Exploring Canada by road offers a unique and adventurous experience, and there’s no better way to do it than by renting an RV.
If you’re a first-time renter this guide will provide you with the essential information to make renting an RV in Canada a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Why rent an RV to explore Canada?
Renting an RV in Canada gives you the freedom to explore the country’s stunning, diverse landscapes at your own pace.
With the convenience of having your accommodation on wheels, you can:
- have more flexibility of where you can stay each night
- wake up to breathtaking views
- cook meals in your own kitchen
- create unforgettable memories with friends and family
What type of RVs can you rent in Canada?
In Canada there are a variety of RVs available for rent, catering to different travel preferences and group sizes.
Campervans, the smallest option, typically range from 16 to 20 feet in length and can accommodate 2 to 4 people.
They offer a compact and nimble option for solo travelers or couples.
If you have a trailer hitch on your vehicle, you could rent a tent camper trailer, also known as a pop-up camper trailer. Tent camper trailers offer more room than a campervan. They can accommodate 4-6 people, and are usually outfitted with a stove, sink, heater, and some storage areas.
Moving up in size, Class B motorhomes, also known as camper vans, are slightly larger.
They range from 18 to 24 feet, and can sleep 2 to 4 people comfortably.
These RVs feature basic amenities like a small kitchenette and bathroom.
Class C motorhomes, often referred to as mini-motorhomes, are larger still, ranging from 20 to 30 feet.
They can accommodate 4 to 6 people, offering more space and amenities such as separate sleeping areas and a larger kitchen and bathroom.
Finally, Class A motorhomes, the largest option, can range from 25 to 45 feet or more.
They can accommodate 4 to 8 people or even more.
They boast spacious interiors with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.
This size of vehicle is deal for larger families or groups seeking luxury and comfort when renting an RV in Canada.
Renting an RV in Canada: how to determine which one
To help you with process of deciding which RV to rent for exploring Canada here are some questions to consider:
- How many people will be traveling in the RV?
- Sleeping arrangements: what is everyone’s preferences?
- What amenities are essential for the trip, i.e., kitchen facilities, bathrooms, and living space?
- Budget: have you determined what you’re prepared to spend for your Canadian RV rental, including fuel expenses and campground fees?
- Are there any restrictions or limitations on vehicle size or accessibility at planned destinations?
- Driving experience: are you comfortable handling a larger vehicle like a Class C or Class A motorhome?
- What is the duration of the trip? How much time will be spent driving vs. staying at campgrounds or other accommodations?
- Are there any specific features or add-ons that would enhance the travel experience, such as entertainment systems, outdoor grills, or bike racks?
- What is the climate and weather conditions expected during the trip? Does the chosen RV offer adequate heating, cooling, and insulation?
Two ways to book an RV rental in Canada
For renting an RV in Canada there are two routes you can take. (1) You can rent from an RV rental company or (2) you can rent from an RV owner.
Let’s take a closer look at the two options.
1. Renting from an RV rental company using MotorhomeRepublic.com
There are a number of established RV rental companies in Canada.
These companies include: Canadream, CruiseCanada (CruiseAmerica), Fraserway RV and Four Seasons RV Rentals by Fraserway.
An easy way to search for and compare the vehicles available from all of these Canadian RV rental companies at once is by using MotorhomeRepublic.com.
MotorhomeRepublic.com is an RV Rental booking website. It is the world’s largest RV rental agency. It has been in business for over a decade and facilitated over 3 million RV rentals.
To begin your search on MotorhomeRepublic.com just enter the country, pick-up city, type of RV you want to rent and your travel dates.
Hit the “Search” button.
In seconds you will have a selection of RV rentals in Canada to review.
MotorhomeRepublic.com can also save you money when renting an RV in Canada.
They negotiate exclusive deals with all the top RV rental companies in Canada.
Quite often the pricing that MotorhomeRepublic.com is offering is less than what you would pay if you rented directly from the RV rental company.
MotorhomeRepublic.com also has a Price Beat Guarantee.
If you see a better price on another website, on the same date, location and RV, send them the quote. They will match or beat it.
2. Renting from an RV owner using RVezy.com
Another way of renting an RV in Canada is to rent privately from someone who owns an RV.
Renting an RV privately can save you up to 40% vs. renting from an RV rental company.
The simple, secure way to do this is by using RVezy.com.
RVezy.com connects RV owners with vacationers who want to rent an RV. Think of it as the Airbnb of RV rentals.
Established in 2016, this Canadian company has grown to become the largest RV rental marketplace in North America.
To begin your search for an RV on RVezy.com you just enter the type of RV, where you would like to pick it up, your travel dates, and how many travellers you will have.
Comparing MotorhomeRepublic.com and RVezy.com
- Source of RVs: MotorhomeRepublic.com = Canadian RV rental Companies. RVezy.com = Canadian RV Owners.
- Price: MotorhomeRepublic.com = Negotiates exclusive deals. RVezy.com = Up to 40% less than RV Rental companies.
- Minimum Age to Rent: MotorhomeRepublic.com = 21. RVezy.com = 25.
- One-way Rentals: MotorhomeRepublic.com = Yes. RVezy.com = No.
