Best Canada Campervan Rentals (+expert tips!)

From the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean to the Arctic North, Canada’s vast wilderness is the perfect setting for a campervan road trip. We’re sharing the best Canada campervan rentals for all regions and budgets, along with insider tips from our own personal experience.

If you’re thinking about renting a campervan in Canada, then I first want to give you a big ol’ high five and tell you wholeheartedly that you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! 

Nothing beats the freedom of having your own home on wheels. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves lapping the shore, sipping your morning coffee in the crisp mountain air, and falling asleep under the dancing northern lights. Pretty dreamy, right?

Secondly, I want to say that if you’re finding yourself totally overwhelmed, I get it. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to renting a campervan. Where do you even start?

No, really, I mean where do you even begin to look for a rental in the second-biggest country in the world?? 

Well don’t worry, my friends – we’ve got you!

We have traveled all over the world in campervans. You might say we’re a little completely obsessed with vanlife. And we have lots of expert advice that’ll be essential as you begin planning your trip.

In this article, we’ll go over exactly how to choose the best campervan rental in Canada for your budget and travel style (because what was best for us might not be best for you!). 

We’re also sharing some tips that have come in really handy over the years, essential items to pack, and mistakes we’ve made, all so that you have the very best experience. 

In the end, we want you to fall in love with vanlife too!

Guide to Canada campervan rentals

Here’s what we cover in this guide. Click on any of the links below to jump down to that section, or keep scrolling to get all the juicy details.

• Why trust us?
• Our experience
• Our top recommendation
• How to book a campervan rental in Canada
• Best Canada Campervan Rentals
• Why hire a campervan or RV in Canada?
• When to make your booking
• Things to consider when choosing a vehicle
• How much does a campervan rental cost?
• Canada Campervan Rentals FAQs
• Campervan insurance
• What to pack for a campervan trip
• Campervan with a baby
• Where to stay in your campervan
• Canada camping resources

Quick English language note: We use the words “rental” and “hire” interchangeably in this article.

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Why you can trust us about campervan rentals

If you’re new to this blog (welcome!), we want to share a few reasons why you can trust us about all things campervan-related:

• We have personally built 3 campervans from scratch.
• We have traveled all over the US and to Canada in our own campervans.
• We have rented vans all over the world, in New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, and Ireland.

Now do you understand why I said we’re obsessed!?

I mention all of this to let you know we have a lot of personal experience on this subject. We truly know what we’re talking about and in this article we’re sharing our expertise with you.

Also, we simply love connecting with others who are interested in RV and campervan adventures, so let’s be friends!

Our personal experience traveling in a campervan in Canada 

We’ve traveled to Canada twice in a campervan we built ourselves. 

For our 10-year wedding anniversary, we drove from our home in Bend, Oregon and explored both British Columbia and Alberta in our self-built van.

And at the end of a month-long dream autumn road trip around New England, we drove our campervan up to Montreal for some much-needed R&R.

We feel like a campervan or motorhome really gives you an added level of freedom that you just don’t have when you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb, and we honestly think it’s the best way to explore Canada.

Since we’ve personally traveled in Canada in a camper ourselves, you can trust that we know what we’re talking about in this article and are sharing tips that will truly help you plan your own trip. 

Our top campervan rental recommendation

If you just want to skip to our overall recommendation, here it is:

We’d recommend using Motorhome Republic to compare all rental options for your dates.

Spoiler Alert: Our 2 top picks for companies are Outdoorsy and CanaDream.

We’d highly recommend you continue reading this guide as it is packed with insider tips on what to look for when choosing your vehicle, mistakes to avoid, and some other companies we’d recommend if you have a different budget or travel needs.

How to book a campervan rental in Canada

Best campervan rental companies in Canada

Okay, so you’ve got Motorhome Republic pulled up for your dates and you can see all your options… But how do you even begin to choose between the companies?

Being that we’ve personally rented campervans all around the world (and have built 3 of our own!), we feel like we have a really good handle on what to look for. 

The companies below have been hand-picked by us, and we think each can be a good choice depending on what it is you’re looking for.

We’ve scoured reviews, compared specs, and analyzed prices to bring you a comprehensive list of the best campervan rentals in Canada so the decision is a little simpler for you.

We’re sharing which company we would recommend to rent with, but we’ll also highlight some other companies in case you think a different one would be a better fit for your personal needs or budget.

• Nationwide
• Western Provinces (British Columbia & Alberta)
• Prairies (Saskatchewan & Manitoba)
• Central Provinces (Ontario & Quebec)
• Atlantic Provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador)
• Territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut)

Psst! For a quick list of recommended companies for each region, jump here.

Nationwide campervan rentals

The following rental companies are the ones with the most pickup/dropoff locations throughout the country – not necessarily in every region. Some less-populated areas (e.g. Saskatchewan, PEI, Newfoundland) have fewer options.

Outdoorsy

• Price range: budget to high-end
• Recommended for: all types of travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: available in most provinces
• Check availability here

This platform is essentially the Airbnb of campervan rentals. People who own campervans, RVs, or tow-behind trailers can list them on Outdoorsy for rent.

