Oh Canada: Captivating Canadian Destinations
7 min read
Already brainstorming new sights and locations for your RV road trip when the weather warms next year? Consider Canada. With ten provinces and three territories, America’s friendly neighbor to the north has no shortage of amazing vistas to explore. From majestic mountains and rolling plains to vibrant cities and stunning coastlines, Canada has something to suit every RV traveler. Today, RVT takes a look at captivating destinations you can experience across Canada once the cold weather is behind us.
Quick Facts about Canada:
Canada shares a land border with the US with over 100 points of entry from the northern states. At 5,525 miles (8,891 km) long, it’s the longest international border in the world.
Currency: The Canadian dollar. US dollars typically stretch further in Canada. Check the current exchange rate before you go.
Official languages: English and French. Quebec’s official language is French. English is the dominant language in the rest of the provinces.
Your American driver’s license is accepted in Canada. Just make sure it’s valid and you have proof of registration and insurance.
Canada uses the metric system, so distances and speed limits are in kilometers, not miles. 110 km/h is equivalent to 68 mph.
You will need a passport to visit.
Captivating Canadian Destinations to Visit in Your RV
Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC
Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, BC
These breathtaking gardens are located near the beautiful coastal city of Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The gardens are a designated historic site and have been flourishing in Brentwood Bay for over 100 years. The Gardens include a Children’s Pavilion and a carousel. RV Parks in the area include Ocean Winds RV Park and Fort Victoria RV Park.
Victoria is renowned for its beauty, arts, culture, and food. There is much to do in this vibrant city, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Hatley Castle and Gardens, Royal BC Museum, whale watching, and more. If you’re planning to tour Vancouver Island, it has many other stunning destinations to visit.
Granville Island, Vancouver, BC
Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver, BC
Located in a beautiful urban waterfront setting, Vancouver’s Granville Island is one of the city’s most unique and well known arts and culture hubs. Its famous Public Market is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. Other areas to visit in Granville Island include the Net Loft Shops and the Artisan District where you can find many of Canada’s best artists and designers. Granville Island hosts several performing arts and cultural festivals year round. It’s also a great place for foodies. Over 50 food merchants are located in the market. Nearby RV Parks include the Capilano River RV Park and Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Campground.
As one of Canada’s hot spots, Vancouver has a wide variety of fantastic sites to visit, including the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver Art Gallery, and Science World.
Calgary Stampede, Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Gorgeous Calgary, Alberta is located near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Annually on the first Friday in July, this modern urban center goes western for the famous festival touted as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. For ten days, the Calgary Stampede is the premiere event in the city. Featuring a rodeo, chuckwagon races, a massive midway, and a variety of free concerts and shows, the Calgary Stampede is definitely an experience to add to your RV road trip map. And don’t miss out on the dozens of free pancake breakfasts throughout the city during the Stampede! The Calaway Park Campground, west of the city, typically offers shuttles to the Stampede grounds. Book early at this popular campground.
Other must-sees in Calgary include The Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, Fort Calgary, the Telus World of Science, and Calaway Park. Most of these attractions offer RV parking, but call before you go. Calgary is also close to many mountain delights. Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis Country, and Lake Louise are all within 90 minutes of the city.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, SK
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, SK
The first interprovincial park in Canada, Cypress Hills features something for everyone. Lush forest, rolling prairie, magnificent views, hiking trails, ziplining, disc golf, biking, fishing, golfing, a swimming pool, resort, and beaches can all be experienced here. There is also a massive Dark Sky Preserve, one of the largest in the world. RV camping is available within the park, including full service sites for your diesel pusher, travel trailer, fifth wheel or other RV. A park entry permit is required.
Niagra Falls, ON
Niagra Falls, ON
Located just 80 miles (128 km) from Toronto, Niagra Falls is a must-see natural attraction that straddles the US and Canada. Canada’s horseshoe-shaped falls can be viewed for free, 24-hours a day, from the Table Rock Center. If you wish to see the falls from a closer vantage point, you can buy admission to Journey Behind the Falls or Niagra City Cruises. Prepare to get wet! For unique aerial views, consider a helicopter tour. Niagra Helicopters and National Helicopters both offer tours. Another option is riding to the top of the Skylon Tower. Nearby RV parks include KOA Niagra Falls and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Niagra.
