We are thinking about a trip of a lifetime to Canada.
We would fly to Calgary or Vancouver and hire a campervan for four weeks.
Does anyone have any experience of a similar trip and be able to pass on any tips?
We think a round trip may be better than one way and we would be going in late July/early August.
Thanks!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We did it 2 years ago it was fantastic. Canada is not cheap,although fuel is less,and the Rvscare gas guzzlers! Everyone was very friendly,scenery amazing. We plan to go again and seeToronto,Quebec etc.Last time we did 3 weeks Vancouver to Calgary through rockies.We booked thrubCaravan andCamping Club,very good.
Go for it
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Please excuse typos as I am using tablet at campsite bar in France. I am not good on these infernal machines!
Our RV was25 footfrom Cruise Canada,6 litre gas guzzler (10 _15 mpg).It was comfortable and well equipped,easy to drive aslong as you useyour mirtors and common sense.
Campgrounds are plentiful andreasonably priced,especially the ones owned by Parks Canada,and in awesome settings.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We went to Canada last year however when we looked at the costings we decide not to hire an RV.
You may be interested in the itinerary though.
We flew to Vancouver where we had 3 days before going on a cruise to Alaska (with NCL). On returning to Vancouver we picked up a 4x4 and drove to Whistler for a few days then we moved on to Wells Gray Park a longish days drive! We spent a few days in the Park which has lots of wildlife and waterfalls. We then headed to Jasper and the National Park where we had a few days sightseeing. waterfalls, wildlife and natural hot springs visit. From there we drove the Icefields Parkway to Banff where we stsyed a few days and wished we had longer. (Lake Louise and other lakes)then we went on to Calgary which was much bigger than we expected and the traffic was horrendous there. We flew out from Calgary.
We met and chatted to a couple of groups in RVs and they all seemed to be really enjoying them selves but they all commented on the fuel costs.
The company Canadian Affair offered some great advice and we booked car-hire with them and also most of the hotels (cheaper than I could find elsewhere on the 'net). Our flights we did with Air Canada which worked out much cheaper than British Airways.
All in all a great time was had .... we are hoping to go back next year. Alaska was brilliant and the cruise was not as expensive as you might think. Vancouver is a lovely city and we would certainly go back there. TBH Calgary was the only minor disappointment.
We did drive round some campgrounds in some of the areas. They were very varied in facilities and price.
Personally I wouldn't go for a round trip but if YOU decide against it be aware of any 'drop off' charges for the RV.
Thank you for the tips.
It is very interesting to hear about the fuel costs!
We are hoping to go in 2016 and not go on holiday next year to give us chance to save (that is going to be hard!)
We have two boys who will be 11 and 14 by then and I think they would love the chance to be on the road before they get too big to share an RV with us!
Hi we are wanting to do something very similar for 2015
we would like 3 weeks .but would be limited to school holidays.
Jaiash when did you go,how many in your party
we thought it may cost £ 4-5k for the 3 of us??which is a lot..does this sound about right not looked at costing yet if we go would like to visit Winter park for a few days would this fit in with above plan??
Will watch this thread.
did you share the driving?
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by ice-pop on 23/6/2014Hi we are wanting to do something very similar for 2015
we would like 3 weeks .but would be limited to school holidays.
Jaiash when did you go,how many in your party
we thought it may cost £ 4-5k for the 3 of us??which is a lot..does this sound about right not looked at costing yet if we go would like to visit Winter park for a few days would this fit in with above plan??
Will watch this thread.
did you share the driving?
We were away early May through to mid/late June though the last two weeks we visited relatives in Atlanta. Car hire two weeks was £530 inc one way drop off (big 4x4). Hotels for 15 nights £1500( all but one were pretty up market, the 'one' was a log cabin). Flights were more complicated as we traveled to Vancouver but came back via - Atlanta and Toronto. I can't really say about food costs as we ate out most of the time and that varied a lot but we were only disappointed with food once and our faces must have given it away because the manager approached and we were only charged for what WE thought was acceptable. We were joined by sis-in-law for part of the time as well so we shared some costs.
We are planning to go back next year or maybe 2016.
We flew to Vancouver and back from Calgary. The airline was Thomas Cook,did not think much of them, cramped and crap food!
Have. flown Air Canada before that, much better. The cost for 3 weeks if I recall was about 3.5K Pounds, fuel food and campsite fees on top of course. It was worth every penny!
Vancouver is great, lovely city with plenty to do.
Our first trip there was to do the Alaska cruise which is brilliant. On return we flew over to Vancouver Island and stayed a few days, a beautiful place too.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Diesel seems to be about 71p/litre, is that about right? Does anyone have any recommendations for a RV hire company?
The best price this year seems to be Virgin Atlantic apart from one airline I have never heard of!
We did Canada in 2010, although we stayed in hotels.We fiew into Calgary staying for one night in the city, then collected the hire car.
We then started the road trip staying in Banff for 4 nights followed by Jasper for 4 nights then overnight in Kamloops before ending the adventure in Vancouver where we dropped the car off, staying there for 3 nights.
The whole trip was awesome.
A couple of things to bear in mind are the prices quoted on menus, gifts etc do not include taxes(it's all added on when you pay) also if you'll be travelling through any of the National Parks( which you probably will, given the route) a pass will have to be bought which can seem expensive but believe it or not it actually works out cheaper to buy the annual pass.
We were hoping to do this this year, but hubby needs an operation, so hope to do it in 2016 (daughters wedding next year so can't go then)
Where did you fly from in Uk? We are planning to fly into Vancouver, stay there a few days, then drive to Okanagan and stay with friends for a week and the motor upto Calgary.
Any suggestions of places to visit and stay would be welcome. Also we cannot walk too far, so would that be a problem? Will be staying in hotels for the travelling part. Really looking forward to it.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Canada
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