This means that even if you live in a province or territory that doesn’t have a lot of rental companies to choose from, you can likely find a campervan for rent without having to take a plane to get there.

Additionally, the variety of campervans and other rental options is vast, giving you lots to choose from.

The downside to this, of course, is that you should keep in mind that just like Airbnbs, not all listings are maintained, cleaned or represented in the same way. We are big on reading reviews so we have a realistic idea of what to expect.

CanaDream

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: all types of travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Whitehorse, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax
• Check availability here

CanaDream is one of the most well-known RV brands in Canada, with a fleet of 1,500+ rental vehicles at 7 locations across the country. They mainly offer more traditional-style RVs, but they do have one campervan on their roster.

Their vehicles have lots of amenities such as bathrooms, microwaves, and fridge/freezer combos. Plus, their all-season RV is the only model in Canada to be winter certified for full use of facilities (including shower!) in temps as low as -30 degrees Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit).

Pros:

• One-way rentals available for most locations
• You can stand up in any of their vehicles
• All vehicles have bathrooms with indoor toilets and showers

Cons: 

• They mainly offer larger RVs and only have one campervan option
• Additional fees for one-way rentals are pretty steep
• No awnings due to risk of damage
• Accessories such as cookware, dishes, bedding, and towels all cost extra

Four Seasons

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: all types of travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Halifax
• Check availability here

Four Seasons is a division of Fraserway RV (the next recommendation on this list) with a focus on providing top-notch rentals and customer service at an affordable price. 

They offer 6 different vehicles ranging from a 2-berth van conversion to a 29-foot motorhome that sleeps 6.

Pros:

• You can stand up in any of their vehicles
• All vehicles are self-contained with indoor toilets and showers
• No additional fees for extra drivers, or for travel to the USA
• Their website is really well done and makes it super easy to compare the different models. They even have virtual tours and instructional videos so you know exactly what to expect for your rental

Cons: 

• Not much is included in the rental fee, and the extras and convenience kits are pricey
• Mileage is charged separately
• The minimum booking is 5 nights (7 nights between October 1 and April 30), so this would not be a good choice for locals looking for a weekend getaway
• The drop-off window on your return date is tight—9 a.m. to 11 a.m.—and they charge $50 CAD per hour for late returns

Fraserway

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: all types of travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Whitehorse, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Halifax
• Check availability here

Fraserway has been around since 1969, so they’ve had tons of experience providing local and international travelers with quality motorhomes.

As the parent company of Four Seasons, they have the same 6 vehicles to choose from, as well as 3 truck campers.

Pros:

• You can stand up in any of their vehicles
• All vehicles have bathrooms with indoor toilets and showers (except the Truck Camper Scout, which has a portable toilet)
• If you’re used to driving a pickup truck, the truck campers could be a good choice to give you more space without having to manage a larger rig

Cons: 

• Not much is included in the rental fee, and the extras and convenient kits are pricey
• Mileage is charged separately
• Motorhomes might be intimidating for someone who isn’t used to driving a larger rig

Cruise Canada

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: families or groups who want to travel in comfort
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax
• Check availability here

We saw lots of Cruise Canada motorhomes while traveling around Western Canada. That comes as no surprise considering, along with their US counterpart, they make up the biggest motorhome rental company in North America with a whopping 4,500-vehicle fleet.

They’re also one of the oldest and most trusted brands around, with more than half a century of experience under their (fan)belt. Cue me laughing at my own joke.  

Pros:

• All models have bathrooms with fresh water toilets and hot showers
• Motorhomes include microwaves to make cooking and snacking a breeze
• All vehicles are pet-friendly so you can bring the whole family
• Discounts available for early bookings

Cons: 

• No campervan options; the smallest model is a 4-person compact RV (small enough to fit the average parking space)
• Motorhomes might be intimidating for someone who isn’t used to driving a larger rig

Karma Campervans

• Price range: mid-range to high-end
• Recommended for: couples or young families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Vancouver, Okanagan Valley, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Moncton
• Check availability here

Karma Campervans offer “modern-rustic” builds with the goal of bringing Canada access to comfortable, affordable campervan travel. 

Karma’s 2-berth and 4-berth vans feature minimalist interior decor that makes them feel like tiny Airbnbs, while their discrete branding on the exterior allows you to travel under the radar.

The thing we love most about this company is that they feature work from local artists from Western Canada in all their campervans. Oh, and the fact that each rental includes a bag of local coffee!

