This 8-day Normandy road trip connects dramatic chalk cliffs and WWII landing beaches with lush valleys, and the iconic Mont Saint-Michel—creating a captivating journey through the region’s coast and countryside.
Resting dramatically on the edge of Northern California, San Francisco is widely considered one of the best cities in the US. Celebrated around the world for its iconic landmarks, vibrant…
Buckle up for my first-ever Canadian adventure! Experience the magic of the Rockies from the driver’s seat of a Fraserway RV, featuring close-up wildlife encounters, roaring canyon waterfalls, and views that will leave you speechless.
Kick off your adventure on the vibrant Strip, testing your luck at the slot machines. Once you’ve had your fill of the bright lights, escape to the fiery red peaks of Red Rock Canyon.
Watch Vancouver’s dramatic geography unfold beneath you
Situated in the rugged southwest corner of British Columbia, Vancouver is a masterclass in modern, intuitive urban planning. Unlike the historic stone alleys of Paris or the massive motorways of Los Angeles, you will find yourself navigating a shimmering metropolis of glass towers.
As part of a visionary design philosophy known globally as Vancouverism, city laws were passed to strictly protect “view corridors”, dictating that skyscrapers must remain slim and spaced far apart. Because of this architectural foresight, the structures mirror the surrounding mountains and changing hues of the sea and sky rather than blocking them out.
Highlights
Stanley Park
Granville Island Public Market
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Sea to Sky Gondola
Suggested 4-day Vancouver itinerary
Day
Focus
Highlights
Overnight spot
1
Classic Vancouver
Canada Place, Gastown, Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano River RV Park
2
Pacific flavours & Bowen Island
Granville Island Public Market, Chinatown, Bowen Island hiking & wildlife
Capilano River RV Park
3
Squamish
Sea to Sky Gondola, Stawamus Chief, Alice Lake, Shannon Falls
Alice Lake Provincial Park
4
Alpine thrills in Whistler
Cloudraker Skybridge, Ziptrek Ecotours, visiting art galleries
Whistler RV Park
Setting off
Vancouver is the undisputed launchpad for exploring western Canada, making it a lively hub for premier motorhome providers like CanaDream, Cruise Canada, and Fraserway RV. Booking your vehicle ahead through CU | Camper ensures your mobile home is ready to roll the moment you arrive, giving you the freedom to transition from urban life to deep wilderness effortlessly.
Classic Vancouver
The city is essentially a peninsula bounded by English Bay, Burrard Inlet, and the Fraser River. Getting around Vancouver nearly always involves crossing a body of water. The iconic Lions Gate Bridge connects downtown to the North Shore, while the Granville and Burrard bridges link the city centre to the vibrant southern districts.
Start your first morning at Canada Place, the iconic waterfront landmark with white fabric sails that mimic a massive ship heading out to sea. From there, take a short walk east into Gastown—Vancouver’s oldest district. Stroll along the historic cobblestone streets to see the famous Steam Clock, which whistles and shoots steam every 15 minutes, and admire Victorian-era architecture.
A classic view of the green Lions Gate suspension bridge
Next, make your way to Stanley Park. Here, you can walk or cycle the famous Seawall, where giant old-growth cedar trees meet the crashing ocean waves. Make sure to stop at Brockton Point to see the Coast Salish Totem Poles, which offer a fascinating look into the region’s rich indigenous history.
Cross the Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore to experience the engineering marvel of the Capilano Suspension Bridge—hanging 230 feet (70 m) above the rushing Capilano River.
Afterward, head up the mountain highway to Grouse Mountain. Hop on the Skyride—North America’s largest aerial tramway system—to ascend to the alpine peak. From the summit, you’ll have a panoramic view of the city, Vancouver Island, and the surrounding peaks.
Alternatively, you can either catch a similar view from Queen Elizabeth Quarry Gardens or book a flightseeing tour with Harbour Air Seaplanes for the ultimate view from above on your Vancouver itinerary.
Pacific flavours
Don’t miss out on Granville Island, a vibrant peninsula tucked beneath the Granville Street Bridge. Once a gritty industrial manufacturing hub, these historic tin-sided warehouses have been transformed into a bustling cultural haven. The crown jewel is the Granville Island Public Market, a food lover’s paradise humming with local produce. Sit out on the public docks to watch the tiny, colourful Aquabus ferries zip across False Creek.
The marina at Granville Island resting beneath the grand steel spans of the Granville Street Bridge
For an authentic slice of Vancouver’s famous Asian culinary landscape, explore the city’s thriving Chinatown—one of the largest in North America—for authentic dim sum. Alternatively, track down the local-favourite food trucks parked around the downtown core serving up innovative fusion dishes, like Japanese-style hot dogs.
While exploring the trendy independent boutiques along Main Street or the historic alleys of Chinatown, keep an eye out for the city’s vibrant mural culture.
Tip
Vancouver is also renowned for its thriving coffee culture and craft beer scene, meaning you will have no trouble finding a cosy café for a delicious flat white and a pastry, or a small, independent brewery for a pint of local ale.
Vancouver surroundings
With a motorhome at your disposal on your Vancouver itinerary, you have easy, front-row access to the city’s surroundings.
It takes roughly an hour to get to Bowen Island from Vancouver, including a short 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay.
In summer, this forested island is an outdoor sanctuary where you can go hiking (popular trails include the Killarney Lake Loop trail and Dorman Point lookout), mountain biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, scuba diving, playing a round of golf, or even joining a seaside yoga session.
