Shipping an RV from Vancouver to Edmonton covers roughly 1,159 km and takes 3–5 business days, with costs ranging from $800 to $2,300+ CAD depending on the transport method you choose. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes can all be moved on this corridor via tow-away, drive-away, or flatdeck transport, with pricing driven mainly by RV size, weight, and whether the unit is towed or hauled.
Route at a Glance
| Distance | 1159 km |
| Estimated Transit Time | 3–5 business days |
| Estimated Cost | $800–$2,300+ CAD (varies by transport method) |
| Route | Highway 1/Coquihalla to Kamloops, then the Yellowhead Highway 16 into Edmonton. |
Shipping an RV From Vancouver to Edmonton
The Vancouver-to-Edmonton corridor is one of the busiest RV transport routes in Western Canada, connecting Metro Vancouver's dense population of RV owners and dealerships with Edmonton's role as a staging point for trips into the Rockies, northern Alberta, and the Prairies. Over a distance of 1,159 km, a typical shipment takes 3 to 5 business days door-to-door, though tow-away service on a dedicated truck can sometimes complete the run in 2 to 3 days if the driver isn't consolidating multiple loads. Expect to pay somewhere between $800 CAD for a small, light travel trailer moved on a shared or backhaul run, up to $2,300 CAD or more for a large Class A motorhome or a non-running unit that requires specialized flatdeck equipment.
Red Foot Haulers moves RVs of every class along this route — travel trailers, fifth wheels, truck campers, Class A/B/C motorhomes, and toy haulers — and works with private sellers, dealerships, and snowbirds relocating a unit between BC and Alberta. If you're comparing this corridor against other lanes across the country, our RV shipping hub page breaks down pricing and timelines nationally, and our RV hauling companies in Canada guide explains how to vet a carrier before you sign a bill of lading.
Tow-Away vs. Drive-Away vs. Standard Vehicle Shipping
There isn't a single "RV shipping" method — the right option depends on what kind of unit you have and whether it can safely move under its own power or a hitch. On the Vancouver–Edmonton lane, three methods cover almost every scenario:
- Tow-away service — A professional driver hitches your travel trailer or fifth wheel to a company-owned tow vehicle and drives it the full 1,159 km as a dedicated or partially consolidated load. This is the most common and usually the most economical method for trailers in good working condition.
- Drive-away service — Used for motorhomes (Class A, B, and C). A licensed, insured driver operates your motorhome directly, treating it as its own vehicle rather than a towed load. Pricing reflects driver time, fuel, and the extra insurance coverage required to operate a large, self-propelled unit.
- Flatdeck / standard vehicle transport — Used for non-operable RVs, units with damaged axles or tires, very high-value or fragile trailers, or any RV the owner doesn't want touching pavement under tow. The unit is loaded and secured on a flatdeck trailer and hauled as freight, similar to standard vehicle shipping.
| Method | Best For | Typical Cost (Vancouver–Edmonton) | Typical Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tow-away | Travel trailers, fifth wheels under ~35 ft, roadworthy | $800 – $1,400 CAD | 3–4 business days |
| Drive-away | Class A/B/C motorhomes, drivable condition | $1,200 – $1,900 CAD | 3–5 business days |
| Flatdeck / standard transport | Non-operable units, luxury/fragile trailers, damaged axles | $1,700 – $2,300+ CAD | 4–5 business days |
If what you actually need moved is a car rather than a recreational vehicle, our dedicated Vancouver to Edmonton car shipping page covers sedans, trucks, and SUVs on this same corridor with its own pricing structure.
The Route: Coquihalla to the Yellowhead
Understanding the actual road your RV travels helps explain both the transit time and the cost. From Vancouver, carriers head east on Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley, climbing into the mountains via the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) toward Kamloops. The Coquihalla is a steep, high-elevation route with long grades, and in winter months it can see significant snowfall — a factor that affects both scheduling and driver caution when hauling a tall, wind-sensitive trailer or motorhome.
From Kamloops, the route picks up the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16), which runs northeast through Alberta's foothills country — passing through Jasper National Park, Hinton, and Edson before descending onto the Prairies and into Edmonton. The Yellowhead corridor is well-maintained and heavily used by commercial freight, but mountain sections through Jasper can involve wildlife on the roadway, reduced speed zones, and — outside of summer — icy patches at higher elevations. A driver hauling a fifth wheel or motorhome through this stretch typically builds in extra time compared to a flat prairie run of the same distance, which is part of why the 3–5 business day window has some spread rather than a fixed number.