Niagra Falls is also a bustling city with much to offer, including Waves Indoor Waterpark, Safari Niagra, Marineland, the Great Canadian Midway, and the Niagra Falls History Museum.
Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica, QC
Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica, QC
The oldest church in Canada, the Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica (Our Lady of Quebec City), is located in the historic quarter of Old Québec, a Unesco World Heritage site. Construction first started on the cathedral in 1647 and it was the first in Canada to be raised to the rank of minor basilica in 1874. Visitors are welcome to tour this National Historic Site throughout the year during visiting hours. Check the hours of operation before you go as they may change seasonally. The historic quarter is a destination itself. Enjoy a taste of Old Europe, with cobblestone streets and charming shops throughout. Popular RV parks in the area include Coop Camping Saint-Esprit and Camping de la Joie.
Other notable sites to visit in Québec City include Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac, Place Royale, and the Québec Citadelle National Historic Site.
Bay of Fundy, NB
Hopewell Rocks, Bay of Fundy, NB
The Bay of Fundy is well known for its spectacular tidal changes, the highest in the world, rising close to 40 feet (12 meters) twice per day. There are many ways to experience the area, including hiking, kayaking, rappelling the cliffs, and more. You can even walk on the ocean floor during low tide. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities—twelve species of whales hang out in the bay. While the whale-watching season runs from May to October, the best months for viewing are July through September. Places to visit in the Bay of Fundy area include Fundy National Park—an adventurer’s playground, the famous Hopewell Rocks, Kingsbrae Gardens, Fredericton Boyce Farmer’s Market, and the Swallowtail Lightstation.
Notable RV parks in New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy area include Headquarters Campground and Chigneto Campground. Boondocking is also available in the area—check for legal areas. The Bay of Fundy is shared with the province of Nova Scotia.
Peggy’s Cove, NS
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, NS
Located about fifty minutes from Nova Scotia’s capital city, Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is home to one of the most-photographed lighthouses in the world. This quaint fishing village has just thirty permanent residents and is known for its warm hospitality, gorgeous landscapes, and rich maritime history. Located in a rugged, sheltered cove, it is recommended you stay on shore. Heed the warning signs. The waves and tides are powerful, and the rocks and cliffs are often slippery. Guided tours and boat tours are available. Some other must-see destinations in Halifax include the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Halifax Public Gardens, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
Popular RV Parks in the area include King Neptune Campground and Wayside Campground and RV Park.
Cape Spear Lighthouse, NL
Cape Spear Lighthouse, NL
The oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Cape Spear Lighthouse is located at the most easterly point in North America, on a rugged point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Because of its location, it’s one of the first, and perhaps best, places to see the sunrise in the continent. This beautiful area is home to plenty of hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints. Whale watching is also popular here. Just twenty minutes from the vibrant capital city, St. John’s, NL. Nearby RV parks include Northern Bay Sands Park and Pouch Cove Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Other well-known places to visit in Newfoundland and Labrador include the East Coast Trail, Gros Morne National Park, Bonavista, and Twillingate—a small fishing town which hosts the annual Fish Fun Folk Festival at the end of July.
L.M. Montgomery’s National Historic Site, PEI
Green Gables, Cavendish, PEI
Immerse yourself in the world of Anne of Green Gables in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. There’s plenty to experience here, including the original Green Gables house, walking trails including Lover’s Lane and the Haunted Wood, Cordial Café, 19th century gardens, and more. Other places to experience in PEI include the capital city of Charlottetown, Green Gables Shore, Summerside, the North Cape Coastal Drive, Covehead Harbour Lighthouse, and St. Dunstan’s Basilica.
RV parks on PEI include Cavendish KOA Holiday and Tranquility by the Sea Campground.
No matter where you go in Canada, you’ll find amazing sites to visit. From sandy beaches and rugged shorelines to towering mountains and modern cities, each province has its own beauty to experience. Whether you go across Canada or visit a single province, Canada is a captivating country to visit!
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