"Goldie" Vintage 1985 Westfalia: Retro Road Trip Machine

4.9

Excellent

39 trips

Pet friendly

21+

Sleeps 4

15 ft. long

Step into Vancouver Island’s most iconic road‑trip experience with Goldie, a beautifully cared‑for 1985 VW Westfalia that blends vintage charm with thoughtful modern upgrades. Goldie IS FOR Vancouver Island Travel Only!Due to the lack of services for this vehicle if you choose to take the van further than Campbell River and the van breaks down you will be financially responsible for returning the vehicle to Victoria for repairs. A tow can cost anywhere from $1000 to $2000.Whether you are four friends exploring the Island, a couple chasing sunsets, or a small family seeking a cozy coastal escape, Goldie is your ticket to slow travel, starry nights, and unforgettable freedom.
Driving a Westy isn’t just transportation — it’s a vibe, a pace, a story.
Driving Experience
With its steady handling and well‑tuned ride, this vintage van offers the perfect balance between classic VW charm and modern reliability. It’s powered enough for highway cruising yet still delivers that iconic Westy feel behind the wheel.
Why Rent Goldie?
Goldie is set up for comfort, simplicity, and adventure — no complicated systems, no bulky RV stress, and unlimited mileage so you can roam freely from Tofino to Port Alberni to Hornby Island.
Key Features
Sleeps 4 comfortably Pop‑top bed for 2 + fold‑down bench bed for 2
Solar power system Keeps lights, devices, and essentials running off‑grid
Warm, cozy bedding included Perfect for cool Island nights
Fully stocked kitchenette 2‑burner stove, sink, fridge/icebox, cookware, utensils, and more
Island‑ready extras Hammock, camping chairs, and audio inputs for your road‑trip playlist
Compact & nimble Parks anywhere — unlike big RVs — and ideal for ferry travel
Unlimited mileage Explore the Island without watching the odometer
What It’s Like to Travel in Goldie
Goldie is happiest cruising scenic roads, pulling into oceanfront campsites, and settling under the trees with the pop‑top up. She’s a classic, so expect a relaxed driving style — but that’s part of the magic. Guests consistently love how approachable, cozy, and nostalgic she feels.
You’ll find everything you need for a smooth, memorable trip: a stocked kitchen, comfortable sleeping setups, privacy curtains, and the freedom to camp in places larger rigs can’t reach.
Reliability & Care
Goldie is well‑maintained and regularly serviced. She’s a vintage vehicle, but she’s treated with love — and it shows. If you appreciate character, simplicity, and the joy of classic travel, you’ll adore her.
Pick‑Up & Travel Area
Goldie is based in Victoria, BC, the perfect launch point for exploring Vancouver Island’s beaches, forests, lakes, and small towns. Delivery may be available — just ask.
Pets, Smoking & Rules
What's included•Pillows, sheets, down duvets, towels, robes & sandals
•Ear plugs & face wipes
•Full kitchen: stove, fridge, sink, cookware, dishes, utensils, spices
•Coffee, tea, French press, kettle
•Cleaning supplies & compostable bags
•Solar power + inverter for device charging
•First aid kit
•Curtains for privacy
•Hammock, lantern, headlamp, fire starter
•Two chairs & indoor dining table
•Heating & ceiling fan
•Bear spray & binoculars
•Roadside assistance
•Fast 45-min check-in + quick, easy return
RecommendationsDiscover Vancouver Island’s highlights: Tofino and Ucluelet beaches, the Juan de Fuca Trail, Mystic and Sombrio Beach, Cathedral Grove’s ancient forest, Sooke Potholes, East Sooke Park, Cowichan wineries, and Victoria’s Inner Harbour. If you need accommodation before or after your trip, your host also manages a cozy, high-rated Airbnb suite in Victoria—perfect for a smooth start to your adventure.Other things to noteGoldie is a well-loved 1985 Westfalia, so please drive with a gentle hand and give yourself extra time on hills. The pop-top and back door have classic quirks that require patience, and the awning must always be tied down at night. A walkthrough guide is provided. No smoking inside the van. Please return Goldie clean and with garbage removed.
The van is picked up at Menzies & Superior in the large parking lot.
PICK UP TIME IS 1PM AND DROP OFF IS 11AM. IF YOU NEED TO PICK UP EARLIER OR LATER OR RETURN EARLIER OR LATER THERE IS A FLEXIBLE TIME FEE THAT IS AN ADD ON. YOU MUST LET ME KNOW WHAT TIME YOU ARE PICKING UP AND DROPPING OFF IF DIFFERENT THAN SCHEDULED TIME.
Highly responsive
Spotless
As advertised
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Quick summary

AI generated

  • Embrace slow travel on Vancouver Island in Goldie, a classic 1985 VW Westfalia adventure.

  • Fully stocked with off-grid solar, just bring food for a worry-free, pet-friendly trip.

  • Her nimble size lets you explore scenic roads and park anywhere for iconic island adventures.

  • Drive confidently with this well-maintained manual classic, ready for your authentic journey.