Pros:

• Compact and easy to drive
• You can stand up in any of their vehicles
• Campervans are equipped for off-road, off-grid, and all-season adventures, so you have tons of flexibility
• No additional fees for extra drivers, or for travel to the USA
• One-way rentals may be available at some locations for an additional fee
• Karma has partnered with brands in Vancouver, Calgary, and the Okanagan to give their customers discounts at local businesses like breweries, coffee shops, and tour companies

Cons: 

• Only 3 different models, all with the same interior layout
• The 4-seaters are a little on the pricier side compared to other companies
• Mini fridge, solar shower, and portable toilet are not included and cost extra

Western campervan rentals

British Columbia & Alberta

Western Canada is an ideal playground for outdoor-lovers. You’ve got the Pacific Ocean, the Rocky Mountains, roaring rivers, glacial lakes, deep forests, rolling vineyards – the list goes on and on. And with major hubs like Vancouver and Calgary, you’ll have plenty of RV rentals to choose from.

Sticking to the west coast? Narrow down your search by heading to our list of the best campervan rentals in Vancouver.

Places to visit on your Western Canada road trip:

• Explore lush forests and waterfalls on these Vancouver hikes for all levels.
• Go wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley.
• Take in stunning Rocky Mountain vistas and jewel-bright alpine lakes in Banff National Park. 
• Encounter majestic wildlife and ancient glaciers in Jasper National Park.
• Head south of the border and explore our favorite region of the United States: the Pacific Northwest.
• Venture down south to Glacier National Park.

Vancouver Westy Rentals

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• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: no-frills travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Vancouver
• Check availability here

Vancouver Westy is a local company that specializes in Volkswagen Westfalia EuroVan Camper rentals. Their no-muss no-fuss vans are easy to drive and equipped with just about everything you need for your road trip.

We also like their transparent pricing model, which promises no hidden fees.

Pros:

• Lots of gear and accessories included in the daily rate
• No hidden costs, including no vehicle preparation or cleaning fees (as long as you return your rental in good/clean condition)
• Popup roof provides an extra bed for groups of 3-4, or creates a higher ceiling for 2 travelers
• Discounts available for bookings of 14 days or more
• Built-in awning and camp furniture included for hanging out outside

Cons: 

• No toilets
• 10-night minimum booking during high season (5-night minimum in low season) might be longer than some people wish to rent
• Bedding and towels not included but available to rent for an additional fee

Wicked Campers

• Price range: budget
• Recommended for: solo travelers or couples on a budget
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Vancouver, Calgary, Los Angeles
• Check availability here

These are not your grandmother’s campervans. Unless your grandma is a little wild, I guess.

Wicked Campers is a budget rental company with branches in Vancouver, Calgary, and LA. They offer 2 basic van conversions at low, low prices: the Wicked Van 2 and the Aventus 2.

Each van in the Wicked 2 category features a unique paint job, depicting everything from abstract designs to the Flintstones to Mr. T. Just keep in mind that attitude is their schtick – some of the designs (and the company’s branding) may not appeal to everyone. You can also request a “tame” design if that’s more your vibe.

The Aventus 2 is less out-there, with modest paint jobs and similar features. Both models have a tailgate kitchen equipped with a gas cooker, a cooler, and basic cookware, as well as a convertible 2-person bed.

Pros:

• Very low prices compared to other campervan rentals in Vancouver
• Their Price Beat Guarantee means that if you do find a comparable rental for a lower price, they will beat it by 10%
• Compact and easy to drive
• If you’re a fan of bold art and brands with a bit of an edge, you’ll love exploring in a Wicked campervan

Cons: 

• Only 2 layouts to choose from
• You will not be able to stand up in these vans
• No toilets
• Bedlinen and pillows are not included
• Vehicles are not compatible with car seats, so this isn’t suitable if you’re traveling with small children (like us!)
• Depending on your personality, the loud and sometimes racy paint jobs may be a drawback

North Campervans

• Price range: budget to mid-range
• Recommended for: no-frills travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Calgary
• Check availability here

North Campervans aim to provide economical rentals for people who love camping and just want to have a bit more comfort and flexibility on their trip.

You can choose from 4 models with varying features: either an integrated campervan with a tailgate kitchen and convertible bed, an SUV with a rooftop tent and a swing-out hitch-mounted kitchen, or two vehicles with rooftop tents and the option to add camp kitchen equipment.

They also offer separate rooftop tent rentals for anyone who has a compatible vehicle and roof rack.

Pros:

• All their vehicles are compact and easy to drive
• Van rentals include camp chairs and roasting sticks
• Canoes and inflatable SUPs are available to rent for an additional fee
• A camp shower can be added for an additional fee

Cons: 

• You will not be able to stand up in these vans
• No toilets
• Mileage is charged separately
• They don’t allow travel to the Territories or Alaska, and there is an additional fee for travel to the lower 48 states
• Bedding and kitchenware are not included and cost extra

Prairie campervan rentals

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

If you think the prairies are just big, flat, empty lands with nothing to do or see, think again. Think stargazing in Canada’s largest Dark Sky Preserve, climbing sand dunes that look like they belong in the Sahara Desert, and spotting Canada’s “Big Five”: polar bears, beluga whales, black bears, moose, and bison.

Places to visit on your Canadian Prairies road trip:

• Discover the desertscapes of Saskatchewan’s Great Sand Hills.
• Get off the beaten path and search for fossils in Grasslands National Park. 
• Spot polar bears and beluga whales in Churchill, Manitoba.
• Hop over the border and get a taste of the American Midwest in North Dakota.

