Go RVing Canada wants to share the Gift of Canada with Canadians through the joys of RVing. Check out reality television personality and presenter Ricky Forbes’ exclusive experience RVing across Canada, below.
The duo witnessed the Gift of Canada and, together, they experienced Canada through the joys of RVing. This road trip allowed them to fully immerse themselves in Canada’s incredible landscapes. Since Forbes is an avid outdoors enthusiast, the chance to embark on a four-day journey from his hometown in Saskatoon to Crescent Falls in Alberta with Taco was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Check out Ricky Forbes’ full experience below including some of his favourite moments, why RVing across Canada is a must-try, and his go-to tips for planning a road trip.
What made you want to get involved with the big brothers and sisters program?
I’ve been very fortunate to have many great mentors in my life, people who have given me their time, and it only felt right to pass that along. What I didn’t know is how much joy this program would bring to my life. My little buddy, Taco, is smart, kind, super funny, and up for any adventure. He shows me a side of life I wouldn’t see otherwise. Best decision I’ve made was joining this program.
What made you choose the locations that you did for your road trip with Taco?
Prior to the pandemic, I would see Taco every week so there was a lot of time in-person lost between the two of us. Ever since showing Taco photos of when I visited Crescent Falls with my parents, he had a strong desire to visit one day himself. Being a part for so long, I wanted to make up for lost time and do something he’d never forget – a surprise RV trip across the Prairies was just that.
Growing up I used to go on RV trips all the time with my parents and so I wanted to pass along that adventure and passion for the outdoors to Taco, who had yet to be on an RV trip himself. As a storm chaser, I’ve ventured throughout the country, and being from the Prairies myself, I knew some of the most see places that I knew he would love and would showcase the Gift of Canada and all that we have in our own backyard.
What was a highlight of your road trip?
You know, normally I would tell you it was Taco’s face seeing the waterfalls, or canoeing an epic mountain lake with Taco, but on this trip, it was little things. Taco beat me at skipping rocks, he really did, and I have not heard the end of that, and I love that. Slowing life down and making a meal with Taco in this amazing RV at our campsite and eating it outside, I will treasure that forever. All that said, the highlight was probably Taco’s marshmallow starting on fire, like a HUGE ball of fire, and we cried laughing. It was the little moments that definitely made the trip, which is one of the things I love most about getting outdoors and RVing. It’s an experience like no other.
Being in nature can be a therapeutic experience, what benefits do you experience when you’re on the road?
Life on the road is my absolute favorite. The incredible landscapes, the wildlife, the sunrises and sunsets, the spontaneous stops at whatever catches your eye… that’s the way to do life, enjoy the little things and explore what catches your interest. I also really enjoy getting to visit different communities and meet people from different walks of life. All of that is shared with friends and family, well it doesn’t get any better.
What is one of the most unique spots you’ve visited in Canada?
Yikes, this is a tough one! It’s like you’re asking me who my favorite kid is. I love the prairies, the oceans, and the mountains… but I do find myself pulled to forests and waterfalls. Two of my favorite forest stops are the old-growth Cedar forests – Cedar Walk near Revelstoke, BC, and Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island. For waterfalls, my fav spots are Crescent Falls, Grassi Lakes, Johnstons Canyon, Wapta Falls, and Nistowiak Falls.
What tips do you have for someone planning a road trip?
Every road trip you go on can be different, so planning may look different each time, especially when you’re first getting started and figuring out where you want to go. Go RVing Canada has a ton of sample itineraries on its website (GoRVing.ca) that span across the country, from the west coast to the east coast and everything in between. For those unsure where to go or how long to go for, I find these really helpful to spark some inspiration.
The website is also a great resource for those looking to gather more information on the RV lifestyle itself – from what type of unit fits your needs, to finding campgrounds and dealers, even getting started with packing lists and tips 101 for newcomers. Highly recommend checking it out – it has all the answers you need!
My last tip would be to take a camera. This is great for capturing those memories, and there is something about having a camera in hand that makes you look for the beauty in every moment.
Be sure to check out Go RVing Canada for more information on everything you need to plan and partake in the ultimate Canadian RV adventure. You can also read more stories from the road here.
Published by HOLR Magazine.