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30 Best Camping on Vancouver Island, BC (2024 Guide)

If you’re looking for the best camping on Vancouver Island, then you’ve come to the right place.

Vancouver Island is home to some of the most amazing wilderness in BC, with shorelines and rainforest unlike anywhere else in the country.

If you’ve been dreaming of heading to Canada’s west coast for a camping trip, then this post is for you.

With so much to see and do, you don’t want to miss out on knowing where to find the best campgrounds on Vancouver Island. But deciding where to camp can be daunting! There are over 100 Provincial Parks on the island – not to mention National Parks, Recreation Sites and other private campgrounds.

That’s why I created this post of the best camping on Vancouver Island. As an avid BC traveler, I want to make sure you have a list of the most unforgettable spots to pitch your tent – or climb into your RV – this camping season.

⛺️ Get my favourite sleeping bag for camping here!

30 Best Camping on Vancouver Island

Provincial Parks Campgrounds on Vancouver Island

When it comes to finding the best camping on Vancouver Island, BC’s Provincial Parks are some of the best places to start. There are over 120 provincial parks on the island, many of which offer campgrounds with spectacular views and plenty of activities to keep you busy. Here are some of the top provincial campgrounds on Vancouver Island that deserve a visit.

goldstream falls vancouver island

1. Goldstream Provincial Park

Goldstream Provincial Park is a must-visit campground located just outside of Victoria. 

It’s home to towering 600-year old Douglas Fir trees, rare wildflowers, and other flora and fauna endemic to southern Vancouver Island.

Goldstream is known for its scenic hiking trails through mountains, along waterfalls, and past abandoned sites from the Gold Rush era. 

Some of its most popular sites include Goldstream Falls and the tall, cascading Niagara Falls with its crystal blue glacial water pool below.

This part of BC is particularly popular during salmon spawning season, where you can witness this incredible natural event up close.

Goldstream’s camping options include vehicle-accessible frontcountry camping sites and group camping sites. Site amenities include cold water taps, flush and pit toilets, picnic areas, showers and more.

Backcountry camping is not an option at Goldstream.

If you’re eager to see some of the best campsites on southern Vancouver Island, camping at Goldstream Provincial Park is a great place to start.

china beach vancouver island

2. China Beach Campground in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park

China Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is a spectacular campground located on the coast of southern Vancouver Island. The surrounding coastal rainforest and nearby Pacific shoreline will make you feel like you’re a world away from civilization.

The China Beach campground is open for camping from mid-May to mid-Sept. The campground includes 78 vehicle-accessible campsites, and offers amenities including potable water taps and pit toilets.

While not located on the beach itself, campers can hike to either China Beach or Second Beach within half an hour. 

China Beach is home to Hidden Waterfall, one of the most majestic waterfalls on Vancouver Island.

camping on vancouver island tent view

3. Gordon Bay Provincial Park

One of the top interior Vancouver Island campgrounds is Gordon Bay Provincial Park

It’s located on Lake Cowichan, north of the city of Duncan, in an area known for its mild temperatures and sunny summers.

This is the perfect spot for outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing, waterskiing, windsurfing and even freshwater scuba diving. 

There are over 120 vehicle-accessible campsites plus group camp sites. Park amenities include toilets, showers and cold-water taps.

Winter camping is also available though services are limited.

Englishman River Falls vancouver island

4. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Located 45 minutes northwest of Nanaimo, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a central Vancouver Island camping paradise.

The park is home to two stunning waterfalls that empty into a deep canyon, surrounded by lush rainforest. In the summer months, the pool from the lower waterfall is the perfect spot for swimming (though you will do so at your own risk as there are no lifeguards).

The park also offers multiple hiking trails through the forest and along the river, giving campers the opportunity to explore the beauty of the park’s old-growth and second growth forests.

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park offers over 100 vehicle-accessible campsites in addition to the day-use area.

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park camping

5. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Located 30 minutes north of Nanaimo, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is known for its breathtaking oceanfront, with a 2-kilometer long sandy shoreline that’s almost endlessly wide and shallow when the tide goes out.

