5 BC Places to Visit for Outdoor Fun and Winter Camping

If you thought that camping and RVing was devoted solely to those months without snow, you would be wrong. British Columbia is fast becoming a destination for RVing and camping, particularly with those who live in colder climes. Here are five fun things to do and places to camp in BC’s winter months.

Winter Activities On British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast

From the artistic community of Gibsons northeast to the harbour village of Lund, mountains meet the sea along the Sunshine Coast, a mainland area uniquely only accessible by ferry, boat or plane. Winters are typically mild and range from 2 to 10ºC (20 to 50°F) during the day. In lower elevations, rains keep the flora and forests lush, while higher areas see snow.

There’s plenty to do both inside and out if you’re RVing here in the winter. Make sure to get out on the water and head up some slopes. You will be rewarded with majestic views and an excellent chance of seeing animals in their natural environment. Read more.

Five Spots to Ice Fish and Camp this Winter in British Columbia

Ice fishing is often overlooked as a winter activity, especially if you live in southern B.C.  But fishing opportunities do not stop when the temperature freezes – they only get more exciting. Ice fishing is a very social sport and requires only a limited amount of gear or experience. The entire lake becomes accessible without the need of a boat and you don’t need the often complicated casting techniques required in other fisheries. It’s as simple as drilling a hole and dropping a line. Try some winter camping while you’re at it; there are many parks open year-round close to great hard water lakes. Here are our top 5 spots to try ice fishing this winter with RV spots close by. Read more.

Winter RV Adventure for Camping Newbies at Sunshine Valley & Manning Park, BC

If only we had known how amazing RVing in the winter is, we would have taken this trip a long time ago! Our journey started in earnest on a Wednesday morning when we had made arrangements to pick up a rental RV from CanaDream. We had already checked in online five days before, uploaded required documents and information, paid our deposit and reviewed demo videos so we knew all about the RV we were renting before we arrived. Upon arrival, we were greeted by friendly staff who checked that all of our details were in order and then my husband and I did a thorough walk-through of the unit. Read more.

5 Ways to Enjoy Winter in Wine Country, Okanagan, British Columbia

As cooler temperatures emerge, and the snow blankets the vineyards, the valley transforms from a sun-soaked paradise to the ultimate winter destination. From champagne powder to frozen waterfalls to theatrical sleigh ride shows, the winter can be a magical time to explore the Okanagan. Read more.

Vancouver Island, BC Off-Season Adventures

‘Canada’s Mediterranean’, is how I like to refer to Central Vancouver Island. It offers more year-round outdoor recreational opportunities in mind-blowing scenery than I’ll ever have time to enjoy in one lifetime. But I’m trying – and the best part is that so many activities are absolutely free!

To get you started let me give you just a couple of very different ‘cool season’ activities on different parts of the Island, along with two fantastic year-round RV parks located close to each mini adventure. Read more.

For places to camp in BC in the winter go to winter camping.

Share your BC  travel and camping photos using hashtag #campinbc

It’s always a great day to #CampinBC

First Time RVing In Winter – What To Know About Renting An RV

My husband’s family lived in the Arctic Circle before he was born, and his formative years were spent in Manitoba. So it should come as no surprise that he wants to go camping … in the winter.

I, on the other hand,  don’t really “do winter”. I’m more of a rainforest girl. But I love to camp and miss it all winter long.

Enter the perfect solution, or so we hope … a winter RV trip. All the adventure of camping, all the chill of winter, but with the comforts of home.

This winter we’re going to rent an RV from the good folks at CanaDream and take a short trip.  I have to admit I’m totally out of my element so step one: book the RV.

In order to feel better prepared for the RV experience, I posed some questions to the representative at CanaDream, who was extremely helpful. Here’s our conversation, which has some good procedural advice for any first-time RVer as well as stuff specific to winter use.

1. Can we leave our car with you when we pick the RV up?

Yes! Our pick-up location is about half an hour outside of Vancouver and we have a gated lot where you can leave your car.

2. What else happens at pick-up?

All Guests are invited to check in online 5 days before pick up. It is mandatory that you complete online check in as this is where you provide CanaDream with all your details, uploading driver’s license, emergency contacts, you’ll read and accept their terms & conditions and insurance policy, you can add on extras and also pay the mandatory security deposit by credit card. You’ll watch their detailed demo videos so you know all about your RV before you get to the station.  This is really helpful.

You will also select your pick up time and your drop off time from a range of available time slots. Again this is great to help you plan your departure and the return day of your vacation.

On arrival you will simply present your driver’s license, credit card to confirm they match what is in their system and you’ll perform a short self-guided tour (asking any questions that you need) and then you can head off on your road trip! simple.

