Guest Post: Two Club Members, One Motorhome in Canada, and Many Memories

Having thought about it for a couple of weeks, renting an RV and touring British Columbia seemed like an excellent idea.

We browsed the website a little more, rang for additional details and eventually settled on the 25-day Great Parks & Lakes of Western Canada tour. The team were friendly and helpful, especially Gemma, who emailed us the details of the proposed independent tour, and what a tour it was!

We kicked off with two nights at a marvellous hotel in central Vancouver - a city boasting stunning waterfronts, lush parks, diverse culture, and a thriving culinary scene! On the third day, we collected our chosen RV from the Fraserway depot just south of the city, and then the real adventure began. Thankfully, we had prearranged a sat nav - thoroughly recommended!

Stanley Park Explore the iconic Stanley Park, a sprawling urban oasis that blends lush forests, scenic seawalls, and cultural attractions. Walk or bike along the seawall to take in stunning waterfront views, visit the Totem Poles for a glimpse into Indigenous heritage, and immerse yourself in this park's natural beauty.

Granville Island Experience the vibrant culture and creativity of Granville Island. Wander through the bustling Granville Island Public Market, where you'll find a diverse array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, artisan crafts, and more. Explore galleries, boutiques, and theatres that showcase the local arts scene

Gastown Stroll through the historic Gastown district, known for its cobblestone streets and the iconic Gastown Steam Clock. Discover an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and eateries in this charming neighbourhood. Be sure to catch the Gastown Steam Clock's melodious hourly show.

Chinatown Explore Vancouver's historic Chinatown, one of the oldest in North America. Stroll through vibrant streets, discover herbal shops, markets, and cultural landmarks like the ornate Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Chinese Garden.

We were advised to use a dedicated travel app which contained a tremendous amount of detail about the trip. It included everything needed to make the trip stress-free and saved countless rummagings to find paper tickets and reservations!

Flight details, e-tickets, transfers and hotel bookings, pre-booked campsite vouchers, ferry crossings and National Park passes are all stored digitally within the app. The app also provided route maps to each campsite, current and future weather forecasts and comprehensive information about attractions en route. Revolutionary!

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Anyway, back to the route... The trip started with a five-day tour of Vancouver Island. We then hopped on a ferry trip to the mainland, staying just outside Whistler. Whilst there, I recommend a ride on the Sea to Sky gondola, which offers an unparalleled vantage point to absorb the stunning coastal vistas and mountainous grandeur the region proudly presents.

From here, the climb into the iconic Rockies began. We were headed to Lillooet, a town nestled in British Columbia's rugged heartlands with gold rush heritage.

We were greeted by a totally different type of campsite when we arrived. Small, charming and entered by a steep downhill gravel road, our pitch was pleasantly situated next to the mighty Frazer River.

Explore Fort Berens Estate Winery Indulge in the burgeoning wine scene of Lillooet by visiting Fort Berens Estate Winery. Savour locally-produced wines against the backdrop of captivating vineyards and the surrounding mountains. A guided tour and tasting session offers a delightful blend of history, terroir, and exceptional flavours.

Visit the Miyazaki House Immerse yourself in Lillooet's cultural heritage by touring the Miyazaki House. This heritage site showcases the town's diverse history, including Indigenous heritage and the experiences of Japanese immigrants. The picturesque gardens and the charming heritage house provide a reflective space to learn about the community's past.

Seton Lake Lookout Embark on a rewarding hike to the Seton Lake Lookout, where panoramic vistas await. The trail treats hikers to breathtaking views of Seton Lake, the Fraser River, and the rugged mountains surrounding Lillooet. This outdoor adventure is an ideal way to connect with the region's natural splendour.

On our way to Jasper, a ski resort high in the Rockies, we made a stop in Clearwater, pitching up in a beautiful setting by a lake. Clearwater is known as the gateway to the Wells Gray Provincial Park, a sprawling wilderness home to bears, moose, deer, and various bird species, and a stunning spot for stargazing.

The next day we continued our journey into the Rockies, arriving in Jasper. If you asked someone to imagine the ideal Canadian mountain resort, Jasper would be it. Its enchanting wood cabins and snow-capped mountain surrounds made it feel like you were wandering through a fairytale winter wonderland.

Next, the legendary Ice Fields Parkway to Banff was on the cards. This iconic highway stretches for approximately 232km (144 miles) and offers an awe-inspiring journey through a landscape of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, glaciers, and alpine meadows. Along the way, we took a trip on another gondola to Sulphur Mountain, some 2,135m (7,000ft) above sea level - another recommendation.

A stop at the town of Golden is yet another must. Here, you can experience two of Canada's highest and longest wire rope suspension bridges. If you're a thrill-seeker, there's also a zip wire across the canyon, though my wife and I decided to pass on that!

We were now leaving the Rockies and descending into the Okanagan Valley, famous for its fruit farms and wineries. As we drove to our next campsite, we looped the 112km (70 mile) Okanagan Lake. This area is very much a summer getaway destination for Canadians due to its proximity to Vancouver and the Rockies, so it was busy but not unpleasantly so.

Our trip was nearly over; just three more stops before returning to Vancouver. The first was a remote site by a reservoir in Manning Provincial Park, followed by a small campground near the rather pleasant town of Harrison Hot Springs, self-explanatory as to what it is famous for.

To sum up, Canada did not disappoint - the vastness of the country and overpowering size of the Rockies left an indelible impression of awe. The tour was superbly organised and perfectly showcased the best of British Columbia.

Thanks to Worldwide Caravan and Motorhome Holidays for being so helpful and allowing us to experience this unique corner of the globe.

Written by Colin & Karen Dibble
Visited Canada on our Great Parks & Lakes of Western Canada tour