Our Epic 2-Week Western Canada RV Road Trip (With All Our Stops + Stories)

They say the journey is just as important as the destination — and after this trip, we couldn't agree more. 🚐🌲 With over 2,500 kilometers of mountains, waterfalls, glacial lakes, and scenic campgrounds behind us, this 2-week Western Canada RV itinerary turned out to be one of our most unforgettable adventures yet.

From ferrying to Tofino's wild beaches to winding through the dramatic Icefields Parkway, and sipping wine in the Okanagan Valley on our way back to Vancouver — this route blends iconic landmarks with hidden gems.

Whether you're planning your first RV trip or looking to level up your Canada road trip game, here's everything we did (and would absolutely do again).

We planned this trip for months — and even with all that prep, it still blew us away. Over 3,000 km in two weeks, looping from Vancouver to Tofino, through the Canadian Rockies, and back again. Mountains, waterfalls, ocean views, and even a vineyard or two — this itinerary had a little bit of everything.

View from the Middle Beach Lodge room

We kicked things off by renting a car in Vancouver and heading to Tofino. RVs are technically allowed on the BC Ferries, but we weren't confident enough yet as first-time RVers to tackle island roads straight out the gate. Plus, we had our eyes set on a dreamy stay at Middle Beach Lodge, and honestly? It ended up being one of the most memorable hotel experiences we've ever had. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing below our window was the kind of moment that stays with you.

After a few days exploring Vancouver Island's beaches and rainforest trails, we returned to Vancouver, swapped the car for our RV, and officially hit the road. The loop took us through Whistler → Clearwater → Jasper → Banff → Golden → Revelstoke → the Okanagan Valley → and back to Vancouver.

Late May turned out to be a fantastic time to go. Most roads and trails were open, including the Icefields Parkway, and we had crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and just a touch of mountain snow to remind us we were in alpine country. That said, don't let the shoulder season fool you — if you're planning to camp in the national parks, book the second reservations open here. We did, and we're so glad we did. Each park has its own opening date, so we actually set calendar reminders for every one to grab our spots as soon as they released. These campgrounds fill up fast — some within minutes.

Each stop along the route had its own flavor. Whistler gave us alpine village charm, while Clearwater surprised us with massive waterfalls. Then came the Rockies — Jasper and Banff — where we spent most of our hiking days. In Jasper, we explored Maligne Canyon, summited Bald Hills, and soaked in the thermal pools after the Sulphur Skyline Trail. We even had tickets for the Maligne Lake boat tour, but unfortunately the lake was still frozen (May 25) and they had to cancel. Apparently, it's usually thawed by then — just our luck.

After the Rockies, we coasted through Golden and Revelstoke, then landed in Kelowna for a sunny finale in Okanagan wine country. Sipping local wine with the RV parked next to the lake? Not a bad way to end a 2-week road trip.

If you're planning something similar, this route is gold. It's fast-paced but manageable, especially with some prep — and totally worth it for the mix of nature, views, and peaceful campgrounds. Just don't forget to pack layers, a good coffee setup, and your booking calendar.

We started our trip a little differently — before hitting the road in our RV, we rented a car and spent a few days exploring Vancouver and Vancouver Island. RVs are allowed on BC Ferries, but since we weren't seasoned RV drivers yet, we figured it'd be easier (and way less stressful) to ease into things. Plus, we had our eyes on a beachfront lodge in Tofino that ended up being one of the best hotel stays we've ever had. Waking up to the sound of waves through the open window? Unreal.

🏙️ Day 1 – Exploring Vancouver by Foot (and Bike)

Beautiful views and cultural highlights around Vancouver, from Queen Elizabeth Park to Stanley Park.

After switching hotels early in the morning, we kicked things off with a full day of urban exploring. We biked the entire loop around Stanley Park, winding past the marina, beaches, and totem poles, with views that never got old. We grabbed breakfast near the park, strolled through Canada Place, explored Gastown, and stopped for lunch in a busy local spot with solid beer and city views.

Later in the day, we tried to squeeze in a visit to Queen Elizabeth Park, but timing got tight with a rental pickup deadline looming. A short Uber ride, a bit of urban chaos, and a rental mix-up later, we ended up with a surprise Kia Carnival instead of the original vehicle. Not exactly the plan, but it did the trick — and funnily enough, we met another traveler also heading to Tofino and bonded while we waited for our cars.

🌊 Day 2 – Ferry Ride + Scenic Drive to Tofino

Sunsets, rugged coastlines, and the famous Bomber Trail airplane wreck near Tofino.

