Campervanning in Canada: Tips for an Amazing RV Trip

There is so much to see in this beautiful country of ours, and road-tripping in a motorhome is one of the best ways to do it. If you have never tried campervanning in Canada - or even if you have and are looking to improve your experience - these expert tips from Motor Home Travel will help you get the most from your next motorhome trip. 

Camping in a Motorhome: Tips for Exploring Canada

Depending on whether your starting point is inside or outside of Canada, the first steps of your RVing journey will differ. We will go into what’s involved with crossing the border in an RV. For now, let’s start with a practical requirement that both Canadian and foreign RVers will have to deal with: roadworthiness and compliance.

Before you pack up and hit the road, you need to make sure that your RV is in good condition and that you have your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. If you own your RV, you may want to have your campervan inspected and serviced before you leave.

Your next step is to decide where you are going! There are so many routes and potential destinations, but obviously, you can’t do them all at once. Choose a direction and focus for this trip. Will you be sticking to the major highways or taking back roads? It depends on the kind of experience you want to have, and the destination you have in mind. For the best road trip experience, we recommend that you head off onto one of the scenic byways for at least part of your journey. 

If you live in Ontario, you can have a beautiful campervanning experience without even leaving the province, but if you want to go further afield, there is plenty to see in Nova Scotia, Alberta or British Columbia. It is entirely up to you. Some people like to plot their route in detail and then stick to a preset itinerary. Others prefer to hit the road and take things as they come. It is always recommended to have at least some kind of plan, even if it is a rough outline that gives you plenty of room to change things up as you go.

One of the best ways to plan your trip when camping in a motorhome is to plan it around specific sites or destinations, including campgrounds and landmarks.  

Requirements for Crossing the Border Into Canada by RV

If you are entering Canada from the United States, your first step will be to make sure you are prepared for the border crossing. While bureaucracy and security checks are nobody’s idea of a good time, you can get through it with relative ease as long as you have everything you need.

Make sure you have all of the following documents:

- A valid passport
- A valid driver’s licence
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance certificate
- Vaccination records for any pets you may be bringing

Also, bear in mind that Canada has quite strict regulations regarding what you can and can’t bring into the country.

Remember the following:

- Rather don’t bring live plants or fresh produce.
- If you do bring pets, declare them and make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
- If you are carrying firearms and ammunition, you will need special permits for them.
- Any amounts of cash over CAD 10,000 must be declared.

As long as all your paperwork is in order and you follow all the import restrictions, your stop at the border should be short, sweet and cordial. 

RV Camping Ontario Canada: Top Spots to Visit

Ontario is our home province, so we are particularly proud of the routes and destinations on offer here.

Here are just a few of the top spots we would advise you to include in your schedule when camping with an RV:

-  Lake Superior Provincial Park: The area around the world’s largest lake is rich in natural treasures and historical landmarks. There are plenty of campsites, hiking trails and more. You could visit this area over and over and never run out of new experiences.
- Thunder Bay: Located in the northwest part of the province, Thunder Bay is a small city that offers the best of both worlds. You would be on the great lake with all its natural beauty, and you also have access to the comforts and historical sites of the city itself.
- Festivals and Brewery Tour: If you want an RVing experience that takes in a varied selection of cultural and natural spots, this seven-day tour in the southern part of the province would be a great choice for your next summer vacation. Starting near Niagara Falls, it takes a circuitous route around Georgian Bay to Manitoulin Island, with stopovers in various campgrounds, and visits to popular events such as the Up Here Festival, Cinefest in Sudbury, and Octoberfest in Kitchener.

Other popular destinations in Ontario include Kakabeka Provincial Park, Aguasabon Falls and Gorge, Greig’s Caves, the Spirit Rock Conservation Area and Algonquin Provincial Park.

Exploring Canada by RV: Top Parks and Campgrounds

If you decide to explore any of the other provinces and territories, you will find you really are spoiled for choice. Here are just a few top parks and camping sites you would love.

These are just a few days; there are way too many great sites, parks and routes to list here.

- Alberta: Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds, Banff
- British Columbia: Kicking Horse Campground, Yoho National Park
- Yukon: Destruction Bay, near Kluane National Park and Reserve
- Manitoba: Otter Falls Campground, near Seven Sisters and Whitemouth Falls Provincial Park
- New Brunswick: Ocean Surf RV Park
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Grand Codroy Campground, Doyles
- Northwest Territories: Blackstone Territorial Park
- Nova Scotia: Ingonish Beach Campground on the Cabot Trail
- Prince Edward Island: Summer Winds, near Charlottetown
- Quebec: Domaine Parc Estrie, Magog
- Saskatchewan: River Valley RV Park, Langham

If you would like to rent a New RV for your next road trip, Motor Home Travel has a great selection of great campervans. Contact us for more information about our vehicles, rates and deals, and more expert advice on campervanning in Canada.