Outdoorsy Rentals in the Prairies

Outdoorsy is a great option in the Prairies as there aren’t many established campervan rental companies. Below are a couple of our favorite listings.

Central campervan rentals

Ontario & Quebec

Despite being home to more than half of Canada’s population, it’s easy to get away from the crowds in Ontario and Quebec. Canada’s two largest provinces cover a whopping million square miles. 

The vast swaths of untouched wilderness include pristine lakes, crystal-clear rivers, and forested mountains ripe for exploring. And the presence of two of the country’s most cosmopolitan cities, Toronto and Montreal, means there are a decent number of campervan rentals on offer.

Places to visit on your Central Canada road trip:

• Explore the Great Lakes. 
• See the iconic Niagara Falls and go wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 
• Kayak and hike in the untouched wilderness of Bruce Peninsula National Park.
• Wander historic city walls and quaint neighborhoods in Quebec City.
• Drive the scenic Gaspé Peninsula.

Outdoor Travel Canada

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: large groups or families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Beamsville, ON
• Check availability here

Outdoor Travel is an RV dealership located half an hour outside Hamilton, Ontario. In addition to sales, they offer rentals ranging from tow-behind campers to gigantic motorhomes with 2 full baths.

One cool thing about this company is that they offer a unique opportunity for those wishing to purchase an RV: the cost of your rental (up to $1,500 CAD) will be deducted from your purchase (as long as you go for the same model).

Pros:

• You can stand up in any of their vehicles
• All vehicles are self-contained with indoor toilets and showers

Cons: 

• No campervan options; the smallest model is a 24-foot 3-berth RV
• Motorhomes might be intimidating for someone who isn’t used to driving a larger rig
• Mileage is charged separately
• Accessories such as cookware, dishes, bedding, and towels all cost extra

Motor Home Travel

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• Price range: mid-range to high-end
• Recommended for: large groups or families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Bolton, ON
• Check availability here

Just 30 minutes away from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, Motor Home Travel is a good choice if you’re truly wanting to take your entire home on the road.

Depending on the model, these motorhomes boast some pretty snazzy luxuries, such as full-sized fridges/freezers, microwaves, TVs, electric fireplaces, walk-in closets, multiple bathrooms… I mean, we’ve lived in apartments with less!

Pros:

• Family-owned business
• Free airport transfers to and from Pearson International Airport
• You can stand up in any of their vehicles
• All vehicles are self-contained with indoor toilets and showers
• 100 km/day included in rental rate
• Select motorhomes are pet-friendly

Cons: 

• No campervan options; the smallest model is a 24-foot RV
• Motorhomes might be intimidating for someone who isn’t used to driving a larger rig
• Accessories such as cookware, dishes, bedding, and towels all cost extra
• High season rates are pretty steep

Owasco RV Centre

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: 
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Clarington, ON
• Check availability here

Owasco RV is an award-winning family-owned and -operated dealership located east of Oshawa, Ontario, about 45 minutes from Toronto.

We love supporting a local business that gives back to their community, and Owasco has a huge check in that box. They continuously make donations, organize, sponsor, and participate in community events, offer discounts to first responders, and more.

The Owasco rental fleet includes 2 van conversions in addition to traditional RVs, large motorhomes, and tow-behind trailers.

Pros:

• Family-owned local business
• You can stand up in any of their vehicles
• All vehicles are self-contained with indoor toilets and showers
• No extra charge for travel to the US

Cons: 

• Convenience kits are pretty pricey

VanLife MTL

• Price range: mid-range to high-end
• Recommended for: couples or young families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Montreal
• Check availability here

VanLife MTL is a boutique rental company started by a young vanlifer in 2017.

We can tell just by looking at their builds that these folks know their stuff. The designs are smart, thoughtful, and make great use of space without sacrificing presentation (they’re super cute!).

They have 4 Ram Promaster van conversions with different layouts. Each has a fridge with a freezer, as well as an outdoor and/or indoor shower, depending on the model. 

For campers who want an even smaller vehicle, they also offer a minivan with both a convertible bed and a rooftop tent that can provide 2 extra berths or additional storage space. The minivan’s tailgate kitchen is double-sided, so you can access it from inside or outside.

Pros:

• Compact and easy to drive
• 200 km/day included in rental rate
• Their website makes it super easy to compare the different models
• Rental fee includes kitchen kit, cleaning kit, bedsheets, and pillows
• Couples or others traveling as a pair will have tons of storage space

Cons: 

• You will not be able to stand up in these vans
• Vans are not self-contained, but you can add a portable toilet to your rental for an additional fee
• Though their insulated vans are equipped for all seasons (pro!), certain features like showers cannot be used in the winter

Le Baroudeur Vanpackers

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: solo travelers or couples
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Montreal
• Check availability here

Le Baroudeur’s team of young vanlifers—or vanpackers, as they like to say—are dedicated to sharing their passion and expertise with their customers.