Early the next morning, we took the BC Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo. It was our first time driving a car onto a ferry, and it went way smoother than we expected. The views from the deck were beautiful — little islands, forested hills, and the kind of sea breeze that makes you forget you're technically still on a schedule.

Once we landed in Nanaimo, the drive to Tofino began — and it's one of the most beautiful routes of the entire trip. We stopped at Little Qualicum Falls, Cathedral Grove (where the trees genuinely make you feel tiny), and Wally Creek, a quiet river spot perfect for a quick rest. Around 6 PM, we checked into our hotel in Tofino — ocean view room, sunset, the works. It was everything we hoped for.

🌲 Day 3 – Trails, Beaches, and Ucluelet Adventures

Soaking in Tofino’s ocean views, sunsets, and cozy moments at Middle Beach Lodge.

This was our full day on the island, and we packed it. We started with a trail to Cox Bay Lookout — a steep but super rewarding climb to a view over the entire coastline. Later we did the Bomber Trail, which winds through dense forest and ends at a crashed WWII plane. Eerie, beautiful, and very cinematic.

In the afternoon, we drove down to Ucluelet for lunch and walked the Lighthouse Loop, which hugs the rocky coastline and feels way more remote than you'd think for such a short drive. We also explored a few more beaches before heading back to Tofino for dinner. That night, we slept with the windows cracked open and the waves rolling in — definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

🚗 Day 4 – Return to Vancouver + Granville Island

Exploring the lush forests, rivers, and waterfalls of Vancouver Island.

After an early breakfast, we made our way back across the island. We almost stopped at the Giant Cedar Trail, but backed off after spotting fresh bear warning signs — rookie nerves, maybe, but we weren't ready to gamble on that one.

Back in Vancouver, we dropped off the car and walked over to Granville Island, catching a little Aquabus ferry across False Creek. We wandered through the market, caught a street performer, and ended the day watching the Canucks in a nail-biter of a playoff game. The energy was electric — even though they lost.

The next morning? RV pickup day. Time to go full mountain mode.

Day 5 was when things got real. We picked up the RV in the morning and officially kicked off our Western Canada road trip. After a quick Tim Hortons stop (classic), we met up with the RV owner, went through the walkthrough, and hit the road. First impressions? Driving an RV through downtown Vancouver during rush hour is not for the faint of heart. Between adjusting the mirrors and squeezing past parked cars, it was a bit of a white-knuckle start — but hey, you figure it out fast.

Once we were past the city, things mellowed out and the views started getting good. Our first stop was the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, which we'd been excited about. Unfortunately, the clouds had other plans. The gondola took us straight into a dense wall of fog — visibility was basically zero. It was like floating inside a marshmallow. Still, we made the most of it with a couple of pulled pork sandwiches at the top and a plush gondola-themed souvenir we definitely didn't need (but bought anyway).

Before heading north, we restocked at a Save-On-Foods in town and loaded the RV with all the essentials — except Hot Pockets, which were heartbreakingly nowhere to be found. On the drive to Whistler, we stopped at Brandywine Falls, a quick but seriously impressive detour. It's an easy walk and the payoff is huge — a thundering waterfall in a dramatic canyon setting.

That night, we checked into Riverside, our campground in Whistler, showered off the day's chaos, and cooked up some frozen meals in the RV. Nothing fancy, but after the long day, it hit the spot.

The next morning, we had a slower start with a chill RV breakfast — fruit, yogurt, and coffee with way too much creamer (no regrets). We originally planned to hike Wedgemount Lake, but conditions weren't looking great, so we switched it up and went for Joffre Lakes instead. Honestly? Best decision ever.

Admiring the frozen beauty of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in late spring.

We got there around noon with sandwiches already made, and the hike totally blew us away. The first lake is right out of a postcard — bright turquoise, surrounded by forest and snowcapped peaks. We sat there eating lunch until a gang of aggressive birds tried to swipe our food (RIP one of the sandwiches). The second lake was just as stunning. In total, the hike took us around five hours round trip, with lots of photo breaks.

After the trail, we spent the evening wandering Whistler Village, grabbing magnets, spotting the Olympic rings, and having a cozy dinner at an Italian spot called The Old Spaghetti Factory. I went straight for the chicken parm with a glass of house red — no notes.

But the night wasn't over. Back at the campground, something felt... off. While waiting for the rest of the group to shower, I noticed a woman sneaking around with her phone out, looking very suspicious. Turns out she wasn't alone — other people were pausing to stare in the same direction. A few minutes later, sure enough, a bear stepped out from behind some bushes.

