Quick answer. Expect to pay roughly $90 to $315 a night depending on the type of RV. Choose the smallest RV that fits your group, book summer dates months ahead, and ask every company in writing about mileage, generator fees, deposit, insurance deductible, pets, and whether you can drive into the U.S. Then compare the total cost, not the nightly rate.
Who rents RVs in Canada
Canadian RV rentals come from four kinds of provider, and each suits a different trip.
National rental fleets
Large companies such as Cruise Canada and CanaDream, with depots in major cities, orientation at pickup, and support if something breaks. They usually offer one-way rentals.
Regional and dealer rentals
Dealers and local operators, often with trailers and smaller fleets. They can be flexible and good for trips that start and end in one region.
Peer-to-peer marketplaces
Sites such as RVezy list RVs owned by individuals. They can be cheaper or more varied, but selection, support, and cleaning standards depend on the owner.
Delivered and set-up rentals
Some operators deliver a trailer to a campsite. It suits a single-location stay and skips the towing.
What it costs
A 2026 industry report from Go RV Rentals put the average Canadian RV rental at about $196 per night as of March 2026, up about 4 per cent from the year before. These are averages across a large sample, not quotes. Prices swing with the season, the location, and how far ahead you book. July and August are the most expensive and the first to sell out.
Choose the right type of RV
| Type | Average per night (Canada, 2026) | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camper van (Class B) | about $231 | Couples, easy parking, city stops | Small living space, often wet bath only |
| Class C motorhome | about $232 | Families, a bed over the cab, a mid-size price | Harder to park and to drive in mountain wind |
| Class A motorhome | about $315 | Long trips and lots of space | Highest price, fuel, and length fees on ferries |
| Travel trailer | about $131 | Basing at a campsite and using the tow vehicle for day trips | Needs a suitable vehicle and towing skill |
| Pop-up or small trailer | about $89 | Budget trips | Fewer amenities, more set-up |
Toy haulers averaged about $179 a night. If you are unsure, go smaller. Size affects your campground options, your ferry fare, and how relaxed you feel behind the wheel.
What the price should include
The nightly rate is only part of it. Ask for a written quote that lists everything, and compare the total.
- Kilometres or mileage, and what extra kilometres cost. Many rentals include a daily allowance, and some packages cannot be refunded if unused.
- Generator hours, which are often metered by the hour on motorhomes.
- Propane, bedding, kitchen kits, and camping chairs, which are usually optional.
- Cleaning, dump, and refuelling fees if you return the RV dirty, with full tanks, or short on fuel.
- Taxes, environmental or admin fees, and one-way drop fees.
- Insurance, including upgrades that lower your deductible, and the security deposit.
Age, licence, and deposit
- Minimum age is typically 21 to 25, depending on the company. Ask whether additional drivers can be added.
- Licence. For most rental motorhomes a regular car licence is enough. Check the terms if you hold a foreign licence.
- Deposit. You usually pay a security deposit by credit card at pickup, often matched to the insurance deductible. It is released after the vehicle is inspected on return.
Insurance
Most rental companies include basic insurance with a deductible, and offer options that reduce it. Ask exactly what is covered, what the deductible is, and what is excluded, such as tires, windshield, awnings, and driving on unpaved roads. Check whether your own car insurance or credit card covers any of it. Do not assume it does. For longer-term ownership, see our RV insurance page.
Questions to ask before you book
- What is the minimum driver age, and can additional drivers be added?
- What is the total cost, including every fee, taxes, and the deposit?
- What does the included insurance cover, and what is excluded?
- Can I drive into the United States, and is there a fee?
- Are pets allowed, and is there a pet or cleaning fee?
- What are the pickup and return times, and is there a late fee?
- What happens if the RV breaks down, and who do I call?
- What is the cancellation and change policy?
- Will someone show me how everything works at pickup?
Where to pick up and drop off
Rental depots are concentrated in and around the big gateway cities, and commonly include Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax. A one-way trip, for example Vancouver to Calgary or Calgary to Vancouver, usually costs more than a round trip from one city because of drop-off fees. If you are flying in, choose a depot near the airport and plan your first night close by.
When to book
- July and August sell out first, and prices are highest. Book as early as you can, and book campgrounds early too, especially in national and provincial parks.
- Shoulder seasons (late May to June, September to early October) cost less and have smaller crowds, although some campgrounds and services are closed.
- Winter rentals exist, but need a four-season RV. Ask about heated tanks and winter tires.
Crossing borders and ferries
Some rentals can cross into the U.S., and some can't. Tell the company before you book, since some charge a flat fee, and driving across without permission can void your insurance. If you are coming into Canada in a rental, carry the rental agreement and read our border crossing guide. Ferry fares depend on the length and height of the RV, so factor them into your budget, as explained in our BC Ferries guide.
Pickup day checklist
- Walk around the RV with the agent and photograph every scratch and dent
- Note fuel, propane, and odometer readings
- Ask how to work the water, power, propane, slide-outs, and generator
- Learn how to dump the tanks, and where
- Check the height of the RV, and write it on a note on the dash
- Confirm how to reach support, and what to do in a breakdown
- Ask about return time and the return condition
First-timer tips
- Drive shorter days than you think you need to, and leave time to set up and explore.
- Practise backing up in an empty lot before you need to do it at a campsite.
- Check the vehicle's height before low bridges, drive-throughs, and parkades.
- Know where your propane, water, and dump points are before you need them. See our propane guide.
Red flags
- A price with no written breakdown
- Vague answers about insurance or the deductible
- No clear process for breakdown support
- Pressure to pay a large non-refundable deposit
- Reviews that mention hidden fees, unreturned deposits, or unsafe vehicles
Find an RV rental company
This page covers the how-to: what rentals cost, what to ask and what the contract should say. To compare rental companies by province, use the RV rental directory at RV Resources Canada.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Canada?
A 2026 industry report put the average at about $196 per night, but it varies widely. Travel trailers and pop-up campers cost the least, while large Class A motorhomes cost the most. Summer weekends cost more than shoulder season.
How do I find a reputable RV rental company in Canada?
Compare a few providers, read recent reviews, and ask for a written quote that lists every fee. Good companies answer questions about insurance, deposits, and breakdown support clearly.
What size RV should I rent?
The smallest one that comfortably fits your group. Smaller RVs are easier to drive and park, cost less in fuel, and pay less in ferry fares.
Is it cheaper to rent a trailer or a motorhome?
Travel trailers usually cost less per night, but you also need a suitable tow vehicle and some towing experience.
How old do I have to be?
Most Canadian rental companies set the minimum age between 21 and 25. Some have a higher age for larger units.
Do I need a special licence?
For most rental motorhomes, a regular car licence is enough. Check the company's terms, and check the rules if you are coming from another country.
Can I take a rental RV to the U.S.?
Often yes, but you must tell the company first. Some charge a fee, and driving into the U.S. without permission can void your insurance.
Is there a security deposit?
Yes, usually on a credit card, and often tied to the insurance deductible. It is released after the vehicle is returned and inspected.
Can I bring my pets?
Some companies allow pets and some charge extra or do not allow them. Ask before you book, and ask about cleaning fees.
When should I book a summer RV rental?
As early as you can. July and August dates sell out first, and prices are highest.
Sources and further reading
Prices, rules, and availability change. Check directly with providers and official bodies.