1985 Volkswagen T3 Westfalia

Length

15 ft

Transmission

Manual

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Tank Size

15 gal

Gross Weight

3,460 lbs

Sleeps

4

Seatbelts

4

Sleeping arrangements

2 beds

Relaxing RV rental night: Person inside a warm, lit camper van. Campfire glows outside near an extended awning.. Volkswagen T3 Westfalia 1985
This RV rental offers a cozy campervan interior with a comfortable bed, mini kitchen setup, and soft lighting for travel.. Volkswagen T3 Westfalia 1985

Full bed

1

Bunk bed

1

"Goldie" Vintage 1985 Westfalia: Retro Road Trip Machine

Popular choice! Viewed 170 times this month

Dates

Guest reviews
4.9

Excellent

14 reviews

Overall rating

5

4

3

2

1

Communication

4.9

Cleanliness

4.9

Maintenance

4.7

Value

4.8

Listing accuracy

4.9

Review summary

S

Provides detailed explanations & support

Host Cyrus is kind, friendly, and accessible. He offers detailed van explanations, island information, ensures van is well-equipped, and accommodates pickup/drop-off times.

Handles well, fun to drive

"Goldie" is a well-equipped 1985 Westfalia with a pop-top, ample room, and smooth handling on hills. Guests praised its reliability, comfort for sleeping, and amenities like games, bedding, and camping gear.

Guests love it for comfort
Anita H.

August 2026

5.0

We had a great 4 day, 3 night trip in "Goldie." The van was very well equipped, which we appreciated as we had no camping equipment in BC. There is a surprising amount of room in the Westphalia, and the pop top is so great to be able to stand up in.

Cyril F.

August 2026

5.0

It was wonderful, the van hyper sport to drive the location very nice and quiet the nature so wild and big

S
Stephen D.

July 2026

5.0

We had a great experience with Goldie. Our host was fantastic and gave us a lot of good information. The van couldn’t have been more equipped for what we needed. We look forward to doing this again.!

Wang Y.

June 2026

5.0

The host was so kind and explained everthing about the van in details. The van had no mechanical problem at all during our entire trip. The van was able to handle the hills and the sharp turns smoothly. We had a lot of fun driving it and we slept very well every night in it. The host also ensured to equip the van with everthing you can possibly need, like ear plugs, because you never know how annoying your camping neighbor can be! Thanks a lot!

Doug W.

May 2026

4.0

RV was old but in good shape, fun to drive too. Host was friendly and accessible.

A
Andrew C.

July 2025

5.0

Flexible and maneuverable

Guest Photos

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Features
1985 Volkswagen T3 Westfalia
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 seatbelts
  • Fresh water: 13.5 gal
  • Fuel type: Gas
  • Fuel capacity: 15 gal
  • Manual transmission
Amenities
  • Linens available
  • Toilet paper
  • Solart
  • Audio Inputs
  • Radio
  • CD Player
  • Stove
  • Refrigerator
  • Kitchen Sink
Location

Victoria, BC  •  Exact location provided after booking

Rules and policies
Goldie is a classic 1985 VW—drive gently and allow extra time on hills. Manual transmission: you must have at least 2 years of experience driving standard. Light, maintained gravel roads are permitted; no forest service or rough off-road terrain. Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands only. Always release the parking brake before driving. Secure the awning properly; never leave it open overnight without tie-downs. No smoking inside the van. Return the van clean and free of garbage. Follow all instructions provided in the walkthrough. Treat Goldie with care—she’s vintage and full of character.
  • 1 pm start time
    11 am end time
  • Pet friendly
  • Music festival friendly
  • Tailgating friendly
  • No smoking
  • Unlimited mileage
  • No generator
Cancellation: Moderate
Frequently asked questions

Q.

Do you offer pick up at the airport?

A.

Yes for a minimal fee we can pick you up at the airport and then head into town for a 45 minute walk through.

Q.

Can I take Goldie on gravel roads?

A.

Yes—light, well-maintained gravel roads are fine. No forest service or rough off-road terrain.

Q.

Does Goldie have solar power?

A.

Yes—Goldie has a solar-powered house battery for charging devices and running the 12-volt cooler.

Q.

Can the van attend festivals?

A.

Yes—festivals and events are allowed as long as they are on Vancouver Island.

Meet your host, Cyrus

Member since 2024

Hi I am Dianne your front end person and Cyrus is my back end person. My passion for VW campervans began as soon as I was old enough to drive. I bought my first Volkswagen bus in 1967 and drove straight to California, starting a lifetime of van-life adventures. Since then, I’ve crossed Canada six times, explored the U.S. from coast to coast, driven throughout Mexico, and even shipped my van to Hawaii, where I lived for several years. In 2019 I shipped my Westfalia from Vancouver BC to Rotterdam and traveled across Europe and the British Isles for 5 months and in 2023 I rented a campervan in Brussels and wild camped with my two pups all over Europe for three months.. My vans have also been to Burning Man seven times, still carrying a bit of desert dust as a reminder of the memories made. My next dream adventure is to drive off-road through the Baja Peninsula. For now I am doing short trips around Vancouver island where there is so much to discover.
Add dates for prices4.9 · 39 trips