A 7-day itinerary for the ultimate BC summer RV trip

Instead of defaulting to our usual bars and restaurants, this year we’ve all been forced to turn to nature for recreation. And a lot of us have realized that this can actually be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend our downtime — especially when we live in such a stunning province.

But why spend just the weekend in the wilderness when you could take a whole week off to really immerse yourself in the beauty of BC? Instead of bothering yourself with booking seven different hotel rooms, book an RV and you’ll be set every night.

We teamed up with Fraserway RV to bring you an idyllic week-long RV itinerary right in your backyard in BC.

Day 1: Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island/Shutterstock

Start your adventure from either Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay ferry terminals in Vancouver and make your way over to your first stop, Salt Spring Island.

You’ll be there in less than three hours and once you arrive you can take in all that salty fresh air. Salt Spring is one of the coolest islands around, thanks to its slow pace, stunning coastline, and awesome arts community. Just don’t forget a pitstop to Salt Spring Island Cheese — you can thank us later.

Day 2: Victoria

You might immediately associate BC’s capital with Parliament, and you wouldn’t be wrong. However, it also has an incredible food and dining scene, beautiful surrounding hikes, and gorgeous gardens.

Whether you choose to spend your day having a fancy high tea at The Empress, strolling (and eating) your way around Chinatown, or whale watching, visiting Victoria is the perfect pitstop to get a dose of city life — before you get lost in the wilderness, that is.

Day 3: Ladysmith

Ladysmith/Shutterstock

From Victoria, make a U-turn and head back up north, where you’ll discover a slew of stunning coastal towns. In between stopping off for panoramic photo ops and pitstops at the surrounding wineries and cideries, get your designated driver to make their way to Duncan aka the City of Totems.

Afterwards, if arts and culture is your jam, head on up to the logging towns of Chemainus and the antique paradise that is Ladysmith. Both towns are rich with history and filled with tons of local art.

Day 4: Nanaimo

Next stop: Nanaimo. The coastal city has the biggest estuary on Vancouver Island and gives you ocean views of the Salish Sea at every turn. After you’ve stopped off for a waterfall hike or gone for a stroll on the beach, peer pressure your designated driver to take you to one (or all) of the four local craft breweries.

Before your ferry ride in the morning, drive up to the coast to Comox, stopping off to explore the gardens at Qualicum Beach, ponder the market at Coombs, and take in the scenic views at Cumberland.

Day 5: Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast/Shutterstock

From Comox, take the ferry to Powell River, where you’ll arrive on the Sunshine Coast. Here you’ll find both history and culture combined with the gorgeous outdoors.

Drive north and you’ll find yourself in Lund, where you can board cruises that take you to see some adorable marine life, including beautiful sea lions, porpoises, seals, and whales. Or, take a water taxi to Savary Island, an idyllic summery spot with white-sand beaches that could parallel ones in the tropics.

Day 6: Sechelt

Your next stop on the itinerary is the stunning seaside community of Sechelt. To get here, just drive on the ferry at Saltery Bay and ride it to Earls Cove.

Here you’ll find wildlife galore, including hikes, waterfalls, and vistas of the surrounding stunning scenery. If there was ever a spot to take pics for the ‘gram, this is it. Try your hand at kayaking and take in the glory of Halfmoon Bay’s coastline.

Day 7: Whistler

Garibaldi Lake/Shutterstock

Whistler might be internationally famous for its ski hills, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t equally as stunning in the summertime. For your very last ferry trip, head on over to Horseshoe Bay terminal, and hop off at West Vancouver.

There’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy with a picturesque backdrop here. Take it easy and have a picnic by postcard-worthy Lost Lake, or if you’re feeling up for it after your big journey, try out mountain biking, ziplining, or go golfing.

In BC, we’re spoiled for choice on scenic spots to pull up the RV. And now that you’ve got your itinerary sorted, the only task left is finding out where to get your RV.

Fraserway RV is Canada’s largest RV retailer, with locations across the country. The family-owned company has been running since 1969 and is a full-service dealership which means whether you’re looking to buy, rent, or get parts or a service, they’ve got you covered.

All of the vehicles are pet friendly, less than two years old, and come with road-side assistance, — so you have more peace of mind on the road (and more time to enjoy yourself).

Check out some of its state-of-the-art RVs today so you and your friends can be sleeping beside one of those gorgeous glassy lakes in no time.