What to bring to the beach in Canada
Whether it is for a long vacation or just a fun day trip, packing can be daunting, especially if you are unsure of what to bring. No one likes to tow a heavy bag full of items that never get touched just as much as forgetting that one all-important thing you needed.
The Basics
These are the items you will need regardless of what you’ll be doing at the beach. Whether you plan to lounge in the sun, play in the sand, or head into the water, everyone needs a place to sit, a bottle to drink from, clothing for the weather and the planned activity, sun protection, and some snacks (you always need snacks!).
While some people would like nothing more than to be out in the sun all day, every day, precaution needs to be taken as sun/heat stroke, melanoma, and other adverse health effects from the sun are very real and very dangerous. To combat this, make sure you apply a generous amount of sunblock with a suitable SPF (and reapply regularly). Keeping the sun off of your face, head, and neck with brimmed hats will also help. Personally, I am a big fan of umbrellas and sun shelters as these can provide quick relief from the sun and are great for young children and animals who need extra sun care.
Staying hydrated is another key to spending a healthy day on the beach. Bringing your own filled water bottle or pouch is beneficial as it ensures you will for sure have access to drinkable water and it’s a lot cheaper than what vendors on the will beach charge.
Sand can get pretty hot in the sun and it can also be very, very messy. That is why most people bring something with them to sit on rather than just laying on the beach itself. While chairs and loungers are super comfortable, they are not necessarily the most convenient as they can be difficult to transport. A beach towel is enough to keep your body separated from the blistering sand and it also does double duty by cleaning and drying you off after going in the water or sweating while playing games. Towels are also ideal for throwing over your shoulders when that breeze from the water blows in.
What to Wear
Clothing choices are more dependent on personal preference, but the key is ensuring that you have the proper clothing for a) your planned activity on the beach (you don’t want to be stuck without a swimsuit if you were planning to spend the day in the water) and b) the weather.
Beaches are renowned for having somewhat unpredictable weather; the sun can bake the sand and make it blazing hot to touch, while a sudden gust of wind can bring a cool breeze from the water to make you shiver. Therefore, it is good to bring a thin article of clothing that can cover you from the wind but also won’t cause you to overheat. Some people find a hat or touque (we are Canadian after all!) is enough for heat retention on a beach.
Sand can be a little finicky, it can be so blisteringly hot that you can barely walk on it, or enough to chill your toes. Sometimes it can be a little bit on the rocky side rather than nice and smooth. And some people just don’t like the sensation on their feet or the tedious task of cleaning it out of their nails and toes. Sand socks can help address these issues and keep your feet protected while playing sports on the beach.
Fun on the water, beach games, and more!
There are so many activities that you can do on the beach—reading, swimming, bbq, paddle boarding, surfing, spikeball, CROSSNET, Beach Ultimate—the possibilities are endless. When it comes to packing for the beach you need to plan for the activities that you’ll be doing and ensure you have the proper gear for them. This way your day on the beach can be carefree and fun!
