Words by Steve Fennell
By now, Canadian travelers are adopting new ways of getting outdoors, spending quality time away from home offices and the confines of the indoors. With the warm, summer months almost a memory and cooler temps prevailing, avid travelers are now considering their next outdoor excursions this winter. For RVers, especially snowbirds and full-timers – who once visited many southern U.S. States for warmer climes - finding a new destination may not be as simple.
Rather than embellishing on the challenges presented by Covid-19, discovering new Canadian destinations is part of the new normal for RVers. But new is always good and there are always lots of new options to spend time in an RV, now more than ever.
“From our perspective, RVers can’t (or won’t) cross the border into the U.S. and visit warmer climates that they are used to doing,” says Don Sharpe, Vice-President, Resort Operations for Holidays Trails RV Resorts, which operates five RV resorts throughout British Columbia and Alberta. “So, those snowbirds and full-time RVers require a place to stay for the winter.”
As a result, Sharpe explains that Holidays Trails RV Resorts has expanded its winter services and operations at four of its five locations, including Country Maples RV Resort in Chemainus, BC; Camperland RV Resort and Cabins in Bridal Falls, BC; Sunshine Valley RV Resort and Cabins in Hope, BC; and Bridgeview RV Resort in Lethbridge, AB.
While RVing in the Canadian winter for brief periods is not new, there are viable options to endure the colder months until more seasonal temperatures rise in the spring.
Joel Brumm
“We have expanded our winter operations with new waterlines deep enough so they won’t freeze, in addition to new power and sewer services so RVers can actually live comfortably on site,” says Sharpe. “There is a change in our business due to the Canada/U.S. Border being closed and that changes a lot of things for RVers as well. So, we are now providing more choices.”
In addition to the new services across its series of resorts, of special note is Bridgeview RV Resort in Southern Alberta, where temps always get a little chilly come January and February. While it may be a little intimidating to plan a destination for three to four months in an Alberta winter, it doesn’t need to be.
Sharpe explains that Bridgeview will still offer many of the same services and social atmosphere as in the warmer months. Its expansive clubhouse serves as a great meeting/social space with shuffleboard while laundry facilities, hot showers, and all of the essential RV services are readily available (including water, 30/50 amp power and WiFi). Even fire pits are available to socialize around when the weather is reasonable or a frequent Chinook wind passes through. For added convenience, there’s a general store offering basic RV supplies and essentials with additional shopping and services in Lethbridge (or in the surrounding region) just ten minutes away.
If a milder climate is preferred, Country Maples RV Resort is located in Chemainus on the east coast of Southern Vancouver Island where snow accumulation is rare and temperatures are commonly balmy.
Holiday Trails RV Resort
All locations are pet-friendly and recently upgraded to withstand wintery conditions.
This all-season park has full water, sewer and 30- and 50-amp power with a club house, and a host of other services. What’s more, its picturesque community offers shopping, dining and attractions with more to see and do in Nanaimo or Victoria, which are between 30 to 60 minutes from the park.
Further east in the Fraser Valley are two other Holiday Trails RV resorts, Camperland and Sunshine Valley. Located 20 minutes east of Chilliwack, Camperland is set the base of Mt. Cheam, and is also an easy 1 km (.6 mi) walk to Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park. If you prefer, simply stay within the confines of the grounds and enjoy many of the resort’s amenities. An on-site general store selling the essentials (including liquor and beer), a recreation hall/club house featuring pool tables, darts and other activities, plus hot tubs, a sauna, laundry facilities, and full service sites are other highlights. Cabins are also available to rent.
“Primarily, these locations are for full-time RVers or snowbirds that commonly travel south during the winter every year,” says Sharpe. “Now we are their location of choice to meet their full-time needs during the winter months.”
Thirty, minutes from Camperland is Sunshine Valley, another ideal option especially if winter activities are a big part of your game. Located just outside of Hope among the Cascade Mountains, this full-service RV park has large 50-amp serviced sites and is a true winter destination.
Holiday Trails RV Resort
Many locations also offer recreation centers and surrounding services and attractions.
While it’s the place to be in the summer with plenty of activity, the winter is equally enjoyable with skiing/snowboarding at nearby Manning Park as well extensive snow shoeing and snowmobile trails.
After a day in the outdoors (or just to warm up and relax at any time), there’s an indoor pool and two hot tubs with the convenience of an onsite general store and liquor sales, plus fire pits, a fitness centre and recreation hall. One- and two-bedroom cabins are also available for rent.
“This winter will be very different for our RV resorts as well for snowbirds,” says Sharpe. “The Covid-19 situation has changed they we do things so much. However, after almost six months we are now all adapting a little better. All of our parks have a series of unique features – even more so now with our recent winter upgrades and services.”
For more information and to reserve your site today visit www.holidaytrailsresorts.com