Canada is a dream destination for a campervan road trip. From small, seaside towns, to large metropolitan cities, and national parks full of stunning scenery and beautiful landscapes, there is truly something for everyone in Canada.
It’s normal to feel a little uneasy about crossing borders and driving internationally, but with a bit of preparation, it can be a pretty smooth process.
We were able to interview Brooke, who has been traveling full-time in a campervan for over five years now. She has quite a bit of experience traveling through Canada, and shared some great tips for planning your Canada road trip in a campervan.
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Border Crossings
The Canadian government helps you plan by offering hourly updates for the 28 busiest border crossings between The United States and Canada. Avoid crossing during busy times of the day, like when folks might be commuting to or from work, or holiday weekends when high traffic is expected.
United States citizens need a valid passport or passport card to enter Canada. To avoid any hang-ups at the border, remember to check the expiration date on your passport and be sure it has several months of validity left.
Check with your insurance provider to ensure your vehicle is covered in Canada, too!
Make sure you have:
Patience – If you’re planning to visit National Parks (like Banff National Park or Jasper National Park), you’ll need to pack patience, since lots of others have the same plan. It’s not uncommon for parking at popular spots, like Lake Louise, to fill up very early in the morning. You will likely spend a lot of time looking for parking or shuttling from spot to spot. Know this going in, and you’ll be better able to prepare for it.
Reservations – Some National Parks or even popular day hikes at Provincial Parks require reservations. Be sure to plan in advance when visiting well-known areas.
Supplies – Depending on where you’re traveling to, some areas of Canada are very remote, without gas stations, cell signal, or groceries for many hours. Try to stay stocked up so you don’t have to worry. A good road trip rule of thumb is to always stay above half a tank of gas. (Plus, you can use the gas station stops as stretch breaks!) If you will be traveling in the winter, snow chains are a must in many parts of Canada!
Bear Spray – If you’re doing anything at all in the wilderness, especially in Western Canada, you’ll need to carry bear spray!
Make sure you don't have:
Any prohibited food items – Meat, eggs, and certain produce can’t be transported between countries. It’s easier to come without food and go to the grocery store once you’ve crossed into Canada.
Plants – This might not be an issue going into Canada, but the U.S. Border Patrol is very strict about plants that are allowed into the U.S. regardless of where you originally bought them. Don’t risk the chance of secondary inspection or fines and ditch any plants before heading to Canada.
Cannabis and CBD – Although cannabis or CBD products are legal in Canada and many U.S. states along the Canadian border, it is illegal to bring them across the border in either direction.
Tips for Camping in Canada
It wouldn’t be a Canada road trip without the ability to camp along the way. Luckily, there are lots of great camping options throughout Canada.
Crown Land – In the U.S., we have Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas and national forests where dispersed camping is allowed. Similarly, in Canada, there is Crown Land, or government-owned land available for camping. It is free for Canadian residents for up to 21 days a year. But United States residents can use it, too! You just need to apply for a permit.
Provincial Parks – Similar to state parks in the United States, many of Canada’s provincial parks have campgrounds which require reservations and fill quickly in the summer months. You’ll want to plan ahead as much as possible, but occasionally there are cancellations that allow you to snag a spot. Aside from camping, provincial parks have great hikes and awesome day-use areas as well.
National Parks – The most popular National Parks in Canada are Banff National Park, Glacier National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, and Jasper National Park. However, there are actually 37 national parks throughout Canada!
Campgrounds – Private campgrounds in Canada can be relatively expensive, and amenities can vary. I’d recommend trying for provincial parks or dispersed camping if you’re on a budget.
Showering – If you are in or around major cities, there are a decent amount of Planet Fitness gyms for showering. Otherwise, I found it convenient to shower at the provincial parks (some are free!), and other campgrounds.
Laundry – You should have no problem finding laundromats on your Canadian road trip, so long as you’re near some sort of town. Some private campgrounds and provincial parks have laundry facilities as well.
Weather – Because of the wide ranges of elevation throughout Canada, weather can vary greatly, even within the same day. You should always pack clothing for warm and cold weather on your Canadian road trip.
Favorite Road Trip Destinations in Canada
A coast-to-coast road trip through Canada is nearly 5,000 miles. If you have the time, it would absolutely be an unforgettable epic journey! But most of us can’t swing that for one reason or another, so here are some highlights broken down by region to help you plan your Canada road trip.
Vancouver Island
I loved my time on Vancouver Island. Parts of it are very touristy, such as Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia; Nanaimo, where the ferries dock; and Tofino, a popular surf town on the west coast.
But if you’re willing to go a little off the beaten path, there are some great free camping options on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. Elk Bay is a quiet little camping area where you can fish for salmon, see orca swim freely, and watch cruise ships pass by each evening.
Ucluelet definitely warrants a visit as well and you can hike with sweeping coastal views through Pacific Rim National Park. Ferries to Vancouver Island run frequently, and campervans have no problem fitting. Just be sure to put in the correct measurements for your vehicle when buying tickets online.
Western Canada and the Rocky Mountains
Back on the mainland, Vancouver is a vibrant and diverse city with delicious food, fantastic street art, and easy access to nature activities and adventures. I highly recommend biking the Seawall around Stanley Park!
Squamish is a haven for rock climbers, mountain bikers, and folks who genuinely love the outdoors. Locally grown produce, live music, and a few local breweries were highlights of this area for me as well.
The road between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park is called the Icefields Parkway and is one of the most stunning drives in the world! Your Canada road trip won’t be complete without it.
Central Canada
Toronto is a cool metropolitan city with professional sports teams, a buzzing food scene, and it’s quickly become a film mecca.
Niagara Falls certainly warrants a stop if you’re traveling in Ontario. The surrounding area has beautiful vineyards and orchards as well.
Bruce Peninsula National Park is off the beaten path but worth the drive. Its jagged limestone cliffs, crystal clear water, and gorgeous cedar-lined trails make it a must-see national park.
Eastern Canada
Further east, you’ll find the young and lively French-Canadian cities of Montreal and Quebec City. I highly recommend grabbing some poutine (fries, gravy, and cheese curds) here!
On Canada’s east coast, check out Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Fundy National Park. Hopewell Rocks is home to some really neat flowerpot-shaped stones carved by the sea.
Staples of Canadian Road Trips
Tim Hortons – While I don’t think it’s the best coffee on the planet, Tim Hortons is a widespread and beloved chain of coffee stops that will keep you caffeinated and ready for your road trip. Plus, they have adorable little donut holes called TimBits!
Canadian Tire – This store is a treasure trove for Canadian road trippers! They’ve got tools, appliances, camping gear, water toys, and more. (And of course, tires!)
Mistakes to Learn From
Upon returning from my most recent Canada road trip, I ended up getting sent to secondary inspection, having to put my puppy in a metal kennel all by himself, and getting my entire van searched while I sat anxiously inside U.S. Customs for about 30 minutes. Nothing terrible happened, but they took my plants and some food, plus I was so worried about my dog!
Take the time to make sure you don’t have anything that will get you stopped. It will save you a lot of time and headache!
Where Will Your Canada Road Trip Take You?
Whether you want to be immersed in nature and surrounded by animals or indulge your inner foodie, a campervan trip through Canada is an awesome option for any type of traveler. Plan as far in advance as you can, make reservations for popular areas, and go Find Your Outside™!
