FAQ's
How old do you have to be to rent a vehicle and do you have license restrictions?
Renters must be 25 years or older with a valid full driver’s license and good driving record in your country. No Learners Permits, early-stage “Graduated Licenses” or “N” Novice licenses are accepted. There is a license verification check required once the rental is confirmed.
What is your cancellation policy?
The reservation deposit (25% of full trip cost) is non-refundable. If you’ve paid in full and the booking is canceled more than 7 days prior to your rental start date, a partial refund of 75% of the full rental amount (minus fees) will be issued. If you cancel your trip less than 7 days prior to booking start date, a partial refund of 50% of the total rental amount (minus fees) will be issued.
What if I have mechanical issues?
In the event of any mechanical issues you may have, please, contact Nomadic Rigs immediately. We will provide you the best support we can to solve it out and get you back on the road.
Where can I drive my rental and camp?
You are free to travel within Canada and the continental USA including Alaska. We can recommend some wild camping or boondocking areas but also keeping to the recreational, private, provincial or national campsites across the continent.
Are there any mileage restrictions?
Before your trip, hit up Google Maps to get an idea of how many km's you'll be travelling. You get 150km (or 120 miles) per day included with the vehicle, but if you think you'll exceed that, you should evaluate beforehand if you'll need to purchase additional mileage packs. These need to be added at the time of booking and Nomadic Rigs would calculate any overages once the vehicle is returned which would be added to the final invoice.
Can I go off roading?
While our campers are very suitable for rugged terrain and exploring more remote areas, driving off-road is still at your own risk. The insurance policy options do not cover accidents that occur when driving off maintained roads. This includes rock crawling, dune driving and moderate-to-difficult 4x4 trails. If you travel into a restricted area and get stuck or encounter a maintenance issue you are responsible for any expenses related to the damage (vehicle, tires, and windshield, etc,), as well as towing charges and any additional expenses related to getting the rental vehicle back onto paved roads. Please contact us if you have any questions about where you can or cannot travel.
What is off-season vs. high-season?
Off-season rates: Oct 1 - Apr 30
High-season rates: May 1 - Sept 30
Can I smoke in the vehicle or camper?
No smoking is allowed in the camper or truck. Smoke odours in returned vehicle will result in additional fees $500.
Are pets allowed?
Each vehicle is cleaned from top to bottom. We allow one dog to ride along and ask that the cleanliness of the vehicle be respected. If this is abused an excess cleaning fee of $100 will be applied.
STORIES FROM THE ROAD
The Vancouver Island Grand Loop: A 10-Day Spring Truck Camper Itinerary
Vancouver Island is a world unto itself. From ancient old-growth rainforests and endless sandy beaches to rugged surf towns and quiet coastal communities, it is the ultimate playground for a truck camper adventure.
While summer brings heavy ferry traffic and booked-out campsites, spring on Vancouver Island is pure magic. At Nomadic Rigs, we’ve designed the ultimate 10-day spring road trip loop: Vancouver to Victoria, up the coast to Parksville, across to the wild west coast of Tofino and Ucluelet, north to Campbell River, and back to the mainland via Powell River and the Sunshine Coast.
Why Spring is the Best Time for Vancouver Island
1. Storm Watching & Surf: Early spring on the west coast (Tofino/Ucluelet) offers dramatic, moody weather perfect for storm watching from the cozy, heated interior of your hard-sided Nomadic Rig. The spring surf swell is also world-class.
2. No Ferry Nightmares: Summer ferry waits can eat up half your travel day. In spring, ferry traffic is highly manageable, making island hopping a breeze.
3. Whale Watching Season: Spring marks the return of the Pacific Gray Whales migrating up the coast. March and April are prime viewing months in Tofino and Ucluelet.
4. Lush Rainforests: The temperate rainforests of Cathedral Grove and the Pacific Rim are at their most vibrant, emerald green during the damp spring months.
5. Campsite Freedom: Snagging a beachfront spot at Pacific Rim National Park or a quiet river spot in Qualicum is infinitely easier before the July rush.
The 10-Day Grand Loop Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver to Victoria
Take your Nomadic Rig on the BC Ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.
•Must-Do Stop: Drive the scenic coastal route along Dallas Road into downtown Victoria. Grab coffee and explore the Inner Harbour.
