Welcome, fellow adventurers, to our curated guide of Canada’s most captivating RV destinations! Having embraced the RV lifestyle for years, traversing this incredible country in our motorhome, we’ve discovered countless gems. From the rugged beauty of the Pacific to the historic charm of the Atlantic, and the vast, soul-stirring landscapes in between, the RV lifestyle truly unlocks the best of Canada.
This section is your detailed roadmap to our favorite road-accessible havens in every province and territory, starting with BC and Alberta. We’ve handpicked spots that are not only stunning but also exceptionally RV-friendly, providing practical insights and personal tips gained from our own experiences on the road. Get ready to embrace the RV lifestyle and explore the diverse wonders of Canada!
(For each province/territory in this and following parts, We’ll give you a quick overview, our top 2-3 picks, campground suggestions with a focus on RV-friendliness, and a personal tip from our travels.)
British Columbia: Majestic Mountains & Coastal Wonders
BC is a dream for RVers, with everything from towering snow-capped peaks to ancient rainforests and dramatic coastlines. The sheer variety means you need to plan for different conditions within the province itself – coastal areas often mean rain gear at the ready and strict wildlife protocols, while the interior can bring summer heat and bustling lakeside resorts.
- Destination 1: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (Long Beach Unit)
- Why: This is the quintessential West Coast experience – miles of sandy beaches pounded by Pacific surf, lush old-growth rainforest trails, and a vibrant surf culture. It’s a place that feels wild and ancient.
- Campground: Green Point Campground is the place to be within the park. It offers drive-in sites with electrical hookups (15/30 amp), flush toilets, showers, and a sani-dump. Given its popularity, reservations are absolutely essential and open early in the year. While the official Parks Canada site mentions pets are not allowed at walk-in or tenting sites, it’s best to double-check the specific policy for RV drive-in sites if you’re traveling with furry friends.
- Our Tip: The “Bare Campsite” policy is strictly enforced here due to the presence of bears, wolves, and cougars. This means all food, coolers (even empty), toiletries, and anything scented must be stored in your hard-sided vehicle when not in immediate use. Also, Vancouver Island weather is famously fickle; pack layers and expect rain, even in summer. The beauty of a stormy day on Long Beach is something else, though!
- Destination 2: Okanagan Valley (e.g., Wood Lake RV Park & Marina, Lake Country)
- Why: If sunshine, warm lakes, and world-class wineries sound like your kind of RVing, the Okanagan is your spot. This semi-arid region is dotted with beautiful lakes like Okanagan, Kalamalka, and Wood, offering endless opportunities for boating, swimming, and fruit picking.
- Campground: Wood Lake RV Park & Marina in Lake Country is a fantastic option. They offer 176 full-service sites (available April through mid-October), including beachfront and pull-thru options, with a modern marina, showers, laundry, a playground, and Wi-Fi. It’s generally pet-friendly (but be sure to confirm specific rules). They even have a sani-dump for a fee if you’re not staying on a full hookup site. Reservations are crucial, especially for summer. We’ve stayed here many times – it is a beautiful family friendly RV park.
- Our Tip: The Okanagan is a major fruit and wine-producing region. Plan your visit around cherry, peach, or apple season for amazing fresh produce from roadside stands. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, and some even have RV parking. It gets very hot and busy in July and August; consider a spring or fall trip for more pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Destination 3: Whistler RV Park and Campground (near Whistler)
- Why: For stunning mountain scenery and year-round outdoor activities, the area around Whistler is hard to beat. While Whistler Village itself is a bustling resort, this RV park offers a fantastic base with incredible views of the surrounding peaks, including Black Tusk.
- Campground: Whistler RV Park and Campground provides sites with magnificent ridge views. Amenities include the Brew Mountain Eatery, a convenience store, a games area, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. Campfires are permitted, and it is ATV and dirt bike friendly in the summer with trails leading right from the campground. In winter, they boast sled-in, sled-out access for snowmobilers. Pet policies weren’t explicitly detailed for RV sites in the provided info, so a quick call ahead would be wise.
- Our Tip: This park offers a more budget-friendly way to experience the Whistler area. The drive up the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) from Vancouver is spectacular in itself. If you’re visiting in winter for snow sports, their discounted long-stay rates and snowmobile access are a huge plus.
