A Winter’s Stay in West Vancouver

Capilano River RV Park is a multi-faceted four-season BC destination ideal for Canadian snowbirds.

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Words by Steve Fennell

RVing and staying at an RV park in Vancouver is all about experiencing one of the province’s most exciting destinations. Like visiting any large city, it’s ‘all about the location’ and easy access to services and attractions. While there are a few comfortable campgrounds around the Greater Vancouver Area, Capilano River RV Park is at the heart of the action, while still providing comfort whether you stay for a few days, several weeks or all winter.

Located in West Vancouver along the Capilano River that flows into the Burrard  Inlet near the Lions Gate Bridge, the park is located about 10 minutes off the Trans-Canada Highway via Hwy 99 and Tomahawk Rd. Once in the park, the secured, gated property is supervised 24/7 and its 205 sites can accommodate a variety of RVs, including larger motorhomes and fifth wheels.

RV Sites and Services

With 15/30/50 amp electrical to provide power for many kinds of RV systems, all sites have level concrete pads surrounded by manicured grass as well as maintained picnic tables and fire pits. When you settle in, the treed, pet-friendly grounds will make it hard to believe you’re actually in a large city.

Well-thought-out, the property has all of the amenities to make RVing here very convenient. Services such as a vehicle wash area and free pump out facility will save some added expenses and there’s even secured RV storage for the off-season or if you plan a multi-day side trip away from the park. Other amenities and services include:

  • Maintained and clean washroom/showers
  • Free campground-wide WiFi
  • Smooth blacktop roads
  • A seasonal heated outdoor pool
  • Ten-person hot tub that is open all year until 10:00 pm.
  • A children’s play area

Easy Access to West Vancouver and More

Given the number of city attractions, an ideal service - especially if you’re new to the area - is the available specialty tours and/or shuttle service to many of the city sights. Car rental agencies are also conveniently nearby.

One of the most important aspects of the park is it’s not hard to make the most of your days here. You never have to travel far to visit a pharmacy or other retail stores for personal needs, and big box stores, coffee shops, excellent dining and even a shopping centre are just across the river.

You can also experience the heart of Vancouver. It’s a quick drive over the Lions Gate Bridge and another 10-15 minutes to enjoy Stanley Park, English Bay Beach, Granville Island or the number of unique and trendy neighbourhood districts.

The natural attractions are popular as well. West Van offers some of the city’s best (and easiest) hiking trails. Plan your days visiting Cypress Falls Park with its towering 300-year-old trees and abundant wildlife or take one of the three easy loops in LightHouse Park among an old-growth forest.

If you’re not sure where to go, just ask one of the campground staff members. They’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

But it’s the thoughtful features in the campground that make it inviting and practical. The recreation room is ideal for socializing and joining in on park activities (weekly events are currently being scheduled for the upcoming snowbird season) while the propane filling station (that’s open from 9 am to 5 pm) provides added convenience.

Rates and Stays

Summer rates are set from May 1 through to September 30 while weekly discounted rates are available from October 1 through to April 30. As a special incentive, members of auto clubs or Good Sam are eligible for a 10 percent discount during check-in.

Although Vancouver Island is known to experience some of the balmiest weather during the winter in Canada, Vancouver isn’t too far behind. It’s considered to be the third warmest city north of the border in the colder months with tolerable temps. Add in the hospitality of the Capilano River RV Park and all of the experiences that can be enjoyed here, and you’ll be set for an enjoyable snowbird season.

For more information visit www.capilanoriverrvpark.com

Never a Dull Moment: Find Exciting Day Destinations

Feel like seeing more of the West Coast culture? The park is about 20 minutes to The BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay Terminal from where you can sail to Snug Cove on Bowen Island with its unique cafés, pubs, and restaurants or Nanaimo with its shoreside attractions. Langdale is also popular. It’s located at the south end of the famed Sunshine Coast and will provide great day - or even multi-day - trips.

Another option is to stay on the mainland and drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway (BC Hwy 99). This is a fabulous route that runs along the coast into the heart of the mountain communities such as Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton. It’s only about two hours to Whistler from the park and there are accommodations along the way if you want to extend your visit. More outdoor attractions, markets, and unique communities are located in North Vancouver among the North Shore Mountains.