•Hidden Gem: Mystic Beach (a bit further west on the Juan de Fuca trail). A short hike through the forest reveals a beach with a waterfall dropping directly into the ocean.
•Camping: Goldstream Provincial Park (just north of Victoria).
Day 2: Victoria to Parksville & Qualicum Beach
Head north on the Island Highway (Hwy 19) toward the sheltered eastern coast.
•Must-Do Stop: The Malahat Drive viewpoint for sweeping views of the Saanich Inlet.
•Hidden Gem: Coombs Old Country Market. Yes, there are actual goats living on the grass roof! Grab some incredible local groceries for the camper fridge.
•Camping: Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park or Cedar Grove RV Park.
Day 3: Parksville to Ucluelet
Turn west onto Highway 4, crossing the mountainous spine of the island toward the rugged Pacific coast.
•Must-Do Stop: Cathedral Grove (MacMillan Provincial Park). Walk among giant Douglas fir trees, some over 800 years old.
•Hidden Gem: Little Qualicum Falls. Often overlooked in the rush to the west coast, these spectacular falls are roaring in the spring.
•Camping: Surf Junction Campground in Ucluelet.
Day 4: Ucluelet (The Wild Coast)
Ucluelet is Tofino's quieter, more rugged sibling.
•Must-Do Stop: The Wild Pacific Trail (Lighthouse Loop). A breathtaking coastal trail where you can watch spring waves crash against the black rocks.
•Hidden Gem: Ucluelet Aquarium. A catch-and-release aquarium that is incredibly interactive and perfect for a rainy spring afternoon.
•Camping: Stay a second night at Surf Junction or move to Wya Point Resort.
Day 5: Tofino (Surf & Sand)
Drive 30 minutes north through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to Tofino.
•Must-Do Stop: Long Beach. Miles of hard-packed sand perfect for a misty spring walk or a surf session.
•Hidden Gem: Cox Bay Lookout. A muddy, unmarked trail at the end of Cox Bay leads to the best panoramic view in Tofino. (Wear good boots in the spring!)
•Camping: Bella Pacifica Campground or Crystal Cove Beach Resort.
Day 6: Tofino to Campbell River
Leave the west coast and head back east, then push north toward the "Salmon Capital of the World."
•Must-Do Stop: Elk Falls Provincial Park. A suspension bridge hangs high over a thundering waterfall—absolutely spectacular in the spring.
•Hidden Gem: The Campbell River Potholes (near Oyster River). A local secret featuring smooth rock pools carved by the river.
•Camping: Elk Falls Provincial Park campground.
Day 7: Campbell River to Powell River (The Sunshine Coast)
Take the ferry from Comox (just south of Campbell River) across the Strait of Georgia to Powell River on the mainland's Sunshine Coast.
•Must-Do Stop: Townsite Brewing in Powell River. Located in a historic federal building, it’s the perfect spot to grab a growler for the camper.
•Hidden Gem: Willingdon Beach. A great spot to park the rig, make dinner, and watch the sunset over the island you just left.
•Camping: Willingdon Beach Campsite or Saltery Bay Provincial Park.
Day 8: Exploring Powell River & Lund
Drive to the very end of Highway 101 to the tiny, picturesque village of Lund.
•Must-Do Stop: Nancy's Bakery in Lund for their famous blackberry cinnamon buns.
•Hidden Gem: Desolation Sound. Rent a kayak or take a spring boat tour into this pristine marine park.
•Camping: SunLund By-The-Sea Campground.
Day 9: Powell River to the Lower Sunshine Coast
Take the ferry from Saltery Bay to Earls Cove, entering the lower Sunshine Coast.
•Must-Do Stop: Skookumchuck Narrows. Time your hike with the changing of the tide to see massive standing waves and whirlpools form in the inlet.
•Hidden Gem: Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park. A beautiful, mossy coastal hike that feels like a fairy tale in the spring dampness.
•Camping: Porpoise Bay Provincial Park.
Day 10: Gibsons to West Vancouver
Catch the final ferry from Langdale back to Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver).
•Must-Do Stop: Persephone Brewing in Gibsons for a final pint and wood-fired pizza before catching the ferry.
•The Return: Drive your Nomadic Rig off the ferry at Horseshoe Bay and take the scenic final 30 minutes back into Vancouver to complete the grand loop.
If you are ready to book your fall adventure with Nomadic Rigs get in touch with us today!
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