Whether you’re heading out for a weekend of camping, hiking the West Coast Trail, or trying glamping for the first time, the Canadian wilderness should definitely be on your bucket list this summer. Nature has magically restorative properties to help you unplug from the urban grid.
While Canadian summer days can run hot, evenings also cool right down, a shift in temperature that makes thoughtful packing essential for comfort, a sense of ease and well-being while far from home.
Here’s our latest guide to eco-friendly camping tips that will support and nourish your time outdoors, while helping you to leave no trace along the way. From functional must-haves to packable rituals, we hope this guide gives you some good ideas on how to stay healthy, grounded and present.
🌲 Packing & Gear
-
Pack reusables: Bring reusable utensils, dishes, cloth napkins, and stainless steel containers. Avoid single-use plastics entirely.
-
Opt for multi-use items: Gear that serves multiple purposes saves space and waste, like a bandana (towel, pot holder, headband) or a pot that’s also your bowl.
-
Choose sustainable materials: Go for bamboo toothbrushes, biodegradable soap, and compostable sponges or cloths. Avoid synthetic microfiber cloths that shed plastic.
-
Rent or borrow gear: Especially for infrequent campers, renting tents, stoves, or bear canisters reduces unnecessary production and clutter.
-
Use rechargeable batteries: For headlamps, lanterns, and GPS devices. Solar chargers are also a great backup.
🥾 Food & Cooking
-
Pre-prep your meals at home: Dehydrate meals that can be easily rehydrated onsite, chop veggies, cook grains, and portion spices in advance to reduce waste and packaging. And if that’s not possible, use freeze-dried meal packs for quick eats along the way.
-
Ditch disposable packaging: Transfer food to beeswax wraps, silicone bags (like Stasher), or lightweight stainless containers.
-
Bring a water filter: Instead of lugging bottled water, use a gravity or squeeze filter to purify water from lakes or rivers. I’ve used the grayl system and we love it.
-
Plan zero-waste meals: Think soups, stews, and stir-fries that use every part of your ingredients and leave no waste behind.
♻️ Waste Management
-
Pack in, pack out: Bring compostable bags or odour-proof bags for garbage and carry it out — even if it’s biodegradable.
-
Carry a trowel for “Leave No Trace”: For burying human waste properly (at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 ft from water).
-
DIY fire starters: Use dryer lint, wax-dipped egg cartons, or toilet paper rolls stuffed with paper scraps instead of chemical fire starters.
🧼 Clean & Green
-
Use unscented, biodegradable soap: Even eco-friendly soap should be used at least 60m from lakes or streams.
-
Wash dishes in a basin: Strain out food bits and scatter greywater far from water sources.
🐾 Wildlife & Conservation
-
Pack Food in odour-proof containers: Prevent attracting wildlife with bear-proof canisters or waterproof dry bags.
-
Leave no trace: Stay on trails, camp on durable surfaces, and leave rocks, plants, and critters undisturbed.
⛺ Comfort Items
Elevate your moments with thoughtful extras such as:
-
Cozy blankets or an insulated poncho
-
A hammock
-
Biodegradable wipes
-
Your favourite books or magazines
☕ Don’t Forget Your Hot Cocoa!
Camping often means shifting routines, but some rituals are worth taking with you, especially the ones that support your body and mind.
Start a morning campfire with Cocoa Sun Ritual in your coffee, or wind down in the evening with Cocoa Moon Ritual, so you can surrender to the stars and get a great night’s sleep.
Both blends come in resealable pouches that are easy to pack and simple to prepare, just stir into hot water or your favourite milk product.
Take It All In & Enjoy
Camping isn’t just about where you go but how you show up. With the right essentials, some thoughtful prep and your nourishing rituals packed, your time outdoors can stay with you in how you reconnect, reset and ease back into everyday life.