We kept our distance, watched from a safe spot, and honestly — it was kind of surreal. Our first bear sighting of the trip. And yes, someone still walked right toward it with their phone out. Canada, man.

Epic views over Seton Lake and the winding roads near Lillooet.

We left Whistler early for one of our longest drives of the trip — destination: Clearwater, the base for exploring Wells Gray Provincial Park. First stop: a quick detour to the Seton Lake Lookout, a short trail with a stunning payoff — panoramic views of the road winding around turquoise water and mountain peaks. We were a little jumpy after reading about a bear sighting there a couple of days earlier, but luckily, it was all quiet.

The road to Clearwater took us through tiny towns like D'Arcy and Rayleigh, with a quick resupply stop in Kamloops (hello, Walmart). Tuna sandwiches kept us fueled on the go — RV snack game on point.

After checking into Dutch Lake Resort, a peaceful full-service campground, we headed straight for Wells Gray. We had hoped to visit a few waterfalls, but time only allowed for Spahats Falls — which was honestly enough. The viewpoint is epic: deep canyon, roaring drop, forest all around.

Back at the campground, we made hot dogs on the propane stove and ate outside under the trees. Wrapped up the day with a slice of Toblerone cheesecake — sounded better than it tasted, but hey, you win some.

Wildlife sightings, iconic lakes, and breathtaking views around Jasper National Park.

After a long drive from Clearwater, we officially crossed into Alberta — and into a different time zone, which we totally forgot about. So when we thought we were arriving an hour early for the Jasper SkyTram, we realized we were actually right on the dot. A bit of a scramble, but we made it just in time and rode straight up the mountain with barely a pause to breathe.

The SkyTram gave us sweeping views of the Athabasca Valley, and we even hiked toward the summit of Mount Whistler — not all the way, but enough to slide down a snowy hill on our butts for fun. Lunch at the summit café came with fries, cold beers, and no mayo (tragic). From there, we hit up Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls, both dramatic and easy to access on the drive back into town.

We checked into Whistlers Campground — a really solid base for exploring the park — and ended the night playing cards and making pizzas and "fake Hot Pockets" in the RV.

The next day, we were supposed to do this Maligne Lake boat tour, but it was still iced over (yep, even on May 25). So we pivoted and tried hiking Bald Hills instead. Bad idea. Deep snow, rain, and some distant thunder had other plans — we gave it a good go, but had to bail. A classic "type 2 fun" moment.

Lunch was at a tiny lakeside waffle hut, where we accidentally ended up with duplicate dessert waffles and a half-empty main one. It was chaotic but comforting in that road-trip kind of way. We skipped the Maligne Canyon Loop and just hit the lookout before heading back to warm up and shower.

Dinner in Jasper Village was a saga of its own: multiple restaurant attempts, long waits, and finally landing at Jasper Brewing Company, where we had ribs, baked mac & cheese, and some seriously good beers (the raspberry vanilla one? Wildly good). Bonus: NHL playoffs on the big screen.

Hiking through the colorful lakes of the Valley of the Five Lakes in Jasper National Park.

Our final day in Jasper started with the gentle Valley of the Five Lakes Trail — easy, scenic, and surprisingly varied. Lake #5? Absolute stunner. Then we stepped it up with Sulphur Skyline, one of the hardest but most rewarding hikes of the trip. The last 300 meters were straight snow, but the summit views were unbeatable. We celebrated by soaking in the Miette Hot Springs just steps from the trailhead.

Summiting the snowy Sulphur Skyline Trail for incredible Jasper National Park views.

Back at camp, we grilled burgers while dodging curious deer, cracked open a few cold beers, and watched the sun dip behind the trees. Three full days in Jasper, and every one delivered something completely different.

We left Jasper early for our Athabasca Glacier Adventure Tour, stopping briefly at Tangle Creek Falls — an easy roadside waterfall that made for a great stretch-your-legs moment. The tour itself involved a shuttle to a monster-wheeled "ice explorer" that took us onto the glacier for a quick walk. It was cool to be standing on the Columbia Icefield, but if you've been to Perito Moreno, it's hard not to compare. Afterward, we visited the Glacier Skywalk, a glass walkway over a deep canyon. Fun, but not essential.

Experiencing the icy wonders of the Columbia Icefield and the stunning Peyto Lake.

