What’s on your travel bucket list? The year isn’t over yet, and there’s still time to see some of the best sights Canada has to offer. Better yet, you don’t have to hop on a plane to make it happen.
RVing has always been a beloved Canadian pastime. And, it’s growing in popularity as younger demographics enter the lifestyle, joining more than two million Canadian households that currently own an RV, according to Go RVing Canada.
RVing is a great way to explore more of our country, which is why it’s no surprise 90 per cent of RVers say their number one priority is seeing more of Canada. A recent domestic travel survey also found nearly 45 per cent of Canadians haven’t ever been RVing, but are interested in going on a trip. If this is you, and you want to see more of our beautiful country – there’s still time to get out there this year!
If you haven’t discovered “shoulder season” yet, now’s the time. This sweet spot before and after the summer rush offers pleasant weather, unique nature experiences and fewer crowds.
Whether you’re renting an RV or are an owner, hitting the roads with friends, or travelling solo, there’s so much to discover when you get behind the wheel and into nature. Here are five fall and winter RV trips in Canada worth adding to your bucket list, including tips from RVers who visited them!
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Travel the Highway 60 corridor through one of Ontario’s most iconic parks, where the changing leaves make the drive especially spectacular. The park is one of Canada’s best places to see moose. Keep your eyes peeled, and you may spot one of the thousands that call the area home.
“I highly recommend camping in an RV at any of the fantastic campgrounds within Algonquin Park and suggest booking three to four nights if possible,” says Jennifer Gilbert, Go RVing Canada Ambassador. “We enjoyed being able to leave the trailer and explore the features of Algonquin Park, knowing our belongings were safely locked away in the trailer while we were one.”
Vancouver Island, B.C.
Follow Vancouver’s rugged coastline where early fall provides opportunities to spot orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and other marine life. Go RVing Canada has a seven-day itinerary that will take you through the bustling capital of Victoria, charming surf towns, and, of course, the mountains and rainforest the island is known for.
“Vancouver Island is a place we keep coming back to, usually twice a year in our campervan, and we never run out of things to explore,” says Maud Hebert, Go RVing Canada Ambassador. “We love the mix of coastal walks, waterfalls, wildlife, and quiet beaches, but also the chance to hop on a ferry and discover smaller islands. Travelling by RV gives us the freedom to explore at our own pace, take the scenic route, and find new places to fall in love with every time we visit.”
Elk Island National Park, Alberta
Visitors to this UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve come away with a deep appreciation for the rolling hills, glassy lakes, and star-filled skies. These Alberta plains are an oasis for rare, endangered, and threatened species — including both plains and wood bison. Elk Island offers one of Canada’s most accessible opportunities to see these magnificent animals in the wild.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
If you’ve ever been to Nova Scotia, you’ll understand why its scenic drives make it an RVer’s dream destination. Travel the Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park for a road trip that combines spectacular coastal scenery with wildlife watching. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot a bald eagle.
“Cape Breton is steeped in history – especially at Battery Park, Cape Breton’s best-kept secret,” says Go RVing Canada Ambassador Karen Laws. “This cozy park has only 52 campsites, well-spaced for privacy and limits the length of trailers and RV’s to maintain a peaceful, natural environment.”
Magdalen Islands, Quebec
You can access this Canadian archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence via ferry, where six main islands are linked together by Route 199. Winter is arguably the best time to visit the Magdalen Islands, because that’s when you’ll have the chance to see tiny baby seals and their mothers. Bring a camera!
There’s something about seeing wildlife that connects us with our wildhood — that is, our relationship with ourselves, each other, and the natural world. Go RVing Canada recently launched the Wildhood Collection, a premium line of apparel and outdoor gear that’s inspired by the moments that bring us back to what matters.
Because there’s no wildhood without wildlife, 10 per cent of proceeds from every purchase are donated to the Canadian Wildlife Federation to help protect Canada’s wildlife and wild spaces.
Are you ready to hit the road? As a not-for-profit association, Go RVing Canada aims to inspire and inform Canadians about the RV lifestyle to get more people enjoying the great outdoors. So check out the Go RVing Canada website for handy guides and tools to start planning your trip, and browse the Wildhood Collection for some gear to take on the road.
Kendall Bistretzan
Branded Content Writer
Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.
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