Driving an RV in British Columbia: Highways, Mountains and Wildlife

Quick summary: Driving an RV in British Columbia is generally straightforward, with wide highways and good signage, but mountain passes, long distances between towns and wildlife on the road need care. You drive on the right, distances are in kilometers, and winter tires are required on many BC highways in the colder months. Downtown Vancouver can be tricky for a large campervan or motorhome, so check parking height limits before heading into the city.

At a glance
Side	Drive on the right
Units	Kilometers
Main highways	Trans-Canada (1), Sea-to-Sky (99), Coquihalla (5)
Mountains	Long climbs and descents
Winter	Winter tires required on many highways
Tours	Sea-to-Sky tours

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What are BC’s main RV routes?

Highway	Route
Highway 99 (Sea-to-Sky)	Vancouver to Squamish and Whistler
Highway 1 (Trans-Canada)	Vancouver east through the Fraser Valley and on to the Rockies
Highway 5 (Coquihalla)	Hope to Kamloops, a fast mountain route
Highway 3 (Crowsnest)	Southern route through the Kootenays

How do you handle mountain passes in an RV?

Use lower gears on long descents to save the brakes, keep right on climbs, and use pullouts to let traffic pass. Watch fuel levels, as gaps between towns can be long.

What about wildlife?

Deer, elk, bears and bighorn sheep are common near highways, especially at dawn and dusk. Slow down, never feed animals, and stop only where it’s safe.

When are winter tires needed?

Many BC highways require winter tires in the colder months, and some Alberta national parks have similar rules. Confirm your RV rental is equipped if traveling outside summer.

Can you drive an RV into downtown Vancouver?

It’s possible but not easy. Many garages have height limits, and street parking is limited. Park at Stanley Park or a campground and use transit. See Vancouver.

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Frequently Asked Questions