RV travel and destinations

The Best Ways to Hire an RV in Canada [From The U.K.]

Posted on October 4, 2023

The Best Ways to Hire an RV in Canada [From The U.K.]

Looking to hire an RV in Canada?

You’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about hiring a motorhome or caravan in Canada. We also provide links to the best booking sites based on your trip type.

Here’s everything we cover. Feel free to jump ahead or keep reading.

Differences in terminology and currency

Terminology — for hire versus for rent

If you’re planning a Canadian RV adventure from the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand, you might be searching for RVs for hire. However, in Canada, people use the phrase RVs for rent. This subtle difference can impact your travel plans as North American companies might appear lower in search results, which can limit how many companies you consider for your trip.

Terminology — caravan versus trailer

If you’re looking to hire a caravan in Canada, consider using the term trailer instead, as it will bring up more relevant results. The section below covers the different types of available trailers for hire.

Currency

Most RV rental companies in Canada only provide prices in Canadian dollars ($CAD) and sometimes United States dollars ($USD). If you’re looking to convert the prices into British pounds (£), euros (€), Australian (AUD), or New Zealand dollars (NZD), you can use sites like Google or xe.com.

How much does it cost to hire an RV in Canada?

Like hotel rooms, RV costs vary quite a bit based on the RV's size, type, age, and features. A small trailer can cost as little as £25/night ($41 CAD), while luxurious Class A motorhomes can be well over £400/night ($665 CAD).

Here are the average prices you can expect when booking through a North American RV rental company.

Motorhomes

  • £200/night ($330 CAD).
  • £1,100 /week ($1,800 CAD).
  • £4,000 /month ($6,625 CAD).

View motorhomes for hire

Trailers

  • £100/night ($165 CAD).
  • £650 /week ($1,075 CAD).
  • £2,500 /month ($4,170 CAD).

View trailers for hire

Extra costs

You can expect additional costs depending on the type of RV trip you’re taking. For a road trip, the most common extras are gas, mileage, and campground fees. When staying in one location, the most common extras are delivery and campground fees.

For a full breakdown of costs related to hiring an RV, we’d recommend reading How much does it cost to rent an RV?

What type of RV should I hire?

In Canada, you can hire several types of motorhomes and caravans (trailers). However, for most international travellers, there are only two realistic options for an RV adventure: hiring a motorhome or getting a hired caravan delivered to your final destination.

Since most car and truck hire companies don’t allow you to tow a caravan with a hired vehicle, towing an RV is rarely a feasible option.

In the section below, we break down the different types of motorhomes and deliverable caravans to help you find which one is best for you.

Drivable motorhomes

Class A

The largest drivable RV type, often associated with luxury and comfort. Best for large families or groups looking for the ultimate glamping experience. Requires an experienced driver who is comfortable handling large vehicles.

Sleeps up to ten people.

View Class A hires

Class B or campervans

Class Bs, also called campervans, are the smallest drivable RV type. Campervans are best for couples or solo travellers looking for long-distance road trips because of their fuel efficiency and driveability. Campervans are small enough to fit into standard parking spaces but big enough to have a small kitchen, a sleeping area, and sometimes even toilets and showers.

Sleeps two to four people.

View Class B hires

Class C

Class Cs are the most popular type of RVs for hire in Canada. Larger than a Class B and smaller than a Class A, they are the perfect size for families or medium-sized groups looking for a comfortable RV adventure.

Sleeps up to seven people.

View Class C hires

Delivered trailers (caravans)

If you’re staying in one location for an extended period of time, getting a trailer delivered is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about driving a large vehicle or setting up a campsite. While there are technically six different types of trailers you can hire, there are only two options we’d recommend for delivery: fifth wheels and travel trailers.

Fifth wheels

Fifth-wheel travel trailers are the biggest towable RVs and one of the most popular types of RVs for full-time living. Amenities like multiple slide outs, an outdoor kitchen, an extendable patio, reclining chairs, office space, and a kitchen island help make fifth wheels some of the most comfortable and luxurious trailers on the road. Fifth-wheel hires are best for large families or groups looking for all the comforts of home.

Sleeps up to eight people.

View fifth-wheel hires

Travel trailers

Travel trailers are the most popular trailer type as they are very affordable and can accommodate a variety of group and campground sizes. Whether you’re a small family looking to stay in a national park or a large group looking for an affordable stay at an RV resort, there is a travel trailer for you.

Sleeps up to ten people.

View travel trailer hires

What are the best RV hire companies in Canada?

In Canada, there are several different ways to hire an RV. You can hire an RV through a peer-to-peer marketplace like RVezy or an RV with a fleet company like CanaDream. You can also hire RVs through RV dealerships and private listings, but these options are less popular for international travellers.

Peer-to-peer marketplaces

Peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces allow you to hire an RV directly from an RV owner while accessing insurance coverage, secured payments, and customer support if something happens during your trip. Here’s why P2P is the most popular way to hire an RV for most trip types:

  • The largest variety of RV makes and models.
  • Typically less expensive than other hire types.
  • You can hire from anywhere (not just large cities).
  • You can get your RV hire delivered anywhere.
  • RVs come fully equipped — you just bring your clothes.
  • Your host provides an authentic and personalized experience.

Best for most trip types — RVezy

As Canada’s top-rated RV rental marketplace, RVezy is a great RV hire option for most trip types. Whether you’re looking to go on an epic road trip or get an RV delivered to a specific location, RVezy has simplified the hiring process for international travellers. Did you know you can even get your RV delivered directly to the airport by your host?