The park is also a great place to walk through the wooded forests and bird watch during herring spawning season.

While it’s proximity to Nanaimo’s ferry terminal makes it a doable day trip from Vancouver for anyone bringing a car to the island, you won’t want to miss spending the night at this park, as it’s easily one of the best camp sites on Vancouver Island’s east coast during the summer months.

little qualicum falls vancouver island

6. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

One of the most beautiful campgrounds in interior central Vancouver Island is Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. This park encompasses Little Qualicum River and the southern shore of Cameron Lake, making it a great spot for swimming, fishing and even sail boarding.

The campground includes several vehicle-accessible sites with access to cold-water taps and toilets. A playground and picnic area is located in the day-use area of the park.

If you’re looking for stellar lake camping on Vancouver Island that boasts beautiful waterfalls and great spots for swimming, fishing, and other watersports, Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is one of your best options.

kitty Coleman Provincial Park bc

7. Kitty Coleman Provincial Park

North of the city of Courtenay, in central Vancouver Island, you’ll find Kitty Coleman Provincial Park. This park gives campers the opportunity to enjoy quiet oceanfront camping on almost 1 kilometer of shoreline along the Strait of Georgia.

Kitty Coleman Provincial Park has the expected amenities for visitors, including a picnic shelter, pit toilets, boat launches and nature trails. In addition to these amenities the park is home to a must-see 500 year old old-growth Douglas fir tree.

Since this park is run by a local community board, reservations aren’t required for individual vehicle-accessible sites. Reservations are accepted for the group camping area.

Kitty Coleman Provincial Park is also a great spot for whale watching and for spotting seals, porpoises, sea lions and bald eagles.

campbell river vancouver island

8. Loveland Bay Provincial Park

If you’re searching for an off-the-beaten path experience near Campbell River, Loveland Bay Provincial Park is another popular option for camping on Vancouver Island. This remote park sits on Campbell Lake, a serene spot where you can enjoy waterskiing, windsurfing, fishing and swimming in the summer months.

The campground offers waterfront vehicle-accessible sites as well as two group camping sites. Other amenities include pit toilets, boat launch, picnic tables and drinking water well.

A visit to Loveland Bay Provincial Park is the perfect way to get away from it all and experience the wild beauty of Vancouver Island in an untouched corner of British Columbia.

bc coffee camping

9. Schoen Lake Provincial Park

One of the most remote and beautiful spots for Vancouver Island camping is Schoen Lake Provincial Park. Located in the Nimpkish Valley between towering mountains, it is one of northern Vancouver Island’s few vehicle-accessible campgrounds.

The park has a few standard amenities, including pit toilets, a picnic area and a boat launch on Schoen Lake, however, it’s the wilderness that really sets this park apart. This is a great spot for wildlife watching, with the opportunity to see Roosevelt elk, bears and deer.

Campers can choose from two vehicle-accessible sites or backcountry camping options. Regardless of how you stay, Schoen Lake Provincial Park has some of the most unforgettable wilderness camping on north Vancouver Island.

hidden falls sombrio beach vancouver island

10. Sombrio Beach, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park

For backcountry beach camping on Vancouver Island, Sombrio Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is one of your best options. This park is known for its perfect surf conditions and views of marine wildlife, and offers amazing hiking along the 47km long Juan de Fuca Marine Trail that runs the southwestern coastline of the island.

Sombrio Beach campground has three beach camping areas: Main Sombrio Beach, East Sombrio Beach, and West Sombrio Beach. While camping pads exist at West Sombrio Beach, the other two sections of beach have no designated spots, allowing campers to pick their own space on the beach.

Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is home to incredible natural features, including waterfalls, grottos, tide pools and more. Even if you don’t plan on camping, it’s well worth the drive for a day trip. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the majestic Hidden Waterfall just off of Sombrio beach.

inflatable bed campsite tent

11. Sproat Lake Provincial Park

About 15 minutes west of Port Alberni on central Vancouver Island, lies Sproat Lake Provincial Park. This park is one of a few provincial parks that surround the lake, and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy watersports and hiking.

