t need to worry about carrying your wallet with you each day of your trip.
3. Laptops and Entertainment
If you know that you’ll need to send an email or want to stay in touch with friends and family back home, you can pack your laptop or tablet. There is basic Wifi available at the Lodge that you can use.
But if you’re packing a laptop or other entertainment because you worry that you’ll get bored when you get off the water each day, think again. From relaxing in the hot tub or sauna to enjoying an evening by the campfire or taking a hike around the island, there’s no shortage of things to do at our Lodge. Of course, if it’s your style, a good book might be just the thing to pack for a relaxing evening on the dock watching the sun go down.
4. Rain Gear
While summer is the driest time of year for British Columbia, you may still have a rainy day or two during your visit. In most cases, morning or afternoon rain showers won’t stick around all day, but it’s still good to be prepared so you don’t wind up wet and uncomfortable for the rest of your time out on the water.
But bulky, heavy rain gear isn’t exactly easy to stuff into your carry-on. And bringing it home wet can lead to a musty, stinky back. That’s just one of the reasons why rain gear is something that we provide for all guests. From boots to waterproof float jackets, we’ve got you covered in case a sudden rain shower does strike.
5. Selfie Sticks
Skipping the selfie stick doesn’t mean that you’ll be missing out on getting some great photos of yourself and your friends or family during your visit. But with our guides on hand to help you capture the moment, this is one more item that you don’t need to worry about packing.
6. Binoculars
Whether you’ll be enjoying one of our fishing packages or our Marine Wilderness Tours, binoculars are a handy tool to have along. They might just help you spot orcas in the distance or a bear wandering along the distant shoreline.
If you have a pair of binoculars that you love to use, you can certainly bring them along. But if you don’t, or if you want to save a little space in your luggage, don’t fret; this is another item that your guide will have ready for you on the boat.
7. Coolers (If you’re flying to Sointula Lodge)
If you’re road-tripping to Vancouver Island for your next visit to Sointula Lodge, you should pack a cooler or two to pack your fish inside when you get ready to leave. While our staff will clean and package your fish, this will allow you to keep them iced on your long ride home.
But if you’re flying to Vancouver Island, leave your cooler at home. Our staff will package your fish into wax boxes that will keep them fresh on your shorter trip home. Plus, these boxes are designed for air travel, so you’ll have no trouble checking them when you get to the airport.
Packing for Your Visit to Sointula Lodge
If you want to save yourself some room in your luggage or just like having a perfectly prepared packing list, these are a few items you won’t need to worry about bringing along.
For more tips on what to bring and what to skip, check out our guide to preparing for your visit.
