Budget RV Travel in Canada: How to Save Money on the Road
If you’ve ever dreamed of hitting the road in an RV and exploring the beautiful expanses of Canada, you’re not alone. RV travel offers freedom, comfort, and a unique way to experience the diverse landscapes that this vast country has to offer. However, for many, the biggest barrier to RV travel is the cost. Gas prices, parking fees, food expenses—these things can quickly add up. But with a little planning and some insider knowledge, it’s entirely possible to make an Budget RV Travel in Canada affordable.
As someone who’s traveled across Canada in both a Ford Jayco 2019 RV and a 2022 Unity Leisure Travel Van, I’ve gathered a wealth of experience—and insights—on how to travel in an RV without breaking the bank. Whether you’re new to RV travel or have some experience but want to cut costs, here are my personal tips and tricks, plus an overview of my own travel expenses to give you a clearer idea of what to expect.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Budget Trip
Before diving into my personal experience, let’s talk about how to choose the right RV. Depending on the size of your group, your trip length, and your budget, you can pick a vehicle that suits your needs and keeps your costs low. Here’s a quick breakdown of the two RVs I’ve traveled with:
Ford Jayco 2019 (6 Persons):
- Great for: Larger groups or families.
- Cost: Rental prices for a Ford Jayco 2019 RV are typically higher than for smaller models, but it provides ample space and comfort for a group of six.
- Challenges: Higher fuel consumption, parking difficulties, and the need for larger campsites.
2022 Unity Leisure Travel Van (4 Persons):
- Great for: Smaller groups or couples.
- Cost: Lower rental costs compared to larger RVs like the Ford Jayco 2019, and more fuel-efficient.
- Challenges: Slightly less space compared to larger RVs, but still comfortable for up to four people.
In both cases, though, careful budgeting will help minimize the overall cost of your adventure.
My Experience in the Ford Jayco 2019 RV (6-Person)
I traveled in the Ford Jayco 2019 with a group of six for one week, covering a distance of about 1,200 kilometers. Our route included iconic Canadian destinations like Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and Jasper, offering breathtaking mountain views and pristine lakes.
Here’s how my expenses played out:
Gas:
Traveling across Canada with a larger RV comes with the inevitable challenge of high gas prices, especially when driving a Ford Jayco 2019. On average, my group spent about $350–$400 on fuel for the week, driving a total of 1,200 kilometers. The fuel efficiency of a 6-person RV isn’t the best, so the longer your trip, the more it’s going to add up. To save on gas:
- Plan your route carefully: Avoid detours and choose highways with less traffic to maintain steady speeds.
- Drive conservatively: Keep your speed under control to reduce fuel consumption.
- Avoid idling: Always turn off the engine when parked for long periods.
Parking:
One of the biggest challenges I faced with the Ford Jayco 2019 was finding affordable parking. Campground fees can range from $35–$75 per night, depending on the location, which can quickly add up. We spent around $400 for parking and camping fees over the week. But there are ways to reduce these costs:
- Free Parking Options: Walmart, Cabela’s, and certain large retail stores allow RVs to park for free overnight. Some provincial parks also offer free parking (but be sure to check their rules).
- Public Lands: In some parts of Canada, you can find public land designated for RV camping, and these areas may offer free or low-cost parking.
- Off-season travel: Traveling during the off-season can reduce campground costs.
Challenges:
The larger the RV, the harder it is to navigate tight spaces, such as city centers or smaller campsites. We had a few close calls with parking lots, especially in popular tourist areas. It’s essential to be mindful of the space you’ll need when parking.
My Experience in the 2022 Unity Leisure Travel Van (4-Person)
Next, I switched things up and traveled in a smaller RV, the 2022 Unity Leisure Travel Van, with four people. We traveled for a week, covering about 900 kilometers through destinations like Vancouver, Kelowna, and Whistler.
The difference in size and fuel efficiency was quite noticeable.
Gas:
The Unity Travel Van is significantly more fuel-efficient than the Ford Jayco 2019. For a week-long trip, I spent about $200–$250 on gas, covering 900 kilometers. The smaller engine and better aerodynamics made a big difference, and the savings were substantial compared to the larger RV.
Parking:
Parking fees for the Unity Travel Van were also more manageable. For a group of four, we spent about $200 on campground fees and parking. Again, free options like Walmart parking lots and public lands helped us reduce costs.
- Budget Parking: Look for RV parks or campgrounds that offer basic services for a lower price. Websites like Campendium or Freecampsites.net are excellent resources for finding free or cheap RV parking.
Challenges:
The biggest challenge in the Unity Travel Van was space—while it’s great for a small group or couple, four people can feel a bit cramped over time. But the lower cost of fuel, parking, and rental made it an excellent trade-off.
How I Saved Money on Food and Electricity
One of the greatest perks of traveling in an RV is that you can cook your own meals, saving a lot of money on food. Here’s how I did it:
Cooking:
Eating out can be expensive, especially in tourist areas, but with an RV, you have your own kitchen. I cooked most of our meals, which helped us save hundreds of dollars. I kept things simple—things like pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables were perfect for RV cooking. On average, I spent about $70–$100 on groceries for the week, which fed six people in the Ford Jayco 2019 and four in the Unity Travel Van.
To make the most of your RV kitchen:
- Buy in bulk: Stock up on easy-to-prepare ingredients like pasta, rice, and canned goods.
- Plan meals ahead: Pre-plan your meals to avoid wasting food and reduce the temptation to eat out.
- Cook outdoors: Many RVs have outdoor grills or cooking setups, which helps save electricity and keeps the inside cooler.
Electricity:
Most RVs come with a generator or hook-ups at campsites. However, you can save money by being mindful of your electricity usage.
- Use solar power: If your RV is equipped with solar panels, use them to power smaller appliances like lights or your phone charger.
- Conserve power: Turn off lights when not in use, and avoid using high-energy appliances when the generator isn’t running.
Final Breakdown of Expenses
To give you a better sense of costs, here’s a breakdown of what I spent for both RVs:
Ford Jayco 2019 (6-Person):
- Gas: $350–$400
- Parking: $400
- Food: $100
- Total for the Week: $850–$900
- Distance traveled: 1,200 kilometers
2022 Unity Leisure Travel Van (4-Person):
- Gas: $200–$250
- Parking: $200
- Food: $70
- Total for the Week: $470–$520
- Distance traveled: 900 kilometers
Additional Tips and Recommendations
- Travel Off-Peak: Avoid the summer months and major holidays when RV prices and campground fees are at their highest.
- Book Early: Plan your trip and book your RV rental and campsites early to get the best rates.
- Pack Light: The less you pack, the less weight you have in your RV, and the better your fuel efficiency will be.
- Use RV Clubs: Many RV clubs offer discounts on campgrounds, parking, and other services.
- Check for Free Parking: Don’t forget to take advantage of free parking spots like Walmart, Cabela’s, and certain national and provincial parks.
Conclusion for Budget RV Travel
If you’re nervous about the costs of RV travel in Canada, don’t be! With a little preparation, you can enjoy the open road without burning a hole in your wallet. Whether you choose a large RV like the Ford Jayco 2019 or a smaller model like the Unity Leisure Travel Van, there are always ways to save money on gas, food, parking, and more.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your RV adventure today and enjoy the freedom of the open road—without the financial stress.
