What to Pack for Your Quebec Adventure

Adventure-specific Guidelines

• While a water-resistant or waterproof bag is not required, it is helpful to have as bags may be exposed to rain during transfers. If you do not have one, and do not wish to purchase one for this adventure, a good alternative is to place everything inside your luggage into some type of waterproof liner. This will help ensure that, even if your bag gets wet, your items inside will stay dry.
• It is possible that we may experience cold and windy temperatures, particularly when we are on the water in the Zodiacs, so we ask that you be properly prepared. Waterproof rain gear is essential should the area be experiencing inclement weather.
• Layers, layers, layers! It is far better to wear a long underwear base with an insulated jacket and an outer waterproof/windproof layer than to have a single large jacket. This will keep you toasty if outside temperatures are cold, and you can always shed layers if you grow too warm.
• Natural fibers such as merino wool and silk are superior to cotton because they can trap warm air even when wet. Please remember that down garments lose their ability to insulate when they get wet, so be sure you have a waterproof layer that will fit over any down jackets.
• Body heat is most likely to be lost from the head, hands and feet; it is important to keep them warm and dry with hats, gloves and thermal socks.
  
  

Clothing

• Face masks
  —High-quality masks such as N95, KN95, or 3-ply surgical masks offer the best protection.
• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Lightweight, breathable, waterproof rain gear 
  —You will need both a rain jacket with a hood and rain pants. It is extremely important your rain gear be fully waterproof, not just water-repellent. Waterproof shells that can be layered over fleece, should temperatures be chilly, are ideal. Flimsy, plastic raingear is easily torn, rendering it useless for the remainder of the adventure, so we recommend you avoid these items when possible. Your raingear may be your most useful pieces of clothing.
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or walking shoes
  —Again, make sure your boots/shoes are completely waterproof, not just water-resistant. They should also have good tread so you do not slip during walks should we experience inclement weather. Your boots/shoes should also be broken in to prevent blisters.
  — If you are comfortable hiking in tennis shoes, you may opt to bring these instead of hiking boots. Keep in mind, however, that hiking boots will be better suited for mud and rain.
•  Warm jacket 
• Warm sweater or fleece 
• Warm hat and gloves 
  —It can be quite cool during early morning excursions.
•  Scarf or fleece neck gaiter 

• Silk or polypropylene long underwear
  —Bring both tops and bottoms, as they are very helpful for layering under your regular clothes.
  
• 2–3 long-sleeved shirts  
  
• 2–3 short-sleeved T-shirts 
• 2–3 pairs of long pants
  —You may also want to bring zip-off pants, which are perfect for cool mornings and evenings and warmer afternoons.
  
• 1–2 sets of nicer clothes (optional)
  —While the dress code on the majority of the trip is very casual, some guests may prefer to bring a couple outfits of smart casual clothing for evenings/dinners throughout the trip.
• Socks
  —Bring several pairs of warm socks made of wool or other synthetic material. Cotton socks are not recommended.
  
• Underwear
• Warm sleepwear (nights can be chilly)
• Extra pair of walking shoes (tennis shoes or sandals are fine)
  —It’s nice to put your feet in a fresh pair of casual shoes or sandals at the end of the day if you’ve been wearing hiking boots all day.
• Swimsuit (optional)
  —The Fairmont La Malbaie has a swimming pool.
  
  
  

Additional Items

• Cash
  —For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation).
  —For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use and food and beverages not included in your trip fee).
• Binoculars
  —Binoculars are very useful for spotting wildlife in the distance and can definitely make your experience more enjoyable. Waterproof binoculars are not required.
• Hairdryer are provided at all accommodations.
• Sunglasses (with UV filter)
  —Polarized glasses help you to see through the reflection at the surface of the water and can be very useful while looking for marine life. Most sunglasses are not polarized, and it can be worth purchasing them in order to get the most out of your wildlife adventure. It’s also a good idea to have a strap on your glasses for security while on the water.
• Headlamp or small flashlight
  
• Earplugs
•  Toiletries in reusable bottles to minimize waste
  —Shampoo and soap will be provided at all accommodations on this adventure.
•   Tissue mini packs
• Dry skin lotion
• Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment
  —Repellents containing DEET are the most effective against mosquitoes, but please be aware that DEET is a very strong ingredient which can damage plastics, clothing and equipment
• Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF30)
• Small medical kit
• Water bottle
  —In our continuing effort to operate adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, we will provide you with a reusable water bottle upon arrival.
•  Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags  
  —Bring several sizes. They are very useful for wet or dirty clothing and for protecting camera equipment.
•  Hiking poles (if needed) 
  —If you choose to bring hiking poles make sure they fit in your checked baggage, as you generally will not be allowed to carry them on the plane.
•  Sewing kit
• Sun hat with brim 
  —Make sure that your hat has a brim for sun protection. Also, have something to secure your hat when it is windy. You do not want it to get blown overboard during the adventure.
•  Water-resistant daypack 
  —To carry camera gear and other equipment during outings.