Road Genius compares campervan and motorhome rentals across Canada and lets you book the right vehicle for your route. Vancouver is the main gateway to British Columbia, close to ferries for Vancouver Island, the Sea-to-Sky road to Whistler and Highway 1 toward the Rocky Mountains. Summer spots sell out quickly, so reserve early if you can.
Renting an RV in Vancouver involves several factors such as camper size, age, features, booking duration, season, and pick-up/drop-off locations.
Daily rates typically start at about $55 for smaller vehicles and can reach $450 or more for larger and premium campers.
For the most accurate pricing, check current rates using our search tool. Additionally, remember to factor in extra costs such as fuel, campsite fees, and optional extras like GPS or additional drivers.
Season | Average high temperature (°C / °F) | Visit? |
---|---|---|
Spring (April–May) | 14 / 57 | Good for lower prices and cherry blossoms |
Summer (June–August) | 22 / 72 | Best weather, busiest campgrounds |
Fall (September–October) | 15 / 59 | Mild weather, fewer crowds, rain increases |
Winter (November–March) | 7 / 45 | Wet in the city, snow on mountain highways |
Rush hour around the Lions Gate, Ironworkers and Alex Fraser bridges can add 30+ minutes to any trip.
The posted highway speed limit is 120 km/h (75 mph) outside the Metro area and 90 km/h (55 mph) closer in. Speed cameras are common.
BC Ferries to Victoria, Nanaimo and the Sunshine Coast accept vehicles up to 22 meters (72 feet) long. Reserve in advance during summer.
Winter tires or chains are required by law on highways north of Squamish or east of Hope from October 1 to March 31.
Streets in Vancouver ban overnight parking for vehicles longer than 6 meters (20 feet) between 2200 and 0600 hours unless signed otherwise.
There are no bridge or road tolls in the region, but separate fares apply for ferries.
Place | Hook-ups | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Capilano River RV Park, North Vancouver | Full | Closest to downtown, bus stop at gate | Tight sites, high price |
Burnaby Cariboo RV Park | Full | SkyTrain to city, indoor pool | Summer bookings open 6 months ahead |
Porteau Cove Provincial Park | Water and Electric | Oceanfront, 30 minutes to Squamish | Maximum rig 10 meters (33 feet), sells out quickly |
Golden Ears Provincial Park, Maple Ridge | None | Large forest sites, lake access | No hook-ups, rough access road |
Mamquam River Recreation Site, Squamish | None | Free, room for big rigs on gravel | Basic toilets only, dusty in dry weather |
Dial 911 for any emergency. Cell phone coverage drops in canyons north of Squamish and east of Hope.
Provincial park water taps are treated and safe to drink. Filter stream water elsewhere.
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.