The views of the mountains set behind this tranquil lake are simply stunning. You can also find various trails that line Sproat Lake and lead to an incredible discovery: one of British Columbia’s most prized historic petroglyphs.

The campground offers both upper and lower sites, as well as a day-use area. This is the perfect spot for those looking for a peaceful and scenic camping site in central Vancouver Island.

nanaimo bc hiking trail

12. Sayustshun Marine Provincial Park (aka. Newcastle Island)

Accessible by ferry from Nanaimo, Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park – known as Saysutshun in the language of the Snuneymuxw peoples – is an popular destination for campers looking for a unique island camping experience.

The park offers amazing views of the Coastal Mountains and rugged cliffs, as well as beautiful beaches to explore. The island has a rich cultural and historical background, and the park features remnants from ancient Salish villages.

For those looking to camp, there are walk-in campsites and group camping options available.

lady falls strathcona park vancouver island

13. Strathcona Provincial Park

Some of the best wilderness camping in central Vancouver Island is found at Strathcona Provincial Park. This is the oldest provincial park in British Columbia and offers a truly remote alpine experience.

It’s well worth the 45-minute drive inland from Campbell River to explore this vast and beautiful wilderness area. You can find some of the oldest living forest in Canada, glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, mountain peaks and so much more.

Strathcona Provincial Park is even home to the highest peak on Vancouver Island, Golden Hinde.

If you’re looking for an epic backcountry camping experience, or a unique from country or group campground, this is the place to be. With dozens of trails and sites to explore, Strathcona Provincial Park is easily one of the best campgrounds on Vancouver Island.

cape scott provincial park bc

14. Cape Scott Provincial Park

Vancouver Island’s most northern provincial park is the impressive Cape Scott Provincial Park. This park offers visitors the chance to explore its unique and spectacular shoreline, complete with white sandy beaches, roaring waves and rocky shores.

The Nels Bight beach campground is one of the most popular spots in the park, offering an spectacular 2.5 km of shoreline and a serene atmosphere to camp. The park also features various old-growth forests, including Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar trees that are more than 3 meters in diameter.

If you’re looking for an epic wilderness experience, the chance to spot some truly amazing wildlife, and a great place to enjoy watersports, Cape Scott Provincial Park is the ultimate destination.

French River Provincial Park

15. French Beach Provincial Park Campground

One of southern Vancouver Island’s best spots for camping is French Beach Provincial Park. Located an hour west of Victoria, this park offers vehicle-accessible camping close to the beach, where you’ll take in beautiful views of the ocean and the distant Olympic Mountains.

The park is also a great spot for watching wildlife, including migrating Gray whales, killer whales, otters, seals and sea lions.

Group camping and winter camping is also available at French Beach Provincial Park.

⛺️ Get my favourite sleeping bag for camping here!

National Park Campgrounds on Vancouver Island

There are two Parks Canada National Parks on Vancouver Island: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

The following three best National Parks campgrounds on Vancouver Island are all located in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

pachena bay campground vancouver island

16. Green Point Campground

Pacific Rim National Park’s frontcountry campground, Green Point Campground, is located between Ucluelet and Tofino. Open from May – October, it’s situated along a picturesque bluff at the beach and is the only campground in the Long Beach area of the national park.

The campground offers vehicle-accessible and walk-in sites as well as one oTENTik soft-sided structure and one group site.

Visitors can enjoy the long sandy beach littered with massive rocks, giant trees and a mossy covering characteristic of the Pacific temperate rainforest in this incredibly picturesque setting.

Green Point also offers excellent RV camping on Vancouver Island.

deep cove vancouver kayaks

17. The Broken Group Islands

Perhaps the most unique camping experience on Vancouver Island, the Broken Group Islands are an archipelago of more than 100 islands located in the waters of Barkley Sound. Camping is only permitted within designated campsites on certain islands and visitors must get a backcountry camping permit to overnight here.

