There are many reasons to love living in Canada, but having four distinct seasons, each with its special charms, has to be one of them and, yes, that includes winter.
Getting Ready for Winter RVing
Must-have equipment and supplies
Warm clothing. Dress in thermal layers you can add and remove as the temperature moves. Avoid cotton in favour of moisture-wicking materials, and bring insulated boots, gloves and a warm hat that covers the ears — your body loses a lot of heat through your head.
Reliable heating. Insulation varies a great deal by make and model. A standard RV is not designed for extreme winter but can be adapted; four-season models come with better insulation, double-pane windows and a heated underbelly. On a standard RV, thermal curtains, skirting and foam insulation for windows and vents make the difference.
Insulated water hose. Use a heated water hose or insulate your existing one to prevent freezing.
RV skirting. Skirting encloses the underside of the RV and holds the heat in. Materials range from insulated vinyl panels to foam boards or a DIY plywood job. Professional skirting runs $1,000 to $3,000, while DIY solutions may be as low as $200 to $500.
Snow tools. A snow shovel, an ice scraper and a roof rake.
Emergency kit. Pack a first-aid kit, extra blankets, flashlights, batteries, and a portable emergency kit.
Food and water. Stock up on non-perishable items, and keep fresh water in portable containers as a backup if your pipes freeze.
Fuel supply. Ensure your propane tanks are full and you have enough fuel for travel and generators.
More recommendations to get your RV winter-ready
- Winterize the plumbing with RV antifreeze and pipe insulation
- Add insulation through thermal curtains and rugs
- Seal drafts around windows, doors and vents
- Manage moisture with a dehumidifier
- Fit winter tires and keep them properly inflated
Canada’s Best Winter RV Destinations
Banff National Park, Alberta. Ski, snowshoe and soak in the hot springs, with year-round campgrounds offering electric hookups.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario. Snowshoeing and wildlife watching, with some winter-friendly campground facilities.
Whistler, British Columbia. A premier skiing and snowboarding destination with RV parks that accommodate winter travellers.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. Winter sports and a village atmosphere, with plenty of RV-friendly options near the slopes.
