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Pura Vida Vans: Your Trusted Van Conversion Company in Canada

As experienced custom van builders based in beautiful British Columbia, we take pride in shaping the van industry with quality craftsmanship and innovation. We proudly serve clients across Canada and the Western USA, including vibrant urban centers like Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Seattle, Portland, Bend, Bellingham, and San Francisco.

About Pura Vida Vans

We founded Pura Vida Vans in 2017 from a passion for the outdoors, camping, and vanlife. We started with a team of 2 building a van we were going to rent out. Since then, our van conversion company has grown to a team of very talented, experienced, and passionate people, each bringing extensive knowledge to Pura Vida Vans. With the growth of Pura Vida Vans, we have added to the services we perform in-house. We are truly a one-stop shop for your van conversion project.

We specialize in crafting custom van conversions that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, providing them with versatile, mobile spaces that reflect their unique lifestyles. As one of the leading van conversion company in Canada, we take pride in transforming vans into customized mobile spaces. Our reputation as custom van builders is built on our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Our new modular Cargo Clip system is another product that shows our commitment to innovation in the van building industry.  Cargo Clips is an all-around versalite, adaptable and flexible way to build out your van. 

Our custom vans are built to suit your “AdVanture” or mobile business lifestyle; with garages for gear, off-grid energy systems, custom cabinets and work space solutions, roof racks and storage solutions, shower stalls, suspension upgrades, etc., all built or installed in-house by our skilled team. Providing exceptional quality, innovation, customer service, and knowledge is what we strive for, we believe this to be the "Pura Vida" way. Our journey started with a simple idea: to offer a solution that empowers individuals to explore the world without sacrificing comfort or style. Contact us today to learn how we, as custom van builders and a trusted van conversion company, can transform your van into a personalized adventure camper or mobile office.

custom van specialists

Vision

"To set the standard in custom van solutions by delivering exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and unparalleled customer service that empowers individuals and businesses to explore new possibilities with confidence and ease."

passion for adventure

Our Mission

"To empower adventurers and entrepreneurs by crafting high-quality, custom vans that inspire freedom, mobility, and possibility – whether exploring the outdoors or redefining business on the move."

Alex Hoelk

Hello, I'm Alexander Hoelk, the founder of Pura Vida Vans. My wife and I founded Pura Vida in 2017, we have a passion for camping, the outdoors and travel which led us to Vanlife. My background in construction management and the automotive industry prior to that lends itself well to van building. When I am not at the shop, I make use of the wonderful nature that surrounds Squamish, whether it be skiing, hiking, camping, trail running or biking. With years of experience in the van conversion industry, I've dedicated myself to creating solutions that address the unique challenges faced by outdoor enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. At Pura Vida Vans, we understand the importance of balancing work and adventure, and I'm committed to helping you achieve that balance with our custom van transformations.

commitment to quality

Our Team

Peter

Peter

I am the senior carpenter at Pura Vida Vans. I spend a lot of my time designing our great adventure vans, and I enjoy getting creative with my skills on our builds! It is also fun seeing the CNC cutting the designs that I created. When I’m not at work, you will find me outside, skiing, biking, climbing, and mountaineering. Squamish has it all!

Sarah

Sarah

I am primarily the cabinet maker and installer for Pura Vida, and I also take care of making countertops and tables, trim pieces, and other bits and bobs. I’ve been involved with van life for almost a decade and love the versatility and freedom that the lifestyle can bring. When I’m not working, I can be found tinkering on my own van, watching hockey, and hiking around the mountains of Squamish with my pup Theo.

Matt

Matt

I’m Matt, the Operations Manager here at Pura Vida. When I’m not building vans, I’m outside climbing, hiking, and skiing. Originally from the UK, I moved to Canada to spend a winter season skiing. I decided to stay, and I am still here making the most of what BC has to offer.

Colin

Colin

My main focus of work at Pura Vida Vans is on the electrical and plumbing systems – I really enjoy some of the problem solving I get to do and how I get to use my creative side. It is great when I get to see our clients leave happy and excited in their new Adventure Van. In my spare time, I am an avid motorcyclist and van lifer. I also really enjoy volunteering at several Squamish organizations.

Joel

Joel

I am the Jack of all trades (master of none) at Pura Vida Vans – in my role, I assist with all aspects of van building – but I mostly enjoy cutting big holes into brand new vans.

In my spare time, I love to rock climb and high line – really, I enjoy all things outdoors.

I am also a Van lifer.

Stay informed 

Read our blogs to discover the immense value of custom van transformations. Learn how to maximize your mobile space and embrace a lifestyle of freedom and adventure with the help of a top van conversion company in Canada.

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Experience Ultimate Mobile Freedom

At Pura Vida Vans, we offer unparalleled expertise in van conversions, serving all of Canada and the Western USA; with clients coming from urban centers such as Vancouver, Kelowna, Bend, Portland, Calgary, Toronto, Seattle, Bellingham, San Francisco, and Edmonton. As leading custom van builders, our commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovation ensures that each van is a unique reflection of its owner's personality and goals. Our custom solutions empower outdoor enthusiasts and entrepreneurs to live life on their terms, providing the perfect blend of functionality and style. Discover how our van conversion experts at Pura Vida Vans, a trusted van conversion company in Canada, can transform your vehicle into a mobile space that supports your adventurous lifestyle.

innovation in design

"Pura Vida Vans transformed my van into the perfect adventure camper. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship exceeded all my expectations. I can now explore the great outdoors without compromising on comfort or style."

- Sarah, Vancouver, BC

innovation in design

"Thanks to Pura Vida Vans, my mobile office is both functional and stylish. Their expertise in custom van conversions allowed me to create a space that perfectly fits my work and lifestyle needs. Highly recommend!"

- Mark, Portland, OR

innovation in design

"The team at Pura Vida Vans truly understands the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. They transformed my van into a versatile and eco-friendly space that handles diverse terrains and climates effortlessly. Couldn't be happier with the result!"

- Emily, Calgary, AB

Pura Vida Vans is a business that provides custom van conversions across all of Canada and the Western USA including Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Portland, Bend, Seattle, Bellingham, San Francisco, and the surrounding areas.