If you’re dreaming of a slower pace by the sea, long-term RV living on the Sunshine Coast is a great match. You get the best of both worlds: quiet forested spaces and the practical stuff you need day to day. Shops, fuel, healthcare and hardware are close, but you’re still surrounded by beaches, tall trees and that salty air that makes everything feel a bit calmer. Ferries connect the Coast to the mainland, so friends and family can visit without fuss, and you can nip over to Vancouver when needed.
Let’s set clear expectations from the start. Long-term RV life here isn’t a holiday park vibe 24/7. It’s real life, just in a different shape. You’ll plan for seasons, manage your power smartly, and keep your rig comfortable in damp coastal weather. You’ll also meet neighbours who’ve chosen the same lifestyle — remote workers, semi-retired couples, tradespeople on projects, and families testing tiny living. It’s friendly, practical and down to earth.
Daily living is straightforward once you’ve got your basics sorted. Your site provides power, water and sewer connections, plus simple comforts like laundry and gym access. Mail delivery means you can handle normal admin without chasing parcels around. Internet and cable keep work and entertainment steady. You bring the rest: tidy wiring, good hoses, a sensible power plan, and a small toolkit for quick fixes. Think of it like a compact home you can maintain with simple routines.
Weather-wise, the Coast is mild compared to much of Canada, but you’ll still plan for rain and cool, damp spells, especially in winter. That means paying attention to condensation and airflow, choosing a safe heating setup, and using skirting or draft control so your space stays warm without wasting power. None of this is complicated — it’s just about doing a few small things well, consistently.
You’ll also want a realistic idea of costs before you commit. Monthly expenses here usually include your site fee, electricity (based on your usage), and small extras like laundry, streaming, and any storage you need. The power piece matters: if you understand the difference between 30A and 50A service, balance your loads, and avoid running everything at once, you can keep bills sensible while staying comfortable. We’ll break this down clearly in the power and cost sections so there are no surprises.
Finally, getting around is simple once you’ve done it once. The ferry crossing is routine for RVs, and local roads to Halfmoon Bay are easy to handle at a relaxed speed. If you’re new to the area, have a quick look at regional info from Sunshine Coast Tourism to get a feel for the local rhythm: https://sunshinecoastcanada.com — it’ll help you plan shopping runs, rainy-day ideas, and weekend adventures.
In short, long-term RV living here is about comfort, routine and community. You don’t need fancy gear or endless upgrades. You need a solid setup, a sensible power habit, and a plan for damp weather. In the next sections, we’ll cover costs, power (30A vs 50A and safe load use), winter comfort, and a step-by-step setup checklist so you can settle in smoothly and enjoy coastal life from week one.
When you plan long-term RV living on the Sunshine Coast, think in simple buckets. Your monthly spend usually falls into five parts: site, electricity, connectivity/TV, laundry & incidentals, and extras (storage, small upgrades, pet bits, ferry trips).
Your pad fee covers the space itself plus access to services (power, water, sewer) and on-site amenities like laundry and the gym. Exact figures depend on pad type, season, and availability. If you’re comparing options, weigh up:
Pad size & access: Longer rigs and slide-outs appreciate wider clearance and easier reversing angles.
Amps available: If you run multiple high-draw appliances, a 50A service gives more headroom than 30A.
Location perks: Shade, proximity to trails, and short walks to laundry or mail can be worth paying for.
Tip: Ask for a rough banded quote by season and pad type when you enquire, so you can compare apples with apples.
Your electricity cost depends on what you run and for how long. A few practical points:
Heating is the big swing factor. One or two electric heaters can add up in winter. If you use electric heat, run them wisely and consider draft control/skirting to reduce waste.
Kitchen habits matter. Air fryers, kettles and microwaves draw short bursts; they’re fine, just avoid stacking them with heaters on the same circuit.
Balance your loads. On 30A, avoid running the A/C, space heater, and microwave all at once. On 50A you’ve more headroom, but smart habits still save money.
A simple way to estimate power use:
List your top appliances (e.g., heater 1.5 kW, dehumidifier 0.3 kW, kettle 2.0 kW).
Multiply kW × hours/day × days/month to get kWh/month.
Multiply kWh by the current electricity rate to estimate cost. For general guidance on rates and how billing works, see BC Hydro: https://www.bchydro.com/
Quick saver: use a programmable thermostat on heaters, and run a dehumidifier on a timer. Dry air feels warmer and reduces condensation.
Internet: Most residents pair site Wi-Fi/cable access with their own hotspot or router for work calls. Keep a backup plan if you rely on video meetings.
Streaming/TV: Your usual subscriptions are fine—just set downloads for off-peak hours so they don’t choke your connection.