The Broken Group Islands offer a paradise for kayakers, with shallow waters, lush forest and mazes of channels, coves and bays along the shore. The islands are also home to a myriad of flora and fauna characteristic of the Pacific temperate rainforest.

Stunning views of the surrounding mountains and perfect sunsets over the ocean are also a treat for visitors of the Broken Group Islands.

With no running water or garbage pick-up on the islands, visitors must be prepared to bring in and take out all their supplies.

west coast trail bc

18. West Coast Trail

For the more experienced hiker, the West Coast Trail within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is one of Vancouver Island’s best and most intense backcountry camping options. This 75 km trail runs between Pachena Bay and Gordon River on the far west region of the island.

It is usually completed as a multi-day hike, taking 6 to 8 days if hiked the entire way. However, there is a mid-way entry point for those looking to complete a shorter hike.

Due to its varied terrain and trail conditions, the West Coast Trail is one of the most difficult hikes in BC. You’ll need to be ready to take on rugged stairs and ladders, climb over rocky hillsides and through water channels, use cable cars crossing rivers, and forge through muddy ground – especially in the rainy season.

It’s recommended that only hikers with the required skill-sets and knowledge attempt this trail, as help could take a full day to reach you if you get injured.

The West Coast Trail is an incredible adventure for those looking for serious hiking and backcountry camping as it’s filled with unforgettable views of coastal rainforests, sandy shorelines, a beautiful waterfall and more.

Other Paid Campgrounds on Vancouver Island

Aside from the popular provincial parks and national parks, there are many regional parks and private campgrounds on Vancouver Island that offer spectacular camping options.

19. Spring Salmon Place Campground, Sooke Potholes Regional Park

Operated by the T’Sou-ke Nation, Spring Salmon Place Campground is located at the north end of Sooke Potholes Regional Park in southern Vancouver Island. This park is home to some of British Columbia’s most spectacular river gorges, waterfalls and potholes – geological formations of deep rock pools filled with clear green water.

The park has a campground for both RV and tent camping options. It is open during the summer season only and offers a great place to escape to nature for an outdoor adventure a short distance from Victoria.

camping north vancouver island beach

20. Jordan River Regional Park Campground

Jordan River Regional Park Campground offers some of the best beach camping on Vancouver Island’s southern coast, with both drive-in and walk-in sites available. The campground also provides amenities such as potable water taps, toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits.

It is located close to Sandcut Beach—a popular cobble beach with a shoreline waterfall—and provides access to the surrounding hiking trails.

pachena bay campground vancouver island 1

21. Pachena Bay Campground

Located at the mouth of Pachena River, close to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the northern trailhead for the West Coast Trail, the Pachena Bay Campground offers one of Vancouver Island’s most scenic spots for camping.

The campground features a long, sandy beach and temperate rainforest trails, as well as incredible views of the stars on a clear night. It offers both full and no-service options, including hot showers, pit-toilets, picnic tables and fire pits. RVs, campers and tents are all welcome.

22. Pacheedaht Campground

Situated near the Gordon River trailhead for the West Coast Trail, Pacheedaht Campground is another one of the best options for beach camping on Vancouver Island.

It offers a range of camping sites along the sandy Pacheedaht Beach and the adjacent lagoon, and includes full-service, water-only, and no-service options.

Pacheedaht Beach is a 2km long sandy beach filled with driftwood and provides incredible views of the shoreline and surrounding mountains.

23. Bella Pacifica Campground

If you’re planning on visiting the popular surfing town of Tofino, the Bella Pacifica Campground is one of your best camping options in the area. Located right on MacKenzie Beach, this campground has forested campsites located within a short walk to the sandy beach. There are also nearby shallow bays for swimming and world-class waves for surfing.

The Tofino area also has several hiking trails as well as opportunities for kayaking, surfing and whale watching.

24. Marble River Recreation Site

Marble River Recreation Site is one of the most remote camping destinations on Vancouver Island. Located in the far northern part of the island, this campground is situated amongst pristine, untouched wilderness, with campsites on Marble River and in the surrounding forested area.

