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An Epic RV Road Trip from Vancouver to Calgary
There's something incredibly liberating about setting off in a motorhome, your home on wheels rolling between countries, across mountains, and into the heart of nature. If you're planning a 3-week road trip that connects the vibrant city of Vancouver to the dynamic gateway of Calgary, with stops in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana before ascending through the Canadian Rockies, you're in for an unforgettable adventure. This route is a dream for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a classic North American RV experience.
Planning Your Campervan Adventure
When figuring out how to plan a motorhome trip in the USA and Canada, a reliable camper route planner is essential. From choosing scenic highways to finding well-equipped campgrounds, a route planner tailored for RVs will help you optimize driving times and ensure you’re never far from fuel, food, or a fantastic view. Many segments of this trip are perfect for 4-season RVs, and you’ll want to prepare for a range of altitudes and climates—especially in the Rockies.
Starting your motorhome road trip planning in Vancouver, don’t miss the Fort Langley National Historic Site, a fantastic place for families to learn about Canadian fur trade history before crossing into Washington State.
Through the Pacific Northwest
In Seattle, the Space Needle offers a thrilling view and a perfect photo op. Once in Yakima, explore Thompson’s Farm Market for fresh produce and local treats—ideal for a campervan pantry restock—and the Yakama Nation Cultural Center for powerful Indigenous history and culture.
Further into Oregon, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center brings pioneer life to the forefront. It’s a wonderful hands-on stop for kids and history enthusiasts alike. Continue to Boise, where the World Center for Birds of Prey will leave the whole family in awe. A short detour takes you to Shoshone Falls Park, also known as the “Niagara of the West”—a stunning natural spectacle.
Into Yellowstone & Big Sky Country
Crossing into Wyoming, you enter Yellowstone National Park, a bucket-list highlight of this RV trip. Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs showcase nature’s most impressive geothermal wonders. Park your campervan at one of the Yellowstone campgrounds and enjoy the convenience of cooking, resting, and adventuring all from your motorhome base.
In Montana, delve into frontier history at the Museum of the Rockies, explore the dramatic Lewis and Clark Caverns, and tour the incredible underground mining history at the World Museum of Mining. Flathead Lake’s Kerr Dam Overlook Trail is an excellent place to stretch your legs and soak in some panoramic lake views.
Into the Canadian Rockies
Crossing the border into Alberta, Canada's wild beauty continues to unfold. The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an eye-opening look into the hunting practices of the Plains People.
As your road trip ascends into the Canadian Rockies, stop at Fort Steele Heritage Town for a step back into pioneer days and Grizzly Bear Interpretive Centre to learn about wildlife conservation in a family-friendly setting. In Banff National Park, ride the Banff Gondola and enjoy a cruise on Lake Minnewanka—the perfect mix of relaxation and awe-inspiring mountain scenery.
End your motorhome journey in Calgary, where Deerfoot City offers shopping and entertainment to wind down your adventure.
Tips for Your RV Road Trip Planner
Book campgrounds in advance, especially in Yellowstone and the Canadian Rockies. Summer months are peak season.
Pack clothing layers. You’ll go from coastal breezes to mountain chill.
Stock your campervan kitchen at local farm markets—fresh, local, and family-friendly meals are easy in a motorhome.
Use RV-specific route planners like RVLife Trip Wizard or Roadtrippers Plus to avoid narrow roads and steep grades.
Whether you're in a cozy campervan or a spacious Class C motorhome, this route from Vancouver to Calgary is a showcase of nature’s grandeur, cultural depth, and roadside charm. It’s a road trip that reminds you why traveling slow, sleeping under the stars, and exploring together as a family is one of life’s richest experiences.