Throughout the island, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Listen for the distinct drumming of woodpeckers and the calls of owls in the trees, scan the tidal shorelines for seals, otters, and herons, and look up to spot bald eagles—you may even spot a beaver working on its dam.
Squamish
Once you return to the mainland, a further hour’s drive north brings you to Squamish. Located halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is a scenic stop on any Vancouver itinerary, nestled at the end of Howe Sound.
Step onto the Sea to Sky Gondola, providing panoramic views over the turquoise fjord, or head to the waterfront at Sp’akw’us Feather Park to admire one of the largest granite monoliths in North America—Stawamus Chief.
Beyond the world-class rock climbing and steep mountain bike trails, you can also go whitewater rafting down the glacial currents of the Elaho River, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon paddleboarding on the calmer waters of Alice Lake. Before leaving the area, make sure to stop by the roaring 1,105 feet (335 m) cascade of Shannon Falls.
Whistler
From Squamish, it is a further 45 minutes to Whistler—a must-see destination on your Vancouver itinerary—consistently ranked as the top ski resort in North America. Winter here is all about hitting the slopes, with Whistler and Blackcomb offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world.
Once the snow clears, the landscape transforms into a premier destination for mountain biking and alpine hiking.
If you’re looking for incredible views and a bit of a thrill, head straight for the Cloudraker Skybridge. This 427-foot (130 m) walkway stretches from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, linking up with the Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk platform for some seriously dramatic, 360-degree views of the Coast Mountains.
For views with speed, Ziptrek Ecotours offers a heart-pounding Falcon tour, which sends you soaring through the air across the Fitzsimmons Valley.
Once you’ve had your fill of high-altitude adrenaline, head down into the town itself, where you’ll find a vibrant arts scene. It is well worth spending an afternoon drifting through the local galleries.
Vancouver: Launching point for legendary scenic drives
Beyond scouting the surroundings, Vancouver proves an ideal hub for some of the greatest driving routes in North America. From the city, you can either point your wheels inland towards the jagged peaks of Calgary or cross the water to explore the wild, untamed coastline of Vancouver Island.
The Canadian Rockies
Drive the legendary Icefields Parkway—famous for the glowing blue ice of the massive Athabasca Glacier—and explore the dramatic, towering peaks of Banff and Jasper National Parks, passing the iconic, turquoise waters of Lake Louise along the way.
Alternatively, you can cross the water to explore the rugged coastlines of Vancouver Island. Board a BC Ferry from Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay over to Nanaimo and drive straight across the island to Tofino, Canada’s surf capital. Spend an afternoon at Cox Bay watching the massive Pacific swells roll in, or wander through the moss-draped rainforest trails of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Afterward, head south to Victoria, BC’s capital. It’s the perfect base for catching a whale-watching tour or taking a relaxed stroll through Butchart Gardens. If you’re looking to map this out, we recommend our detailed Vancouver Island itinerary.
Best Vancouver overnight spots
Securing a scenic site to park up for the night during your Vancouver itinerary isn’t that hard in British Columbia, thanks to the region’s camping infrastructure. While there are plenty of options, here are a few spots we recommend:
Capilano River RV Park: Sitting just across the Lions Gate Bridge in West Vancouver, this riverside campsite places Stanley Park and the North Shore highlights practically on your doorstep whilst offering full hookups in a lush, peaceful setting.
Porteau Cove Provincial Park: Situated 45 minutes north of Vancouver on the edge of Howe Sound, this site offers waterfront pitches with spectacular views across the fjord.
Alice Lake Provincial Park: Surrounded by dense forest, this campsite provides immediate access to the scenic Four Lakes Loop trail whilst remaining a convenient 15-minute drive from the eateries of Squamish.
Whistler RV Park: Perched roughly 20 minutes south of Whistler Village, this spacious alpine campsite offers a fantastic view of the striking volcanic spire of Black Tusk and Whistler Mountain.
The mild West Coast climate
Because Vancouver is shielded by the towering wall of the North Shore Mountains and constantly warmed by Pacific Ocean currents, it enjoys a remarkably mild, marine climate.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Vancouver by motorhome
Is it hard to drive a motorhome in downtown Vancouver?
You'll want to avoid it if you can. Driving a motorhome through downtown or the tight, cobblestone streets of Gastown is usually more trouble than it’s worth due to limited parking and narrow roads. Make your trip stress free by parking up on a campsite on the outskirts and using Vancouver’s public transport to get around the city.
Where is the best place to park a motorhome overnight in Vancouver?
There are several scenic campsites just outside the city center. For a peaceful riverside setting with full hookups right on the doorstep of Stanley Park, Capilano River RV Park is highly recommended. Other fantastic scenic options include Porteau Cove Provincial Park, Alice Lake Provincial Park near Squamish, and Whistler RV Park.
Can I take my motorhome on the ferry to Bowen Island and Vancouver Island?
Yes, BC Ferries easily accommodates motorhomes. Reservations are highly recommended for the Horseshoe Bay routes to ensure you don't get stuck waiting through multiple ferry sailings.
What legendary scenic driving routes can I take from Vancouver?
Vancouver is the perfect launchpad for two iconic North American road trips: • The Canadian Rockies: Driving inland via the Icefields Parkway toward Banff, Jasper, and Calgary. • The Vancouver Island loop: Taking a ferry across to Nanaimo and then driving to Tofino (Canada's surf capital) and Victoria (Capital of BC).