3. Your Maxi Motorhome RV is a “winter unit” … what does that mean?

The Maxi Motorhome has been specifically designed and built to enable functioning of the RV in temperatures up to -30 degrees Celsius.  With heated and insulated pipes, use of the RV furnace and generator means you can keep the RV warm and frost free, ensuring full use of the bathroom facilities and kitchen water. Giving you the ultimate winter comfort and convenience on the road, the RV comes kitted out with fleece bed linen, insulated curtains and protective floor carpets to enhance the warmth of the unit.  Don’t get this confused with some rental companies who “winterize” their RVs which means they drain all of the water out of the pipes and tanks to ensure the pipes don’t freeze and cause damage when they thaw.  CanaDream is unique in this respect with their RV having an Arctic pack to assist with the use through harsh Canadian winters.

4. Does the unit come fully stocked?

You can chose to rent a Convenience kit which provides you with all the kitchen equipment, bed linen and towels, or you can bring your own if you want to reduce the cost.  Most people take the Convenience kits.

5. What extra items should we bring?

This depends on what you think you will need and of course you are welcome to bring whatever you like to make your trip more comfortable. We recommend that you pack supplies in soft bags so they can be easily stowed in the storage cupboards. I think it’s nice to bring things that make you feel at home. For instance, a favourite pillow. If you have chosen not to take the Convenience kit, you will need to bring everything you require.

6. Is the RV hard to drive? Is there any way to practice?

No. The beauty of these RVs is that they are very easy to drive and as long as you are confident and use a spotter outside to help you reverse and park, you will soon enjoy driving the RV.  They are all equipped with mud and snow tires, so you will have a lot of grip in the winter. We are also happy to provide snow chains.  With any driving in winter make sure you pay attention to the road conditions and don’t take unnecessary risks.

7. How far can we take the RV? Would we be able to use it to drive someplace for skiing, for instance?

With an RV the requirement is you have to stay on numbered public roads. You can’t take it off-road, or down a logging road, for instance. Not that you would be tempted to in the winter!

Really, though, you should be able to drive the RV as you would with an ordinary vehicle, and so you could take it on a day trip …  keeping in mind (as you would with any vehicle) that you need to check road conditions where you are going.

Well, it looks like we’re one step closer to this crazy dream. Thanks to CanaDream for being so patient with all my questions. I’m starting to get excited for the trip!

Note: The information provided by Canadream was updated in 2022. Not all rental companies and RV vehicles will provide the same options.

Read more blogs in camping in winter:

Winter RV Adventure for Camping Newbies at Sunshine Valley & Manning Park, BC

Winter Camping for the Beginner in BC

For places to camp in winter check out the Winter Camping Map

Post your BC winter camping and RVing photos at #CampinBC

RVing in BC is a Different World – And One I’m Starting to Love

As total newbies, we had never been to an RV park, and had no idea what to expect – but everywhere we went, we were warmly greeted, given information on the area, advice on hook-ups, and, although I was more than pleased to see pull-through sites, there was always someone around to assist if you needed help reversing. And – they didn’t laugh! It really did feel like we were a part of a small community.

BC’s private RV parks are amazing… you can choose to have quiet time and enjoy the serenity of your own private site with a personal fire pit, surrounded by trees, squirrels or bushes; or you can join in on communal facilities and chat to fellow RVers – depending where you are it may be like a resort with communal fire pits, pool, hot tub, games room, fully equipped store, and even social events!

Your RV has a full kitchen to cook your dinner and you never need to dine out anywhere! Your groceries (and more importantly cheese and wine!) are chilled from the fridge, and there is enough power to keep it running all day and night even if you don’t move the vehicle! The kitchen and dining areas seem a little cozy at first, but as soon as you park and deploy the slide-out, it suddenly becomes quite a spacious room!

Even within an RV park, it’s still so quiet and relaxing – which surprised me a lot! The blinds block quite a lot of light, which means you can sleep in and wake to the birds chirping around you. Still close enough to nature to hear the birds, and enjoy the soothing sound of rain falling on the roof but without getting cold and wet when you have to get up!

It’s so easy to also pick up the routine. We quickly felt like pros as we successfully navigated all connections, even escaping getting saturated as we twirled the water hose around, spraying water as we unhooked it. Surely there is a better way – but we never found it! We were often laughing so hard our neighbours came to see what was going on!

After a delightfully cozy and warm sleep, unlike a tent you can stand up, you don’t have to put on a ton of warm layers to go outside, your shoes and clothes dry out, and your hands don’t freeze turning on a camping stove and washing up. You don’t have to clean and pack everything into bear caches to keep you safe. Want a snack from the fridge? A cold juice? Need the toilet? Another jacket? Tootbrush? No problem, it’s all right there for your convenience! So easy! I can definitely get used to this!

