Words by Steve Fennell
Choosing a Canadian destination to visit by RV is always exciting. It provides the chance to discover Canadian culture, history, and untouched nature comparable to anywhere. But choosing a snowbird destination in the winter? RVers are doing it now more than ever as a series of RV parks in BC and even in Alberta are ramping up their services to accommodate Canadian RV snowbirds for the coming months.
RVing in Ontario, Quebec or any of the Maritime Provinces have limited options come winter. So, making your way to the milder climates of BC in the Okanagan Valley, southern BC, Vancouver Island – even parts of southern Alberta – for the cooler months are viable choices for many.
Choosing a Canadian snowbird RV destination does require some forethought to ensure comfort, enjoyment and that all your needs can be met. Destinations vary greatly and determining the ideal one will certainly make your winter months more accommodating and memorable.
Alder Bay RV Park and Marina
Alder Bay RV Park and Marina, Port McNeill, BC.
Do Research…and More Research
Choosing a snowbird destination is not a difficult task, but it’s the first one that should be done sooner (like now) than later. Online sources such as the Canadian Camping and RV Council (ccrvc.ca) and GoRving (gorving.ca) are great starting points to find an ideal RV park.
When you do find one of interest (more on that later), RV forums or online owner’s groups are great places to read comprehensive reviews and about previous experiences. Most RV parks also have active Facebook pages with recent updates, reviews, photos, and activities. In fact, destinations like Alder Bay RV Park and Marina in Port McNeill; the series of Parkbridge Resorts in the Okanagan, Whistler, and Vancouver Island; and the Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Campground in southern BC are all active on Facebook and provide a great sense of their overall community.
Better yet, go old school and simply call the RV park first hand. This is a great way to inquire about all the specific services and winter options. Keep in mind, though, there may be a high volume of inquiries so response times may be delayed.
If you haven’t done so already, you can also sign up for an RV resorts’ email lists to receive update notices and booking availability. In fact, Resorts operated by Parkbridge recently distributed its winter packages, which is another convenient way to find out about a resort’s services and to successfully book a site for the season.
“Some great aspects of our properties in BC is we can accommodate both small and large units, and for longer periods through the winter,” says Carolyn Sharples, Senior Property Manager (West) for Parkbridge. “We try to get winter RVers reserved first, and then open up the reservations for individual overnight stays.”
Ruth Hartnup
A stunning winter sunset in Port McNeill, BC.
Determine Your Budget for Everything
RV rates vary from place to place and it’s always best to browse before choosing a destination. Are you a true RV nomad who just requires a rustic site with basic or little services? Or do you prefer the full-on serviced sites with many amenities? If it’s the latter you want, remember many extra services and amenities often dictate the overall seasonal rate – but provide a lot of value over the length of your stay.
However, all services are commonly included in the seasonal rate but it’s always best to inquire about extra charges. Are there extra fees for storage space of additional gear? Is there an added cost for your pet? What is the rate to have additional occupancy at your site? All these questions should be considered before booking.
Local Costs
The cost of living also varies greatly from one destination to another, or what you may currently be used to. To effectively plan your budget accordingly and choose a reasonably affordable location, research the cost of local groceries, daily sundries, as well as the cost of gas/diesel – the price per litre varies considerably throughout the province and even more so if you are visiting from Alberta. Also, if you’re staying on Vancouver Island, there are ferry costs to add into your budget (even though you may only use it twice) and can be quite costly in the event you need to frequently visit the mainland.
Dale Simonson
The scenic natural winter attractions are comparable to anywhere.
Observe and Inquire about Facilities
Daily maintenance, properly running serviced sites, and/or the cleanliness of washroom/shower facilities can make or break your enjoyment at any RV park. Reading online forums and reviews from other RVers, looking at images of the facilities, and even asking park managers or the superintendents about maintenance practises are always safe bets. Word of mouth goes a long way in the RV space and its worth doing this extra research.
“One of the most important factors for RVers, however, is understanding how the resort can maintain the park during the winter months - whether it’s the snow plowing, maintaining dumping facilities and the other services and amenities,” says Sharples.
Natalie Lucier
Temperatures can get mild enough for kayaking on Vancouver Island, just prepare for the weather.
Activities – on and off-site
Local attractions are extremely popular peak season, and they are equally important in the winter. For instance, Rondalyn Cottage and RV Resort, an all-season facility in Cassidy, BC, between Nanaimo and Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, offers a wealth of amenities including fully-serviced sites, a hot tub, social club house, heated pool (weather permitting), and a series of unique activities including a nine-hole golf course and a trout fishing pond, to name a few. Some RV parks may suspend certain services in the winter, but always find out what activities it does have and how they can meet your interests for the duration of your stay.
Local area attractions are just as important to consider. For instance, Gallagher Lake Camping & RV Resort, located in the South Okanagan, is in the heart of wine country, and the vineyards are always a big attraction. Even the local historic attractions, parks, plus dining and shopping opportunities in the neighboring communities also provide great day trips and opportunities to learn about the area.
