Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island Packing List: 7 Days, 1 Carry-On
Soaking in the sun and gorgeous coastal views in historic Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
Links to my outfit: Hat / Sunglasses / Shirt
Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I will earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase. For more info, please see my disclaimer.
Canada’s Atlantic Coast: a region steeped in maritime tradition and abounding with natural beauty. I recently spent a week exploring the provinces of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and here is everything that I packed for my late-summer trip. Did I mention everything fit in my carry-on luggage? Yay for no checked bags!
Please note that everything in this list is in addition to my base packing list.
Tops
To be ready for the forecasted temperature range of the high 50s to low 70s, I brought a mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops as well as layers.
© Uniqlo
Uniqlo 3D Knit Mesh Sweater
I love this mesh sweater. It straddles the line between dressy and casual, and being mesh, it is inherently breathable.
American Giant Women’s Premium Slub Long Sleeve Crew Tee
Made in America with 100% cotton, this long-sleeve crew is a quality product with a timeless look. I own a few of these in different colors, and after looking at their latest color offerings, I might be adding another to my collection 😊
© Target
Target Women’s Slim Fit Short Sleeve Ribbed T-Shirt
This affordable yet stylish top comes in an assortment of colors (I went with red) and can be dressed up or down. It also makes a great base piece; you can easily layer it with a cardigan or jacket.
© Uniqlo
Uniqlo Slub Cotton T-Shirt
Full disclosure: this is, in fact, a men’s shirt. But the boxier shape pairs nicely with form-fitting pants (like Aviator’s Fly Straight jeans).
© Cos
Cos Crew-Neck Linen T-Shirt
When it comes to comfort and breathability, linen is the G.O.A.T. It promotes airflow and wicks away moisture, and it is also hypoallergenic, making it perfect for those of us with sensitive skin. The only downside to linen is that it is often more expensive than other fabrics, such as cotton.
© Target
A New Day Women’s Slim Fit Ribbed Tank Top
I brought this tank in two different colors, and I paired it with a linen-blend button-up shirt (see below).
© Target
Universal Thread Women’s Long Sleeve Collared Linen Button-Down Shirt
Wear this over a tank or by itself – it looks great either way.
American Giant Women’s Premium Slub V-Neck Tee
Rounding out the tops is another American Giant tee, although this one is short-sleeved. This shirt, especially in white or black, is a true capsule wardrobe piece, as it can pair with any number of bottoms.
Bottoms and Dresses
I brought one dress, two pairs of shorts, and three pairs of pants (trousers, for my British readers), one of which I wore on the plane.
© Aviator
Aviator Best Travel Jeans
Aviator’s jeans live up to their name; they truly are great travel jeans. The exact pair I own is currently only available in Aviator’s archive sale, but worry not, they sell other cuts and colors of their travel jeans.
Psst, to save 20% off your order, use the code BOOKISHWAYFARER at checkout.
© Aviator
Aviator Fly Straight Jeans
Another pair of Aviator jeans? What can I say, I like the brand. These Fly Straight jeans in jet black are incredibly versatile, complementing a variety of tops and styles. Unfortunately, as with the preceding pair of Aviator jeans, these jeans are only available in Aviator’s archive sale, but you can buy other similar styles.
Want to learn more about these jeans? Check out my review of Aviator’s Fly Straight jeans.
Marine Layer Jo Wide Leg Cargo Pant
These are the pants that I wore on the plane. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, making them ideal travel trousers (I couldn’t help but go for the alliteration there 😆).
© Uniqlo
Uniqlo Linen Cotton Shorts
I couldn’t pack linen tops without also packing linen bottoms. Crafted from a blend of linen and cotton, these shorts allow you to reap some of the benefits of linen without breaking the bank.
Free People We the Free Palmer Shorts
These are my go-to jean shorts. They are mid-rise with a relaxed fit and feature buttons along the waistband for a vintage look and feel. Colors and sizes are fairly limited on Free People’s website, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for there, try Poshmark.