From there, we made our way to Banff, stopping at several scenic points along the Icefields Parkway:

• Panther Falls – short hike, tuna sandwich break by the waterfall
• Big Bend Peak – dramatic curve in the road with epic mountain views
• Saskatchewan River Crossing – fuel + a chat with the friendliest attendant ever
• Mistaya Canyon – a quick, snow-dusted trail to a hidden canyon
• Peyto Lake – mostly frozen but still stunning
• Bow Lake – quick stop to throw some rocks and enjoy the silence

We rolled into the Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court around 7:30 PM, tired but happy. That night we cooked fish and potatoes in the oven and shared some Baileys around the table. Simple and cozy.

The next morning we had planned to hike Johnston Canyon, but we changed plans a bit and we just parked the RV near the train station and went out to explore. Our goal was Tunnel Mountain Summit, but a couple hiking down warned us of aggressive elk nearby and said a ranger had closed it off. So we rerouted and walked the Bow River trail, starting near the Fairmont Banff Springs and ending at the pedestrian bridge in town — peaceful and still full of views.

We went for brunch at Farm & Fire, where the waiter asked if we were happy with Bielsa — turns out he was a huge Leeds United fan. (10/10 small talk.) I went with bacon mac & cheese, no regrets.

That afternoon we took the Roam Transit to Lake Minnewanka for a boat tour. The guides were great, full of fun facts, and we even spotted a bald eagle flying overhead. We then headed to the Banff Gondola.

Admiring Banff from above and spotting the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

The views were much clearer than what we got in Whistler, and we walked the boardwalk all the way out to the old cosmic station. On the return walk, it rained, but honestly it made the cozy dinner that followed even better. We ate at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen, a buffet-style spot with window views of Banff and a warm, low-key vibe.

We gave ourselves a slow start on Day 13, rolling out around 10 after a solid sleep. Breakfast at Tim Hortons (classic combo: biscuit sandwich, hash brown, Boston Cream) and then a wander up Banff Avenue for souvenirs and sticker album scouting. We even stumbled onto a farmers' market with a guitarist playing mellow tunes. It was the perfect way to wrap up our time in town.

Lunch was at Bluebird Wood-Fired Steakhouse — we had our eye on fondue but learned it's dinner-only. Still, the braised beef sandwich, house rosé, and soufflé pancakes totally made up for it.

Taking in the iconic beauty of Lake Louise.

After a quick grocery stop, we made our way to Lake Louise, where we checked into Lake Louise Hard-sided Campground our second campground in Banff, — and yes, we dared to bring the RV all the way to the lake itself. It cost CAD $37 to park, but 100% worth it to avoid the 2-hour roundtrip shuttle. The lake was still mostly frozen, but beautiful in a wild, moody kind of way. While we were there, a full-on snowstorm rolled in — not what we expected for late May, but it was kind of magical.

We wrapped up the day with hot showers (freezing ones, unfortunately) and another classic RV dinner: frozen snacks, chicken, and a few drinks while playing board games. It was one of those nights that felt like the heart of a road trip — tired, content, and a little bit snow-dusted.

A peaceful stop at the breathtaking Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park.

We started Day 14 with a morning visit to Emerald Lake — absolutely beautiful. We skipped a longer hike due to a sore knee and opted instead for breakfast at the lodge. The buffet was a surprise hit: solid food, stunning views, and just $25 CAD.

Next stop was the Natural Bridge, where the river rushes under jagged rock formations — short walk, big reward. From there, we drove to Golden, but hit a snag with our campground check-in (closed until 4). So we headed to the Golden Skybridge to pass the time.

Lunch was fried chicken, nachos, and fries — a theme at this point — then we walked the suspension bridge and tried a few of the park's activities. The balance course in the trees was fun (and terrifying), and axe throwing + climbing added a nice mix. That evening, we finally checked in at the campground, relaxed, and cooked hot dogs for dinner.

Exploring quirky stops and epic views between Revelstoke and Golden.

Day 15 took us to Revelstoke, with a quick stop at Hemlock Grove Boardwalk — a short, quiet forest walk. One other trail was closed, so we continued straight into town and started at the Railway Museum. It was solid, but very info-heavy — better to browse than read every panel. Lunch was wood-fired pizza, which totally hit the spot.

In the afternoon, we drove the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, a scenic mountain road with several viewpoints and a short walk to a half-destroyed bridge (oddly satisfying). That night, we stayed at Snowforest Campground, made boxed mac & cheese, and relaxed with a cold beer.

Day 16 started at a farmers' market downtown, complete with a small car show and live music. On the way to the Okanagan, we stopped at Three Valley Gap Ghost Town, a huge and unexpected collection of historic buildings and antiques. Two hours wasn't enough — it deserved more time.

