Published November 2nd, 2025

Photos by Claudia Laroye unless otherwise noted.

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Every road tripping enthusiast knows the excitement and tingles of delight that come when planning a journey on the open road - the freedom that four wheels provide and the joy of exploring new destinations and attractions on route. And let’s not forget the all-consuming obsession to find the ideal road trip playlist.

All these heartfelt components come into play when thinking about the beauty and benefits of travelling by campervan, because at the heart of it, you’re rolling along with a mobile home on wheels. Not sure of the appeal? I’m here to change your mind and turn you into, if not a #vanlifer, then someone who may well have a campervan journey in their near future.

Camper 1.0 enjoys the shade of a campsite on Vancouver Island.

1. Freedom to roam

As the owner of two Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia Campervans for the past 25 years, the most recent purchased in spring 2025, replacing our beloved 20-year Camper 1.0 which was written off after a T-bone accident in 2022, I can say with confidence that campervan travel life is pretty darn grand.

We raised our travelling kids on a diet of camping and road trips and more s'mores than they could ever eat, and the fond memories remain the stuff of family lore years later. Fast forward to our empty nesting phase and our shiny blue Camper 2.0 is emblematic of pick up and go freedom, where we can leave at any time for anywhere, almost without a care.

That’s a big part of the appeal of campervan life. You can go where the road takes you without rigid itineraries or check-in times (unless you like that kind of thing). Follow the weather, find the perfect lake to dip a paddle, chase sunsets or linger longer in places you love – you’re literally driving the bus of your road trip destiny.

Proof of well-raised camping kids enjoying essential camping fuel of Nutella and brown sugar.

2. Enjoy all-in-one convenience

Few other means of transport have it all – fridge, stove, kitchen sink, toilet, beds for four (or more) and storage galore. Everything is all in one place, though how organized it remains is up to you. The great thing this of all-in-one convenience is that there’s no need for packing and unpacking every night. Simply park, relax and enjoy the fact that you’re already home. Then repeat as often as you wish further down the road. You may need to refill water and empty tanks at sani-stations (if applicable), but these tasks are easy and usually free at campgrounds around the country.

Claudia and Campervan 2.0 on its maiden voyage in British Columbia summer 2025.

3. Save money

Accommodation is one of the most expensive budget items on any vacation, especially for families who often require more space. With a campervan, aka your home on wheels, beds are just a pop up or pull-out away. You’ll also save money by skipping restaurants and cooking your own meals. Don’t worry, you can still eat out on occasion, but you choose when and where to enjoy that special restaurant experience.

At campgrounds, kids can enjoy a level of safety and freedom almost unheard of in an urban setting. There’s no need to spend money on expensive attractions or theme parks, kids can make their own fun, playing with new friends and roaming campgrounds where stays are very affordable compared to hotels or resorts. Rates at provincial campgrounds in British Columbia and Ontario range from around $30-$50 per night, a steal compared to hotel stays.

Claudia enjoys a fireside read on a cozy evening by the Salish Sea on Vancouver Island.

4. Get closer to nature

A campervan is a safe and comfortable place to sleep, with locks on doors and windows. But it’s not a sound-proof bubble, and that’s a good thing. You want to hear the wind in the trees, owls hooting in the night and ocean waves lapping the shore near your campsite. Waking up beside a lake, in a forest or by the ocean is a blissful experience that invigorates the soul. Most Canadians don’t own private resort property they can visit, so having a campervan to stay in beautiful natural places is an accessible way to get closer to nature.

True north strong and free on Canada Day on Vancouver Island.

5. Tap into a built-in community

Campers and campervan people are a friendly, tight-knit group. People are always asking us about our campervan, and in turn, we’re keen to notice the cool equipment, chairs and lighting that others bring on their camping holidays. Whether at campgrounds or in camping-focused groups on social media, it’s easy to find and meet others who share a love for road tripping, camping and the simple pleasures of enjoying the great outdoors.

No better way to travel or enjoy BC's great outdoors than by Westfalia campervan.

6. Travel at your own pace

Travelling by campervan allows you to move at your own flexible pace. While you might feel led on guided tours or compelled to participate in resort activities, campervan travel moves at your rhythm. You can stay an extra day at the beach if the surf is good or if your children have befriended others and don’t want to leave, or hit the road early if the rain rolls in. And campervan travel is supremely friendly to fur babies and pets. Our dog Zuzu has loved camping since she was a puppy and knows exactly when we’re headed out for a trip – she’s always the first one in the van.

7. Make a smaller footprint

Travelling by campervan eliminates the need for flights, and the smaller spaces in the van ensure that your packing game becomes minimalist by design. Van lifers also make use of solar panels, composting toilets and are mindful of water consumption which promotes a more eco-conscious travel style. E-campervans are also becoming more popular, though their hefty price tags keep them out of reach for many.

Still not sure about campervan life? Go for a test drive with CanaDream’s Rent Before You Buy program. Book a 5-night trip in your preferred van model and give it spin on a road trip and campground near you. If you love your ride, the rental cost (less taxes) is credited towards the RV’s purchase price - ensuring the perfect fit before committing.

Park, Play, Repeat: The 7 Best Things about Travelling by Campervan