© Target
Universal Thread Women’s Short Sleeve Button-Front Mini A-Line Dress
What’s a summer trip without a cute summer dress? I bought this dress at Target, but the sizes and colors are fairly limited now. Fear not, though, for people are reselling theirs on Poshmark.
Jackets
Two jackets accompanied me on my trip: one for the rainy days and one for the chilly evenings.
The North Face Antora Rain Hoodie
As the forecast called for rain on a couple of days, I brought my rain jacket with me. My rain jacket is fairly old, though, and consequently, the exact style is no longer made. This Antora Rain Hoodie, however, closely resembles it.
© REI
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket
This jacket is perfect for those cold-but-not-too-cold late summer evenings.
Footwear
I knew we’d be doing a fair amount of walking on this trip, so I made sure to bring comfortable (and breathable) shoes and socks. The last thing I wanted was to have sore, blister-ridden, or dare I say it, smelly feet.
© Hoka
Hoka Challenger 8 Sneakers
My current sneaker of choice: Hoka Challenger 8. They are well-cushioned and grippy, making them an ideal walking shoe, especially on gravel or dirt surfaces. I wore these on the plane to save on suitcase space.
If you require extra support in your footwear (e.g., for overpronation), this sneaker might not be for you. Hoka does make footwear for a variety of needs, though, so consult with your podiatrist to find what shoe works best for you.
© REI
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals
Having grown up in New Hampshire on the border of Vermont, I’ve been rocking Birkenstocks since adolescence. I love Birks because they are comfortable, supportive, and well-made (my current pair replaced my almost two-decade-old pair). Plus, the more you wear your Birks, the more they mold to your feet and the comfier they become.
© Bombas
Bombas Casual Ankle Socks
I have been wearing Bombas socks for years. What keeps me coming back? Two words: style and comfort. Not only do their socks come in a variety of colors, but they are also comfortable and breathable (i.e., perfect for long days of walking).
Sockwell Women’s Circulator Moderate Graduated Compression Sock
Compression socks are a more recent addition to my wardrobe. I began wearing them on flights after learning that they might help to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. These particular socks are 20-30 mmHg, but I recommend consulting with your doctor to determine the right compression level for you.
Other Clothing Items and Accessories
Hats, bathing suits, sunglasses, and whatnot: here is everything else that I packed that isn’t a top, bottom, jacket, or footwear.
Andie Swim the Mykonos One Piece
Prince Edward Island is famous for its beaches, so in case we had time for a quick dip, I packed my swimsuit. More specifically, I packed my Mykonos One Piece, which has a timeless design and flattering silhouette. Plus, it comes in several different colors and has a long torso option that’s perfect for tall girlies.
© QVC
P.J. Salvage x Cozy Zoe Tank Top and Shorts Pajama Set
Cozy PJs are a must when traveling, and this tank-and-shorts set does the trick. As a bonus, it doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase.
AbloomHat Women’s Wide-Brim Straw Hat
This hat makes all the difference on a sunny day, keeping the sun out of my eyes and adding a touch of class to my outfit. So, ditch the baseball cap and try this instead.
© Ray Ban
Ray Ban New Clubmaster Sunglasses
I was recently gifted these sunglasses and am loving them so far. The rose-colored lenses are quite eye-catching and a nice change of pace from the standard blue or black lenses. Plus, the lenses are polarized, which helps to cut down on glare and eyestrain.
Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
I’ve owned this umbrella for several years, and it’s still going strong. Whenever I’m going somewhere where there’s the possibility of rain, I toss it in my suitcase.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen
And last but certainly not least, I packed sunscreen. I’ve been using this sunscreen for a few months now, and so far, so good. I have extremely sensitive skin, and unlike other brands, this one doesn't irritate my skin or clog my pores.
Besides the items listed in my base packing list and toiletries, such as shampoo and toothpaste, this is everything that I brought with me to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section below; otherwise, happy travels!
-Julia
P.S. If you enjoyed this post, please consider supporting me on Buy Me a Coffee.
