Looking to plan a grand adventure? We have one that might require you to dust off that passport. Our friendly neighbors to the north have vast expanses of truly wild terrain, rich in ecological and geographic diversity and pristinely preserved by a robust National Park System. We especially love exploring by RV through the parks in western Canada. British Columbia has seven National Parks and with wide highways, iconic vistas, and a friendly camping culture, it is the perfect adventure for those looking to roam with a motorhome. Follow along as we take you on a tour of the parks.

The Mountain Parks

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is a land defined by water for millennia — glaciers, lakes, rivers and waterfalls abound here. Proof of the past is pressed into its unique shale rock beds where you can take a tour to seek out 500-million-year-old fossils. All of these unique factors have led to Yoho being designated as both a National Park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

T&T Travel Tip After exploring the park, we recommend a visit to the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Rescue and a walk along Canada’s longest freestanding timber frame bridge.

Kootenay National Park

The contrasting terrain that spans Kootenay National Park is stark. Topping out with 11,000’ peaks and plunging down to firelicked grasslands and toasty hot springs, you can experience multiple microclimates and shifting vistas throughout a day of exploring.  

T&T Travel Tip We recommend experiencing the magnificent geology of Marble Canyon on an easy hike, then heading to Radium Hot Springs for a relaxing soak.

Glacier National Park

Not to be confused with Montana’s Glacier National Park, Canada’s Glacier National Park is located deep in the Columbia Mountains of British Columbia. With 400+ glaciers still actively carving the dramatic valleys, the park beckons to hikers, mountaineers, alpine skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. 

T&T Travel Tip Look for these red Adirondack chairs throughout Canada’s National Parks. Parks Canada has placed 400+ of them in unique and beautiful locations so visitors can “rest, relax and discover the wonders Parks Canada has to offer.”

Mount Revelstoke National Park

From jagged granite peaks towering high above to endless alpine plateaus and deep into the world’s only inland temperate rainforest, Mount Revelstoke National Park is a symphony of natural wonders. Summertime turns the hillsides into a vibrant show of wildflowers, while dense, old-growth rainforest makes the perfect place to cool down on hot days. 

T&T Travel Tip You can reserve RV sites in the Snowforest Campground at Mount Revelstoke, or you can book in nearby Glacier National Park for your stay.

The Coastal Parks

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

From bays to beaches to moss-laden rainforests, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a geographically and historically significant area. Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, it offers adventures and weather of all kinds. Some parts of the park, like the Broken Group Islands, are only accessible by boat, other vast expanses of beach will have you feeling like the only human for miles.   

T&T Travel Tip In case you are wondering the difference, Parks Canada classifies parks as “National Park” or “National Park Reserve”. Both have equal protections under the Canada National Park Act. The Reserves are subject to indigenous land claims and indigenous people may continue to use the land for “traditional hunting, fishing, and trapping.”

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Located off the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a refuge for marine life and a haven for adventurers. Enjoy a day boating, whale watching, beaching, or exploring tidepools teeming with life. 

T&T Travel Tip With 16 square miles of protected marine area to explore, we recommend going with a local tour operator for the most immersive experience.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve

Accessible only by boat and located remotely off the northern coast of British Columbia, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is a pristine islandscape. Visiting requires reservations, and for those unfamiliar with the area, it’s recommended that you hook up with a boating, sailing, or kayaking tour group for the best experience.

T&T Travel Tip Access to Gwaii Haanas is limited to boat or seaplane; if you’ve never had the thrill of landing on water, we recommend the latter!