Livin’ in a van down by the river: the ultimate freedom, the endless open road, the Instagram-worthy sunsets... and the undeniable fact that at some point, you will pee in a bottle.

For years, the nomadic lifestyle has captured the imaginations of adventure seekers, minimalists, and anyone who has ever fantasized about escaping their 9-to-5 existence. There’s something undeniably romantic about the idea of waking up in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but the sound of waves crashing or birds chirping outside your perfectly converted van. But is it all as dreamy as it looks on social media? Let’s talk about the real pros and cons of van life—and why it might (or might not) be the adventure you’re looking for.

The Pros: Why Van Life is a Dream Come True

1. Freedom Like You’ve Never Known

Want to wake up on a beach one morning and a mountain pass the next? Done. Hate your neighbours? Drive away. Love a place so much you never want to leave? Stay. Van life means your home is wherever you park it, and that kind of freedom is intoxicating.

2. Say Goodbye to Rent (and Mortgage and Utility Bills)

Sure, a van build can be pricey, but once it’s set up, you can kiss your monthly rent goodbye. Instead of paying a landlord, your expenses shift to gas, maintenance, and the occasional campground fee. Many van lifers find that they actually spend less money overall—especially if they learn to budget wisely.

3. Minimalism at Its Best

When you live in a van, you learn real quick what you actually need in life. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot less than you think. Every item you own has to earn its place, which means less clutter, more intention, and a deeper appreciation for simplicity.

4. A Front Row Seat to Nature

National parks, hidden lakes, stunning coastal cliffs—you name it, and van lifers have camped there. No need for hotel bookings or overpriced Airbnbs. You’ll have a million-dollar view for the price of... well, nothing (if you know where to park).

The Cons: Why Van Life is Not Exactly a Fairytale

1. The Bathroom Situation is... Interesting

Unless you have a fancy composting toilet in your rig (and let’s be real, many don’t), you will become well acquainted with gas station bathrooms, truck stops, and the occasional shovel-and-hole method. Want a shower? Hope you’ve got a gym membership or a solid plan for public facilities.

2. Weather Can Be Your Best Friend or Worst Enemy

Summer heat can turn your van into an oven, and winter? Well, let’s just say Canadian van lifers don’t mess around. Insulation, proper heating, and strategic seasonal migration are all part of the game. Forget these, and you’re in for some very uncomfortable nights.

3. Storage Space is a Daily Puzzle

Where do you put your clothes? Your food? Your dog (if you have one)? Space is a precious commodity in a van, and unless you’re a Tetris master, you’ll spend a lot of time reorganizing your stuff.

4. Van Repairs Are Inevitable

Your van is your home, and like any home, it needs maintenance. The difference? When your house has a plumbing issue, you don’t have to check into a motel while it gets fixed. Flat tires, engine trouble, and electrical failures are all part of the deal.

5. Security Concerns

Living in a van means being hyper-aware of your surroundings. Parking overnight in unfamiliar areas can be risky, and break-ins are a real concern. Investing in strong locks, security cameras, and choosing safe overnight locations is crucial for personal safety and protecting your belongings.

Canadian Van Life: Extra Challenges and Extra Beauty

Living the van life in Canada brings its own set of unique joys and struggles. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. The seasons? Absolutely brutal. Winterizing your van is crucial if you plan to stick around during the colder months, and finding overnight parking in urban areas can be a challenge. But if you love road-tripping through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, Canada offers a van life experience like no other.

Some Favourite YouTube Van Life Channels to Inspire Your Journey

Looking to see van life in action? These YouTubers cover everything from van builds to daily realities on the road:

• Sara Dungo – Follow along with Sara’s travels in her 1991 Ford E350 van as she romanticizes the mundane.

• Living The Van Life – A deep dive into both the dreamy and not-so-glamorous aspects of van living.

• Vancomposer – A music composer living full time in a van.

• Victoria Rose - A traveller and cyberpunk adventurer! She’s always 100% real and sometimes real can be a struggle.

So, Is Van Life for You?

If you crave freedom, don’t mind a little discomfort, and love the idea of waking up in a new place every morning, then van life might just be your perfect adventure. But if you need consistent hot showers, an actual toilet, and reliable WiFi, maybe keep it as a vacation dream rather than a lifestyle. Either way, there’s no denying the magic of life on the road—just be ready for the ride of your life.

Would you try van life? Or are you more of a watch-others-do-it-on-YouTube kind of person?