Laundry: Plan a weekly routine (one wash, one dry) and combine loads to cut trips.
Consumables: Think water filters, hoses, dehumidifier filters, levelling blocks, and a few spare fuses. Buy once, look after them, and they’ll last.
Storage: A small locker saves clutter and protects gear from damp.
Winter bits: Skirting materials, weather-stripping, and a hygrometer are modest buys that pay off all winter.
Ferry trips: If you’ll pop over to the mainland now and then, check sailing times and plan ahead: https://www.bcferries.com/
These are illustrative to help you think through your own setup—actual costs vary by season, pad, and your appliances:
Solo remote worker (30A, mild months): light heating, kettle, laptop/monitor, dehumidifier. Electricity modest; main spend is site + connectivity.
Couple, 50A (winter focus): two space heaters on thermostats, dehumidifier, cooking most nights. Electricity becomes the big variable—good skirting and smart heater use can reduce it noticeably.
THOW with efficient electric heat: similar to the 50A couple scenario; insulation and airflow control decide the bill.
Seal drafts & add skirting before the cold sets in.
Run appliances in sequence, not all at once.
Use thermostats and timers on heaters and dehumidifiers.
Ventilate briefly but often to dump moisture without losing too much heat.
Track usage weekly for the first month—adjust quickly rather than waiting for a surprise.
Ready to get specific numbers for your dates and rig? Ask for a banded quote and current availability here
Electric power sounds scary at first, but once you learn a few basics it’s easy to live with every day. Here’s the short, plain-English guide for long-term RV living on the Sunshine Coast.
Power is just Volts × Amps = Watts. Most RV hookups are 120V in Canada.
30A service: up to about 3,600W total (120V × 30A)
50A service: up to about 12,000W total across two hot legs (120V × 50A × 2)
You don’t need to memorise anything else. Just keep a rough mental tally of your big draw items so you don’t push past your limit.
Space heater: 1,000–1,500W each
Air conditioner: ~1,200–1,800W while running (more at start-up)
Kettle / toaster / microwave: 1,000–2,000W (short bursts)
Water heater (electric): 1,000–1,500W
Dehumidifier: 200–400W
Laptop/TV/LED lights: tiny in comparison
Don’t run two big things at the same time. Example: heater + microwave can be enough to trip a breaker.
Sequence your tasks. Heat the space first, then make tea; cool the rig, then run the microwave.
If a breaker trips, switch one item off, wait 30 seconds, reset at the pedestal, and keep loads lower.
You’ve got far more headroom, but bad stacking can still trip you.
Spread loads across circuits and still avoid running three heavy items together (e.g., two heaters + A/C + microwave).
Use thermostats and timers so appliances don’t all cycle on at once.
Grab a sticky note and write your biggest items with their watts. Stick it near the panel.
Example for 30A:
Heater (1,500) + kettle (1,500) + dehumidifier (300) = 3,300W → safe.
Heater (1,500) + microwave (1,200) + water heater (1,200) = 3,900W → likely trip on 30A.
Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords sized for the load (short and thick is best).
Keep connections dry and off the ground; use proper covers in wet weather.
A surge protector / EMS (Electrical Management System) is a smart buy for long stays.
If anything feels hot to the touch, unplug and check for loose connections.
Coastal air can be damp. Damp air feels colder and makes heaters work harder.
Run a dehumidifier on a timer to keep humidity around 45–55%.
Use short, sharp ventilation (windows open for a few minutes) to dump moisture without losing all your heat.
Add skirting or draft control around the base of your RV/THOW so heat stays in and pipes are happier.
Inspect your power cord for nicks or soft spots.
Ensure the pedestal breaker is OFF before you plug in; turn it ON after you’re connected.
Test your surge protector/EMS and watch for error codes.
Inside, switch heaters and A/C OFF before you energise, then turn them on one by one.
Winter on the Coast is mild by Canadian standards, but it’s cool, damp and breezy, which is exactly the kind of weather that sneaks heat out of your rig and builds condensation inside. The good news: a few simple habits will keep you warm, dry and comfy all season during long-term RV living on the Sunshine Coast.
Skirting (rigid panels or insulated fabric) stops cold air ripping under your RV/THOW and keeps floors warmer. Leave a small access flap for valves and checks.
Draft control: add weather-strip to doors, foam gaskets behind outlets on exterior walls, and a simple door sweep. You’ll feel the difference the same day.
Floor comfort: a couple of rugs add insulation and fight that “cold feet” feeling.
Aim for 45–55% indoor humidity. Run a dehumidifier on a timer, especially overnight and in the morning.
Use short, sharp ventilation: open two windows for 3–5 minutes to dump moist air without losing all your heat.