View RVs available for hire in Canada

Corporately owned fleets

Companies like CanaDream own fleets of RVs you can hire at various locations across Canada, typically in large-city centers. Their recognizable rigs, often Class C motorhomes decorated with company logos and colourful vinyl decals, are built to withstand heavy use and high mileage.

Best for one-way rentals — CanaDream

If you’re looking to do a one-way rental, such as a Canadian Rocky Mountains road trip from Vancouver to Calgary, consider a fleet rental service such as CanaDream. While it’s technically possible to do a one-way rental through a P2P marketplace, it can be more complicated and expensive. With fleet rentals, you can pick up the RV in one location and pay a one-way fee in order to drop it off at another location.

Note: Corporate fleets attract customers with low per-night pricing. However, there are typically several extras, such as mileage, insurance, kitchen essentials, towels, and linens, to consider as part of the total price.

Driving guide

Before hitting the road, it’s important to be aware of the different rules, regulations, and requirements for operating a motor vehicle in Canada. Here are some of the most relevant topics and questions relevant for international travellers.

Can I drive an RV in Canada with a UK license?

Yes. As long as you have a valid U.K. driver’s license, you can rent and drive most RVs in Canada. While each province has different requirements for operating recreational vehicles, only certain provinces have special license requirements. Those requirements are usually for only very large, heavy motorhomes.

The blood alcohol content limit when operating a motor vehicle in Canada is 0.08. It’s illegal in every province for drivers or passengers to consume alcohol while driving. You should never have open containers while driving an RV.

How many seat belts do RVs have?

Some RVs have more sleeping spots than seat belts. If you’re going to be travelling in the RV, it’s important to ensure you have enough seat belts for all of the passengers. When renting your RV through sites like RVezy, you can see seat belt information on the RV listing.

Can I use a cell phone while driving in Canada?

It is illegal to text or use a hand-held device while driving in Canada. The law permits drivers to use hands-free technology for making calls or operating a GPS device, but otherwise, it’s best to avoid using your cell phone while driving to keep you and your passengers safe.

How do toll roads work in Canada?

Canadian toll roads are highways or bridges where drivers must pay a fee to drive on them. Payments vary based on distance travelled, vehicle type, and road type. You can pay tolls with cash, an electronic toll collection system (like the 407 ETR), or by paying an invoice through the mail. Toll companies use cameras to capture the license plate and then mail the invoice to the registration address on file. Rates and payment methods differ by province and agency, so it's essential to research the area you'll be driving in and plan accordingly.

How do I avoid toll roads in Canada?

To bypass toll roads in Canada, use a navigation app like Google Maps or Waze and update your driving preferences to avoid toll roads. Avoiding toll roads tolls is a great way to save money, but by avoiding them, you’ll likely have longer drive times, especially during rush hour, which for most major cities is between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and again between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.).

Where can I park an RV in Canada?

In Canada, you can park an RV at various locations, including:

  • RV parks and campgrounds: Many of these locations offer amenities such as water, electricity, sewage hookups, and more.
  • National and provincial parks: Some parks have designated campgrounds with RV facilities, but always check beforehand for availability, reservations, and size limitations.
  • Boondocking: Also known as dry camping, this refers to free or low-cost parking at locations without amenities. These sites include camping in certain areas on Crown lands.
  • Overnight parking: Some retailers, like Walmart and Real Canadian Superstore, may allow overnight RV parking, but always check with the specific location and adhere to the store's guidelines.
  • RV memberships and apps: Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome, or another RV app like Allstays can help you find unique RV parking spots, usually in exchange for a membership fee.

Always check local regulations, obtain necessary permits, and practice good etiquette by leaving no trace and respecting your surroundings.

  • British Columbia: Head to Vancouver Island and check out Victoria, Nanaimo, and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. On the mainland, visit Vancouver, Yoho National Park, Mount Revelstoke-Glacier National Parks, or Haida Gwaii.
  • Ontario: When you visit Ontario, check out Canada's most populous city, Toronto, or the iconic Niagara Falls. You also won't want to miss Algonquin Provincial Park, the Canadian side of the Great Lakes, and the Thousand Islands region.
  • Alberta: Known for its Rocky Mountains, Alberta is a haven for outdoor lovers. Experience the beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Icefields Parkway, and the unusual landscape of the Badlands.
  • Quebec: For a unique blend of European charm and North American landscapes, visit the province of Quebec. Explore historic cities like Quebec City and Montreal as well as natural points of interest like Mont-Tremblant National Park or the Charlevoix region for breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River.
  • Nova Scotia: Explore Nova Scotia for an unforgettable coastal experience. Take a road trip on the famous Cabot Trail, see Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and savour fresh seafood while you camp along the rugged Atlantic coastline.
  • New Brunswick: Home to Bay of Fundy National Park and Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick is a hidden gem on Canada's east coast. While in New Brunswick, you can immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying cozy small-town hospitality.
  • Prince Edward Island: With its red sandstone cliffs, rolling green landscapes, and delightful seaside charm, Prince Edward Island is a place you won't want to miss. Discover the beaches, historic Charlottetown, and the world-famous Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place.
Team RVezy
Team RVezy

Team RVezy is a group of RV enthusiasts who traverse the U.S. and Canada in our campervans, tiny trailers, and motorhomes. We love the open road and the feeling of having nowhere to go but everywhere.

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