Top RV destinations across Canada

There’s no denying it: a land as vast and diverse as Canada practically begs for a road trip. Thanks to the convenience, comforts of home and budget-friendly travel, recreational vehicles continue to be a popular way to enjoy the best sights and experiences our country has to offer.

While “see more of Canada” may be on your to-do list, sometimes it helps to have specifics. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of RVs in 2010, Go RVing Canada held a contest to uncover travellers’ favourite destinations. Travellers voted for their must-see places to create a master list of Top 100 Spots.

So which destinations won out? Here’s a look at the top pick from each province.

Top 11 favourite destinations

Kluane Lake (Yukon)

Why not take advantage of the extra hours of sun? Pronounced “kloo-wah-nee”, this region of the Yukon captures the essence of the Canadian wilderness with its lush valleys, rivers, forests and mountains, not to mention its glaciers.

One must-see stop: Kluane National Park and Reserve, home to Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak . While hiking is the quintessential activity, there are many ways to experience the park including boating, fishing, horseback riding, mountaineering and mountain biking. One experience you won’t soon forget: a flightseeing trip over the mountains and icefields by helicopter or airplane.

For more information on Kluane Lake and travelling in the Yukon, visit Parks Canada and TravelYukon.com.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (British Columbia)

Looking for diversity? There’s something different to draw you to each of the park’s three units. The appropriately named Long Beach offers miles of sandy beaches and rainforest trails, the West Coast Trail boasts a 75 km hiking route with picturesque sandstone cliffs and waterfalls and the Broken Group Islands’ 100 islands and islets are a kayaker’s paradise.

Of course, there’s more to see than stunning landscapes: it’s also a top spot for wildlife watching, including sea lions and whales as well as birds. With a beach-side view of the sky, you might just look forward to some stormy weather.

For more information, visit Parks Canada and HelloBC.com.

Banff National Park (Alberta)

A trip to this popular spot is sure to satisfy your love for landscapes — and there’s no shortage of ways to experience the pristine lakes and Rocky Mountain backdrop. Hop the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and tour the Skywalk , or go scuba diving in Lake Minnewanka to see the remains of Minnewanka Landing, the small town flooded when the hydro dam was built in 1941. Many professional guide services and tours operate within the park to offer education and adventure.

And what better way to relax after a day of adventure than a good soak in the hot springs?

For more information, visit Parks Canada and CanadianRockies.net.

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Douglas Provincial Park (Saskatchewan)

With its sand dunes and desert-like landscape, you might think you’ve strayed out of the prairies — until you reach the shores of Lake Diefenbaker. Relax on the natural sand beach, or get out on the water for some sailing or water sports. If your interests lean to fishing, the cool waters are home to 10 different species of game fish, including rainbow trout, northern pike and Atlantic salmon.

Don’t forget to pack your camera! The park is home to more than 170 species of birds as well as 15 rare species of plants and animals.

For more information, visit the Government of Saskatchewan parks website.

Spruce Woods Provincial Park (Manitoba)

Occupying more than 7,400 acres of the Spruce Woods Forest Preserve, this park offers an unlikely mix of blue-green spruce, prairie grasses, forests and some flora and fauna you might expect to find in the desert — like the pincushion cactus and hognose snake. Take a self-guided tour around the curiously named Devil’s Punch Bowl, or head to the Steels Ferry Overlook for a view of the valley and Assiniboine River. Rent a paddleboat, or challenge your family to a round of mini-golf.

Travelling with kids? They can become an official Junior Naturalist (ages 6-9) or Park Explorer (ages 10-12) by completing activities around the park, like planning a tour and completing an Explorer Log.

(Note: if you’re planning for 2011, be aware that flooding in May of 2011 left much of the park underwater, including the lower campground of Kiche Manitou. Reservations are still available for the upper campground, and some trails have already reopened. Updates can be found here.)

For more information visit the Manitoba Parks and Glenboro Tourism.

Algonquin Park (Ontario)

See first hand the park that has inspired writers, photographs and artists, including Tom Thompson and the Group of Seven. One of the best ways to see the rugged scenery is by canoe — after all, the park has over 2,000 kilometres of canoe routes and portages. Is paddling a little too tame for your tastes? Get your adrenaline pumping with whitewater canoeing instead. The headwaters of six major rivers begin in the park thanks to its height, a feature known as the Algonquin Dome .

While many visitors come for the backcountry camping, the developed campgrounds offer accommodations and many amenities for RV travellers too.

Visit Ontario Parks and The Friends of Algonquin Park for more information.

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Gaspésie (Québec)

Four national parks, six wildlife sanctuaries, 25 of Quebec’s highest peaks and more than a dozen customized driving routes are just a few of the reasons the Gaspésie Peninsula got the nod from National Geographic as one of its Best Trips for 2011. Try the Grand Tour circuit for some postcard-worthy views of the St. Lawrence River, or explore the coves and peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. Take in some culture with museums, galleries or historic sites — and let the foodie in you indulge in local produce and seafood.

Wondering where to stay for the night? There’s no shortage of campsites along the way that cater to RVs.

Tourism Gaspésie has more than a dozen tour routes to show you the way.

Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia)

Few routes are as iconic as the Cabot Trail — the nearly 300 km route that loops around Cape Breton through welcoming communities along the way. While the coastal scenery needs no introduction, there’s plenty to experience including Celtic and Acadian culture, golf, hiking, whale watching and perhaps even a festival or two.

Spend a few nights at one of the campgrounds in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, or book a site at any of the campgrounds in communities like St. Ann’s Bay or Ingonish. For more information, see Discover Nova Scotia and CabotTrail.travel.

Fundy National Park (New Brunswick)

There’s no better place to experience nature’s ups and downs than the Bay of Fundy. The area boasts the highest tidal fluctuation in the world, but the tides won’t be the only thing to watch. The park is also the Atlantic migration flyway and therefore a popular stop for migrating birds in the spring and fall.

Ready for some activity? When you’ve had your fill of hiking, biking and swimming, play some tennis or golf or try your hand at lawn bowling. There’s also a soccer field and playground to let the youngsters burn off some energy.

For more information, visit Parks Canada and Bay of Fundy Tourism.

Twin Shores Camping Area (Darnley, Prince Edward Island)

Located along the north shore of the island, it’s the place to go for a beachside stay. While the campsite may not offer all the outdoor adventure of a national park, there’s still plenty to do for the whole family. Play street hockey, tennis or pool — or even a game of bingo.

While you’re in the province, there are plenty of authentic experiences to enjoy — like catching and cooking a lobster, digging for clams, fiddling lessons or farm tours. Literature buffs won’t want to miss Green Gables, and Charlottetown, the province’s capital and “Birthplace of Confederation”, lets you soak in some Canadian history.

For more information, visit TwinShores.com and Tourism PEI.

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Gros Morne National Park (Newfoundland and Labrador)

So you thought the Rockies were old? The peaks of Gros Morne are lesson in plate tectonics and tell the story of how ancient mountain ranges formed (one of the reasons the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Hiking is one of the best ways to see the natural contrasts — like mountains plunging into the ocean and sandy beaches surrounded by fjords.

Want to see the view from below too? Book a two and a half hour narrated cruise on Western Brook Pond or walk the beaches to experience the power of the towering peaks.

The Government of Canada runs five campsites within the park, but privately-run camping accommodations are also offered in surrounding communities. For more information, visit Parks Canada and GrosMorne.com.

ON THE WEB
Of course, this list is just a small sample of the many places to take your RV. For more ideas, check out the full list of Top 100 Spots to RV in Canada.

Do you RV? Add your favourite destinations to this list in the comments below.