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Can you go RV camping in Canada?
Yes, you can RV in Canada. In fact, Canada is pretty RV friendly!
For long-time RVers, Canada is another frontier, a rare opportunity to take your RV into another country and see somewhere you may never have visited before.
But being an entirely different country, there are things you should know about traveling to and camping in Canada before you set out.
Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling in Canada as well as included some essential resources for helping you navigate.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about RVing in Canada.
Can You Park an RV Anywhere in Canada?
Yes, you can park an RV in many places throughout Canada.
Referred to as”crown land”, federally owned public land exists throughout the country and is free to camp in and park with your RV.
In addition to this, many of the same types of overnight rest locations you’re used to in the U.S. exist in Canada. Including:
- Walmart
- Other commercial businesses that are RV friendly
- Truck stops
- Public rest areas
- Casinos
- And more
How Much Does It Cost to Camp an RV In Canada?
Federally owned public land is free or low-cost, while privately owned campgrounds range from $40-90 per night on average.
With that said, the cost varies greatly depending on where you camp. It’s best to call ahead to check pricing while planning your trip to ensure a particular location fits your budget.
Can a U.S. Citizen Go Camping in Canada?
Yes, a U.S. citizen can camp in Canada’s National Forests and Crown Land so long as they have a permit.
Unlike the U.S. which admits anyone, including non-citizens, openly to their National Forests, Canada requires documentation to be admitted.
However, obtaining a permit to enter is generally a straightforward process.
Is RV Boondocking Allowed in Canada?
Boondocking is allowed in Canada in many areas, including many of their National Forests and Crown Land.
Every province has somewhat different laws, however, so it’s important to call ahead to make sure a particular area allows it.
What Do You Need to Enter Canada with an RV?
To smoothly enter Canada with your RV, you’ll need a few things:
- Passport
- RV registration
- Proof of insurance
- And a valid driver’s license
If you’re traveling with pets, up-to-date vaccination records will also be required for each pet you’re bringing.
Do They Search Your RV at the Canadian Border?
The answer is: it depends.
A vehicle inspection isn’t a requirement to pass the Canadian border.
However, it is up to the discretion of the border patrol officer that handles your documents and RV whether or not they feel it needs to be inspected.
RV Camping in Canada: 5 Campsites to Visit
Next, let’s talk about a few of the amazing destinations you should consider during your travels.
There are a lot of amazing places you can camp throughout Canada, but these are a few of the locations we think you shouldn’t miss:
1. Mount Kidd RV Park – Kananaskis, Alberta
One of the most popular campgrounds in all of Canada, Mount Kidd is located in Kananaskis, Alberta near the Canadian Rockies and is a great family-friendly spot.
The campground includes large RV spaces fit for motorhomes and trailers as well as a playground, entertainment room, tennis courts, and various activities in close proximity such as the Nakiska Ski Resort.
Check out Mount Kidd RV park.
2. Forillon National Park – Gaspe, Quebec
Forillon National Park is located in Gaspe Quebec near Perce Rock and offers a unique combination of forest and sea.
If you’re looking for somewhere that you can enjoy a traditional camping experience while also being able to head out along the beach to hang out, go snorkeling, or simply enjoy a nice stroll, this is somewhere you should add to your list.
Check out the Forillon National Park.
3. Alice Lake Park – British Columbia
Alice Lake is a Canadian provincial park located in British Columbia near Squamish.
It’s a great location if you want a true deep forest camping experience that really gives that “away-from-it-all” feeling.
However, Alice Lake balances this with four (!) nearby lakes: Alice, Stump, Fawn, and Edith along with a variety of family-friendly activities such as swimming, hiking, and mountain biking.
Check out Alice Lake Park.
4. Jasper National Park – Alberta
Jasper National Park, the largest national park located in the Canadian Rockies. If you’re looking for a campground with incredible vistas, this is a great choice.
The recent Jasper Wildfire has resulted in several of the park’s campgrounds being closed due to repairs. However, several campgrounds have reopened throughout 2024 and several more are opening for the 2025 season.
Check out Jasper National Park.
5. Living Forest RV Park – Nanaimo, British Columbia
Living Forest RV park is located in Nanaimo, British Columbia on 53 acres of forest and ocean and includes over 300 campsites and a variety of things to do.
The park has a number of great amenities as well, including a coffee bar overlooking the water, convenient trail access, and Wi-Fi.
Check out Living Forest RV park.
Essential Resources for RV Camping in Canada
Let’s close by covering some useful resources for RV camping in Canada.
Canada has a great collection of official (.ca) pages designed to help RVers reserve camping spots and get introduced to camping in one of its six major regions.
The major Canadian resource for camping anywhere in the country is parks.canada.ca, a site that has guides on what to know before visiting, how to reserve your trip, and more.
Here are links to several useful pages to get you started:
- Camping 101: what to know before staying the night: The perfect starter guide. Includes how to reserve, etiquette, services, and amenities.
- Travel tips for camping in Canada before you set out
- And how to reserve your trip: Reserve on parks.canada.ca
Also, be sure to check out information on each of the six major regions to get a feel for what services, amenities, and activities you’ll find and where you’d prefer to camp:
- Ontario: Ontario province
- Quebec: Quebec province
- Western Canada: Alberta and British Columbia provinces
- Atlantic Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick provinces
- Canadian Prairies: Manitoba and Saskatchewan provinces
- Northern Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, and Yukon provinces as well as the Northwest Territories
We hope these resources help you have a smooth trip to and enjoyable travels in Canada!
This post may contain affiliate links. Check out our disclosure for more information.
