When the pandemic first hit a little over two years ago, one of the first things Mandy Donjakov of Coquitlam, B.C., did was cancel her family’s spring vacation. “We were all pretty devastated about it,” recalls the mom of two. “Travelling is a major part of our life, and at that point, we weren’t sure when we’d be boarding an airplane again.”
As the weeks dragged on and it became clear international travel would not be an option for some time, Donjakov and her husband decided to purchase an RV. “We wanted to continue to travel and explore with our kids, and that seemed like a good loophole,” she laughs, adding that they dubbed their Jayco trailer the Mighty Tiny. “It turned out to be much more than that. We’ve been all over the province … and don’t plan on stopping.”
On top of having the convenience of travelling in what is essentially a home on wheels or being able to bring their dog, Brewster, along, what Donjakov loves most about RVing is that it is a safe, affordable and more-sustainable travel option that has allowed her family to explore one of the most beautiful places on earth, British Columbia. In fact, according to Go RVing Canada, the not-for-profit association that promotes the RV lifestyle in Canada, when compared to flying and staying in a hotel, RVing with a travel trailer or tent camping trailer is 57 per cent less expensive—it’s a truly flexible travel option that can be tailored to fit your wants, needs and budget. From nomads to large families, RVing is highly customizable, offering a different adventure and experience for everyone, placing the control into the hands of the driver, and allowing you to decide what you want your experience to be.
When Donjakov began her search for an RV, she leaned on GoRVing.ca as a key resource, connecting her with local dealers who were able to answer questions on all the different models and features available, including solar-powered RVs. “That’s something we really enjoy about this mode of travel,” she says. “It feels like we’re doing what we love and being easier on Mother Earth, too.”
In fact, each year, more RVs are operating on solar generator and/or lithium-ion batteries, offering a more sustainable way to generate energy. Compared to other traditional forms of travel, RVing has a lower carbon footprint, operating as a more sustainable mode of transport and travel option. With this in mind, Go RVing Canada offers advice on RVing responsibly to ensure our beautiful B.C. parks remain healthy for the next generation of RVers, like using eco-friendly cleaning products, practicing bonfire etiquette and avoiding single-use plastics by bringing reusable items. Continuing its support and taking environmental action to better our parks and society, Go RVing Canada has joined The Conservation Alliance and is currently working with Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society British Columbia to curate a custom trip guide focusing on conservation and mindfulness while in B.C.’s parks.
That said, as we head into summer 2022, Go RVing Canada continues to encourage and inspire B.C. residents to live their Wildhood—that inner-child sense of venturing off the beaten path that can result when travelling by RV—and offers a plethora of resources to do just that, sharing some of B.C.’s best guides to exploring the province on the road. Here’s to a summer full of local adventures, reconnecting with nature and loved ones and making memories in the places you love. Get the RV running because it’s time to hit the road! Visit GoRVing.cafor more. —Noa Nichol
Must-Do B.C. RV Expeditions
- Northern B.C.’s Route 16: Drive through Prince George, B.C.’s largest city in the north, and experience the only inland temperate rainforest in the world. Walk underneath the canopy in the Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park or wander in town and explore shops and restaurants. Next, stop by the Lakes District for picturesque views of more than 300 lakes and nearly 5,000 kilometres of shoreline. Finally, follow along the Skeena River gazing upon the rich coastal drive—one of B.C.’s most beautiful drives to Prince Rupert. If you are craving more wilderness, set out for the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, Canada’s first grizzly sanctuary.
- Vancouver Island by RV: Stop in Victoria, filled with a mix of mountains and a rainforest oasis offering breathtaking views around every corner. Visit Nanaimo, the birthplace of the Nanaimo bar and explore the Harbourfront walkway, suspended above the shoreline and ocean, all while eating the iconic Canadian dessert. Don’t forget Tofino, known for its surfing, ancient rainforests and sandy beaches.
- Or explore unique trips and RVers stories, including “Recipe for Adventure”, a Wildhood story exploring how to forage and fish while travelling through remote B.C. islands. For more inspiration on losing yourself to the wild, visit GoRVing.ca and explore pre-planned trip guides or create your own adventure using the Trip Planner tool.