Karma Campervans | Family Fun Calgary

Why do we feel the need to get away? Visiting interesting places, taking a break from routine, and showing our kids the places we love … yes, yes, and yes! Travelling with kids opens the world to us. The time away from everyday distractions nourishes family bonds as you face new challenges and enchantments. So when we heard that Karma Campervans wanted to let Calgary families know how great van life is, we were here for it!

Well, most of us were here for it. Our two oldest teenagers are working out of the province this summer, leaving Mom and Dad and the youngest teenager, a bonafide city kid who disapproves of camping. We started planning our food lists and what campgrounds should be our destination.

“Wait a minute,” the youngest teenager exclaimed. “This sounds a lot like camping! You just sleep in a van. Do I actually have to come?!”

Yes, yes you do, because we’re nourishing family bonds while your siblings are away,

Don’t get me wrong — even though we’ve always been tent campers, it’s not because I love it, either. It’s more a means to an end because I’m a traveller at heart. But who can argue with the camaraderie of sitting around a fire surrounded by Canada’s gorgeous landscapes? Plus, stepping out of my tent into the intoxicating morning air and having someone silently hand me a coffee … that’s pretty much my love language.

Silence and coffee are my daughter’s love languages, too.

That means I’m the one staring longingly at all the campervans on every camping trip. They seemed to have everything I needed (beds and coffee), plus the freedom to roam at will. You can imagine how thrilled I was to partner with Karma Campervans! I knew it was my destiny.

What to Expect

Karma Campervans have 2-seater and 4-seater options, designed with everything you need. The cozy ‘modern-rustic’ interior in an ‘off-grid’ campervan keeps you comfortable while offering the freedom you crave. Plus, pick up was a breeze and you can drop off anytime on your last day, without worrying about time.

Our 4-seater van had 2 queen beds, with bedding, pillows, and a warm duvet. A small kitchen galley had plenty of storage with a butcher block countertop, plus the van was equipped with cookware and dishes for 4 people, washing and drying cloths, dish soap, and multi-purpose cleaner. There was a cooler, a portable 2-burner propane stove to use outside, a portable folding table, and a small garbage can. The kitchen sink had 5-gallon fresh water and 5-gallon grey water storage containers, which was so convenient. All we had to do was pack our suitcases and food and hit the road!

We love to find the iconic red chairs!

What I Loved

There are so many things to love about Karma Campervans, so these are in no particular order.

Except maybe this first one is the best. Setting up and tearing down a tent and beds is almost enough to put me off camping forever. But this was so easy. The setup involved a few minutes of placing the window covers on the windows. And then we crawled into bed. Leaving in the morning was so quick — no sleeping bags to roll up and no tent to tear down.
Okay, this one is great, too. We had a good sleep after a busy day of playing. I didn’t freeze at night. (And there’s a heater, if you need it, for year-round camping.) The window covers made it dark enough that I didn’t wake up with the birds. And speaking of birds, their incessant, early morning cheerfulness barely penetrated the quiet of the van. Plus, I didn’t worry about bears even once. Now I sound like a city kid.
One night when it rained, we had a cozy time reading and hanging out in the van. The front passenger seat swivels and the multi-zone LED lights add great ambiance.
There were all kinds of little conveniences. The USB plugs for our phones were in good locations and I enjoyed the LED reading lights in bed. Hooks on the wall were perfect for wet towels, a mirror let me see how messy my hair was before leaving the van, and a small hand broom kept things tidy.
Incidentally, the youngest teenager even had a good time, camping and outhouses, notwithstanding.
She volunteered to do the dishes! #vanlifemagic

With 7 locations in Canada, Karma Campervans offer the whole country to explore, and their add-ons make it easy for those who want to fly into a specific location and then road trip. You can add a small fridge to your rental if you want more than a cooler. Or add a hammock, camping chairs, a portable toilet, or a solar shower. You can even add on towels if you’re travelling light!

Before you go, look at Karma Campervans’ website, filled with helpful information, including a packing list. We recommend packing in duffel bags, rather than suitcases and then unpacking into the van. It’s a more efficient way to manage your stuff on the go. Don’t forget to stop for ice for the cooler. Then it’s to hit the road!

Wherever you roam, it’s a chance to see the world through new eyes. The wind in your hair, catchy tunes, and great snacks — good road trips are the stuff of legend! I was made for this moment.