Vancouver to Toronto by RV (2020, Part 2)

Our Unexpected Return Journey

We hadn’t planned on driving back and the idea was to drop off the RV in BC and fly home. But then we asked if there was another one-way rental back to Toronto. How could we say no?

It was already late afternoon when we picked up the second RV, so we headed to Squamish and spent the night at the busiest Walmart parking lot we’ve ever seen. By morning, the sound of lawnmowers and the mountain view outside made for quite a contrast.

Pinantan Lake & Clearwater

From there, we drove toward Pinantan Lake, arriving late but still squeezing in an hour of kayaking before dark. The next day, we continued to Clearwater, known for its incredible waterfalls.

We stopped at Spahats Falls and were blown away by its power. Then we saw Helmcken Falls and Dawson Falls, each one different, each one mesmerizing.

Jasper National Park

We reached Jasper, a town that feels like a quieter version of Banff. We hiked the Maligne Canyon Trail, explored the 6th Bridge, and saw elk wandering through the valley.

Kayaking at Edith Lake, visiting Medicine Lake, and walking along Maligne Lake were all highlights. The scenery was breathtaking, and every turn offered another postcard-perfect view.

We even saw a black bear and a marmot near Mount Edith Cavell, where we hiked all the way to the top to see the glacier. It was a long, tiring hike but absolutely worth it.

Into the Prairies

As we continued east, we crossed into Saskatchewan and Manitoba, spotting wildlife along the way : coyotes, deer, even a fox.

We camped in Elkhorn, a small municipal campground that was simple but charming, and later in Sandbar Provincial Park, where we had one of the most magical moments of the trip.

While bringing the garbage one night, I looked up and saw an owl perched nearby . The night was quiet, filled with numerous stars, and we were utterly mesmerized by the unexpected appearance of an owl. We still talk about that moment years later.

Looking Back

That return journey reminded us that sometimes the best adventures aren’t planned. Between spontaneous stops, wildlife sightings, and cozy campfires, it was the perfect finale to our 2020 cross-country road trip.

There’s something freeing about one-way RV specials, you never quite know where you’ll end up, but the memories stay with you forever.