Road Genius compares campervan and motorhome rentals from many Canadian suppliers so you can choose the vehicle that fits your route and budget. Main pickup cities include Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montréal and Halifax, all close to the Trans-Canada Highway. Canada is very large, so plan drive days and fuel stops carefully.
Renting an RV in Canada varies depending on the RV type, location, rental duration and season. Apart from the daily rate, consider additional costs for mileage, generator use, insurance and deposits.
Here are typical daily rental rates for various RV types:
Season | Avg High °C │ °F | Good? |
---|---|---|
Winter (Nov–Mar) | −4 │ 25 | No. Roads often icy and many campgrounds close. |
Spring (Apr–May) | 13 │ 55 | Possible but nights are cold and some parks still closed. |
Summer (Jun–Aug) | 21 │ 70 | Yes. Warm, long days, all facilities open. |
Fall (Sep–Oct) | 10 │ 50 | Yes for early fall. Good foliage, fewer bugs, some sites close after mid-Oct. |
Place | Hook-ups | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
KOA or similar private RV parks (nationwide) | Full | Showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, allow big vehicles | Higher price, book early in summer |
Parks Canada campgrounds (e.g., Banff, Fundy) | Water+Electric (some), None (many) | Scenic, trail access, Discovery Pass accepted | No sewer on most sites, strict food storage for bears |
Provincial Park campgrounds (e.g., Algonquin, Porteau Cove) | Water+Electric (some) | Cheaper than private, can book 5–7 months ahead | Popular weekends sell out fast |
Crown land / "free camping" in Ontario, BC, AB | None | Free, remote nature | No toilets, 14-day limit, only self-contained vehicles |
Walmart or Canadian Tire parking lots (selected towns) | None | Convenient for one overnight, near stores | Local bylaws vary; ask manager first |
Wild camping is not allowed in Canada. You can only sleep in a campervan at designated campgrounds. Staying overnight at rest areas or parking lots is against the rules.
There are many campgrounds in Canada typically costing between $40 and $90 CAD per night.
However, you might be able to stay overnight in a Walmart parking lot if you get approval from the store manager.
To rent a campervan, all drivers must hold a valid and complete driver's license. Licenses from other countries are fine if they're in English or French, or if you have an official translation. If your license is in another language, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Even with an English or French license, if you're staying in Canada for 3 months or longer, you might also need an IDP. Regulations differ across provinces, so it's important to research and understand the local requirements beforehand.
Absolutely! Many travelers choose popular one-way trips like going from Vancouver to Montreal, Calgary to Vancouver, or Toronto to Montreal.
Yes, most Canadian campervan rental companies do permit travel to the USA with their vehicles. Be sure to review the specific terms and conditions of your chosen provider.
Always adhere to visa and customs regulations while traveling.