Crossing Canada by RV – Toronto to Vancouver (2020, Part 1)

Our 16-Day Road Trip Across Canada

After a few years off, we were ready for another one-way RV adventure. This time: Toronto to Vancouver in 16 days. It was 2020, a spontaneous decision, no campground reservations, no detailed plan. It was just us, our RV, and the open road.

We picked up a shiny new A30 RV and hit the Trans-Canada Highway. The goal was to drive west quickly, but as always, the journey itself became the best part.

We called her BigMac

Agawa Bay : Sunset and Kayak

Our first real stop was Agawa Bay, where the water was so clear it felt unreal. We inflated our two-seat kayak and paddled out as the sun began to set, the colors reflecting off the lake were breathtaking.

We didn’t even plan to stop there, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

Marathon and Aguasabon Falls

We hit a small snag near Marathon, driving until the gas gauge hit 0 km left! Thankfully, we made it to a station, barely. We stretched our legs at Aguasabon Falls, enjoying the view and laughing about our near miss.

That’s part of what makes road trips special, the little challenges that turn into great stories later.

Walmart Nights and Roadside Views

For the next two nights, we slept in Walmart parking lots. It’s not glamorous, but it’s practical when you’re covering ground. Seeing other RVs parked nearby gives a nice sense of community (and safety).

We even spotted mountain goats on the way west — a reminder that we were truly entering the wild part of Canada.

Passing through Manitoba and Saskatchewan - Princeton Campground in British Columbia

Princeton to Vancouver Island

We stayed in a peaceful campground near Princeton, BC, surrounded by trees and mountains. Then we took the ferry to Vancouver Island, ready for a new landscape.

We camped at McDonald Campground, a beautiful forest setting that felt worlds away from the big box store lots.

Butchart Gardens & Sooke

We spent hours exploring Butchart Gardens, especially the rose garden. I must have taken hundreds of photos. Then we made our way to Sooke, which turned out to be an adventure of its own.

The road was narrow and winding, and with a 30-foot RV, we weren’t sure we’d make it. But once we arrived, it was pure tranquility. We hiked, lounged by the river, and listened to the forest sounds with no Wi-Fi or distractions.

Sooke

Pacific Rim National Park : Wild Beauty

Driving along the coast toward Tofino, we passed through Jordan River and Port Renfrew, eventually reaching Pacific Rim National Park. We stayed at least five nights, soaking in everything: rainforest hikes, long beaches, dramatic skies, and powerful ocean waves.

Ucluelet lighthouse and aquarium

Heavy rain in Tofino

Seeing the tsunami evacuation route signs was unsettling at first, but reminded us how raw and powerful nature is.

I still remember going for a swim in the cold Pacific, teeth chattering but smiling, it was worth it.

Walking down to the beach at night was intimidating at first, especially with warning signs about wildlife. But seeing others casually heading back up without flashlights helped ease our nerves. We went down, stayed until it was pitch black, and walked back under the stars. Truly magical!

Sproat Lake – The Perfect Ending

Before catching the ferry back to the mainland, we made one last stop at Sproat Lake. The water was calm, the sky clear and it was a perfect way to wrap up the westbound leg of our trip.

Walking the path from the parking lot, leaving sunglasses on the rocks and jumping in!!!

We didn’t know it then, but our adventure wasn’t over yet…

Looking Back

This part of the trip reminded us why we love RV travel so much. The freedom. The flexibility. The ability to chase good weather, stay longer when it feels right, and move on when it doesn’t.

British Columbia completely stole our hearts, as always, and just when we thought the journey was over, another unexpected opportunity came up.

Next up: driving all the way back across Canada.