RV Travel Tips

Top Hidden Gems To Discover in Western Canada

Kennedy Lake on Vancouver Island

Start your West Coast road trip adventure in Vancouver, a city that serves as the perfect gateway to discovering the treasures of the Pacific Northwest.

Imagine showing up to campgrounds without reservations, making up your itinerary on the go even during busy months, and truly embracing the flexibility an RV offers. If this is your idea of exploring Canada’s West Coast, we got you!

TRAVEL TIP 1: Vancouver Island
British Columbia

Vancouver Island offers a unique blend of rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and charming towns. The climate here is more regulated than the interior of Canada, with mild temperatures that extend the summer season well into October. Vancouver Island is much larger than you might think, making it worth spending two weeks to fully explore its wonders. Visit the vibrant city of Victoria, BC’s capital and known for its British colonial architecture and stunning gardens. Indigenous art is abundant on Vancouver Island, with many local artists and beautiful stores showcasing their work.

Explore the wild beauty of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, where you can hike through temperate rainforests and enjoy the crashing waves along Long Beach. Unique west coast towns like Ucluelet and Tofino offer charming coastal experiences, but for these popular destinations, reservations are advisable to secure your spot.

Follow the road less travelled to North Vancouver Island where you’ll experience the purest kind of wilderness. Don't miss the chance to spot wildlife on adventure tours: From whales and seals to eagles and black bears, Vancouver Island is the perfect spot to encounter wildlife in their natural habitats.

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Ferry to Vancouver Island
When traveling from Vancouver:

Simply take a BC Ferry from Tsawwassen ferry terminal, only 45 minutes from Fraserway RV Vancouver. On weekends and especially on long weekends, a ferry reservation is highly recommended.

If you’re travelling on a week day, simply queue up and enjoy the 1,5 hr ride to Swartz Bay – you may even spot whales and seals on your way!

TRAVEL TIP 2: Olympic Peninsula
Washington State, USA

Even if you’re not a Twilight fan, the drive along the Olympic Peninsula coastline is deemed one of the most scenic in the region. Anchored by the majestic Olympic Mountains and bordered by the Pacific Ocean, you’re bound to discover mountains, ocean and waterfall-laden rain forests as well as hip, artsy seaside towns.

Discover Native American culture rooted as deep as the Peninsula’s ancient trees. Or plan a Twilight adventure in the small town where Bella’s story all began.

Campgrounds are abundant with Olympic National Part at the heart of the peninsula, but you’ll also find beautiful state parts and private RV parks. If you can’t get into a place you had your heart set on during peak season, travel mid-week instead of a weekend or go boondocking.

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BONUS

If you're looking to explore more and have some extra time, consider traveling further south to the stunning Oregon Coast for even more breathtaking scenery and adventures.

Olympic National Park
When traveling from Vancouver:

The Canada-US Peace Arch border crossing is only about a 30 minute drive from Fraserway RV in Delta. Make sure to have all your travel documents in order before crossing.

We suggest to stock up on groceries once you’re in the US to avoid issues at the border. Good to know: The Peace Arch crossing is open 24 hours daily.

TRAVEL TIP 3: Route 97 in the Okanagan
British Columbia

Route 97 winds through the heart of BC’s Okanagan from Osoyoos in the south to Kamloops in the north, a region famed for its picturesque vineyards, award-winning wines, and abundant orchards with roadside fruit stands.

One of the highlights along the route is the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a series of decommissioned tracks now transformed into an extensive recreational trail. In Naramata, you can explore the trail by bicycle, enjoying views of Lake Okanagan on one side and lush vineyards on the other.

Alternatively, venture through Kelowna’s Myra Canyon, where the trail features two tunnels and 18 trestle bridges offering breathtaking mountain wilderness and canyon views.

For a refreshing break, try the Penticton River float, where you can leisurely drift down the channel and cool off in the summer heat.

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BONUS

Situated on the shores of Okanagan Lake in the heart of Wine Country, Kelowna is one of Canada's warmest, driest regions. This makes it especially appealing come September, as the temperatures drop and fall activities in Kelowna ramp up.

Ferry to Vancouver Island
When traveling from Vancouver:

You have two options to reach the Okanagan depending on how much time you have and what kind of drive you prefer. For a faster trip, take Highway 5 east through Hope and Merritt.

If you have more time and want to enjoy a scenic drive, take Highway 3, which winds through picturesque small towns and offers breathtaking views of the Similkameen Valley and Osoyoos.

TRAVEL TIP 4: Route 16 in Northern BC
British Columbia

This nearly 720-kilometre stretch of highway in Northern British Columbia, links Prince George to Prince Rupert, and cuts through a vast wilderness area studded with rolling plains, glaciated valleys, soaring snow-capped peaks, thundering waterfalls.

Fish the wild rivers of the Bulkley and Skeena, explore cafes and breweries in beautiful, quaint mountain towns like Smithers or Terrace, visit ‘Ksan Historical Village and finally, spend some time in the harbor town Prince Rupert by the mighty Pacific Ocean.

BONUS

If you’re planning your trip well in advance, we highly recommend taking the Inside Passage ferry from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island to Prince Rupert – one of the most scenic boat rides that is not a cruise!

Travelling on this spectacular day-long ferry will allow you to experience Canada’s West Coast from a completely different angle and save on travel kilometres. As soon as you dock in Prince Rupert, travel along beautiful Highway 16 and explore the road less travelled.

Northern BC Mountains
When traveling from Vancouver

Depending on how much time you have on your trip, either follow Highway 1 East and head up North from Hope, or take the longer route through the beautiful Okanagan valley, BC’s famous wine region.

At Cache Creek, turn North on Highway 97, where granite-walled canyons meet impressive river valleys. You will meet Highway 16 from Prince George.

When embarking on your journey to these hidden gems, renting an RV from Fraserway RV ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

With the largest fleet in Canada, no hidden fees, free additional drivers, free US travel, unlimited generator and awning use, and a variety of units to choose from, Fraserway RV is your go-to option for a memorable road trip.

Enjoy the freedom to change your plans on the fly and explore at your own pace, all while having the convenience of both a car and accommodation in one.

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So, when plan a road trip to Vancouver, consider steering away from the well-trodden paths and discover the hidden gems that await you to make memories that last a lifetime.