“Our winter RVers usually look for a home base as well as activities and attractions they can enjoy outside of the resort,” says Sharples. “Plus, we are pretty diligent of providing a rate analysis on all of our properties in the general areas of our resorts, and based on what is offered and what the value is. It’s also important to note that winter RVers build their own community amongst each other in the resort, are very interactive and create their own fun. A lot of friendships are formed among our winter RVers.”
A Davey
Enjoy a wintery day trip with your toad or tow vehicle in the Okanagan.
Weather vs Activities
Being Western Canada, the weather is diverse and conditions won’t always be perfect. With mild weather in the Okanagan and even milder temperatures further west on the coast, it’s not only more comfortable, but accommodating as well. A perfect example are the seasonal conditions at Alder Bay RV Park and Marina.
“The RV park is in a region with a temperate rainforest,” says park manager Samara Glendale. “We commonly get more rain in the winter than elsewhere, but we don't get much snow. When we do, it's less than two inches and is gone within a few days.”
In fact, Glendale explained that it’s commonly mild enough to enjoy the excellent salmon and halibut fishing, sea kayaking, and other outdoor activities. The temperatures don't go much below 0° C in the heart of winter and even though it can get “crisp,” you can engage in these activities with the proper clothing and gear.
RVers can also easily partake in these pastimes thanks to its boat ramp, scenic beach to launch a kayak, enjoy walks at sunset, and even comfortably observe resident west coast wildlife such as whales, bears, and sea lions.
Although, you may not be able to make it to your favourite southern destinations this year, you don’t need to. The hot spots throughout BC and beyond will keep you warm and adventurous – and by making sound decisions when choosing the right RV park for your needs will only make your winter that much more enjoyable.
Parkbridge
Parkbridge’s Riverside Resort in Whistler.
Canadian Snowbird Destination Choices at a Glance:
Vancouver Island
Alder Bay RV Park and Marina, Port McNeill
This all-season RV park and marina on the north east shore of Vancouver Island, has fully-serviced sites (nine of which are pull-through), a series of essential RV amenities, and even resident wild life to observe in their natural habitat. For more details visit www.alderbay.com; call (250) 956-4117 or reach out to stay@aldferbay.com
Country Maples RV Resort, Chemainus
Located on the east coast of Southern Vancouver Island, Country Maples has full water, 30- and 50-amp power, a club house, and a host of other services with additional essentials in nearby Nanaimo or Victoria. For more details visit www.holidaytrailsresorts.com; call (250) 246 2078 or reach out to countrymaples@htr.ca
Oceanside Camping & RV Resort, Saanichton
With its full-service accommodations and wealth of amenities in the scenic village Saanichton, BC, this Parkbridge resort is just 20 minutes to Victoria offering plenty to do and see through
the winter months. For more details visit www.parkbridge.com; call 250-544-0508; or reach out to oceanside@parkbridge.com
Rondalyn Cottage and RV Resort, Cassidy
This all-season RV resort is located in the woodlands between Nanaimo and Ladysmith along beautiful Haslam Creek. The park highlights full-service sites and a series of amenities. For more details visit www.parkbridge.com; call (250) 245-3227 or reach out to rondalyn@parkbridge.com
Riverside Camping & RV Resort, Whistler
Do you enjoy first-rate skiing, and decadent shopping or dining? Riverside is five minutes from Whistler and offers full-service sites with heat-treated lines and winter-friendly services all season. Visit www.parkbridge.com; call 604-905-5533 or reach out to RiversideWhistler@parkbridge.com.
Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Campground, Burnaby
It’s here where you can take in the attractions and services Vancouver or just chill at the resort with its several amenities and full-service sites. This is a five-star rated resort and a great winter getaway. Visit bcrvpark.com; call 604-420-1722 or reach out to camping@bcrvpark.com.
Gallagher Lake Camping & RV Resort, Southern Okanagan Valley
Explore wineries, mountains, winter activities and the services. This tri-city region is in the south Okanagan with a range of scenic full-service sites and all the amenities you require. For more details visit www.parkbridge.com; call 604-905-5533 or reach out to RiversideWhistler@parkbridge.com.
Camperland, Bridal Falls
A Holiday Trails RV Resort, Camperland is located at the base of Mt. Cheam and the beautiful Fraser Valley. It features full-service-sites and a wealth of amenities all-year. For more details visit www.holidaytrailsresorts.com or call 604-794-7361.
Sunshine Valley, Hope
Sunshine Valley is the ideal location if winter activities are your game. It’s located among the Cascade Mountains and is a full-service RV park with large 50-amp serviced sites. A true winter destination. For more details visit www.holidaytrailsresorts.com; call (604) 869 0066, or reach out to sunshinevalley@htr.ca.
Bridgeview RV Resort, Lethbridge, AB
Located in Southern Alberta, Bridgeview RV Resort highlights many seasonal services including an expansive social clubhouse, fire pits, 30/50 amp power, WiFi, hot showers, and heat-treated lines. For more details visit www.holidaytrailsresorts.com; call (403) 381 2357, or reach out to bridgeview@htr.ca