RVing is having a moment in Canada. More than two million Canadian households own an RV, and a recent domestic travel survey found nearly 45 per cent of Canadians who've never tried it are keen to. The appeal is obvious: no airports, no luggage limits, and the freedom to chase fall colours or winter wildlife on your own schedule. Go RVing Canada has flagged five shoulder-season trips that show why the months outside peak summer might be the best time to roll.

Start with Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, where the Highway 60 corridor passes through some of the country's finest fall foliage. The park is home to thousands of moose, making it one of the most reliable places in Canada to spot one. Ambassador Jennifer Gilbert recommends booking three to four nights at one of the park's campgrounds so you can park the rig and explore on foot without worrying about your belongings.

On the west coast, Vancouver Island delivers a different kind of wildlife show. Early fall brings orcas, humpback whales and sea lions along the rugged coastline, and Go RVing Canada has a seven-day itinerary that strings together Victoria, surf towns, rainforest and mountains. Ambassador Maud Hebert visits twice a year and still finds new spots, from waterfalls to quiet beaches, plus the option of ferrying to smaller islands.

In Alberta, Elk Island National Park is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve where rolling hills, dark night skies and one of Canada's best chances of seeing wild bison await — both plains and wood bison live there, along with other rare and threatened species.

East coast fans should point the rig at Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park pairs coastal scenery with wildlife watching — bald eagles included. Ambassador Karen Laws recommends Battery Park, a quiet campground with just 52 well-spaced sites and limits on trailer length to keep things peaceful.

The wildest pick is the Magdalen Islands, a Quebec archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence reached by ferry, with six main islands linked by Route 199. Winter is arguably the best time to go: that's when seal pups appear on the ice with their mothers. Bring a long lens.

If you're new to RVing, the shoulder season is the sweet spot — fewer crowds, pleasant weather and nature doing its most photogenic work. Non-owners can rent, and Go RVing Canada offers free planning guides and itineraries. The organisation has also launched the Wildhood Collection of outdoor apparel, with 10 per cent of proceeds going to the Canadian Wildlife Federation — a fitting tie-in for trips built around moose, bison, whales and seals.

Whether you're travelling solo, with friends or with the whole family, these five routes prove you don't need a plane ticket for a memorable trip — just a full fuel tank and a flexible itinerary.