We reached our campground just in time for a wine tour pickup — we booked this one and would 100% recommend it. The tour took us to four wineries across the Okanagan Valley, each with its own style. Crowns and Thieves stood out for its storytelling and vibe — engaging guides, great pours. We picked up a bottle there, grabbed some cheese and snacks at Volcanic Hills, and even brought home a cork as a souvenir.

Savoring a glass of local wine with views over Okanagan Lake.

Back at camp, we grilled some meat, opened the wine, and had a quiet last night by the fire — tired, full, and fully in love with this whole loop.

If you're thinking of planning your own Western Canada RV itinerary, here are a few lessons we learned along the way — some the easy way, some... well, not so much.

🌤️ When to Go: Why Late May Almost Nailed It

We did our trip in late May, and honestly? We'd do it again in a heartbeat. The roads were clear, campgrounds were opening, trails were (mostly) accessible, and it wasn't yet peak tourist season — which meant fewer crowds and more flexibility. That said, we did hit a couple of late-spring curveballs: the Maligne Lake boat tour was canceled due to ice, and some high-altitude hikes still had heavy snow. So if you're set on doing everything, early June might be a safer bet. But for balance between weather, accessibility, and availability? Late May was almost perfect.

🚐 RV Rentals + Campground Know-How

We rented our RV through RVezy, which worked out great — lots of options, direct communication with the owner, and way more affordable than the big rental chains. If it's your first time, make sure you're comfortable driving something that size, especially when navigating through cities or tight campground roads (ask us how we know 🫠).

We mostly stayed in full-service campgrounds, and while they take a bit more planning, they make everything easier: showers, dump stations, hookups — all the good stuff. National park sites open booking months in advance, and we highly recommend booking the moment reservations open. Seriously — different parks open on different days, and some spots book out in minutes, so set those calendar reminders.

We also wrote a full RV trip planning guide if you're just starting out.

🏔️ Altitude, Weather & Road Conditions

This isn't just a regular road trip — you'll be driving mountain passes, glacial valleys, and windy two-lane highways. Some stretches have no cell service, and fuel stops can be far apart, so fill up often and don't wait until the tank's blinking. Weather changes fast up there — we went from T-shirts in the Okanagan to snowstorms at Lake Louise in a matter of days.

Bring layers, rain gear, and never assume it'll be warm just because it's late spring. Also: don't forget bear spray (and yes, it can be weirdly hard to find in certain towns).

📅 Plan Smart, But Leave Room for Spontaneity

Some parts of this trip need to be booked in advance — like RV rentals, national park campgrounds, and any must-do tours (like this Okanagan wine tasting). But leave space in your itinerary for detours, slower days, or swapping one hike for another if weather or energy levels don't cooperate.

Western Canada rewards flexibility. Some of our best moments came from trail changes, restaurant discoveries, or pulling over just because a lake looked pretty. Plan ahead, but stay open — that's kind of the magic of RV travel.

This 2-week route gave us glacier views, mountain hikes, coastal sunsets, and wine by the lake. Would we do it all again? Absolutely — but maybe with more time in the Rockies. If you're thinking of planning your own Western Canada RV adventure, we hope this itinerary gives you the confidence (and inspiration!) to hit the road.

Happy travels — and don't forget the bear spray! 🐻

When is the best time to do an RV trip in Western Canada?

We did our trip in late May, which was a great time with clear roads and fewer tourists, though some high-altitude attractions (like Maligne Lake) were still frozen. Early June might offer better weather while still avoiding peak summer crowds.

How far in advance should I book RV campgrounds in Canada?

Book national park campgrounds the moment reservations open, as popular sites fill up within minutes. Different parks open on different dates, so set calendar reminders for each one you plan to visit.

Is it difficult to drive an RV in the Canadian Rockies?

Mountain passes can be challenging but are manageable with careful driving. Be prepared for weather changes, limited cell service, and sometimes sparse fuel stations. Remember to check road conditions before traveling.

What should I pack for an RV trip in Western Canada?

Pack layers for rapidly changing weather, rain gear, bear spray, a good coffee setup, and download offline maps for areas with no cell service. Even in late spring, mountain areas can still experience snowfall.

Can I bring an RV on BC Ferries to Vancouver Island?

Yes, RVs are allowed on BC Ferries, but as first-time RV drivers, we opted to rent a car for the Vancouver Island portion of our trip. This made navigation easier and allowed us to stay at a beachfront lodge in Tofino.