As the air turns chilly and the first snowflakes begin to fall, plan your escape to a milder climate, no passport required! There are great Snowbirding destinations in Canada that provide a break from -30 degree weather and shoveling out after snowstorms; here are some of our favourite spots.
Salt Spring Island, BC
Image credit: Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe
Each of the Southern Gulf Islands have their own character, but no matter which one you choose, you’ll find small communities, mild west coast winter weather, stunning ocean views and enjoy a slower pace of life. A winter favourite is Salt Spring island, the most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands. There you’ll enjoy the vibrant, creative community, just a scenic ferry ride from Vancouver or Victoria.
Where to stay:
For full service, ocean-side RVing, try out the Cedar Beach Resort. If you’re happy off the grid, you’ll find serenity at Ruckle Provincial Park. Both campgrounds are open year-round.
Fort Langley, BC
A gem in the lower mainland, Fort Langley is a quaint village community full of great restaurants, boutiques and antique stores, and situated beside the Fraser River. Less than an hour away from the Vancouver, you can head out and explore all that the city has to offer, or enjoy your time strolling the river trails and enjoying the local cafés.
Where to stay:
You’ll find year-round RV sites at Fort Camping in Brae Island Regional Park, within walking distance of all that Fort Langley has to offer. They even offer long term winter specials.
Parksville, Vancouver Island, BC
Image credit: Destination BC/Graeme Owsianski
While the winters can be rainy on Vancouver Island, bring the appropriate waterproof gear and you’ll be set to explore the beautiful beaches and hike through forests of towering cedars. On the east side of the Island you’ll find Parksville, a great ocean-side city that’s protected by Mt. Arrowsmith from the wet, wild storms that hit the Island’s west coast.
Where to stay
There are several year-round RV resorts in the Parksville area, including Riverbend with 16 wooded acres along The Englishman River, and Park Sands, with a prime, beachfront location.
Osoyoos, BC
A unique desert environment and home to some of the warmest average temperatures in the country, Osoyoos is one of the most popular snowbirding destinations in Canada. The lively lakeside town in the southern Interior of BC boasts a low average annual snowfall of only 5.4 cm and a drier climate than the west coast.
Where to stay:
The are several all-season RV parks in Osoyoos. Located in the shores of Osoyoos Lake, you’ll find full service RV sites at Nk’Mip RV Park, Island View Resort, and more.
Where do you RV in the winter? Share your favourite Canadian Snowbirding destinations on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!