Quebec retirees embrace vanlife: freedom without strict plans

Kings District RCMP arrested 38-year-old Travis Darrell Seyforth after executing a search warrant on April 28 at a property on Harmony Road. Officers recovered a van stolen on April 25 and a travel trailer reported stolen the same day from North Kingston. Seyforth faces charges of theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and driving while prohibited. His Toyota Tacoma, used to haul the trailer, was seized as offence-related property.

The Cranbrook (British Columbia) city council has approved a new bylaw regulating campground development. The regulation sets standards for fire protection, water and sewer systems, and compliance with the Official Community Plan. Application fees are set at $1,500 plus $100 per camping space to cover processing costs.

According to the RVRA survey, nearly 60% of rental operators reported more April reservations compared to last year, with only 21% seeing a decline. Three- to six-night rentals dominate, and 70% of operators expect average rental lengths to remain consistent with 2025. Towable rentals continue to grow: 78% of companies rent trailers, and 28% of customers already own a capable tow vehicle.

High fuel prices have not yet significantly slowed sales of RVs, boats, and motorcycles, but the season is just beginning. Buyers are increasingly opting for lightweight trailers towable by small SUVs and trading in larger motorhomes for smaller models. Dealers report that fuel savings are a consideration but not a primary reason for avoiding purchases. The full impact of rising prices will become clearer over the next six weeks.

Saint John, New Brunswick, has introduced free overnight parking in the designated entertainment district three nights a week until October 31, 2026, to support local businesses and attract visitors.

Bürstner has halted caravan production as demand fell 13%. Poland is proposing to scrap road tolls for campervans, while Liguria counts the cost of 8,000 motorhomes descending on the region. Tom Hanks' son has swapped Hollywood for a trailer in pursuit of a music career, and a French couple has driven 100,000 km from the North Cape to Senegal — and that's not even the whole story. All this in this issue.