Wipe window frames and corners where condensation collects; these spots are where mould tries to start. For general guidance on mould and health, see HealthLink BC
Electric space heaters with thermostats are ideal for steady background warmth. Set to a modest temperature and let the dehumidifier do its bit — dry air feels warmer.
Zone your heat: warm the area you’re using and shut doors/curtains to keep it there.
Soft furnishings: thermal curtains (or simple liners) help a lot on single-pane windows. Reflective inserts for cab windows are a cheap win.
Keep power connections off the ground and dry; check for warmth at plugs (warm = loose or overloaded). If in doubt, reduce load and get the connection checked. See BC Hydro’s safety basics
Water hose: use an insulated or heated hose in colder snaps, and wrap exposed spigots. Even on a milder coast, a cold night can catch you out.
Sewer: maintain a steady slope and keep the valve closed until you dump to avoid freeze-ups and smells.
Daily (5 minutes):
Empty the small moisture tray on windows/frames.
Run the dehumidifier cycle; quick cross-vent afterwards.
Glance at heaters and cords; nothing should be hot to the touch.
Weekly (15–20 minutes):
Check skirting is tight, no gaps after windy nights.
Inspect under-sink and wardrobe corners for damp spots.
Rinse exterior mats and sweep steps so they stay safe in the rain.
Programmable thermostat plug for your heater.
Hygrometer (tiny humidity display) to keep you in that 45–55% sweet spot.
Door sweep & weather-strip kit for fast draft wins.
Heated hose (or insulation wrap) for the water line.
Reflective window inserts for the coldest panes.
Keep an eye on local forecasts so you can prep before the wind and rain arrive: https://weather.gc.ca/
This is the no-fuss, step-by-step plan to make long-term RV living on the Sunshine Coast feel easy from day one. Save this list and tick it off as you go.
Check in and confirm your pad (length, access, amp service).
Walk the pad first: note pedestal, water, sewer locations; plan your hose and cord runs.
Position and level the rig before anything else. Use levelling blocks, then chock wheels.
Power up safely:
Breaker OFF at the pedestal.
Plug in your surge protector/EMS → then your main cord.
Breaker ON, step inside and bring big loads online one at a time (heater, then kettle, etc.).
Connect water & sewer: food-grade hose, pressure regulator if you use one; sewer hose with secure fittings and steady slope.
Handy references for the week:
BC Ferries (if you’re timing guests/errands)
Sunshine Coast visitor info (shops, services, ideas)
Draft control: add door sweep and weather-strip; hang thermal curtains or liners on the coldest panes.
Moisture control: place a hygrometer (target 45–55%), set your dehumidifier on a timer, and plan a twice-daily 3–5 minute cross-vent.
Heat plan: set space heater thermostats modestly; decide which zones you’ll heat and keep doors/curtains arranged to suit.
Create a “load map” (sticky note near panel) with your high-draw items and watts so you don’t stack too many at once.
Rugs underfoot: add one or two to cut floor chill.
Mail & parcels: confirm your delivery setup at the resort so you can receive ID renewals, bank cards and the usual life admin.
Connectivity: test Wi-Fi/cable; keep a mobile hotspot as backup if you work from home.
Laundry routine: pick quiet times (early morning or mid-day mid-week), combine loads, and set a weekly slot so it becomes automatic.
Waste & water rhythm: keep the black valve closed and dump in one go; flush with plenty of water. Top up fresh water on a schedule (e.g., weekly) so you never run short during storms.
Cord check: all connections off the ground and dry; nothing should feel hot to the touch after an hour of use.
Skirting (if you’re here for the season): fit panels or insulated fabric; leave a small access flap for valves.
Heated/insulated hose ready for colder snaps; wrap exposed spigots.
Mini tool kit within reach: spare fuses, electricians’ tape, zip ties, hose gaskets, gloves, wipes.
Groceries & essentials run: do one bigger trip, stock for the week, and build a list of local favourites (butcher, bakery, hardware).
Health & pets: note nearby clinics, pharmacies, and vets; add numbers to your phone.
Neighbour etiquette: say hello, note quiet hours, keep cords/hoses tidy, and share dryer time fairly — little things keep the vibe friendly.
Check your humidity at different times of day and tweak dehumidifier timers.
Test your sequence for high-draw appliances (heat → cook → kettle) and note what works.
Walk the grounds: find the quickest routes to laundry, mail, gym and parks.
Plan your first mini-adventure — beach walk, forest trail, or a simple sunset drive along the coast.
Ready to make a start? If you’ve got your dates and rig details handy (length, amps, # of residents, pets), send an enquiry here and we’ll help you choose the right pad
See map of resort