So You Want to Rent a Motorhome? Here’s What You Need to Know

Family in illuminated van in forest, side view, evening. — Getty Images

Summer is nearly here and so is road-tripping season. But this year, leave behind the cramped car and finicky tent. Instead, step into space, step into convenience, and, yep that’s right, step into a rental motorhome!

Seriously, the idea of rolling into an oceanside RV campsite with dinner already pre-prepped, a private shower waiting, and beds already made sounds like Canadian camping heaven. The motorhome path really seems like the right one this year.

But these vehicles are big and the idea of driving one may be a tad overwhelming for an RV newbie. Plus, where does one even rent a motorhome?

So, let’s break it all down and crack the code on how to rent a motorhome in Canada and what you need to know before booking. Yes, becoming an RV pro will take more than one long-weekend road trip. But knowing what to look for, where to look and how to get the most out of a motorhome vacay sounds like a really great first step.

Two young woman on top of camper van in remote mountain landscape. — Getty Images

What to Know Before You Rent a Motorhome

1. Know What Motorhome You’re Getting

If you’re new to the world of motorhomes, it’s good to know what’s what — as in literally, what does “motorhome” mean? Here’s a breakdown of some of the different motorhome designs and their key components:

Fifth Wheel Camper — You pull this RV behind a truck with a special fifth-wheel hitch mounted in the truck bed. They tend to have a full kitchen, dinette, 1.5 bathroom and two full-sized beds or bunks.
Towable Travel Trailer – Usually smaller than a fifth wheel, these compact campers hook onto a truck with a trailer ball and typically sleep up to five people. A small kitchen and bathroom would also be the norm in one of these bad boys.
Class A Motorhome — This is the “home on wheels” type of RV and the biggest of the bunch. But with more luxurious space on the inside come more challenges on the outside. These big rigs are a handful to maneuver so only confident, experienced drivers should apply.
Class C Cabover – These RVs are one unit, with a van cab and motorhome body — think your classic Winnebago. Since they’re smaller in stature, they’re easier to drive, making them a good bet for motorhome novices. Don’t worry though, they’re still kitted out with a bedroom, bathroom and, oftentimes, a kitchen that can convert into extra sleeping quarters.

Van with roof tent in the nature. — Getty Images

2. Size Matters

Many campsites have motorhome-size limits, meaning that their camping sites can only handle RVs of a certain size. So be certain the campground you’re aiming for can accommodate what you’re driving. Booking as far ahead as possible is always recommended!

Same goes for highways and National or Provincial Parks. Some routes and parks don’t allow motorhomes due to their size and weight. It might be that the road surface isn’t structurally strong enough for 18 tons of moving metal, velour and water tanks.

Or the route itself is too dangerous for a vehicle’s length — imagine driving hairpins turns down a mountainside with 12 metres of machine under you? Parklands can also be extremely fragile and reducing the wear and tear on the park’s infrastructure can be one way to slow down the degradation.

So, take the time to confirm that your chosen route is motorhome friendly, and avoid disappointment and roadside meltdowns.

Mid adult couple and baby daughter sitting in front of campfire at night — Getty Images

3. Before You Rent a Motorhome, Check These Off

The earlier you book your RV rental, the better your chances of a lower fee. Look for specials between October and March — these could be anything from mileage discounts to free bedding.
Consider fuel costs — the smaller the vehicle, the less gas it’ll burn through, and vice versa. Smaller RVs (in the 6-metre-long range) use up to 22 litres/100 km, while the biggest rigs (10+ metres long) drink more than 25 litres/100 km.
Look at the distance you plan on covering and consider if paying for unlimited mileage is worth the upfront cost. You usually get a daily mileage limit with a rental but go over that and you’re looking at around $0.35/km.
If travelling with kids, confirm the rental company can provide car seats. If not, plan to bring your own. Safety first!
Make a plan for how you’ll get to and from the RV pickup/drop-off spot. Chances are, if you’re renting a motorhome, you may be going off the beaten track…Uber may not be a thing. So, arrange transfers ahead of time.
Dishes and bedding often aren’t included in a basic RV rental. If you don’t feel like lugging your own household bits and bobs, inquire about add-ons or “connivence packages”.
Confirm that insurance is included through the rental, but also consider checking in with your regular insurance broker to make sure no additional top-up insurance is required.
It’s standard practice to put down a deposit when renting a motorhome. It’ll will be refunded when the RV is returned and checked over.
Look into the cancellation policy. It’s good to be clear on timelines and what circumstances will and won’t be accepted for refunds.

Motorhome driving along a highway surrounded by trees — Pexels/Tim Gouw

4. Motorhome Driving School

You don’t need a special license to drive an RV in Canada, although you will need to be 21 or older to rent one. But driving a motorhome isn’t the same as cruising your Nissan Leaf to and from work.

