Canadream RV rental

[hotspot]

Hi everyone,

I am considering renting from Canadream (Calgary location) for a week at the end of April. I cannot change the time frame.

It will be two of us, myself and my 24 year old son. He is outdoorsy, I am not, this seems it may be a fair compromise.

The vehicles I am looking at are either a cab over pick up truck, or a small converted van.

The aim is to explore the Canadian national parks, encompassing the Rockies.

Has anyone used this company before, or undertaken a similar trip?

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Passepartout]

Your comfort on an RV trip has much to do with the accessories included and your comfort in using them than in the vehicle itself. There was a thread last year by a TUGger who picked up a new RV from the factory (in MN?) and had a week or so to deliver nit to Las Vegas. But it was pretty bare bones. No Sewer hose, bedding, kitchen/bathroom cleaning supplies, minimal and hurried orientation on using all it's systems. I remember his report of flat tires and other road service issues. It struck me as more 'adventure' than I'd want as a first timer- and I've owned RVs and am well versed in driving cross country in oversized vehicles.

Jim

 

[bizaro86]

While I've never personally rented from Canadream, I'm somewhat familiar with them. I recall the thread mentioned above and a Canadream rental will be much smoother than that. You'd be picking up at their facility north of the city just past the airport, and it would be fully supplied with hoses and other necessities.

The end of April is a tad early for camping in Western Canada imo, and I live here. You shouldn't have trouble getting sites booked, although there may be some campgrounds that don't open until May. Canadream is probably a better option than some of the other choices for this (cruise canada) because IIRC Canadream winterized their RVs. I have a friend who rents one every winter and parks at the bottom of the various ski hills...

On option to consider is (if you're flying) pick up in Calgary and drop in Vancouver. That gives you different scenery on each end of the trip.

If you're looking for a compromise, a hotel in Calgary or Vancouver at either end of the trip would likely reduce the cost per night.

 

[Tacoma]

I'm with bizaro it is early for a camping trip in Canada. It will be cold and most people will not like that. I would go with hotels or timeshares (Canmore has availability at worldmark) or airbnb. You could do Canmore/Banff up to Jasper back down to highway one and stop where you want. This is low season so cost of accommodations should be reasonable.

I think the Canadream idea is awesome for later in the season or large families that can't share one bedroom places. For 2 people I would go for the comfort of central heating.

Joan

 

[sue1947]

Make sure you understand what you are getting into. If your son is into winter activities, he'll have things to do. A non-outdoorsy person might be pretty bored as things wind down from skiing before things melt out for summer. The ski areas are open until late May.
In the mountains of the west, late April is still winter. As an example, Lake Louise will be frozen over and the trails will be snow covered so cross country skiing or snow shoeing is an option. The road to Moraine Lake, the Bow Valley Parkway and most other side roads will still be closed as are the campgrounds in Banff and Yoho. It can be beautiful, but different and requires more gear and preparation.

Sue

 

[hotspot]

Thanks everyone for your replies, especially the Calgarians, your input is invaluable. I too think it is early for this type of trip, but this is the only time available. My son will be in Calgary on business, and can delay his return, so I would be able to fly out and meet him.
I would love to be able to spend that time with him (all mommies are grateful when they are willing to vacation with us!) but I have to be realistic, not the best time for outdoor activities in Canada.
Thanks!