Ready to plan your summer vacay? Craving a taste of van life? Road trip to one of these scenic spots in our great white north that’ll make you excited to be Canadian and feel free af. From Newfoundland to BC, here are 6 choice areas to park it for an extended stay.

Tofino, BC

This small district on Vancouver Island (its got less than 2,000 residents) attracts vanlifers and other adventurous souls who want to try their hand at surfing – it’s a great for spot to learn. If you’re driving out westward make Tofino your final destination for it’s hot springs, the gorgeous Long beach, and local art scene. There’s so much to love about this beaut beach town.

Canmore, AB

Canmore is such a gem. If you’re making your way through Banff / Lake Louise area, it’s worth the trip south to visit. Canmore is just west of Calgary with views of the Rockies all round, so it’s serenely beautiful (Brokeback Mountain was filmed here). It’s known for it’s emerald Grassi Lakes, caves, the Canmore Folk Music Festival in August, it’s markets and general abundance of organic eats. It’s is the perfect spot to stop and recover from your journey and just chill.

Gravenhurst, Ontario

Just north of the Kawartha Lakes and Barrie in the Muskoka region, Gravenhurst is, imo, the perfect Northern Ontario town. It’s comprised of 4 original townships from the 1800s (and it’s def retained it’s nostalgic charm), bordered on two lakes – Lake Muskoka and Kahshe Lake. The northern lights here are actually outstanding at night. Here, in the Muskokas, you have access to some of the best camping in Ontario.

Ottawa Valley, Ontario

Not quite northern Ontario, but between the Ottawa River and Algonquin Park in Ontario’s Highlands, the Ottawa Valley consists of some 6 million acres of clear waterways and forest land. It’s the ‘Whitewater Capital of Canada,’ home to over 900 lakes and four river systems, the Ottawa, Madawaska, Bonnechere and Petawawa rivers. Campgrounds in this area, big and small, are pretty abundant.

French River, PEI

The land of the red sandy beaches and rolling green hills is charming af. Drive through Charlottetown, the capital, and see how the Islanders live (get some seafood and Cows ice cream too), then park it at French River. It’s a tiny fishing village with stunning views of New London Bay, and a secluded beach.

Trout River, NL

This is about as east as you can get. Trout River is a small rural fishing town that’s steeped in Maritimes culture. You can expect stellar seafood, hospitality, and natural beauty on the coast of Gros Morne National Park. See whales and puffins, lighthouses, some of the oldest rocks and fossils on earth (the rocky trails here are said to look almost extra-terrestrial). Ready your camera.