They offer 2 rental options: a converted minivan or a camp-ready SUV. The minivan has a convertible interior bed, while the SUV is equipped with a rooftop tent.

Both builds are downright scientific in their design. Everything fits together like a puzzle, and every piece serves a purpose. Absolutely no space is wasted. The downside is that, since the construction is so specific, switching between setups (e.g. day-to-night) is not as easy as some other campervan rentals.

Pros:

• Compact and easy to drive
• 220 km/day included in rental rate
• Kitchen comes fully equipped with everything you need for cooking camping meals
• The portable, collapsible sink makes it super easy to do washing-up
• Lots of extras available for additional fees, such as bedding, solar shower, baby bed, baby/child car seats, and an extra battery

Cons: 

• You will not be able to stand up in these vans
• No toilets or running water
• The water reservoir is only 20 liters, so you may need to fill up more often
• The blackout curtains are specially made to fit the windows, but they still let in some light around the edges
• They don’t allow travel west of Ontario or over the US border

Atlantic campervan rentals

New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador

Atlantic Canada is a hidden gem full of charming coastal towns, cute fishing villages, pristine beaches, and overall fun, laidback vibes. 

There aren’t many established campervan rental companies in the Atlantic provinces, so Outdoorsy will be a great resource here.

Places to visit on your Atlantic Canada road trip:

• Witness impressive tides and walk on the ocean floor at Fundy National Park.
  • Fun Fact: The world’s highest recorded tides are found on the Bay of Fundy in Burntcoat Head, Nova Scotia.
• Catch some sun on the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park.
• Discover the lively harbor city of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
• Drive the famous Cabot Trail and hike to your heart’s content in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
• See tectonic plates and continental drift in action at Gros Morne National Park.
• Experience the warm hospitality and picturesque landscapes of St. John’s, Newfoundland.
• Walk in the footsteps of vikings at L’anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the only known viking settlement in North America.

Bonus: Spend a night in France! Yup, you read that right – just 45 kilometers (28 miles) off the coast of Newfoundland, the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are French territory. Hop on a ferry and don’t forget your passport!

Leisure Days Moncton

• Price range: higher end
• Recommended for: families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Moncton, NB
• Check availability here

Leisure Days is an RV dealership with retailers in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, though only their Moncton location offers rentals.

The company itself feels a bit old-fashioned and their motorhomes are more traditional, larger, family-style rigs with plenty of amenities.

Pros:

• You can stand up in any of their vehicles
• All vehicles have bathrooms with indoor toilets and showers
• 1,200 kilometers included in weekly rental rate
• Free convenience kits include bedding, towels, kitchenware, and more

Cons: 

• Only 3 motorhomes to choose from
• No campervan options; the smallest model is a 24-foot RV
• Motorhomes might be intimidating for someone who isn’t used to driving a larger rig
• They charge a weekly rate, which may be longer than some people wish to rent for

Newfoundland RV Rentals

• Price range: high
• Recommended for: families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Clarenville, NL (flexible)
• Check availability here

The only RV rental company in Newfoundland with an online presence is located in Clarenville, about a 2-hour drive from St. John’s. Though it isn’t the most convenient location, Clarenville does have an airport, and you also have the option to pick up and drop off at airports in St. John’s, Gander, or Deer Lake for an additional fee of $700 CAD.

The best thing about Newfoundland RV Rentals is that they include everything you need for your road trip—kitchen supplies, bedding, etc—so all you have to bring is your luggage and groceries.

Pros:

• You can stand up in any of their vehicles
• All vehicles have bathrooms with indoor toilets and showers
• 150 km/day included in rental rate
• Rentals include everything you need for your trip: bedding, towels, kitchenware, coffee maker, camp furniture, and more

Cons: 

• No online booking platform – you must call, text, or email to request a reservation
• Only 2 motorhomes to choose from
• No campervan options; the smallest model is a 24-foot RV
• Motorhomes might be intimidating for someone who isn’t used to driving a larger rig
• They charge a weekly base rate, which may be longer than some people wish to rent for

Territories campervan rentals

Yukon & Northwest Territories

In the remote and sparsely populated territories of the Great White North, RV rentals are few and far between. But if you do journey up here, your efforts will be rewarded with some of the most rugged, wild, awe-inspiring nature in the world.

Note: You may have noticed that Nunavut isn’t on this list. While absolutely worth visiting (we would love to someday!), we don’t believe a campervan trip would be possible here, as there are no roads to this territory and we could not find any RV rentals here.

Places to visit on your Northern Territories road trip:

• Be wowed by the larger-than-life landscapes of the Yukon.
• See Canada’s tallest mountain in Kluane National Park and Reserve. 
• Head to the Northwest Territories to see the self-proclaimed “world’s best aurora”, which is visible up to 240 days per year.
• Spot wildlife in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada’s largest national park.

