10 Great Places to Consider for Your Next RV Getaway
1. ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, ALBERTA
Ease into RV season with a close-to-home journey. The North Saskatchewan River runs alongside town for fishing, kayaking, and hiking on water-side trails, while Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site affords a glimpse into the pre-Confederation fur trade. Park your rig at Wilderness Village Campground Resort and relax in a heated pool at the end of the memorable day.
2. FLATHEAD LAKE, MONTANA
Just west of Flathead National Forest, this large lake is a remnant of an ice-age glacier that stretched all the way to Yukon. More than a dozen well-equipped RV resorts ring Flathead’s 260 kilometres of shore — as do a trio of breweries for local libations. Stop in at Flathead Lake Brewing Company for a pint. Feeling peckish? The eastern shore is lined with roadside fruit stands, where local farmers sell summer cherries and plums.
3. YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Fishing fanatics make their way to N.W.T.’s capital, where numerous
outfitters can help you land a whopper of a northern pike, lake trout or Arctic char in Great Slave Lake. In summer, campers flood local parks, including Fred Henne Territorial Park, for a healthy dose of vitamin D from the never-setting sun. Or plan a late-season trip for a better chance to see the Northern Lights.
4. PAINT LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK, MANITOBA
The beautiful, tree-covered campsites at this northern destination book up quickly. Once you’ve arrived, rent a boat from Manitoba’s largest marina to enjoy fishing and waterskiing, or spend some time hopping between the sandy beach and rugged islands. Truly dedicated paddlers can explore the park’s portion of the 570-kilometre Grass River Canoe Route.
5. FERNIE, BRITISH COLUMBIA
If you live for getaways to quaint mountain towns, punch Fernie into your GPS. Here you can walk paths around the lovely Island Lake Lodge, go white-water rafting on the Elk or Bull rivers, and learn about the area’s mining history on the Coal Creek Heritage Trail. Fernie RV Resort gives visitors a taste of small-town life in the shade of the Rocky Mountains.
6. SEDONA, ARIZONA
The Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive passes ponderosa pines on the way from Flagstaff to Sedona. In Sedona, a trip to Red Rock State Park offers hiking and biking trails with lush greenery and iconic sandstone formations, while the nearby Verde Valley wine trail lends itself to epicurean exploration. Tree-shaded Rancho Sedona RV Park is within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
7. TEMECULA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
California’s other wine country, about an hour outside L.A., San Diego and Palm Springs, has 40-plus vineyards and dozens of dining options. You’ll also find the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, home to the remains of adobe houses built by 19th-century Mexican ranchers. Snowbirds rave about the spacious, amenity-rich RV sites at the popular Pechanga Resort and Casino.
8. LESSER SLAVE LAKE, ALBERTA
The northern latitude means extended daylight hours, especially in June and July. Bring your camera to take advantage of the end-less ocean-like views: white-sand beaches lead into the crystal-clear water of Alberta’s third-largest lake. Or ascend the Marten Mountain Viewpoint for excellent bird watching, then kick back at the nearby, amenity packed Marten River Campground.
9. GRASSLANDS NATIONAL PARK, SASKATCHEWAN
Coulees and hoodoos meet picture-perfect plains on the Canada-U.S. border. Keep your eyes peeled for diverse prairie wildlife during your stay at one of two RV-accessible campgrounds. At night, look to the stars: Grasslands is one of
Canada’s largest Dark Sky Preserves. Summertime special events in the park highlight astronomy and fossil finding, and don’t forget the Grasslander Classic festival!
10. VERNON, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Between Rockies peaks and Pacific forests lies this ideal base for Okanagan Valley road trippers. Campsites and RV resorts line the shores of Kalamalka Lake, Swan Lake and the northern tip of Okanagan Lake, fabled home of the sea monster Ogopogo. Or book an RV campsite at the circa-1867 O’Keefe Ranch, with its working pioneer-style village, family-run steakhouse, model railway display, horseback tours, corn maze and more.