When you picture the Canadian Rockies, it’s likely that places like Banff, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway come to mind — all iconic for good reason. But experiencing them by RV takes the beauty to another level. In their latest YouTube episode, Brian and Michelle from Livin’ Our Vision take us on a journey from the rolling roads north of Waterton Lakes to the alpine heart of Alberta’s first national park. This post distills their adventure — with essential RV tips, hidden stops, and a showcase of why Grech RVs are perfectly suited to journeys like these.
Where the Journey Begins: From Waterton to Banff
After exploring Waterton Lakes National Park (covered in this post), Brian and Michelle continued northward along Alberta’s scenic highways. Following the TransCanada Highway (AB-1), they stopped for a night at the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino, a dry camping spot that’s free for the first two nights and just 36 minutes from Banff.
With open views and a smooth check-in process, it’s the kind of location seasoned RVers love to find — unassuming, quiet, and ideally placed for staging your arrival into Banff National Park.
Exploring Off the Route: Harvest Hosts & Hidden Gems
Before reaching Banff, they detoured to a stunning Harvest Hosts location in the middle of meadows and peaks. Though fully booked, it was worth the stop — showcasing why Harvest Hosts is more than just a platform; it’s a philosophy of discovering the soul of a place through local partnerships and off-grid charm.
Tip: If your Harvest Host shows full, call anyway. Hosts often accommodate last-minute travelers, especially during weekdays.
Arriving in Banff: Gateway to the Rockies
Banff is a place where alpine town culture meets untamed wilderness — and for RVers, it offers both proximity and parking, if you plan well. The duo visited the Banff Visitor Centre to get maps and guidance, eventually securing a nearby first-come-first-serve site.
They also discovered a municipal RV dump station on Hawk Avenue, where you can empty tanks for just $10 CAD. The center of Banff is walkable and compact, with restaurants, cafés, outfitters, and stunning views of Mount Rundle and Cascade.
What to Do in Banff by RV
- Gondola Ride to Sulphur Mountain: A must-do experience, this scenic ride offers soaring views and an observation deck at 7,000 feet. Buy tickets in advance to avoid peak season lines.
- Moraine Lake Shuttle: Because you cannot drinve in a personal vehicle, you’ll need to book a Parks Canada shuttle or guided tour to access this iconic lake. Plan well ahead — these sell out early.
- Rockpile Trail: Once at Moraine Lake, climb this short trail for the iconic panoramic view of the turquoise waters and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
- Cave and Basin Historic Site: A national historic location where you can explore the origins of Canada’s national parks system.
- Downtown Banff: Boutiques, chocolatiers, maple goods, espresso, and high-end outdoor gear make the town itself a destination.
RV Tips for the Banff Area
- Campgrounds fill fast. Banff’s reservable sites are often booked out weeks in advance. Look for first-come, first-served options and call ahead the day you plan to arrive.
- Shuttles over self-driving. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise require shuttle bookings — there is no RV access permitted.
- Expect changing weather. Even in summer, bring layers. At Moraine Lake, Brian and Michelle were layering up at 6,200 feet above sea level.
- Use Banff’s facilities. The town is well-equipped for RVers, with accessible dump stations and refill areas, making it a convenient hub between remote camping stops.
From Banff to Moraine Lake: The Grand Finale
Moraine Lake isn’t just photogenic — it’s profoundly moving in person. Fed by glaciers and filled with light-reflecting rock flour, its surreal turquoise color looks more painted than real.
Standing atop the rock pile viewpoint, Brian and Michelle captured one of Canada’s most iconic scenes — famously featured on the back of the old $20 bill.
“This is a place where you feel small in the best way,” they reflect. It’s the perfect punctuation mark on their Banff chapter, before heading north up the Icefields Parkway toward Jasper.
Why Grech RVs Are Perfect for Journeys Like This
When every stop on your journey includes elevation, uncertain weather, off-grid options, and tightly packed lots — the right RV makes all the difference. For those reasons, the Grech RV’s luxury lineup — including the Strada, the Turismo, and the Terreno —makes you ready to meet the Rockies with grace.
Key features include:
- 16,896Wh Lithionics® 51V battery for reliable off-grid energy
- Grech Power™ system — quietly supporting your travels without shore power
- Garmin® digital command center — intuitive control at your fingertips
- Air suspension for a cloudlike ride across rough roads
- Timberline® diesel heating for comfort at elevation
- Luxury interiors crafted with precision and flow for life on the road
Whether you’re overnighting at a vineyard, camping near a glacier, or cruising alpine highways, a Grech RV makes the journey as rewarding as the destination.
For questions, model comparisons, or availability check the inventory or, call us at 855-994-7324 or email: Sales@GrechRV.com.
From Their Vision to Yours
When you watch Brian and Michelle’s travels you see spontaneity, scenic detours, and the reliability of a capable RV. With this in mind, their week in Banff reaffirmed what RVers already know; it’s not just about reaching beautiful places, it’s about doing it your way.
And with destinations like Banff, Moraine Lake, Jasper, and the Icefields Parkway all within reach, there’s never been a better time to take your Grech RV north.
