Are you someone who tosses a few things in your suitcase minutes before leaving for the airport? Or do you prefer making detailed packing lists weeks ahead of your vacation? No matter your style, packing for your first visit to the best fishing resorts BC has to offer can be confusing. What kind of fishing gear do you need? Should you pack warm layers or something cool for your summer trip?
There are a few things you’ll definitely want to pack for your stay at Sointula Lodge. For instance, you won’t want to forget to get your Canadian fishing license. 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 there are also plenty of items that you can leave at home. Keep reading to learn what you won’t need for your next stay. That way, you can save time packing and some space in your suitcase!
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. Some gear can’t even be included in your carry-on and needs to be carefully packed in checked luggage.
If you were planning a stay at Sointula hotels, it would be up to you to bring your own gear and supplies. Luckily, when you visit Sointula Lodge, you won’t have to worry about any of that.
That’s because we provide all of the fishing gear that you’ll need during your visit. This means not having to handle bringing your own along. But it also means that you’ll have the right equipment for the type of fish you’ll be casting for. Besides providing the gear, our experienced guides will also ensure that you know how to properly set it up to increase your chances of a successful day on the water.
Canadian Currency
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, you don’t need to worry about this.
Most Canadian merchants accept standard credit cards that you likely use at home. This includes 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. If you were to stay at other Sointula hotels, having some Canadian currency on hand might be a good idea. But Sointula Lodge is all-inclusive, so you won’t need to worry about carrying your wallet with you each day of your trip.
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 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.
Binoculars
Whether you’ll be enjoying one of our fishing packages or our 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.
Coolers (If you’re flying to Sointula Lodge)
If you’re road-tripping to Vancouver Island for your next visit to the best fishing resorts BC has to offer, 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 the Best Fishing Resort BC Has to Offer
Packing for your stay at the best fishing resorts BC has to offer doesn’t have to be complicated. At Sointula Lodge, we provide almost everything you’ll need for your fishing or wilderness tour. All you have to worry about is packing your fishing license, passport, clothes and personal items. We’ll take care of the rest!
For more tips on what to bring and what to skip, check out our guide to preparing for your visit.