Canada’s diverse landscapes provide the perfect setting for adventurous road trips and long-distance travel opportunities. The wilderness areas across the country are set up with extensive camping infrastructure that includes services for those who travel with RVs (recreational vehicles).
For those who like to stay put but don’t necessarily want to own a home or property, there are multitudes of luxurious resort-style RV communities to go to for extended and long-term stays.
Much like sailboat culture, RV culture is strong in Canada, creating a community-like feeling for RVers who come together to share this unique lifestyle. It’s common to see groups of RVs travelling together in a caravan. The lifestyle is accessible to people of all ages and abilities, making it extra appealing for Canada’s seniors and retirees.
A fair percentage of Canadians own RVs, and during the travel restrictions of 2020-2021, these vehicles became even more popular for domestic travel.
Use this guide to find out everything you need to know about RV travel in Canada. Whether you are looking to park off for a weekend or do a more long-term trip, we’ve spotlighted a handful of the most beautiful RV parks across Canada for you to visit.
Road travel in Canada is marked by immense natural beauty and diversity. A drive from the west coast to the east coast offers up to 15 different ecozones. These unique zones include but aren’t limited to:
Temperate rainforest
Desert
Inland boreal and rainforests
Grasslands
Boreal shield
Mixedwood plains
Taiga
Atlantic maritime terrain
RV communities are social and supportive. There’s a sense of camaraderie among RV enthusiasts who are usually happy to share travel tips, directions and suggestions with others. At long-term RV establishments, lifelong friendships are formed. This is especially important for seniors who may otherwise have a hard time making new friends.
RVs are an accessible way to travel and access Canada’s wildlife, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. For seniors or differently-abled people, RVs provide comfort and security that may not be possible with camping. RVs allow people to comfortably spend time deep in Canada’s parks without needing to hike in or carry camping gear.
Short-term RV parks are generally located near provincial and national parks, rivers, lakes, the ocean or forests. For those who’d prefer not to camp or rent accommodation, RVs provide a chance to immerse in nature for some time. Short-term RV Parks are perfect for nature lovers who are travelling, or those looking for an affordable and comfortable break from the city.
These parks generally provide the same amenities as you’d expect at a campsite, along with RV hookups for electricity and water. Sometimes there may be a small general store as well. It’s important to book your spot early during peak season.
Canada’s most beautiful short-term RV parks include:
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is where visitors from far and wide come to enjoy long sandy beaches, untouched rainforests, and charming seaside towns such as Tofino. The park is in the traditional lands of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.
Wildlife viewing is epic—sightings of humpback whales, sea stars, ocean-hunting wolves, and grizzly and black bears are common occurrences at Pacific Pim. People come to Long Beach to surf. The seaside forest trails, such as the West Coast Trail, are also renowned in global hiking communities. Storm-watching is another pastime for both locals and visitors.
Most RV sites are at the well-maintained Green Point Campground, where you’’ need to make reservations. The sites have electric hookups, water and a dump station. Flush toilets and hot showers are a bonus.
Banff National Park holds the title of being Canada’s first National Park. The park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature lovers from all over the world flock here to see turquoise-coloured glacial lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, forests and the wildlife that call the park home.
Lake Louise is probably one of the most photogenic (and photographed) lakes in the world. The Banff townsite is a quintessential charming ski town with a large international population. The park also has hot springs, a gondola and ice fields. If you are lucky you might spot elk, mountain goats or a grizzly bear.
RV-friendly sites are found at various campgrounds including Tunnel Mountain, Two Jack Lakeside, and Lake Louise. The amenities vary and include power and water hookups, washrooms and dump stations. Banff National Park is world-famous, and It’s imperative that you make reservations during the summer. Canada’s parks are big on eco-friendly practices, so pack out all of your waste and respect the wildlife, whose territory you are visiting.
Algonquin Provincial Park is Ontario’s oldest (and also one of its largest) provincial parks. Birdwatchers delight in viewing over 200 bird species, and canoers, kayakers and paddle boarders could paddle for days on the park's 1500+ lakes, which are connected by rivers.
The park is especially known for its colours in the fall. The deciduous trees turn fiery reds, oranges and yellows before they drop their leaves. These colours attract photographers from all over the world.
Outdoor enthusiasts visit the park to enjoy water sports and recreation, fishing, hiking, skiing, skating and snowshoeing.
Several of Algonquin’s campgrounds offer RV sites with electrical and water hookups and comfort stations with hot showers and flush toilets. Popular campgrounds for RVers include Lake of Two Rivers and Pog Lake.
Long-term RV Resorts provide retirees with an affordable and manageable lifestyle. These resorts are often social, allowing residents to make friends with like-minded people who live close by. Activities and recreational facilities keep seniors active, and combined with ample outdoor time, RV living is a healthy and fulfilling way to spend the retirement years.
RV Resorts differ from campsites in that they provide extra amenities, similar to those in luxury condos or apartment buildings. These include:
Laundry facilities
Recreational facilities—these can include pools, hot tubs and games rooms.
Dog parks
Comprehensive RV hookups - water, sewer, and electrical connections directly to your RV.
Shuttle services
Convenience stores
Cable TV and wi-fi
Tennis and/or golf courses
Gyms
Pools
Bathhouses
These resorts often cater to retirees or those wanting to live minimally. Some of the nicest RV resorts in Canada include:
Living Forest is near the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The resort spans 53 acres of oceanfront, rainforest, and river landscapes. It has a long list of features and amenities which include:
30 Amp & 50 amp sites.
Sewer hookups and Sani-Dump.
Group RV site available with shelter, firepit and bocce court.
A seasonal Living Forest Cafe features gourmet coffees, teas, breakfast sandwiches, ice cream and a deck with an incredible waterview; plus free wi-fi and laptop recharging stations.
Office and store.
The large laundromat features 6 dryers and 6 washers.
Hi-speed wireless internet access.
Kayak and canoe rentals.
Games room with library, card tables, kitchenette, fireplace, big screen TV and lounge area.
Full-size concrete basketball court.
The volleyball net is set up next to the beach.
Trailheads for walking trails along the Nanaimo River with forested trails and ocean viewpoints.
Desert Lake RV Resort is located in the heart of the South Okanagan desert in Oliver, BC. The resort sits on the shores of beautiful Tuc-El-Nuit Lake.
The Okanagan is known for its warm lakes and mild climate. In fact, it’s got the most year-round sunshine in all of BC. Tuc-El-Nuit Lake is surrounded by orchards, vineyards and rolling hills; views which make the Okanagan famous.
The resort offers 40 RV sites with wifi, power, water and sewer hookups, and even hot showers are available. Pets are also welcome so you can bring your furry friends along. Desert Lake is in a great location as nearby wineries, golf courses and the town of Oliver are all close by.
Sun Retreats in Sherkston Shores sits on Lake Eerie, Ont. It's a popular vacation spot and RV resort because it offers 4km of beachfront. With 560 acres of landscaped grounds, guests can choose between camping, private cottages or RV sites.
The resort offers a private beach, water park, sports courts, restaurants, and a fitness area for guests and residents to enjoy. Activities include kayaking, fishing, volleyball, pickleball, swimming, and miniature golf, with free access to the water park, FunPlex, and beach time.
Sun Retreats has the advantage of being close to both Niagara Falls and Toronto, making it easily accessible for many.
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