Megan Campagnolo
Preparing for a cold night beneath the Athabasca Glacier.
Winter travel in Canada demands a different level of preparation. Weather changes quickly, daylight is short, and services can be unreliable or closed altogether. You may enjoy quieter highways and empty viewpoints, but the tradeoff is a reduced margin for error. A winter road trip can be a good experience — if you prepare for it properly.
We learned how quickly conditions can shift in the Rockies — not in the heart of winter, but during fall.
Fall Is Colder Than You Expect. Winter Is Colder Than That.
While driving the Icefields Parkway in autumn, we reached the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier just after fresh snow moved in. The setting didn’t feel extreme at the time and the forecast didn’t look concerning. Instead of trying to rush downhill in low light, we decided to stop overnight in the RV lot.
By morning, the temperature had dropped to –15°C.
With no campground power, the propane furnace drained our batteries faster than expected. We started the generator twice through the night to keep systems operating. Pulling in the slides helped reduce heat loss and the amount of air we had to warm. We ended up sleeping together on one bed under heavy blankets.
Nothing went wrong — but winter would not have allowed the same margin for comfort.
Megan Campagnolo
Check road conditions before you drive.
Check Conditions Before You Drive
Weather apps are not enough, especially in mountain or remote areas. Use provincial highway reporting systems before departure:
- DriveBC
- 511 Alberta
- Ontario 511
- Transports Québec
- 511 Saskatchewan and Manitoba
While on the road, dial 511 anywhere in Canada for updated information on closures and conditions.
Prepare Your Vehicle and Coach for the Cold
Cold temperatures expose weaknesses quickly. Before leaving, inspect both the chassis and coach systems of your tow vehicle or motorhome.
Vehicle Essentials
- Test the heater and defroster
- Replace worn wiper blades
- Top up windshield washer fluid rated to –40°C
- Check coolant levels
- Test your battery
- Inspect hoses and belts
- Test all exterior lights
- Ask about winter-grade oil if servicing
- Add fuel stabilizer or methyl hydrate to your fuel tank to prevent condensation from contaminating your fuel.
Running a Winterized Coach
If your RV is winterized, treat it that way on the road:
- Do not use onboard fresh water or plumbing unless it is fully de-winterized and protected from freezing.
- Many campgrounds and RV parks shut off water taps once freezing weather arrives, so pack bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.
- Carry a few large jugs for extended stretches between services.
- Use campground or public washrooms when available.
- For dishes, heat bottled water and dispose of grey water in approved dump stations only.
If your RV is not winterized, you’ll need:
- Heat tape on hoses
- Insulated water lines
- Skirting (for longer stays)
- A heated wet bay
- Constant interior heat
- Frozen water can quickly damage pipes, pumps, tanks, and faucets without these strategies in place.
Tires Matter More Than Anything Else
1 of 2
Perry Mack
2 of 2
Perry Mack
All-season tires are not enough. Choose winter tires with the mountain snowflake symbol, for your tow vehicle, and carry chains in mountain regions. Know how to install them before you reach snow.
Carry a Cold-Weather Emergency Kit
Expect delays and closed services, so pack for longer than expected stays.
Include:
- Insulated outerwear, gloves, toques
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Hand warmers
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water stored inside
- Headlamp and flashlight
- Reflective vest
- Road flares or LED safety lights
- Shovel
- Tow strap
- Sand or cat litter
- Booster cables
- Phone charger and battery pack
- Multitool and spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Stormproof matches
- Single-burner stove and propane
- (Ventilation required)
Megan Campagnolo
Colder weather means fewer crowds.
Adjust Your Driving
Winter can reduce your stopping distance and visibility.
- Drive slower
- Increase following distance
- Turn off cruise control
- Refuel when you reach half a tank
- Stop frequently to clear snow from headlights and brake lights
- Treat bridges and shaded corners as icy by default
If You Lose Traction
If stuck:
- Turn off traction control
- Add sand or litter
- Rock gently
If You’re Delayed or Stranded
- Stay with your vehicle if possible.
- Use hazard lights
- Clear the exhaust pipe
- Run the engine periodically
- Dress in layers
- Bring emergency supplies inside early
- Call for help where possible
Your vehicle provides shelter and visibility.
Final Though
That cold night on the Icefields Parkway happened in fall. Winter would have been colder, darker, and more restrictive — including fewer water sources and fewer open campgrounds.
RVing in winter conditions is enjoyable with proper planning and preparation. The adage, ‘Hope for the best but prepare for the worst’, is sound advice.