If you're crossing from Washington State into British Columbia with an RV and you don't want to deal with the chaos of the Peace Arch or Pacific Highway border crossings, Aldergrove is your answer. The Lynden-Aldergrove crossing on Highway 13 is quieter, faster, and runs through farmland instead of suburban sprawl. From there, Highway 1 puts you into downtown Vancouver in about 50 minutes outside rush hour — without ever touching the congested crossings that make the news on long weekends.
But Aldergrove is more than a border hack. The Fraser Valley surrounding the town is one of British Columbia's richest agricultural areas — berry farms with u-pick operations, an estate winery, and farmgate stands line the roads. Fort Langley National Historic Site, where British Columbia was proclaimed a Crown Colony in 1858, is 15 minutes away. And a 280-hectare regional park provides forest hiking right in town.
With 3 dump stations and two RV parks positioned between the border and Highway 1, Aldergrove is a practical, pleasant base for exploring Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley from the quieter side.
Dump Stations
Three dump stations at the RV parks in Aldergrove.
Browse all Aldergrove dump stations
Where to Camp
Eagle Wind RV Park
60 sites, maximum 45-foot RV length. Gated park just off Highway 1 Exit 73. Laundry, showers, Wi-Fi. The most convenient park for Highway 1 access — you're on and off the freeway in minutes. Books fast in summer — reserve well ahead for July and August.
Alderbrook RV Park
97 sites with 4 pull-throughs. Located on BC-13 (the Aldergrove-Bellingham Highway), only 6 blocks from the US border crossing. If you're arriving from Washington and want to park immediately without driving further into Canada, this is the closest option.
The Border Crossing
The Lynden-Aldergrove crossing is open 8 AM to midnight only. Key details:
- Hours matter: If you arrive after midnight, you'll need to divert to Peace Arch or Pacific Highway (both about 30 minutes west), which are open 24 hours.
- Fill up on US fuel first. Gas in Lynden, WA is significantly cheaper than BC prices. Top off before crossing.
- Highway 13 is RV-friendly — a quiet two-lane road running straight from the border to Highway 1 with minimal turns.
- Declare everything at the Canadian border. Fresh produce restrictions apply.
What to Do
Aldergrove Regional Park
280 hectares (698 acres) of Metro Vancouver regional park with over 14 km of hiking and walking trails through forest, meadows, and wetlands. Dogs allowed on leash. The park includes the Greater Vancouver Zoo — 49 hectares (120 acres) with over 140 species including BC wildlife like grizzly bears, cougars, and wolves.
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Fifteen minutes away. This is where British Columbia was officially proclaimed a Crown Colony in 1858. Parks Canada maintains the fort with interpreters, exhibits, and hands-on activities. The surrounding village of Fort Langley is charming — independent shops, cafes, and a craft brewery scene.
Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery
A popular u-pick berry farm and estate winery in the Fraser Valley agricultural belt. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries in season. The winery produces fruit wines. The waffles are famous locally.
Twilight Drive-In Theatre
One of the few remaining drive-in movie theatres in Metro Vancouver. If you've never watched a film from the cab of your truck on a summer evening, this is the place.
Vancouver Day Trips
Aldergrove puts you 50 minutes from downtown Vancouver on Highway 1 (outside rush hour). Park the RV at camp and day-trip by car:
- Stanley Park & Seawall — 400-hectare park on the waterfront
- Granville Island — Public market, galleries, food
- Grouse Mountain — Gondola, hiking, bears
- Capilano Suspension Bridge — 137-metre suspension bridge over the canyon
Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 3-7 PM) on Highway 1. The commuter traffic between the Fraser Valley and Vancouver is heavy.
When to Visit
| Season | Highs | Lows | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jul-Aug) | 24°C | 14°C | Driest, warmest. Berry season. Book RV parks well ahead. Best time. |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | 16°C | 7°C | September still good. Rain starts in earnest by October. Autumn colour in the valley. |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 7°C | 1°C | Wet. Fraser Valley gets serious rain Oct-March. Mild by Canadian standards but relentlessly grey. |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 15°C | 6°C | Gradually drying. Cherry blossoms in Vancouver. Campgrounds opening. |
Plan Your Aldergrove Stop
Aldergrove is the smart way into Vancouver from the south — a quieter border crossing, cheaper fuel on the US side, RV parks minutes from Highway 1, and a Fraser Valley full of berry farms and history. Leave the rig parked and day-trip into the city without the headache.
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