The park is home to spectacular scenery of towering old-growth trees and the nearby Bear Falls, and includes plenty of places for fishing, mountain biking, and hiking at nearby Marble River Provincial Park.

Ucluelet beach for kayaking celeste klassen

25. Ucluelet Campground

Located on the far west coast of central Vancouver Island, Ucluelet Campground offers unique views of the harbor, mountains, and surrounding forested areas. The campground features 125 campsites for both tent and RV camping.

The surrounding area is full of outdoor activities including surfing, whale watching, and fishing, as well as popular trails such as the Wild Pacific Trail.

26. Wya Point Campground

Also known as Wya Point Resort, Wya Point Campground in Ucluelet offers beautiful soft-sided structures (yurts), upscale, rustic cabins, and wooded or beachfront camping. This is a spectacular campground for those looking for a unique way to experience Ucluelet’s rugged coastline, picturesque rock pools, and temperate rainforest.

The campground also includes a variety of amenities including showers, flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits.

27. Surf Grove Campground

One of Tofino’s top camping sites is Surf Grove Campground – a top-notch campground right on one of the most spectacular shorelines in the world. Surf Grove offers full-service RV sites as well as semi-service tent sites, right on the long, sandy beaches of Cox Bay.

The campground also offers a surf lessons and rentals shop, private saunas overlooking the rainforest, and plenty of beachfront activities. Surf Grove is a unique combination of camping with some uncommon luxuries!

Glamping on Vancouver Island

Glamping on Vancouver Island is an exciting way to experience the beauty of nature without roughing it. Here are some of the best glamping sites on the island where you can explore your favourite outdoor activities while staying in ultimate luxury and comfort.

28. Free Spirit Spheres, Qualicum Beach

Touted as one of the most unique accommodation experiences in the world, Free Spirit Spheres is a treehouse resort located in Qualicum Beach consisting of three incredible and locally hand-crafted spheres situated atop the trees surrounded by lush rainforest.

Each pod is equipped with a bed, seating area, sink, and more. The nearby bathhouse includes private bathrooms for each sphere.

This glamping experience will be beautiful and memorable no matter what season you visit.

29. WILDPOD Glamping

Located right on the shores of Tofino on the west coast, WILDPOD Glamping offers luxurious, spacious camping pods that are equipped with a large bed, fireplace, and ceiling-to-floor windows for stunning views of the water and distant mountains.

Each of the six pods also comes with its own private deck on the water.

30. Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat

One of the most luxurious glamping experiences on Vancouver Island is found at Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat. This off-the-grid retreat is only accessible by seaplane and offers high-end canvas safari tents, complete with everything you need for a relaxing stay.

Fine dining featuring local produce and wines, spa packages, and the chance to book unique outdoor excursions are some of the hallmarks of this lodging retreat centre.

Outdoor activities like horseback riding through the rainforest, kayaking or paddle boarding, canyoning, and bear and whale watching make this camping experience unbeatable.

Map of the Best Campgrounds on Vancouver Island

Camping Necessities

When planning a camping trip on Vancouver Island, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary gear and supplies. Here are some of the most common camping necessities:

Additionally, it’s important to check the local weather conditions before you hit the road and be prepared for a variety of different climates and temperatures.

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Tips for Camping on Vancouver Island

  1. Vancouver Island is home to lots of wildlife, including bears, so it’s important to keep your campsite and all food stored away.
  2. Never feed the wildlife as it can attract dangerous animals and is often illegal.
  3. Cell reception is often limited in remote locations across Vancouver Island, so it’s wise to inform your close contacts where you will be in case of an emergency, and bring a map and compass if you’re backcountry camping.
  4. Camping permits may be required for certain locations, so make sure to check local regulations.
  5. Respect the environment and leave no trace when you’re done camping.
  6. During rainy season, trails can get very muddy and may be dangerous, so plan your trip accordingly.