Overland Yukon

• Price range: higher-end
• Recommended for: solo travelers or couples
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Whitehorse
• Check availability here

Overland Yukon strives to help adventure-seekers discover the rugged and wild beauty of the Yukon. They rent 4×4 Jeep Wranglers with rooftop tents and Dodge Ram Promaster campervans. While you can upgrade the default 2-person roof tent to one that sleeps 3 adults, we personally think these rentals are best suited for a solo traveler or a couple.

They have a sleek website and their social media game is on point – I mean, you can’t look at their Instagram and not want to go explore the Yukon in a campervan!

Pros:

• Compact and easy to drive
• 200 km/day included in rental rate
• Towels, kitchenware, and camp furniture are included
• Free pickup and dropoff anywhere in the city of Whitehorse
• They allow travel across the US border to Alaska
• Lots of extra outdoor gear available to rent: mountain bikes, SUPs, packrafts, fishing gear, and more

Cons: 

• No toilets 
• Bedding is not included, but you can rent pillows and sleeping bags for an additional fee

GoNorth

• Price range: mid-range to high-end
• Recommended for: couples or young families, adventure-seekers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Whitehorse, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seattle
• Check availability here

For more than 20 years, GoNorth has provided a unique opportunity for travelers to explore the Yukon and Alaska with maximum freedom and flexibility. 

Unlike most campervan rental companies, GoNorth allows travel on all public roads, including unpaved/gravel roads. You can truly get off the beaten path and discover hidden gems and local secrets that most tourists miss.

Another cool thing about this company is that they offer one-way rentals between any of their locations. There are fees for one-way travel, but they also offer seasonal specials during which time they waive one-way fees (on top of other discounts!) for certain locations.

Pros:

• Family-owned business 
• You can stand up in any of their vehicles
• Vehicles have bathrooms with indoor toilets and showers (except the Adventure Class truck camper)
• Travel freely between Canada and the US

Cons: 

• Their website is clunky and confusing to use
• No campervan options (though you’ll want a more rugged vehicle anyway)
• Mileage plans cost extra
• Not a lot of layouts to choose from
• Convenience kits are pretty pricey

Canada campervan rentals by region

If you’re looking for a quick reference to see what’s available in each region, here you go:

Western Provinces

• Outdoorsy
• CanaDream
• Four Seasons
• Fraserway
• Cruise Canada
• Karma Campervans
• Vancouver Westy Rentals
• Wicked Campers
• North Campervans

Prairies

• Outdoorsy

Central Provinces

• Outdoorsy
• CanaDream
• Four Seasons
• Fraserway
• Cruise Canada
• Karma Campervans
• Outdoor Travel Canada
• Motor Home Travel
• Owasco RV Centre
• VanLife MTL
• Le Baroudeur Vanpackers

Atlantic Provinces

• Outdoorsy
• CanaDream
• Four Seasons
• Fraserway
• Cruise Canada
• Karma Campervans
• Leisure Days Moncton
• Newfoundland RV Rentals

Territories

• Outdoorsy
• CanaDream
• Fraserway
• Overland Yukon
• GoNorth

Why hire a campervan or RV in Canada?

Still need a little convincing on the whole renting a campervan thing?

We get it. If you’ve never experienced traveling in a campervan, then the idea of it can be a little daunting. Don’t worry though — we literally have all the resources you need to make your trip a success. 

First, let’s chat about why renting a campervan in Canada is a good idea. Scratch that. An AMAZING idea.

a) You can save (lots of!) money.

Renting a campervan is like having a car, a hotel, and a kitchen all in one place. 

Sure, the total cost per day isn’t cheap, but consider what it would cost to book a hotel room, rent a car, and eat out for every meal.

Most likely, a campervan will save you quite a bit of money.

b) You have ultimate freedom.

With a campervan, you have more flexibility than if you are staying in hotels. 

Do you like a place? Stay longer. 

Want to move on more quickly? Go for it. 

Got a local tip and you want to switch up your route completely? Consider it done!

While having campground reservations is recommended at least a day or two in advance (more on that later), you have the ability to have a less rigid route. 

c) It’s the adventure of a lifetime!

You’ll be telling your grandchildren about this adventure. 

’Nuff said. 

When to book your Canada campervan rental

If you’re planning to rent a campervan in Canada, listen up because this is crucial… 

Book your vehicle as early as possible. (This applies to all companies on this list.)

During popular travel seasons (like summer), the best models get snagged up fast! 

Where to pick up your campervan in Canada

You’ll find the most options for campervan rentals in Western Canadian cities like Vancouver and Calgary, with a decent selection also in the greater Toronto area.

RV rentals are very limited in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Atlantic provinces, and the Territories.

Not finding what you’re looking for here? Check out our list of the best campervan rentals in the USA, some of which allow travel across the border so you can explore Canada.

What types of campervans or RVs are available?

There is a huge variety to choose from. 

We’ve listed a handful of different types below, but if you’re still confused, hop down to the next section where we’ve broken down some of the major things to consider that’ll make your decision easier.

