Vast, exciting Canada is famous for its spectacular scenery, friendly people, worldly and vibrant cities, and chilly winters. It has all that and more. The diversity on offer here is what makes Canada appealing to so many people—from craggy mountain peak to quiet rural town, stunning coastline to the European-style delights of Quebec, there are experiences to offer all comers.
Find the right RV rental for your Canada adventure
To start your search, enter your desired dates, pick-up and drop-off times and locations, and a few other details into the relevant fields. You will receive a list of rental vehicles that suit your requirements—and can narrow the possibilities down further with a range of filters. Select the features, capacity, and review ratings that fit your needs.
All that you need to know about each RV is right there on the main results page, making it a simple process to compare the listings and pinpoint your perfect ride.
Where to start: Picking up your Canada campervan rental
With more than 6,000 kilometers between the east and west coast and territories stretching north into the Arctic Circle, Canada is huge. So choosing the starting point for your road trip is important. Unless you are planning a lengthy cross-country quest, where you begin will have an impact on where you go and what you see during your time on the road.
Here are a few of the possibilities—the most popular pick-up locations for an RV rental in Canada.
Essential info for your Canadian RV rental adventure
Some knowledge of basic road rules and local costumes will set you up for a safe road trip that’s memorable in all the right ways! Our tips for driving a motorhome in Canada are a good place to start—so if you’re driving an RV in the country for the first time or new to Canada’s roads altogether, take a look.
In Canada, all traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. This means that drivers (in the vast majority of vehicles) sit on the left side of the vehicle.
Distances are posted in kilometers, and speeds in kilometers per hour.
Typically, speed limits are set at 50 kph in urban areas and 80 kph on rural roads. Limits on grade-separated freeways are generally 100 or 110 kph. The highest limit, found in British Columbia on a single highway, is 120 kph.
Road rules are set by the province or territory, so there is some variation. Do some research on the laws in the area you are visiting.
Much of Canada is cold and snowy in winter. This can, of course, affect road conditions. You should take extra care when there is ice or snow on the roads and avoid traveling during very adverse weather. Take into account the size and weight of your motorhome when making decisions.
The blood alcohol concentration limit for driving in Canada is 0.08%.
Drive carefully in mountainous areas. RVs often travel a little slower than smaller vehicles—if this is the case for you, pull over frequently to allow cars to pass.
Distances can be deceptive in vast Canada. Always keep your motorhome stocked with food and water, and refuel whenever you get an opportunity to do so.
Perhaps the number one tip we have to make your Canada RV rental adventure go as smoothly as possible is this: listen carefully to any orientation, instructions, or advice you receive from depot staff when you pick up your vehicle. They are the experts in your specific motorhome, so take notes and don’t be afraid to ask any questions that spring to mind.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire an RV in Canada?
There is a wide range of pricing for motorhome rentals in Canada, as rates depend on the vehicle, the supplier, the pick-up location, and the time of year. You could expect to pay CAD$100 or less per day for a compact motorhome, up to more than CAD$300 per day for a large RV.
To find the rental that fits your budget, submit a search on Motorhome Republic with your desired dates and details. From there, it’s simple to adjust the price range filter to narrow down the options to what’s affordable.
How old do I need to be to rent an RV in Canada?
You must be at least 21 years old to rent an RV in Canada. Some suppliers require customers to be at least 25 or may charge a fee for those aged 21-24.
What driving license do I need to rent a motorhome in Canada?
You need a standard license. Foreign licenses can be used in Canada for up to three months, but you should also obtain an International Driving Permit which will include a translation of your license into English and French.
Are taxes included in the rental price?
Yes, taxes are included in the price displayed on the main search results page. When you click into the listing, the cost is itemized to show the daily rates, taxes, booking fee, and any discounts that apply.
Is there a minimum rental period when hiring an RV in Canada?
There is no minimum rental period across the board, but many suppliers do enforce a minimum rental period. You may be able to have the vehicle for a shorter period, but will still be required to pay for the minimum number of days.
Can I sleep anywhere I like in Canada?
No, you cannot camp anywhere you like—but there are plenty of options for legal freedom camping throughout the country when you have a self-contained vehicle. There are many designated free camping sites on public land such as provincial parks, and British Columbia has a network of “recreational sites” where you can often stay for free. Canadian residents can camp for free on Crown land, and non-residents need a non-resident camping permit—which is very affordable.
At what times can I pick up my RV?
The opening hours for the depot will be specified in the terms and conditions. When making a search, specify your desired pick-up time so you can see what's available.
