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7 Reasons to Go RVing in British Columbia

Scenic views from a BC highway
Scenic views from a BC highway | © Andrew E. Larsen / Flickr

British Columbia is a remarkably beautiful Canadian province. It’s home to quaint seaside towns, the Rocky Mountains, and picturesque islands. The best way to explore its natural habitat is by packing up an RV (recreational vehicle) and heading off on the open road. Here are seven reasons why you should go RVing in British Columbia.

RV-specific accommodation

There are plenty of campgrounds across British Columbia offering RV-specific accommodation. Throughout the province, there are over 1,500 campgrounds, so there’s definitely a campsite to suit all ages, price ranges, and needs (from basic to full service). There are four types of camping experiences: provincial campgrounds run by BC Parks, privately owned RV parks, national campgrounds maintained by Parks Canada, and the provincial government’s Recreation Sites and Trails BC campgrounds.

RV in BC

Thankfully, there are a few websites that are established to help RVers find their perfect parking space across the province. Check out Camping & RV in BC and Travel British Columbia for maps and RV park listings. During summer months, it’s important to make reservations wherever possible, as campgrounds do fill up quickly. Many RV parks are also open year-round.

Well-maintained highways

Another reason to drive across British Columbia in an RV is that the province is known for its well-maintained highways. DriveBC is dedicated to driver safety. On the website, there’s a road and weather conditions map that’s constantly updated throughout the day. HelloBC, the province’s official tourism website, has outlined some excellent driving route options too. The suggestions include a hot springs circle, a route focused on mountains and vineyards, and a Vancouver to the Rockies route. It’s an excellent starting point.

Scenic views from a BC highway

Rentals and sales

Beginning your RV adventure in British Columbia makes sense when it has so many RV rental companies, as well as dealerships; there are many such businesses located throughout Kelowna and the Greater Vancouver area. If buying isn’t an option, an alternative idea is a one-way rental, which means you pick up the vehicle in Vancouver, for example, and drop it off in Calgary.

Landscape

British Columbia is home to turquoise lakes, snowy mountains, breathtaking beaches, remote islands, and so much more. The landscape across the province is constantly changing, but the one thing that remains the same is that it’s all naturally beautiful. RVing allows you to stop and appreciate the landscape a lot more easily than if simply hotel-hopping and on a tight schedule. The different campgrounds are usually located in picturesque parts of the province too, like Whistler RV Park and the Living Forest Oceanside Campground in Nanaimo.

Campground in Savona, BC

Freedom

RVing in British Columbia allows for a type of freedom that other vacation options do not. Traveling in an RV lets you stay longer, move on quicker, or change direction easily and effortlessly. This kind of freedom can’t be guaranteed if you have already booked hotel accommodations, or if relying on another form of transportation. Flexibility is an excellent thing to have when traveling.

Activities

There are a lot of outdoor adventures to enjoy in British Columbia, such as canoeing, biking, hiking, and fishing. Fortunately, with an RV, you can take all of your equipment on vacation with you. Bike racks are available on many rentals, or you can add your own if buying an RV. You can also easily store fishing rods and hiking poles. All of the fun activities you can participate in is just another good reason to RV in British Columbia and take your home on the road.

Hiking on Vancouver Island

Affordability

Finally, RVing is an affordable accommodation option when vacationing in British Columbia, particularly if you already own the vehicle. Site rates at privately owned RV Parks range from about $41 to $70 per night. It’s even more reasonable when parking your RV at a Parks Canada or BC Parks campground. Rates begin from just $20 per night.

About the author

I'm an Australian freelance writer and travel blogger. I was born in Perth, grew up in Townsville and currently live in Melbourne. I write about my worldwide solo travel adventures and my former expat life in Canada on my blog, Hayley on Holiday (hayleyonholiday.com).

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