Looking for a place to build out your van in Squamish? Whether you're dreaming of full-time vanlife, outfitting a weekend warrior rig, or just figuring out how to wire up a solar panel, you're not alone — and you don’t have to do it alone either.

At CREATE Makerspace, we’ve become a hub for DIY van builders, adventure rig tinkerers, and off-grid dreamers who want access to tools, space, and a community of people figuring it out together.

Why Build Your Van at CREATE?

Van builds involve a bit of everything: woodworking, electrical, metalwork, problem-solving, and lots of creativity. CREATE offers the ideal environment for that kind of hands-on, custom work.

Here’s what members love about working on their builds here:

Full access to a well-equipped shop: wood tools, metal tools, and electrical workstations
Space to build your components with the right tools and precision
A community of van builders and DIYers who share knowledge, support, and ideas

Whether you're building cabinetry, fabricating roof racks, or setting up your solar power system, CREATE gives you the resources to get the job done — and learn along the way.

https://createmakerspace.com/membership

Meet the Builders: Vanlife Projects at CREATE

We asked some of our members to share their van build stories, progress, and lessons learned. Here are a few highlights from our growing vanlife community:

James and Cassie's Vintage Inspired Ford E-series

James and Cassie transformed their Ford E-Series into a cozy, full-time tiny home on wheels—and they did it all at CREATE. Their van is a beautiful blend of craftsmanship and character, featuring vintage wood paneling, a custom solar setup, vibrant LED lighting, and countless creative details that make the space uniquely theirs.

Here’s what they had to say about their experience:

“CREATE Makerspace has to be, in our opinion, the ideal space to do a van conversion. In our time as members, there wasn’t a single space we didn’t end up making use of.

Having access to a safe, well equipped wood shop was invaluable for the majority of the build process. The textiles studio was perfect for the finishing touches and making our own curtains, bedding, and the occasional outfit.

The metal shop came in quite handy especially during some unforeseen mechanical work on the van.

We also ended up making use of the CNC Router for cabinetry, the Laser Cutter for a custom cut artwork, the 3D printers for custom fabricated cable management, and the pottery studio for kitting out our drawers with unique handmade crockery.

The community we built with other makers and van builders was so wholesome, we ended up second guessing our plans to travel in the van we’d just finished.”

Oscar's Delica

Top Tools + Perks for Van Builders at CREATE

Woodshop: For building cabinetry, drawers, walls, and trim.
Metal shop: Ideal for frame mods, custom brackets, and roof racks.
Electrical tools: Set up your solar, lights, and power systems.
Shared knowledge: Learn from other builders in the space, from insulation tips to 12V wiring hacks.

https://createmakerspace.com/wood-shop

Not Just a Shop — A Community

One of the best parts of building at CREATE is the community mindset. People stop by to share what they’re working on, offer tips, or ask for advice. Some members even organize informal van build nights, where folks can co-work, troubleshoot, or just nerd out over solar setups and cabinetry hinges.

Start Your Build

If you’re searching for “where can I work on my van in Squamish”, you’ve found it. CREATE offers the tools, space, and support to bring your DIY dreams to life — without breaking the bank or battling the rain.

Come take a tour, meet other vanlifers, and see what you can create.

Where to Work on Your Van in Squamish: Meet the DIY Vanlife Community at CREATE Makerspace