Once through Jasper and into Edson and Whitecourt-adjacent stretches of Highway 16, the terrain flattens considerably and the final approach into Edmonton is straightforward highway driving, usually completed in a single day from an overnight stop near Hinton or Edson.
What Affects Your Cost
The $800–$2,300+ CAD range on this corridor isn't arbitrary — it reflects several variables that any reputable carrier will walk you through before quoting a firm price:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| RV length & weight | A 22-ft travel trailer costs meaningfully less to move than a 40-ft fifth wheel or Class A — longer, heavier units need larger tow vehicles or dedicated flatdecks. |
| Operable vs. non-operable | A unit that can be towed or driven normally is always cheaper than one requiring loading equipment, cranes, or specialized flatdeck handling. |
| Season | Spring and fall are peak snowbird and RV-relocation seasons on this route; winter shipments through the Coquihalla and Jasper can add cost due to weather-related scheduling delays. |
| Dedicated vs. consolidated load | A dedicated truck moving only your RV is faster but pricier; a consolidated or backhaul load (shared with other freight heading the same direction) is slower but cheaper. |
| Pickup/drop-off flexibility | Door-to-door service in both Vancouver and Edmonton costs more than meeting a driver at a fixed terminal or depot near the highway. |
| Insurance & declared value | Higher-value RVs (new luxury fifth wheels, Class A diesel pushers) require higher cargo insurance coverage, which is reflected in the quoted rate. |
A concrete example: a 24-ft travel trailer in good condition, picked up in Surrey and dropped in south Edmonton on a consolidated tow-away load, might land near $850–$950 CAD. A 38-ft diesel Class A motorhome requiring a dedicated drive-away driver door-to-door in Sherwood Park could run $1,800–$2,200 CAD. A non-operable fifth wheel with a seized axle needing flatdeck pickup from a storage yard in Chilliwack could push past $2,300 CAD once loading equipment and extra handling time are factored in.
Before You Book: Preparation Checklist
A smooth pickup in Vancouver and a clean delivery in Edmonton both depend on prep work done before the carrier arrives. Run through this checklist:
- Confirm operable status honestly — tell the carrier upfront if tires, brakes, or the hitch/axle assembly have any issues; this determines whether tow-away is even possible or if flatdeck is required.
- Check tire condition and pressure — trailers sitting for months often have dry-rotted or under-inflated tires; a blowout mid-transit causes delays and potential damage.
- Secure or remove loose interior items — cabinets, drawers, slide-out contents, and anything not bolted down should be packed away or removed to prevent shifting damage over 1,159 km of highway and mountain driving.
- Retract slide-outs and awnings — confirm all slides are fully in and locked, and awnings are rolled and secured before the driver arrives.
- Disconnect propane and secure appliances — turn off propane at the tank and secure fridge doors, cabinet latches, and any exterior storage compartments.
- Gather documentation — have your registration, ownership papers, and any lien information ready, along with photo ID matching the name on the booking.
- Photograph the RV from all angles — timestamped photos of the exterior, roof (if accessible), tires, and any existing damage protect you if a damage claim is ever needed.
- Confirm pickup/delivery addresses accommodate large vehicles — narrow residential streets or low-clearance areas in Vancouver or Edmonton may require meeting the driver at a nearby lot instead.
- Ask about the transport contract's liability terms — understand what's covered under cargo insurance versus what falls to your own RV insurance policy during transit.
Other Popular Routes
If Vancouver-to-Edmonton isn't your exact route, Red Foot Haulers also handles nearby and cross-country corridors, including Chilliwack to Edmonton RV shipping, Halifax to Edmonton RV shipping, and Toronto to Edmonton RV shipping.
FAQ
What is the best way to ship an RV from Vancouver to Edmonton?
Tow-away service for travel trailers and fifth wheels, professional drive-away for motorhomes, or flatdeck transport for non-operable or luxury units — Red Foot Haulers offers all three between Vancouver and Edmonton depending on your RV type.
How much does it cost to ship an RV from Vancouver to Edmonton?
Roughly $800–$2,300+ CAD depending on whether you choose drive-away towing, flatbed transport, or standard vehicle shipping.
How are travel trailers shipped?
Travel trailers are typically towed directly (tow-away service) by a professional driver, or loaded onto a flatdeck trailer for non-operable or delicate units.
How much does it cost to import an RV from the USA to Canada?
Red Foot Haulers ships within Canada only. Importing an RV from the USA involves separate customs, RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) registration, and inspection steps beyond domestic transport — contact the CBSA or RIV directly for that process.