June 16th, 2025
Yesterday at 9:45 AM, I left Burlington and hit the road for Sault Ste. Marie—my first leg of the cross-country journey, celebrating the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association’s 50th Anniversary and helping raise funds for Care Camps. It’s been over 25 years since I last made the trip to the Sault, not since back when I worked in finance, and it felt both nostalgic and brand new.
The drive through Muskoka reminded me just how lucky we are in Canada, especially as I passed a sign for the “Muskoka Beer Spa” (yes, I resisted the urge to exit!). But it was the French River area that really took my breath away again. I’d forgotten how strikingly beautiful it was—stretches of untouched wilderness and roadside First Nations Trading Posts filled with hand-crafted goods. If you’re ever passing through, they’re a must-stop.
Somewhere between nostalgia and scenery, I had a chance encounter in Blind River at the LCBO of all places. There, I met Ken—a retired Sales Rep from Woody’s RV in Alberta—who was traveling with his wife in a 2004 Triple E Embassy. They were just returning from a trip out east to Nova Scotia. We shared stories about the old days, and it reminded me how tight-knit and proud this industry really is. And yes, they sure did build them well back then!
By 6:30 PM, I pulled into the KOA in Sault Ste. Marie. It’s just north of town, tucked among the trees, and absolutely deserving of the “Best Campground” title awarded by Camping in Ontario a few years ago. Setting up camp, I was approached by a fellow camper who asked, “Were you at the ORVO Rally at Quinte’s Isle this year?” Turns out, it was Alex Cole—one of the founding members of the ORVO Facebook group that now boasts nearly 30,000 members. Talk about small world moments!
On my other side was Eric, a camper from North Carolina traveling in a Forest River GEO. I welcomed him to Canada and thanked him for making the trip. He asked me the best place to see the Northern Lights in Ontario—I didn’t hesitate to ask our friends at ORVO. If anyone knows, it’s them!
Today, I’ll be heading towards Thunder Bay. It’s been more than 35 years since I’ve driven between the Sault and Thunder Bay, and I can’t wait to see the shores of Lake Superior again, and of course, the big Goose at Wawa!
This journey isn’t just about celebrating CRVA’s milestone—it’s about the lifestyle that brings us together and giving back through our partnership with Care Camps, helping kids with cancer experience the joy of nature. I hope you’ll follow along, share the message, and support the cause. Together, we can help send more kids to camp.
See you down the road.
—Shane
President, CRVA
🎟️ Enter to win a $100,000 RV and support Care Camps at www.rvthenorthgiveaway.com
📍 Follow the journey: #CRVAOnTheRoad #CareCampsCanada #CRVA50