These vehicles are tall, wide and long — and you’re going to feel its size the whole time. Every puff of wind, every truck that passes, every quick break and every tight bend will move this machine in mysterious ways. So, take it slow; really, really slow.

In fact, imagine you’re driving a train rather than a road vehicle. There can’t be any sudden stops; it just won’t work. Braking needs to be planned out way in advance, so put lots of space between you and other vehicles. Take all corners with care (RVs can be rather top heavy, which means more toppling than a regular vehicle).

If you can, get some driving lessons or at least some time behind the wheel before your vacation starts. Preparation leads to peace… at least when it comes to safely handling a motorhome filled with cherished loved ones.

A couple eating and drinking inside a RAM Promaster RV rental from Overland Yukon — Overland Yukon

5. It’s OK to Think Small

Now, if the idea of driving a Class A motorhome along a busy highway (it can’t all be slow, scenic routes, sorry) still fills you with dread, fear not. There are plenty of petite motorhome alternatives that check a lot of those camping-convenience boxes, without spiking cortisol levels.

Converted vans have come a long way since the “throw in a foam and a sleeping bag” days of yesteryear. These custom-built beauties are stuffed with modern tech and all the creature comforts we could ask for.

When you rent an Overland Yukon’s Vanlife camper van, you’ll be set up with everything you’ll need to cook a meal, sleep comfortably, and stay safe while exploring off grid.

BC-based CampJunkie will rent you an updated VW Westfalia van, with a daily driving limit of 200 km. Just hop in and go — the rental includes everything you’ll need: linens, fire starter, camp chairs, headlamps, a Bluetooth sound system, and even a reusable, insulated beer growler.

Feet of a couple on a window of a campervan — Getty Images

Motorhome Travel Inspirations

These prime Canadian travel destinations were made for motorhomes.

OK, they were made by massive shifts in the Earth’s tectonic plates and shifting oceans. Then millions of years later, humans added electricity, plumbing and tarmac to accommodate large recreational vehicles, but you get the point.

These special spots might be just the motivation you need to rent a motorhome and hit the road this summer.

1. Where: Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island

The drive: Pacific Marine Circle Route
Where to park: Pacheedaht Camp Ground *accommodates RVs up to 20 ft.
The why: Located at the southern end of the iconic West Coast Trail, a 75 km wilderness-rich backpacking route, Port Renfrew has all the elements you’d expect to find on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Huge stretches of sandy beaches, peppered with the gnarled, organic shapes of driftwood, and crowned by towering cedars and Douglas fir. Fresh seafood is also abundant — Pacheedaht First Nation, who own and operate the campground, sell their own smoked salmon right there, next to the ocean where they caught it.

Overland Yukon Ram Promaster RV on the side of the road with a woman walking alongside in Canada's Yukon — Overland Yukon

2. Where: The Klondike, Yukon

The drive: Klondike Kluane Loop, Yukon
Where to park: Kathleen Lake Campground *a short side trip from the Loop that accommodates RVs up to 30 ft.
The why: Looping from Whitehorse to Dawson City, over the border into Alaska, and then back over to the Canuck side, this route is packed with all the pieces that make the Yukon special. Breathtaking mountain and glacial views, fascinating cultural centres that explore Indigenous history and the Gold Rush, and quaint towns selling local handicrafts and unique food products. Not to mention direct access to some of the world’s most pristine wilderness.

3. Where: Havre Boucher, NS

The drive: The Sunrise Trail, Nova Scotia
Where to park: Hyclass Ocean Campground
The why: Miles of bright-red cliffs, tidal salt marshes, historically rich towns, and undulating country roads are what you’ll find along Nova Scotia‘s northern coastline. Starting just west of Confederation Bridge (to PEI) in Pictou, this scenic route hugs the shore of the Northumberland Strait all the way up to Amherst. Boasting gentle surf and some of the warmest seawater in all of Canada, head to the Sunrise Trail for a low-key family motorhome vacay.

A Couple with an RV on a Beach with their dog and campsite decorations — Pexels/PNW Production

Useful Rent-a-Motorhome Resources:

Hipcamp — like AirBnB for camping/RVing; go to your location and book special, one-off privately hosted sites
GoRving Canada — find nearby dealerships and rentals, as well as RV-friendly travel routes and campgrounds
RVesy – a massive network of RVs that you can rent directly from owners across Canada
Indie Campers – rent campers and motorhomes of various sizes from a multitude of locations across Canada
Parks Canada — breaks down what to bring on your camping adventure, provides up-to-date safety info, and has a central reservations hub where you search motorhome-accessible campsites by vehicle size