- Customer Support: MotorhomeRepublic.com = 24/7 by phone. RVezy.com = 24/7 via online. Weekdays 9:00-9:00 by phone. Weekends 11:00-7:00 by phone.
- Multilingual Support: MotorhomeRepublic.com = Yes. RVezy.com = Yes.
- Roadside Assistance: MotorhomeRepublic.com = Yes. RVezy.com = Yes.
- Insurance Included: MotorhomeRepublic.com = Yes. RVezy.com = Yes.
- Linens & Utensils: MotorhomeRepublic.com = No. RVezy.com = Yes.
- Deliver RV: MotorhomeRepublic.com = Yes. RVezy.com = Yes.
- Frequent Servicing of Vehicles: MotorhomeRepublic.com = Yes. RVezy.com = Owners discretion.
How much does an RV rental in Canada cost?
The cost to rent an RV in Canada varies based on a few factors. These include type of RV, rental duration, time of year, and the rental company.
On average, daily rental rates for smaller RVs like campervans or Class B motorhomes start at around $100 to $150 CAD per day during the low season. They can go up to $250 to $300 CAD per day or more during peak season.
For larger RVs such as Class C or Class A motorhomes, daily rates typically range from $150 to $250 CAD per day in the low season. They can exceed $400 to $500 CAD per day during peak times.
A few ways to save on your RV rental
- Schedule your vacation during Canada’s shoulder tourist seasons i.e., April, May, September or October and your RV rental will cost less.
- Book your RV rental 3-6 months in advance of your date and quite often you can get an early bird discount.
- Weekly RV rental rates are cheaper than daily rates. If you can, book your RV vacation for a week or more.
- If you prefer to book your RV with an RV Rental company, use MotorhomeRepublic.com to quickly compare who has the best rate on the type of RV you want and book it.
- Rent an RV privately from an RV owner using RVezy.com. You can save up to 40% vs. renting from an RV rental company.
- For more ways to save read our article “11 Ways to Get a Cheap RV Rental in Canada”.
Is mileage unlimited when renting an RV in Canada?
An RV rental in Canada does not come with unlimited mileage standard whether you’re renting from a company or an RV owner.
With some rentals mileage may be included up to a certain amount. For example: 250 km/day is free and any mileage after that is 40 cents/km extra.
Look for the mileage details on the RV rental listing to confirm what the company or owner may be offering.
How far in advance should you rent your RV?
When renting an RV in Canada you should aim to book it 3 to 6 months before your travel date. There are two reasons why:
- It will increase the odds of you being able to get your RV for the travel dates you want.
- You may receive an early bird booking discount.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in Canada?
No. If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country you can drive an RV in Canada.
How old do you have to be when renting an RV in Canada?
To rent an RV from an RV rental company in Canada or through MotorhomeRepublic.com you must be 21 years of age or older.
However, to rent from an RV owner through RVezy.com you must be 25 years of age or older.
Do I need additional insurance coverage to drive an RV rental in Canada?
No. When you rent an RV in Canada insurance coverage is included as part of the rental.
This is the case whether you rent directly from an RV rental company, MotorhomeRepublic.com or a private RV owner on RVezy.com.
Can I do a one-way rental of an RV?
If you rent your RV from a rental company or through MotorhomeRepublic.com you can pick-up your RV in one location and drop it off at another.
One-way rentals are not available if you rent privately from an RV owner through RVezy.com.
Does an RV rental in Canada come with customer support and roadside assistance?
RV rental companies and agencies want you to be able to travel with peace of mind.
To help ensure that you do RV rental companies, MotorhomeRepublic.com and RVezy.com all offer 24/7 customer support and roadside assistance.
If a breakdown or mechanical failure happens, they will address it quickly.
The necessary repairs will be made and you’ll be back on the road as soon as possible.
What if I’m staying in one place? Can my RV be delivered?
Going on a camping vacation in Canada but don’t want to drive or park your RV rental?
No problem.
Whether you rent your RV from a private company, MotorhomeRepublic.com or RVezy.com you can have it delivered and set up on your campsite for you.
Then, when your vacation is over, they will come and pick it up.
A few final tips for when you’re renting an RV in Canada
- Plan your route in advance and research campgrounds along the way to ensure availability.
- Pack a variety of clothing suitable for varying temperatures and weather conditions. Things like sturdy shoes for outdoor activities, and comfortable loungewear for relaxing in the RV.
- Bring essential supplies, including bedding, cookware, and toiletries, to make your RV feel like home.
- Include outdoor gear for activities like hiking, fishing, biking, or kayaking.
- Toss in a deck of cards for downtime in the RV.
- Take a First Aid Kit that includes band-aids, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers.
- Don’t forget: sunscreen, folding chairs and a flashlight.
- Practice driving and maneuvering the RV in an empty parking lot before hitting the road.
- Embrace spontaneity and be open to detours and unexpected discoveries along the way.
Renting an RV in Canada is a unique way to explore the country’s striking landscape and unique destinations at your own pace.
Whether you choose to rent from an RV rental company directly or through MotorhomeRepublic.com or decide to rent from an RV owner using RVezy.com, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure.
Enjoy your great Canadian road trip!
Photo Credit: Joshua Sukoff