Types of Camping on Vancouver Island

There are a variety of camping experiences available on Vancouver Island, from backcountry camping to luxury glamping. Here are the different types of camping experiences you can have:

Provincial Parks and National Parks

Provincial and national parks on Vancouver Island are abundant, offering a wide range of camping facilities including tent sites, RV sites, cabin or yurt rentals, and backcountry camping. There is little doubt that provincial and national parks offer some of the best camping on Vancouver Island.

RV Camping

RV camping on Vancouver Island is a great way to explore the area, as it allows campers to park in their own private space and enjoy the comfort of having all the amenities of home. Many RV parks on Vancouver Island will offer full-service sites with water, power and sewage hook-ups.

Looking to rent an RV? I recommend this company!

Car Camping

Car camping is the easiest way to explore Vancouver Island, as it requires minimal gear and equipment. All you need is a vehicle, camping gear, and some supplies and you’re ready to go. Most parks offer vehicle accessible car (or tent) camping.

Backcountry Camping

For those looking for a more rugged and remote camping experience, backcountry camping is the way to go. This type of camping requires campers to hike in to their campsite and carry all their gear with them. There are many trails and parks on Vancouver Island offering spectacular views and remote backcountry campsites.

Best Time to Go Camping on Vancouver Island

Generally speaking, the best time of year for camping on Vancouver Island is July-August, when temperatures are milder and the weather is more dry and predictable. 

Camping in the spring and fall can also be pleasant but you may encounter cooler temperatures and more rain.

Winter camping on Vancouver Island is possible too, but it’s important to be prepared for cold temperatures, snowfall and more dangerous conditions in alpine areas.

FAQs:

Can you camp anywhere on Vancouver Island?

No, camping is only permitted in designated campsites or areas. You need to check local regulations to see if a permit is required, as some areas may require one. Some travelers decide to pull over to the side of a road and camp, but it is not recommended as it can be dangerous and is often illegal.

Where can I sleep for free on Vancouver Island?

Freecampsites.net is a resource for finding free places to camp around the world. This site has a searchable database populated with user-generated content and reviews by those who have tested the locations for themselves. That said, whenever you camp in a location not designated as a campsite you are doing so at your own risk.

Can you camp on the Beach on Vancouver Island?

In British Columbia, camping on the beach is only allowed in designated areas. You cannot just pitch a tent anywhere along the shoreline. Instead, you must check local regulations to see what kind of permit may be required. Some beaches have restrictions against fires so be sure to read up on all applicable rules before heading out.

Is wild camping legal in BC?

Wild camping, also known as backcountry or wilderness camping, is legal in certain areas of British Columbia, but it’s important to check local regulations before taking part in any type of backcountry camping. Make sure to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment when you are out in nature.

How to find (free) places to camp on Vancouver Island?

One of the best way to find campgrounds – free or paid – on Vancouver Island is to use a mapped database such as iOverlander.com, which allows users to see various types of campgrounds on a map along with details about each site. Other useful resources include freecampsites.net or bcparks.ca for finding provincial parks and campgrounds on the island.

Is there free camping on Vancouver Island?

Many Recreational Sites offer free camping on Vancouver Island. Keep in mind the amenities are often very limited and most sites are located in remote areas. You will also find that some Provincial Parks offer free backcountry camping. Camping during the off-season can also sometimes be a way to camp for free in certain parts of the island.

Is camping allowed on Vancouver Island?

Yes, camping is definitely allowed on Vancouver Island! In fact, camping is one of the best ways to experience the island’s wide range of landscapes, from lush rainforests to rocky shorelines. There are hundreds of campgrounds in all corners of Vancouver Island that offer vehicle-accessible, walk-in or backcountry camping sites.

Conclusion: Best Camping Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is a campers paradise. From desolate beach campgrounds to forested backcountry trails, Canada’s lush and wild Vancouver Island is a place that deserves to be on every camper’s BC bucket list.

Whether you decide to take on the exciting adventure of a multi-day hike on the West Coast Trail, or camp in one of the popular BC Parks front country campgrounds, Vancouver Island is sure to leave an impression on you that you’ll never forget.

⛺️ Get my favourite sleeping bag for camping here!

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)

📲 Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.