Canada's national parks offer some of the most varied landscapes on earth - towering snowy peaks in the Rockies, misty coastal rainforests on Vancouver Island, and the vast tundra of the Arctic. And if you really want to slow down and savor it all, there's no better way than traveling by motorhome.
Imagine parking near a turquoise glacial lake or camping beneath star-studded skies. Still, in 2025, there are a few things to keep in mind before hitting the road.
From areas still recovering from last summer's wildfires to new government policies that make visiting more affordable, here's a practical guide to what's open, what's changing, and how to plan a safe and comfortable trip across Canada's great outdoors.
Table of Contents
Travel Tips
Park Reopenings and Policy Updates
Make sure you have the latest information on park access and closures. Wildfires swept across parts of Alberta in 2024, leaving visible scars in Jasper National Park.
While many trails and campgrounds have now reopened, some remain closed for safety and restoration activities. Check Parks Canada updates before you leave for specific information about the park that you intend to visit.
This year, Parks Canada has also expanded its Free Youth Admission program and introduced digital park passes to simplify entry. The new Discovery Pass app lets visitors manage bookings, view alerts, and even locate accessible campsites in real time.
These initiatives aim to encourage responsible travel while reducing pressure on popular destinations such as Banff and Yoho during peak months.
Choose the Right Parks for Motorhome Travel
From Banff's iconic peaks to the surf beaches of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, you'll be spoilt for choice. For motorhomes, accessibility matters. Banff and Jasper have ample RV-friendly campgrounds with full services, while Pacific Rim offers a mix of serviced and rustic sites.
In contrast, northern parks like Aulavik are breathtaking but require more planning and are better suited to those ready for off-grid adventures.
The Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick also makes a stunning addition to any itinerary, with dramatic tides and coastal trails easily accessible by road.
Smaller regional parks en route, such as Fundy Trail Parkway, provide ideal overnight stops with facilities that welcome larger vehicles.
Route-Planning and Packing Essentials for Motorhome Life
Distances in Canada are vast. For example, a drive from Calgary to Vancouver takes 11 hours without stops - worth factoring in when you're plotting out fuel stops and overnight stays. Carry backup supplies, such as spare water, tools, food, and first-aid supplies.
Items such as solar panels or portable chargers will keep your tech running in remote areas. And make note of possible seasonal road closures ahead of time by checking the provincial government site for the park that you plan to visit, along with any permits you will need to camp there.
If you're new to motorhome travel, consider joining local online groups or forums for up-to-date advice from fellow travelers. Many Canadians share route suggestions, hidden campgrounds, and fuel-saving tips that can make a real difference to your journey.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Wildlife encounters from elk wandering Jasper's campgrounds to black bears along highways are a reminder that parks are living habitats.
Follow leave-no-trace principles and respect Indigenous lands as part of your responsibilities when visiting. The wildfire damage in Jasper also highlights the need to stay flexible. Areas may close suddenly if conditions change or extreme weather hits.
Additionally, climate change is affecting travel conditions, with earlier thaws and more unpredictable weather. Travelers should check local advisories and pack accordingly. Snow chains and warm layers can still be essential well into spring in northern provinces.
Staying Online: Digital Tools for Modern Explorers
Visitor centers and campgrounds often offer Wi-Fi, but these networks can be crowded and insecure. Whenever you connect to a shared hotspot, use a trusted VPN to encrypt your traffic and protect your data.
Apps for route planning, campground availability, and real-time weather alerts can be lifesavers, while offline maps and robust mobile connections ensure you're never lost if the signal drops. Back up permits and photos to cloud storage for peace of mind if devices are damaged or lost.
If you prefer printed reassurance, Parks Canada still provides physical maps at visitor centers, which can be invaluable when technology fails in remote terrain.
Canada's Wild Beauty Awaits
Canada's national parks promise both grandeur and intimacy - vast wilderness balanced with quiet evenings by a campfire. With thoughtful planning, attention to safety, and an openness to adventure, a motorhome journey through these landscapes can become one of life's great stories.
Whether you travel from Banff to the Bay of Fundy or strike out towards the Yukon, every mile offers a reminder of how truly diverse and unforgettable Canada can be.
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This story is published in partnership with Proton VPN.