• Low-roof converted minivan: ideal for budget-minded adventurers
• Pop-up campervan: iconic old-school campervan style
• High-roof campervan: spacious while still easy to drive and park
• Mini-motorhome: home on wheels, perfect for a young family
• Large motorhome: pile in the kids, bikes, and a dog for an epic road trip

Things to think about when choosing a rental vehicle

Consider your answer to the following questions, as they will help you narrow down the best campervan rental for your personal needs.

Where are you going to travel with your campervan?

Do you have a specific pick-up and drop-off location in mind?

The tricky thing about renting a campervan in Canada is the sheer size of the country and how much ground there is to cover.

Most campervan rental companies in Canada only operate out of specific cities and may not even have the option for you to drop off at a different location.

This means your options will be limited based on the location(s) you plan to start and end your road trip.

We’ve broken down our list of campervan rental companies by location so you can see which ones will work for you.

How many people are you traveling with?

How comfortable are you driving a large rig? 

If you have an RV at home, perhaps driving a motorhome will be no big deal for you. However, if this is your first time in a larger vehicle, a campervan will be an easier transition for you. 

In short, our advice is to get the smallest possible size you think will work for you. 

What is your budget? 

The answer to this question might help you narrow down your rental choices, so it should be one of the first things you really dive into. 

In general, a campervan will be cheaper than an RV. And a low-roof vehicle will be cheaper than a high-roof vehicle.

Psst! If you’re curious about how much a campervan rental in Canada costs, we have a whole section about that. Jump there now.

Do you want a high-roof vehicle?

Think about this one for a minute: Do you need to be able to stand up inside your campervan? 

This will help make getting dressed, cooking, and just hanging out more comfortable. But it will mean you’ll likely be in a higher price bracket. 

If a low roof isn’t a deal-breaker, you can probably save quite a bit of money. 

Our personal opinion: We’ve had lots of experience in both low-roof and high-roof vehicles. When we were on a budget, it was a great way for us to save money, especially when we were traveling in places where we spent a lot of time outside. However, once we spent more time in a high-roof van (and now that we travel with a child!), I don’t know if we could go back to a low roof. It’s honestly just so much more comfortable being able to stand up!

How luxurious of a set-up do you need?

From super basic to extra bougie, there are all types of campervan and RV rentals. Determining your budget is the first step, as this will help you narrow down your options. 

From there, think about your personal preferences: Are you used to roughing it? Do you have a lot of camping experience? Or will splurging for a more plush vehicle be worth every penny to you? 

Keep your answers in mind as you’re sifting through your rental options.

How much does a Canada campervan rental cost?

Campervan rentals will vary drastically, depending on the following factors: 

• which company you choose
• type of vehicle
• time of year
• how far in advance you make your reservation

To give you a general price range:

• 1 week in Canada in July (peak season) for a 2-berth campervan will cost about $1,700 CAD / $1,250 USD (priced in June 2024) 
• 1 week in Canada in October (shoulder season) for a 2-berth campervan will cost about $1,000 CAD / $750 USD (priced in June 2024) 

Other costs to consider

In addition to paying the nightly rental fee, you won’t want to forget these other things:

• Additional rental add ons (make sure you understand what is included with your company and what is an extra fee)
• Campground fees
• Insurance
• Gas
  • Insider Tip: Be sure you know whether your vehicle is gas or diesel so you fill up at the proper pump at the gas station.

Canada campervan rentals FAQs

I get it — there is a lot to think about when it comes to renting a campervan in Canada. 

Let’s go over some common questions and see if we can get them answered!

Do I need an international driver’s license to hire a campervan in Canada?

Most likely, no.

Unless your home country’s license is in a non-Roman language (Japanese, Russian, etc.), you will not need an international driver’s license. 

Can I bring a child on a campervan trip?

Absolutely. We’ve brought our daughter on many campervan trips! 

In fact, we’d say it’s a great way to travel with a baby or older children.

You will need to select a vehicle that has enough seating for your family. And you will need to think about what you will do about a sleeping space. (We have tips on that!)

Which is better: Campervan or RV?

The answer to this is truly a matter of personal opinion, but here’s our opinion:

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, we’d absolutely recommend a campervan to keep the size to a minimum. However, if you’re traveling with a small family, a campervan may be too small to fit you all comfortably, so a small l motorhome might be a better option.

Insurance for your campervan trip

Insurance is always one of those tricky topics to write about because it widely varies from person to person depending on the amount of risk you are willing to take. 

When traveling, we always make sure we are covered (we’ve heard some horror stories of accidents happening abroad).

Read the fine print of your credit card: A typical credit card rental car insurance policy only covers 4-door sedans and not campervans, so don’t rely on that coverage. 

As always, whether you get campervan rental insurance or not, we recommend getting medical travel insurance. 

Psst! We have an entire guide to how to choose the best travel insurance policy for you that should be helpful!

