An RV road trip across Canada is one of the great drives on Earth — 7,800 kilometres of Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria to St. John's, with national parks every few hours. Here's how to plan one that actually finishes.
Class A, Class B, or trailer?
Class B camper vans (Sprinters, Promasters) are the easiest to drive and park, sleep 2–3, and fit any campsite. Class C motorhomes add a bunk over the cab — good for families of four. Class A coaches are luxurious but exclude you from many Parks Canada loops with length restrictions of 8–10 metres. Travel trailers give you a tow vehicle for day trips but require backing experience. For a first cross-country trip, rent a Class B or C — Cruise Canada, Fraserway and CanaDream are the main one-way rental fleets.
Plan around serviced sites and dump stations
Most Parks Canada loops offer either electrical-only or no services. Full hookups (water/sewer/power) are typical at private resorts and KOAs. Plan your route in 200–400 km hops between serviced sites so you can refill water and dump grey/black tanks every 3–4 days. The iOverlander and AllStays apps map dump stations along your route.
Mountain passes and the prairies
The Coquihalla, Kicking Horse Pass and the Rogers Pass are demanding climbs — go slow, use engine braking on descents, and check tire pressure when you cross from sea level to 1,300 m. The prairies between Calgary and Winnipeg are flat and fast but the wind can push a high-walled RV around; cross them on calm mornings and stop early.
Budget for a 30-day cross-country trip
Plan on CAD $4,500–$7,500 for a 30-day one-way rental (June–August), CAD $1,800–$2,400 in fuel, CAD $1,200–$2,000 in campsite fees, and CAD $1,500–$3,000 in food and activities. Shoulder seasons (May, September) cut rental costs by 30–40%.
Editor's tips
The small things that change a trip.
- Book Banff, Jasper, and PEI National Park RV sites the week the reservation window opens.
- Carry a 25-ft water hose and both a 30A and 50A power adapter.
- Use the Sani-Dump app to find free or low-cost dump stations.
- Watch your overhead clearance at gas stations — 3.2 m / 10.5 ft is a safe minimum.
- Pre-cook two dinners for travel days — saves the kitchen on long drives.
Common questions
FAQ
Can you camp in Walmart parking lots in Canada?+
Sometimes — call the store first. Many Canadian Walmarts allow overnight RV parking but municipal bylaws override that in most cities. Sani-Dump and Harvest Hosts are better-organized alternatives.
Do I need an RV-specific driver's licence?+
Not for rigs under 11,000 kg gross weight, which covers nearly every rental.
Are pets allowed in rentals?+
Some fleets charge a $250–$500 pet deposit; confirm at booking. Most national park campgrounds welcome leashed dogs.
Keep reading
National Park Camping
Camping in Canada's National Parks: A Reservation Playbook
When the booking windows open and how to score the best site.
Road Trip Planning
Planning a Cross-Canada Camping Road Trip
Routes, time budgets and where to splurge vs. save.
Camping Safety
Camping Safety in Canada: Bears, Weather, Wildfires
Real talk on backcountry risks and how to mitigate them.