An RV Park for All Seasons

Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Campground in BC is where you can relax, explore and realize a new destination.

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Words by Steve Fennell

Finding new experiences to enjoy by RV doesn’t always mean going to remote regions.  In fact, a recent round-table discussion from five of the top online vacation booking/research platforms* reported a forecasted trend of “longer stays, shorter lead time and shorter distances travelled” among vacationers.  RVing is all about discovering new places or revisiting favourite ones, and planning a multi-purpose destination closer to home is now more important than ever to get the most out of your time on the road. 

One of the many benefits of Southwestern BC is the vast amount of green space, natural attractions and vibrant urban culture, which can all offer something for everyone. Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Campground in Burnaby is about 45-minutes from Vancouver, located off Highways 1 and 7, providing easy access for any type of RVer and RV. Although traffic should be expected, choose times outside of the morning or evening rush hours for smoother, non-delayed travels.  

The real beauty of Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Campground is once you register and make your way among its grounds. The greenery continues with secluded sites flanked by tall privacy hedges, pristine landscaping and towering trees. All sites are spacious to accommodate a variety of rigs with picnic tables and even additional room for personal outdoor furniture.

Outside of the individual sites, one of the mainstays of the resort is the 929 square metre (10,000 sq ft) club house that consists of a lounge area, heated indoor pool, fitness centre, Jacuzzi, laundry facilities, an arcade and sunbathing deck. There are also shower facilities, which can also be modified for those with disabilities. It’s a great space to unwind and even socialize with proper safety distancing measures and strict sanitization efforts in place.  Some other amenities at the resort include a Mini Mart (that also sells RV supplies) playground, a handy seasonal RV wash, plus a basketball court, tether ball, hop scotch and horseshoe pits. There are also barbecue grills and a gazebo. 

Another big draw is the resort is in close proximity to several of the area attractions. Of special interest for outdoor enthusiasts is Burnaby Lake Regional Park and wildlife sanctuary that spans 400 acres (161 ha). Approximately 3 km (about 2 mi) from the resort, the dog-friendly park features a variety of walking trails that total about 10 km (6 mi). Bikes are not permitted on these paths. 

If you’re a birder, watch for great blue herons, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, osprey or even some uncommon species such as small green-backed herons. For more wildlife viewing, the lake permits non-motorized boats including kayaks and canoes with easy access provided by the car-top boat launch and dock.  Launch your kayak and simply admire the various wildlife and natural setting of the area. Picnic sites are also on site in addition to a viewing tower and nature house.

If you are an avid cyclist, nearby is the popular 24 km (15 mi) walking/bike-only Central Valley Greenway (CVG), connecting Vancouver, Burnaby and New West Minister. It’s accessible from the park (and will lead cyclists close by to the park along Cariboo Rd and Winston Ave) and meanders through a valley that’s scenic and ideal for all ages. If you need a break, there are convenient stops to catch the high-speed Millennium SkyTrain, which can take you through to the heart of Metro Vancouver and other nearby communities with it’s a variety of routes.  

According to general manager of Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Campground, Kim Van Dyk, Vancouver is one of the top attractions among RVers visiting the park – and for good reason. Ranked as the top city in Canada in 2017 by Conde Nasté Traveler magazine, ‘Van’ offers a variety of countless dining and shopping opportunities for every taste and budget, many more hiking and biking trails, and several kilometres of scenic waterfront and of course, entertainment. During any given season, this city by the sea is known for its mainstream concerts, live theatre, and professional sporting events. 

From popular Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, and Granville Island to stunning Lynn Canyon and Van Dusen Botanical Gardens, days can be spent admiring all of Vancouver’s attractions. What’s more, they can all be accessed within 60 minutes (via the Millennium SkyTrain) with stops nearby to the resort for quick, easy convenience. 

Yet, you never have to go very far from the resort as there are a variety of other local attractions in the Burnaby area, including Barnet Marine Park where you can enjoy the sand beach, swimming and the picnic areas; Burnaby Village Museum that commemorates the 1920’s period; and Central Park with its 8.5 km (5 mi) of hiking and biking trails. All are located within a 15-minute drive of your site.

Open all year, Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Campground certainly makes for the perfect home base to explore everything this region has to offer. Days can be spent enjoying new experiences or – with the resort’s strict Covid-19 safety and distancing measures – relaxing among the resort grounds with family and close friends. 

For all the details and to book a reservation for your next trip, visit www.bcrvpark.com.

(*Ed Note: As reported in RVBusiness December 5, 2020. The report was based on a digital roundtable discussion from top representatives from VRBO, RVshare, Campendium, Hipcamp, and Viator. All visitors to Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Campground are also reminded to adhere to provincial regulations, border/regional restrictions, and certain closures of businesses and public spaces.)