What to pack for a campervan trip

We have a whole checklist of things to bring for your campervan trip, but here are some items you really don’t want to forget:

• Aeropress: If you are a coffee drinker and your rental company doesn’t include a coffee maker (many don’t), then definitely pack this!
• Rubber bands and/or chip clips: This is something that is often overlooked, but important to keep the food you buy sealed (think bags of granola, crackers, etc.).
• Spices and oil: When going on a campervan trip, we always like to bring our own spices so we don’t have to stock up. You can bring mini containers filled with your faves (we bring high-quality salt, pepper, cayenne, and any others that strike our fancy). We like this leak-proof container for storing coconut oil and this one for storing olive oil.
• Lightweight towel: If your campervan rental does not include towels in the rental price (many charge extra), then bring your own! We like this microfiber one or this Turkish towel.
• Travel lumbar pillow: If you have a bad back (like Ben!), this would be clutch! This inflatable version packs up small, so it’s perfect for campervan travel.
• Universal outlet adaptor: A basic travel item that everyone should have so you can plug in your device anywhere. 
• Shower shoes: Trust me when I say you don’t want to go barefoot in some of the campground showers! 
• Travel slippers: The floors of your vehicle will inevitably get dirty, so it’s nice to have a lightweight pair of slippers to wear at night to prevent your feet from collecting all that dirt.

We even created this handy PDF downloadable checklist so you don’t forget anything. And it’s totally FREE!

For more ideas, we also have an article dedicated to all of the campervan essentials you might want to have on the road with you.

Packing for a baby on a campervan trip

This checklist has a whole section of all our baby-related items we recommend, but here are a few things we’d definitely recommend bringing if you are renting a campervan with a little one in tow.

• Travel high chair: We love this portable high chair and use it in our personal campervan at home. We also flew with it to Canada and loved that our daughter had a seat in our Bunk Camper.
• Travel tent: This is the sleeping tent that we used on trips when our daughter was under a year old. It packs up super small and gave her a safe space to sleep.
• Inflatable bed bumpers: We’ve transitioned from the tent to these as our daughter has grown and they worked really well to transform a normal bed into a safe sleeping space for our toddler.
• Your favorite baby foods: We found some baby-friendly foods while in Canada, but the selection was more limited than I was expecting. If you have favorites (freeze dried strawberries from Trader Joe’s are one of our go-tos for travel!), we’d recommend prioritizing packing foods over diapers and wipes, as those will be easier to find anywhere.
• Travel sound machine: We don’t go anywhere without this!
• Tap light: This light is super handy at home or on travels.

Looking for more family travel tips? Check out our list of practical (& super encouraging!) tips for traveling with a baby.

Where to stay in your campervan

You’ll be happy to know that there are tons of campgrounds all across Canada.

Public campgrounds, located in national and provincial parks, are very well-maintained and usually have some facilities, like restrooms and dump stations. These sites should be booked in advance as they tend to fill up.

Private campgrounds can vary a lot in terms of price, amenities, and location/views. Be sure to do your research and read reviews to find sites that fit your needs and travel style.

Wild Camping 

If you’re traveling on a tight budget and don’t want to pay for campgrounds every night, it’s worth mentioning that it may be possible to wild camp in Canada (aka park somewhere that is not an established campground). 

But you can’t just park anywhere. Canadian provinces and territories each have different rules regarding wild camping, so be sure to do your research to avoid inadvertently breaking the law (yikes!) on your road trip.

Canada camping resources

Be sure to bookmark these additional articles because they will be a huge help as you plan your trip.

When to plan your Canada campervan trip

The best time for a campervan trip in Canada truly depends on where you’re going and what you plan to do.

Summer is peak tourism season across the board. These months offer maximum daylight hours for exploring, the best chances of good weather, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Rental rates in the summer tend to be higher and campsites book up quickly. 

Spring and fall are shoulder seasons and either can be a great time to travel to most places in Canada. 

Winter in Canada is special and offers its own unique opportunities: world-class skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and the best chances of seeing the northern lights. On the flipside, lots of campgrounds are closed, and you will need to look specifically for all-season rentals.

Insider Tip: Reservations for national and provincial parks in Canada usually open in March or April, and popular sites can book up within minutes. If you have your heart set on a certain park or campsite for a specific date, set a reminder in your calendar and be ready to book as soon as reservations open.

What to expect at campsites in Canada 

If you’re used to camping in the USA, then you’ll likely find camping in Canada to be quite similar. 

There are a huge variety of campsites across the country, running the gamut from zero facilities and no one else in sight to tightly-packed RV parks with all the amenities.

They can be open or forested, waterfront or mountainside, wild or suburban. We recommend you do some research specific to the region you’ll be traveling and find a site that suits your personal travel style.

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Love the idea of campervan trips around the world? 

Us too (hence why we keep booking campervan trips!).

Here are some more ideas for you to bookmark for future travels:

• Scotland Campervan Rental Guide
• Iceland Campervan Rental Guide 
• New Zealand Campervan Rental Guide
• Ireland Campervan Rental Guide
• UK Campervan Guide
• Italy Campervan Rental Guide
• France Campervan Rental Guide
• USA Campervan Rental Guide

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We want to hear from you!

Are you planning a campervan trip in Canada and still have questions? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get you the answers you’re looking for!