RV Rental Victoria, Canada: A Campervan Adventure in the City of Gardens

Embark on a Picturesque Journey through Victoria in Your Home on Wheels

BCV Victoria, BC, Canada

Settled in the early 1800s, Victoria is one of Canada’s oldest settlements. The closest depot is Vancouver. Take the BC ferry to reach Vancouver island. Sail from either Tsawwassen or from Horseshoe Bay. A great way to spot whales, dolphins and sea lions. Book the ferry in advance, especially if you plan to travel over the weekend.

When you visit Victoria in your RV, stay out at Butchart Gardens or Beacon Hill as parking for RVs in town is restricted. There are plenty of RV campsites and parks to stay on Vancouver Island.

You have a choice of where to collect and return your RV when visiting Victoria, BC

If you are already in Canada then pick up your RV from Vancouver. It takes about 3 hours to drive from Vancouver to Victoria via the ferry. You should pre-book your ferry during busy times. Pre-book if you are travelling on a weekend, during holidays and school breaks.

RV Rental Companies Operating from Vancouver:

• Cruise Canada
• Canadream
• Fraserway
• Four Seasons.

RV rental from Seattle to visit Victoria:

There are five different RV companies in Seattle. The border crossing is free and it is worth comparing the cost of flying in and out of Seattle and Vancouver. Seattle is only a 4 1/2 hour drive from Victoria using the Vancouver Island Ferry.

There are budget rental options from Seattle too:

These are the five top rental companies from Seattle:

• Britz
• Cruise America
• El Monte RV
• Escape Rentals RV
• Road Bear RV

There are two companies with depots at Tacoma International Airport that supply transfers for a fee:

• Britz
• Road Bear RV

Between them, you will have a choice of small van conversions, truck campers, Class A, B and C RVs. All of these vehicles are fully listed with all features including bed sizes, vehicle length (important for ferry bookings), age of vehicles engine size, fuel type, transfer information, air-con, heating.

If you are arriving from outside of the USA or Canada, you are required to spend the first night in a hotel. You will not be permitted to drive the RV on the day of arrival after a long haul flight.

Please note that if you collect your rental from the USA you must return to a USA depot. You can plan a one-way trip but the RV must be returned to the USA. There is not extra charge for taking your camper into Canada.

Discover Victoria's Hidden Gems:

Victoria offers a complete range of outdoor and indoor activities to suit all visitors. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Kayak with Bioluminescent Plankton: Nighttime kayaking adventure in Sidney, where the waters are light up with bioluminescent plankton.
2. Hike the Secret Waterfall Trail: Journey forests and discover the elusive Ehattes Falls near Sooke. Accessible only by a hidden trail, this cascading waterfall is the reward at the end of your hike.
3. Explore the Lost Lagoons: Found in the French Beach Provincial Park are the Lost Lagoons. Carved by glaciers, these hidden pools offer swimming, paddling, or simply to soak.
4. Unearth Fossils at Coal Point: Uncover Victoria's prehistoric past at Coal Point, a beach littered with fossils. From ancient clams to prehistoric whales, you might just stumble upon a hidden treasure millions of years old.
5. Go Spelunking in the Island's Caves: Delve into the depths of Vancouver Island's hidden caves, like Horne Lake Caves or Cameron Lake Caves. Guided tours take you through underground wonders, revealing crystal formations and hidden passages.
6. Discover Secret Gardens: Beyond the famed Butchart Gardens, Victoria boasts hidden gems like Finnerty Gardens and Abkhazi Garden.
7. Hike the Scenic Bluffs of Jordan River: Walk the bluffs of Jordan River Regional Park. Enjoy views of the Salish Sea, spot otters.
8. Visit the Historical Goldstream Provincial Park: Step back in time at Goldstream Provincial Park, home to historical remnants of the island's gold mining era. Hike to waterfalls, explore the exhibits at the visitor centre and discover hidden mining tunnels.

Remember, these are just a few starting points. The beauty of an RV adventure lies in the freedom to discover your own hidden gems. So, pack your sense of adventure, embrace the spontaneity, and let Victoria's hidden wonders unfold before you.

14-Day RV Adventure Exploring Vancouver Island and Beyond

14-day RV journey from Vancouver to Vancouver Island promises an unforgettable exploring the natural beauty that British Columbia has to offer. This itinerary blends outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and scenic drives.

Day 1-2: Vancouver to Nanaimo (Approx. 82 km / 68 miles, 2.5 hours)

• Morning: Pick up your RV in Vancouver and head to the scenic Horseshoe Bay.
• Afternoon: Take the ferry to Nanaimo. Enjoy the coastal views during the 1.5-hour ferry ride.
• Evening: Settle into a campsite at Living Forest Oceanside Campground in Nanaimo.

Day 3-4: Nanaimo to Tofino (Approx. 200 km / 124 miles, 3.5 hours)

• Morning: Explore Nanaimo's harbourfront and historic sites.
• Afternoon: Drive across the island to Tofino. Stop at Cathedral Grove to see ancient Douglas fir and red cedar trees.
• Evening: Camp at Crystal Cove Beach Resort near Tofino.

Day 5-6: Tofino Exploration

• Full Days: Immerse yourself in Tofino's natural beauty. Surf at Long Beach, go whale watching (March to October), and visit the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
• Evening: Enjoy a beachside campfire at your campsite.

Day 7-8: Tofino to Victoria (Approx. 320 km / 199 miles, 5.5 hours)

• Morning: Depart Tofino and head to Victoria, the province capital.
• Afternoon: Explore the Royal BC Museum and visit the iconic Inner Harbour.
• Evening: Camp at Pedder Bay RV Resort and Marina.

Day 9-10: Victoria City Delights

• Full Days: Visit Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and have high tea at the Fairmont Empress. Book early.
• Evening: Relax at your campsite or explore more of Victoria's nightlife.

Day 11-12: Victoria to Cowichan Valley (Approx. 80 km / 50 miles, 1.5 hours)

• Morning: Head to Cowichan Valley, known for its wineries and artisanal products.
• Afternoon: Explore vineyards, art galleries, and the Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre.
• Evening: Camp at Lakeview RV Park or another nearby site.

Day 13: Cowichan Valley to Nanaimo (Approx. 86 km / 53 miles, 1.5 hours)

• Morning: Visit Cowichan Bay and enjoy local seafood.
• Afternoon: Drive back to Nanaimo.
• Evening: Camp at Jinglepot RV Park, Nanaimo.

Day 14: Nanaimo to Vancouver (Approx. 80 km / 50 miles, 2.5 hours)

• Morning: Take the ferry back to Horseshoe Bay.
• Afternoon: Return your RV in Vancouver.

Other Campsite Recommendations:

• Living Forest Oceanside Campground (Nanaimo): Offers waterfront sites and forested areas.
• Crystal Cove Beach Resort (Tofino): Beachfront camping with stunning ocean views.
• Pedder Bay RV Resort and Marina (Victoria): A scenic site with modern amenities.
• Lakeview RV Park (Cowichan Valley): Set by the lake, providing a serene camping experience.

Activities and Tips:

• Outdoor Adventures: Tofino offers surfing, hiking, and whale watching. Explore Cathedral Grove for a glimpse of ancient trees.
• Cultural Experiences: Victoria’s historic sites, museums, and cultural centres like the Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre.
• Scenic Drives: Drive the Pacific Rim Highway. 3 hours.
• Diverse Cuisine: Try local seafood in Cowichan Bay and indulge in high tea in Victoria.