Guide for American RV travel to western Canada or on your way up the Alcan highway to Alaska.
You can book your RV camping spots with BC parks here:
You can book your RV trip to Vancouver Island or any coastal BC island here with BC Ferries:
You can book your Alberta Provincial park camping here:
(Links are for information only, I am not paid by these agencies).
Being that this video is being produced in the winter of 2020, this is the time that tens of thousands of you from all over the world are starting to plan your RV trip to western Canada for the spring and summer. Since I was born here and have travelled up and down the west coast here I thought it would be a great time to produce an RV travel guide video for you to avoid disappointment, save a few dollars and have a smoother trip while up here.
While I understand this video is seen all over the world, the majority of you will be coming here from the USA and Europe, and even a few from New Zealand and Australia, but probably the American audience might benefit the most from this video. Some of you will also be spending many days in Canada as you RV to Alaska and back. Flying here and renting an RV is also a great option, but book early (often you might get a discount, too).
First of all, it probably goes without saying that you first will have to have a passport or an enhanced driver’s license to enter Canada. Those days where just a driver’s license was fine are long over. Just get one and avoid the disappointment of being refused entry.
Now that all that is sorted out, let’s talk some logistics. First of all, Canada has expensive fuel, so make sure you fill all your fuel and propane tanks at one of the border towns before you cross. You will thank me for that tip. And while you are at it, buy your groceries in the USA before crossing the border. Most items are more expensive here in Canada. Speaking of fuel prices, do not buy fuel in Metropolitan Vancouver if you can avoid it, as it has more taxes and is more expensive. So buy your fuel outside Vancouver when coming into the city or leaving and save a few bucks.
But before you even think about arriving here, make 100% sure you have taken the time to pre-book your campsites. You will often be disappointed if you do not, as camping is a very popular activity here in Western Canada and many places will be full, especially on every weekend and on every long weekend that has a provincial or national holiday. Be especially careful to book your campsite for the May Victoria Day long weekend, and Canada Day in July, BC Day in British Columbia in August and everywhere for Labour Day in September. I cannot stress this more strongly, you have a very high probability of not having anywhere to camp if you do not make advance reservations. If this happens to you, do not despair, you can camp on the side of the road for the odd night if you are outside of the cities and in the wilderness. Do not expect to camp alongside any roads in any larger city without getting a possible knock on the door by police. And this includes Walmart’s. More and more Walmarts are not allowing urban camping in Canada, just as in the USA, so do your research and look for signs that this is allowed or not.
When traveling in British Columbia, do not underestimate travel times, as many roads are winding and mountainous with large changes in elevation. And there are no freeways outside of the large cities. Try to travel during the daylight hours and keep your headlights on during the day. And remember if you are caught driving over 40 km per hour (25 mph) over the speed limit in British Columbia you will have your vehicle seized for 7 days. Don’t let that happen to you! And learn some metric, it’s not that hard, the entire world uses it!
And do not forget your mosquito spray and sun screen. The days are very long and just because you are in Canada does not mean you can’t get a good 2nd degree sun burn.
And speaking of your health, make sure you have international travel medical insurance. It is cheap to buy at your local AAA office. Canadian medical is not free for tourists. You will get a bill. So avoid that and just get insurance. While you are at the AAA office, price out an emergency RV towing package that will cover you on your trip. It’s cheap and I always carry it. Towing for your RV even once for any distance will be expensive if you have a break down. Avoid these costs and just buy a cheap RV towing plan.
Create lots of memories, take lots of pictures and have fun out here in western Canada. And as always, keep your wheels on the ground!
All images were shot in western Canada.