We hired a campervan to travel British Columbia and parts of Alberta in September and October 2023.
After thorough research we decided to rent a smaller van (C-Small) from Fraserway RV. We were told that these weren't as run down as vans from other rental companies and that should proof to be true.
We chose this time of year as we really wanted to see the lovely fall colours.
However, about 4-6 weeks before the departure date news arrived about really bad forest fires and parts of our planned route were affected. It wasn't clear up until the actual date of departure whether we would be able to travel the intended route.
While passing flying over Canada we could actually see very high smoke stacks from many forest fires and were quite worried. We did get lucky though and were able to drive the entire route. Locals, however, told us that just weeks before the areas where clouded by thick smoke and we could see huge areas of burned down trees.
We opted for pre-booking all the campsites as we saw that they were filling up rather quickly and we had no idea how independent the campervan would be. Initially we wanted to remain as flexible as possible, but in key locations we waned to make sure we would definitely be able to visit. As a consequence we pre-booked the entire route. In the end it was more important to us to experience the locations rather than remain fully flexible. Ultimately, we could still depart a location early and switch if we didn't like it (spoiler: and we did, because holy swearword those Canadian cargo trains honk their horns all night and at some campsites you sleep right next to the tracks!).
We hope you enjoy our little blog about the trip!
We did not have high expectations for Vancouver as it was the "arrival destination" i.e. we expected to just deal with jetlag and exploe a little bit, but didn't think this would be an amazing stop already.
Vancouver Island was nothing short of an adventure, a stunning mix of natural beauty and wildlife encounters that we'll remember for a long time. The weather was absolutely perfect throughout the trip, making it so easy to explore and soak in the great outdoors. We picked a lovely campsite close to Tofino that felt just right, serving as our cozy home base for all the exploration we had planned.
Our stay in Whistler was a delightful blend of adventure and tranquillity, marking the third stop on our Canadian road trip. With the looming uncertainty of encountering a bear during our time in the wilderness, we decided to hire a guide for an epic hike up Blackcomb. The trail, ominously named "Hard Burn", tested our endurance, but the views and sense of accomplishment made every step worthwhile.
We made our way to Wells Gray Provincial Park, setting up base at the peaceful Wells Gray Guest Ranch. Far from cell phone service, the tranquility of the ranch was a great backdrop for our adventures. Our Swiss hosts welcomed us warmly, and each day brought new experiences as they shared their knowledge of the area.
Our fifth stop on the Canada road trip was Jasper, a delightful village nestled within the Canadian Rockies. We camped at Whistlers Campground, where we discovered it was the mating season for moose. Initially, the sounds we heard resembled a train moving over tracks, but it soon became clear that it was the calls of nearby moose. These magnificent animals came remarkably close—just a couple of metres away—providing a thrilling and somewhat intimidating experience.
Our two-day adventure at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake began with high hopes for serene beauty and untouched wilderness. Upon arrival, the iconic turquoise waters framed by towering peaks were truly breathtaking. However, it quickly became apparent that the lakes were swarmed with visitors, many eager to capture the perfect Instagram shot. This lively atmosphere detracted from the tranquility we were hoping to find.
Radium Hot Springs was an unplanned stop and the destination we chose to escape the disappointing campgrounds at Lake Louise. We thought that a day soaking in naturally hot spring water would be relaxing, especially if they came with a view.
Our eighth stop in Revelstoke was a delightful experience, albeit for just two nights, which felt all too short given how enchanting the village is. The charm of this small town lies in its perfect blend of amenities, from cosy cafes and nice restaurants to beautiful shops, a vibrant farmers market, and lively pubs.
This was the last stop in the Rockies, with Calgary as our next destination for departure. Banff presents itself as an interesting and peculiar village. It has a somewhat manufactured feel, designed for tourism, yet still exudes a great deal of charm. We were pleased to discover local transport options from the campground to the village, which we used frequently.
Our last stop was Calgary, where we only had one day to check things out. Unfortunately, we left feeling pretty let down. The city's design pushed us toward the long network of skywalks, which helped us get around but kept us mostly inside. This made it hard to really take in the vibe of the city since we missed out on the streets and sights we expected to see.
