I mulled it over for a couple of weeks, and yes, renting an RV and touring British Columbia seemed like an excellent idea. The next step was to ring up and find out more.

My wife and I agreed on the Great Parks & Lakes of Western Canada independent motorhome tour, and once we were in touch with the team, Gemma (very helpful, I must say!) emailed us the route details. And what a route!

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Worldwide Caravan and Motorhome Holidays provided us with an app that compiled a LOT of helpful information from flight details, e-tickets, transfers and hotel bookings, pre-booked campsite vouchers and ferry crossing details to National Park passes, route maps, and updated weather forecasts. Perhaps most importantly, it contained much information about attractions to visit between each campsite. It included everything needed to make the trip trouble-free and enjoyable. It certainly enhanced the experience; without it, it would've meant a lot of time wasted planning, researching and endlessly scrolling Google to find things to do! It's worth paying just that little bit extra.

Arrival and Day 1-11

Upon arrival in Vancouver, we were to spend two nights at a superb hotel in the city centre before heading out to the Fraserway Depot to collect our Fraserway C Medium motorhome. The RV was spacious and well-equipped, with a comfortable bed, a fully functional kitchen, and a bathroom. We were ready for our 25-day Canadian adventure. Thankfully, we'd booked a sat nav. Thoroughly recommended.

Canada did not disappoint; the vastness of the country and the overpowering size of the Rockies are truly breathtaking. After setting off from the depot, the trip started with a ferry across to Vancouver Island and a five-day tour of the island. It was then another ferry trip back to the mainland and a short drive to the mountain town of Whistler. En route, we stopped at Squamish for a trip on the Sea to Sky Gondola, an aerial tramway that ascends 885m (2,900ft) and offers stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. We'd both thoroughly recommend this!

Day 12-18

The journey into the Rockies really began when we left Whistler and headed to Lillooet. Upon arriving at our next campsite via a steep downhill gravelled road, we were shown to our pitch on the shores of the mighty Fraser River - our home for the next few nights.

Next, we headed to the winter ski resort of Jasper, high in the Rockies. We stopped in Clearwater, pitching up in a beautiful spot by a lake. There was plenty to keep us busy here, including the Jasper SkyTram, Jasper Brewery, various thrill-seeking activities (we preferred to keep it a little more relaxed!) and the surrounding landscapes of mountains, lakes, and canyons. 

All that talk of stunning landscapes leads us on nicely to Icefields Parkway, an iconic highway linking Jasper and Lake Louise (more on this later). This was an absolute must and gave us both an exhilarating feeling as we cruised in our motorhome beneath towering mountains, across fast-flowing rivers, and past the Columbia Icefields Skywalk - also worth a stop if you have time. 

Now, if you stop at the famous Lake Louise, much planning is required. There are multiple waterfalls to see on this stretch of the journey, as well as lakes, gondolas, caves, hot springs, and museums.

Once we arrived in Banff (just a little further from Lake Louise), we took a trip on another gondola, reaching the summit of Sulphur Mountain, 2,250m (7400ft) above sea level. Do try and fit this one in.

We would also recommend a stop at the town of Golden, located just west of Lake Louise. Here, one can experience two of Canada's highest and longest wire rope suspension bridges. If you like a thrill, there is also a zip wire across the canyon.

Day 19-26

We were now leaving the Rockies and descending into the Okanagan Valley, famous for its fruit farms, vast vineyards, and wineries. It is very much a summer destination for Canadians due to its proximity to Vancouver. As we drove to our next campsite, we followed the 80-mile Okanagan Lake - a vast lake comparable in size to the Isle of Wight!

Our trip was nearly over, with three more stops before we were back in Vancouver. The first was a remote site by a reservoir in Manning Provincial Park, followed by a small campground near the rather lovely town of Harrison Hot Springs (self-explanatory as to what it is famous for!).

Our last night was spent at a campsite in a suburb of Vancouver, within easy reach of the RV depot, where we sadly had to return our vehicle that had been our home for the last 25 days.

In summary

To sum up this adventure, it was a superbly organised independent tour of some of the best sites that British Columbia has to offer. The information on places to visit was comprehensive. We probably managed 85% of the places recommended.

Thanks to the Worldwide Caravan and Motorhome Tours team for being so helpful, answering our questions and supporting us pre-, during, and post-holiday. The route was one of their many tours to Canada and has left us with many fantastic experiences and memories.