June 27th, 2025

Each year during CRVA’s Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show, I host a seminar for those curious about entering the RV lifestyle. Near the end of each one, I always share a comparison: you can take a plane and get somewhere fast, or you can take an RV and experience everything along the way, like John Madden from Monday Night Football used to do.

On a plane, you might chat briefly with the person beside you. But you don’t see the small towns, the vast lakes, the sweeping prairies. You don’t meet campground owners or fellow travellers. You don’t pull over to read a plaque or spot a moose or wave to another RVer.

Flying home from Calgary to Toronto took just four hours. The same journey took me a good nine days by RV. But those two trips couldn’t have been more different. One was fast and forgettable. The other was rich with great people, stories, scenery, and deep connections.

Over the past 10 days, I travelled more than 3,000 kilometres towing our CRVA 50th Anniversary General Coach trailer, meeting our consumers who reminded me daily why this lifestyle matters. From campground owners and dealer staff to new RVers and seasoned pros, some with diaries eight inches thick (!), everyone I met had a story—and a deep passion—for life on the road.

There were too many highlights to count—Mike at Cripple Creek, John, Judy and Alex from ORVO, Dan at Lilac Resort, Travis and the team at Transcona, Jimmy at Classic RV, Lloyd, Tony, Leslie and Maria, Thunder Bay couples en route to the Stampede—each added to my journey in their way. I would be remiss not to give a very special shoutout to Michael and Kristie, owners of the Thunder Bay KOA and longtime supporters of Care Camps. Their generosity and advocacy help make this cause visible and impactful in ways that go far beyond their campground.

And through it all, the heartbeat of this trip was always Care Camps. At every stop, with every honk at passing RVers, and every blog post has been about raising awareness of this incredible cause. Every ticket sold to win the $100,000 General Coach trailer helps send a child with cancer to camp, where they can experience the healing power of nature—something we, as RVers, understand deeply. To donate or buy a ticket, visit: www.rvthenorthgiveaway.com

As my leg has ended, Joss Penny from the British Columbia Lodging and Campground Association and his son Jaimie are gearing up and getting ready to take the wheel. They will continue my journey west, stopping at Canyon Hot Springs, Camperland RV Resort, and Traveland RV before arriving in Vancouver for the Craft Beer & Music Festival on July 12, where Go RVing Canada will be flying the flag for the RV lifestyle and Care Camps alike.

This Monday marks the final day of Canadian RV and Camping Month—a time dedicated to celebrating everything this lifestyle offers. And I can’t think of a better way to close out the month than with gratitude—for the people I’ve met, the stories I’ve heard, the places I’ve seen, and the reminder that this community is made up of some of the most generous, passionate, and down-to-earth folks you’ll ever meet.

To everyone who waved, welcomed me, told me their story, bought a ticket, or simply reminded me why this industry is enjoyed by so many: thank you. Your kindness, humour, and support made this trip unforgettable and the road a lot less lonely.

Although I am now back home in Burlington, a part of me is still on the road—because that’s what RVing does. It stays with you!

See you down the road. Safe travels……………..

Shane Devenish
President, Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association