Full disclosure. I don’t think I’ve mentioned this yet, but before the CRVA Board decided we should do a 50th Anniversary cross-country RV tour, I had never towed an RV in my life. Sure, I have camped before—but it was always in a motorhome. So, when I first hit the road pulling this beautiful trailer, I’ll admit it—I was a bit terrified. But to my surprise, it’s been incredibly easy to tow and very rewarding (no pun intended).
There is something about being behind the wheel and seeing the road ahead stretch out in front of you that makes this whole experience feel even more satisfying. And now that I’ve done it, I can say it with confidence: If I can do it, anyone can do it and are able to enjoy this lifestyle!
Before I left Vermillion Bay this morning, I had a great chat with Robin, co-owner of Crystal Lake Campground, where I stayed last night. He told me about his season, which he said starts in July and winds down at the end of August for them, when at times, they may have over 300 campers in their park. Today? Just six of us. We talked about RV manufacturers adding solar packages, and what that means for private campground owners, manufacturers building larger units, and an increased demand for 50-amp service. It was a good conversation, and I hope we stay in touch.
After travelling for 3 and a half days, at exactly 12:43 PM, I finally left Ontario!
Today’s drive was a short one—only about 2.5 hours—to Cripple Creek Campground, just outside Richer, Manitoba. It’s owned by Mike, the Chair of the Manitoba Association of Campgrounds and Parks, and a Board member of the national Canadian Camping and RV Association, where I also sit on behalf of the CRVA. He and his wife Jackie built this campground from the ground up, purchasing the land in 2008, and it now has 110 seasonal sites and about 15 for short-term transient stays.
Mike took me for a tour in his golf cart, and I was thoroughly impressed. The seasonal lots are spacious, and the campers have put so much pride into making their sites feel like their summer homes. It’s that kind of personal investment that shows how strong the RV community really is.
On the road, I’ve found myself waving at every RVer I pass on the highway—maybe secretly hoping they’ll recognize the CRVA trailer. And I’ve been taking a mental note of the make, model, and brand of every RV that goes by. With over 2.1 million RVs on the road in Canada, according to our studies, it has honestly felt like I’ve passed at least a million of them so far on this trip, and it has been great to see!
I also love seeing all the rental motorhomes from Canadream, Fraserway, and others go by. It doesn’t matter whether they’re being driven by Canadians or international travellers. It just feels good knowing people are out there, exploring our country in an RV.
Something else that’s caught my eye is the number of cyclists on the Trans-Canada Highway. I keep wondering how far they’re going? I remember once speaking to a campground owner about this, and he mentioned that they actually advertised special overnight spots for cyclists. I think they were on to something.
Tonight, my campsite is tucked into a private, wooded area near Cripple Creek itself. It’s quiet. So quiet, I can’t hear a thing. Just the breeze and the occasional rustle of the trees. It’s a peaceful end to a day and a reminder of why I love this lifestyle so much.
But I also want to take a moment to remind everyone why I’m really out here. It’s not just to celebrate the 50 years of CRVA, and promote the RV Lifestyle, though they are both certainly worth celebrating. It’s really to support something bigger. Care Camps.
All camps supported by Care Camps Foundation are members of the Children’s Oncology Camping Association, and are specifically for children living with cancer or in remission. Every camp has an on-site medical facility staffed by health care professionals to administer treatments as needed, and all camp counselors receive special training to support the unique needs of the children.
👉 2024 Care Camps Pediatric Oncology Camps Impact Summary. The impact on children with cancer and their families is powerful.
💛 Take a moment to read this: https://bit.ly/4nfnlN6
This is why we’re doing what we’re doing.
If you’ve been following my journey, and if you can find a way:
✅ Donate if you can.
✅ Buy a ticket to win our $100,000 trailer.
✅ Share this cause on your social media
100% goes toward giving kids with cancer the chance to experience the healing power of nature and camp. That’s the true reason I’m out here. That’s the road we’re really on.
Tomorrow, I head into Winnipeg to visit some good friends before arriving at Transcona Trailer Sales on Saturday. I can’t wait to meet everyone!
—Shane
President, CRVA
🎟️ Support Care Camps and enter to win a $100,000 RV: www.rvthenorthgiveaway.com
📍 Follow the journey on Facebook and Instagram: @canadianrvassociation
#CRVAOnTheRoad #CareCampsCanada #CRVA50 #FirstTimeTowing #CrippleCreekCampground
