Van rental in Canada: the 5 best #vanlife models
Renting a van for your Canadian vacation is a guarantee of liberty and adventure, comfort and practicality. It's the perfect compromise for nature lovers who don't want to miss out on visiting Canadian cities.
I have chosen 5 models of vans to meet the needs of every traveller.
Discover the one that's right for you on your next Canadian road trip.
#1. Le Baroudeur converted van
This converted campervan is mounted on a Dodge Grand Caravan, which is basically a large family car.
Le Baroudeur has found a way to optimize space in a very clever way: during the day, you'll have a bench seat with a removable table for meals and at night, the seat converts into a comfortable double bed.
The kitchen area is at the back of the van and is equipped with an electric cooler, a propane stove, a 20-L water storage container, and the basic cooking equipment you'll need to prepare simple meals after a day spent exploring the most beautiful parks in Quebec.
If you are traveling with family or friends, note that you can add a roof tent that will allow you to sleep two more people.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- Type of vehicle: Dodge Grand Caravan
- Type of fuel: gasoline
- Fuel consumption: 12 L / 100 km
- Length: 17.0 ft. (5 m)
- Width: 6.6 ft. (1.99 m)
- Automatic transmission
- Number of seat belts: 4
EQUIPMENT
- Dashboard air conditioning / heating
- Electric cooler
- Propane stove
- 20-L water container
- Complete bedding
- Cooking kit (plates, pans, cutlery, etc.)
#2. Karma Camper campervan
If you want to cross the Canadian Rockies, or explore Vancouver Island, this is the model for you.
The rental company, Karma Campervans, operates in Western Canada only, and vans can be picked up in Calgary and Vancouver.
One of the advantages of this van is that you can stand up inside it.
In the back, you'll find a double bed with plenty of storage for your clothes and belongings.
The kitchen area is behind the driver's seat and includes a countertop, a sink, and everything you need to prepare meals.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- Type of vehicle: Ford Transit 250
- Type of fuel: gasoline
- Fuel consumption: 13 L / 100 km
- Length: 22 ft. (6 m)
- Width: 6.11 ft. (2.11 m)
- Interior height: 6.5 ft. (1.98 m)
- Automatic transmission
- Backup camera
- Rechargeable AGM 240 Ah batteries with 3 charging options: solar panel, chassis charger or 15-amp connection
- Eberspacher (Espar) heater running on the vehicle's gasoline
- Number of seat belts: 2
EQUIPMENT
- Dashboard air conditioning
- Fresh and grey water storage containers
- Kitchenette with portable two-burner propane stove
- USB outlets
- Cooking Kit (plates, pans, cutlery, etc.)
- Bedding
- 1 double bed (1.72 x 1.93 m)
#3. Canadream deluxe campervan
Choosing the "DVC" will guarantee you a top-of-the-line vanlife experience.
Compact but very comfortable, it's the first choice for travellers who want to be able to... take a shower every day!
Having tested both categories of van, I must admit that the comfort of a van with a bathroom is unmatched.
The kitchen area is located in the centre, while the day/night area is installed at the back.
With a twist of the wrist, the sofa converts into a king-size bed, giving you a cozy space for a good night's sleep.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- Chassis/engine: Ford 5.4L
- Fuel consumption (approximate): 25 L / 100 Km
- Length: 21 ft. (6.4 m)
- Width: 7.9 ft. (2.4 m)
- Interior height: 6.2 ft. (1.88 m)
- Automatic transmission
- Auxiliary battery
EQUIPMENT
- Dash and roof air conditioning
- Fresh, grey and black water tanks
- 8-gallon (30-L) propane tank
- Shower + hot water
- Flush toilet
- 2.3 cu. ft. refrigerator with freezer
- 2-burner stovetop
- Propane furnace
#4. Vanlife Mtl Mea Deluxe 4
As its name suggests, the Mea Deluxe 4 can sleep 4 people.
Designed to combine comfort and autonomy, this model is very popular with families in search of adventure.
The back is equipped with two bunk beds and the passenger seats can be folded down to allow more space in the living area.
Another great feature is that the van is insulated, so you can even go on a road trip to discover Quebec's most beautiful winter landscapes!
There is also a 2-person version of this van.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- Type of vehicle: RAM Promaster 3500 V6 3.6L
- Weight: 7500 lb (3400 kg)
- Type of fuel: gasoline
- Fuel consumption: 14 L / 100 km
- Length: 21 ft. (6,4 m)
- Width: 6.2 ft. (1,88 m)
- Interior height: 6.2 ft. (1.88 m)
- Automatic transmission
- Backup camera
- Rechargeable lithium batteries with 3 charging options: 310W solar panel, chassis charger or 15-amp connection
- Number of seat belts: 4
EQUIPMENT
- Awning
- Dashboard air conditioning
- Ceiling fans
- Double folding rear bench seat
- 4-season autonomous heating system
- Fresh water tank
- Indoor and outdoor shower
- 12 V refrigerator with small freezer
- Complete kitchen with induction cooker
- Webasto autonomous heating system
- 120 V and USB outlets
#5. 4X4 with tent
Granted, it's not a van, but this Jeep with its roof tent deserves a mention.
Outdoors adventure enthusiasts will appreciate this variant of camping, which offers comfort and speed of installation.
The tent, which is located on the roof, is easy to set up. In minutes, your camp is ready and you can just sit back and enjoy.
With this option, your living space is grandiose: it is all of nature that surrounds you.
This model is available for rental in Montreal.
TECHNICAL DETAILS (4x4)
- Type of vehicle: Jeep Wrangler Sahara V6 or similar
- Type of fuel: gasoline
- Fuel consumption: 14 L / 100 km
- Automatic transmission
- 4-wheel drive
- Number of seat belts: 5
EQUIPMENT
- 3-place tent
- Anti-condensation mat and mattress
- Cooler
- Stove with grill
- Camping table
3 good reasons to rent a van in Canada
If, like me, you love nature and the simple pleasures, I'm ready to bet that renting a van for your Canadian vacation will be one of the best experiences you've ever had.
#1- For the sense of freedom
Stopping for a picnic by a lake and having everything you need close at hand. Watching the sun go down, a craft beer in hand. Not booking ahead and stopping when you feel like it. Finding a quiet spot for a nap between two hikes. Meeting other vanlife enthusiasts and chatting around a campfire...
It sounds a bit cliché, but I've had all these experiences during my cross-country trips by van.
Such a joy, this feeling of freedom!
But be careful, the "not booking ahead and stopping when you feel like it" only works outside of tourists season 
In July-August, I don't recommend renting a van without booking ahead. You'll find yourself faced with full campgrounds, and may end up spending the night in a Walmart parking lot... Which works in a pinch, but it's not my idea of vanlife.
#2- Because it's easy to manoeuvre
Really! Nothing like the RV we had for our Quebec family road trip (which I didn't want to drive).
Driving a van is like driving a "big" car.
And when you take a trip into the city, a van is much easier to park than a RV.
More time, less stress.
#3- It's an economical choice
Generally speaking, renting a van will cost you less than renting a RV.
Moreover, the gas consumption is lower.
On average, a van consumes between 9 and 13 litres / 100 km, while a RV consumes between 25 and 35 litres / 100 km.
If you have a small budget, you can save a few dollars when travelling in Quebec by stopping in a "village relais", where it is authorized to park overnight.
So, have I succeeded in transmitting my love of #vanlife to you?
If you have any questions or experiences of van travel in Canada to share, don't hesitate to leave a comment below!
An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!
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