For meals you can sit on the soft seats and enjoy the views without even leaving the comfort of your own dining room. Simply open the door to enjoy the view of the mountains / trees / scenery (as relevant) from one side whilst simultaneously people watching out the window on the other side! Perfect!

Checking out our fellow RVers setups was amazing – definitely a whole new world. It was SO interesting to someone like me who has never experienced the RV life. People had their own fancy BBQs built into the sides of their vehicles, fairy lights, flowers, windsocks, flags, decorations, large TVs set up on the outside with bar fridges – you name it! Apparently the tables at most RV parks are also the same sizes so you can even get custom coverings made to suit your individual style!

The thing that sticks with me the most is how everyone was so friendly, so happy, relaxed and genuinely loving it – ‘Its a way of life’ they all said, and I can certainly see how they make it so!

RVing is definitely a different world… And one I am starting to love!

Other blogs that may be of interest to you:
Top 10 RV Driving Tips
Where to Go Camping & RVing in British Columbia
Planning Your First Camping Trip? Make It Easy
Winter Camping in British Columbia for the Beginner

For campgrounds in British Columbia go to the Camping Map

Share your BC camping pictures using hashtag #Campinbc, #explorebc

It’s always a great day to #CampinBC

Top 10 RV Driving Tips from Go RVing Canada

The Camping and RVing BC Coalition speaks to many consumers at RV shows and often has to answer the question “I am new to RVing how difficult is it to drive a larger vehicle such as a 5th wheel or motorhome?”  So we thought let’s ask the experts at Go RVing and they provided us with a Top 10 RV Driving Tips blog.

Here at Go RVing Canada we get it – that driving an RV can seem a bit intimidating at first. But did you know you can drive most RVs with a regular driver’s licence? Also, the RVs of today are very little of what you’d imagine your dad driving. They come equipped with back-up and side cameras to help you feel safe and comfortable while you’re on your RV adventures.

Go RVing Canada asked Motorhome Travel for their top ten tips for driving an RV – and here is what they said:

1. Seatbelts on! Just like in your car, make sure that all passengers are seated and have their seat belts fastened before you hit the road.
2. Teamwork makes the dream work! Always have someone outside watching for obstacles and trees hitting the roof as you maneuver into or out of a camp site or parking space. If you’re driving alone, you might need to stop and take a look.
3. Please no tailgating.  It takes longer to accelerate and stop in a motorhome, so make sure you keep two vehicle lengths between you and the next car (and that’s the length of your RV, not your Prius back at home!)
4. Remember ten and two. Make sure to keep both hands on the steering wheel as wind will impact your RV more than a car or SUV, and you’ll want to be ready if a big gust comes.
5. Slow down. Take all turns gradually and make sure that you take wider turns when turning right.
6. Batten down the hatches! You don’t want things rolling around while you’re on the road (it’s both annoying and dangerous). Double check that nothing has been left loose on counter tops or tables when you’re driving your RV and that all counter tops have been secured.
7. Toe the line. When towing, ensure that the vehicle or trailer does not exceed the maximum weight capacity of your motorhome or truck. Your local dealer will be able to tell you the towing ability of your RV or truck. If you must tow your RV (trailer) ensure that your car’s tow rating is not exceeded & you have the proper documentation. Talk to a RV dealer for more support.
8. Watch Your Head. Remember, you’re in a much taller vehicle, so those “low bridge” signs now apply to you. Watch out for those, and other overhead obstacles like tree branches and gas station canopies.
9. Don’t be THAT guy! You don’t want to be the person who drives off and takes half the campsite with them! Check all utilities are disconnected before you take off.
10. Under pressure tires. Inflating your tires to the recommended pressure will help you operate your RV by giving the rubber a better grip on the road. Check your tire pressure at least once a week and ensure all maintenance is up to date.

Looking for more helpful RV tips and tricks? Head over to Go RVing resources for advice on leveling an RV, hooking up at a campsite, and much more!

For campgrounds in British Columbia go to the Camping Map.

Share your BC travel and camping photos using hashtag #campinbc #explorebc

It’s always a great day to #campinbc.

Camping Kitchen: Shake and Wake Pancakes

This family-tested recipe is a great addition to your camp kitchen. Nothing says “vacation” like pancakes. Ditch the measuring tools, bowls and whisks, and use this recipe to serve up from-scratch pancakes while on the road. It can made on a camp stove, in an RV kitchen, or even in a cast-iron pan over the fire. These are thick cakes, almost like scones, and a great hearty breakfast for adventurers. Enjoy!

Published: February 13th, 2014