Summary Table for British Columbia
Destination Name | Best For | Top RV Campground(s) Example(s) | Key Amenities (Hookups, Dump Stn.) | Optimal Season(s) | Our RVer Tip |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve | Coastal Scenery, Surfing, Rainforest | Green Point Campground | Elec. (15/30A), Sani-dump, Showers | May-Oct | Heed “Bare Campsite” rules; pack for all weather. |
Okanagan Valley (Wood Lake) | Lakes, Wineries, Sunshine | Wood Lake RV Park & Marina | Full Hookups, Wi-Fi, Laundry, Pet-friendly (confirm specifics) | Apr-Oct (Peak Jun-Sep) | Book early! Great for wine tours & fruit season. |
Whistler Area | Mountain Sports, Proximity to Village | Whistler RV Park and Campground | Wi-Fi, Laundry, Eatery, Campfires, ATV/Snowmobile Access | Year-round | Good base for Whistler; check winter access & rates. |

Alberta: Rockies, Badlands, and Prairie Skies
Alberta is a province of dramatic contrasts, from the world-renowned Rocky Mountains to the mysterious Badlands. Planning is key here: the Rockies are incredibly popular and demand early bookings for everything, while the Badlands offer a unique, less crowded (but equally fascinating) experience.
- Destination 1: Banff National Park
- Why: Canada’s first national park, Banff is the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. Think turquoise glacial lakes (Lake Louise, Moraine Lake), towering peaks, abundant wildlife (elk, bighorn sheep, bears), the charming historic town of Banff, and the scenic Bow Valley Parkway.3
- Campgrounds:
- Tunnel Mountain Village II / Trailer Court: Located close to Banff town, these campgrounds are excellent for RVs of all sizes. Village II offers electrical sites (15, 30, 50 amp), while Trailer Court provides full three-way hookups. Both have dump stations, and Trailer Court has showers. Pets are welcome on leash.
- Lake Louise Campground (Hard-sided section): If you want to be near the iconic Lake Louise, this is the spot. It offers electrical hookups (15, 30, 50 amp), a dump station, and showers. It’s specifically for hard-sided units. Pets on leash are welcome.
- Our Tip: Banff is extremely popular. Campsite reservations open in January and often sell out within minutes for peak dates. The same goes for the Parks Canada shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake – RV parking at the lakeshores is virtually non-existent and fills before sunrise, so the shuttle is your best bet. Always be bear aware and store food impeccably; wildlife is frequently seen even in campgrounds.
- Destination 2: Jasper National Park
- Why: The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper offers a slightly wilder, less commercialized feel than Banff. It’s a designated Dark Sky Preserve, boasts the stunning Icefields Parkway connecting it to Banff, and is home to incredible wildlife and landscapes.
- Campgrounds:
- Whistlers Campground: Jasper’s largest campground, recently renovated, with a mix of full-service and electrical-only sites (15, 30, 50 amp). Amenities include hot showers (included in fee), playgrounds, and trails to town. Pets welcome on leash.
- Wapiti Campground: Located along the Athabasca River, offering electrical hookups (15, 30, 50 amp) and showers. A portion of Wapiti is open year-round for winter camping (with limited services). Pets welcome on leash.
- Our Tip: The Icefields Parkway drive between Jasper and Lake Louise is an absolute must-do. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the world. However, there are few services for much of its length, so fill up your gas tank in Jasper or Lake Louise before you start, and pack snacks and water. Check road conditions, especially in spring or fall, as weather can change rapidly at higher elevations.
- Destination 3: Dinosaur Provincial Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Why: Step back in time in this unique badlands landscape, home to one of the world’s richest concentrations of dinosaur fossils. Guided tours allow you to see fossils still in the ground, and the scenery is otherworldly.
- Campground: Dinosaur Campground, located within the park, is nestled in a cottonwood-shaded valley by the Red Deer River. It offers over 120 sites, including unserviced, powered (15/30 amp), and pull-through options. Amenities include flush toilets and showers (seasonal availability, typically until Oct 30), a sani-dump station (water for rinsing is seasonal, off from late Oct to early May), fire pits, a playground, and a concession.
- Our Tip: Book the guided interpretive tours well in advance – they are fantastic and provide access to areas of the park otherwise off-limits. The summer heat in the badlands can be intense, so plan hikes and fossil hunting for the cooler morning or evening hours. The stargazing here, far from city lights, is absolutely incredible.
Summary Table for Alberta
Destination Name | Best For | Top RV Campground(s) Example(s) | Key Amenities (Hookups, Dump Stn.) | Optimal Season(s) | Our RVer Tip |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Banff National Park | Iconic Rockies, Lakes, Wildlife | Tunnel Mountain, Lake Louise | Elec./Full Hookups, Dump Stn., Showers, Pet-friendly (leashed) | Jun-Sep (Year-round for some) | Book campsites & Lake Louise shuttle THE DAY they open! Bear aware! |
Jasper National Park | Vast Wilderness, Dark Skies, Icefields Pkwy | Whistlers, Wapiti | Elec./Full Hookups, Dump Stn., Showers, Pet-friendly (leashed) | May-Oct (Wapiti winter) | Icefields Parkway is a must-drive; fill up gas/supplies first. |
Dinosaur Provincial Park | Fossils, Badlands, Stargazing | Dinosaur Campground | Power Hookups, Sani-Dump (seasonal rinse), Showers (seasonal) | Apr-Oct | Book guided fossil tours early. Prepare for summer heat. Incredible stars. |
