Why RV rental is Canada’s hottest travel trend

Amanda and Dustin of RV There Yet? explain how renting an RV can turn any trip into a home-away-from-home experience.

Amanda Canzanese, co-owner of RV There Yet?, has turned her lifelong love of camping into a business that makes it possible for more people to enjoy the outdoors. What started with cooking “spider dogs” over a campfire at her grandparents' seasonal site has grown into something much bigger. After years of tent camping, deflated air mattresses, and a stint with a pop-up trailer, she and her husband Dustin upgraded to a travel trailer—and quickly realized other families might want the same experience without the hefty upfront investment. Now based in Ontario's cottage country, they rent out their thoughtfully stocked trailer to travellers looking to slow down and make memories of their own.

RV rentals have surged in popularity since the pandemic, and with that growth comes plenty of questions for first-timers: What size trailer actually fits my vehicle? How early should I book for a long weekend? What's worth paying extra for? We sat down with Amanda to get straightforward answers on everything from booking timelines to border crossings, and why treating a rental like your home away from home is the best advice they can offer.

Could you please tell our readers a bit about yourselves, and RV There Yet?

My love for camping started when I was young. My grandparents had a seasonal trailer, and it quickly became one of my favourite places to be. I visited as often as I could. I loved everything about it, from making "spider dogs" over the campfire (which I still do as an adult) to the sense of community. The people at that campground were like my grandparents' second family, and I always told myself that one day I wanted that same experience with my own family. After years of tent camping—and waking up on deflated air mattresses with a sore hip—my husband and I decided it was time to upgrade our first trailer: a pop-up. We used it whenever we could and rented it out when we weren't travelling, but it came with a few quirks and we realized we wanted something more convenient. A couple of years later, we upgraded to a travel trailer. While my long-term dream is still to have a seasonal site, we're not quite ready for that yet and we want to explore more spots before choosing our "home" campground. That spirit of flexibility is what inspired RV There Yet? Our trailer is thoughtfully equipped to feel welcoming, comfortable and ready for any trip—in fact, we've even had an Airbnb host compliment how well stocked it is! For us, it's more than renting a trailer—it's about helping people slow down and create memories. 

For readers considering their first RV trip, when does renting make more sense than buying?

Renting is a great starting point if you're new to RV travel. Buying a trailer is a big investment, and many people aren't quite sure yet what size, layout or features will suit their lifestyle best. Renting gives you the chance to try it out, learn what you love and what you don't, and get a real feel for it before making that kind of financial commitment. 

From your vantage point, how has RV renting changed in Canada over the last few years?

I feel like RV rentals really have taken off since the pandemic. More people are looking for flexible ways to travel and spend the time outdoors, and camping really allows you to be off-grid or as connected as you would like. There's so many different camping styles for everyone. Some travellers love the full-service campgrounds with lots of amenities, while others prefer quieter, more remote spots. There are even stationary "glamping" options that don't require towing. 

What should renters pay close attention to when comparing listings across platforms?

It's always a good idea to look beyond the nightly rate. Make sure you double check that the pricing is listed in CAD not USD (some platforms it is), review the platform fees, know the cancellation policy and check how the security deposit works. Taking a few extra minutes to review these details can help avoid surprises later. 

What are the most common mistakes people make when choosing an RV size or type?

One thing I always encourage renters to think about is comfort. It can be tempting to squeeze in "just one more person," but having enough space really makes a difference in how enjoyable the trip feels—especially when travelling with kids or pets. We make a point of clearly communicating what our trailer comfortably accommodates so expectations are set from the start. Another factor that's sometimes overlooked is towing capacity. Not all vehicles are equipped to safely tow every trailer, so this is one of the first questions I ask before accepting a reservation. 

What features actually matter most for Canadian trips, and which ones are often overhyped?

Heat and A/C are absolute game changers! So many of our renters comment how much they appreciated having access to working heat or A/C while camping. As for what's overhyped—sometimes having all the extra bells and whistles sound exciting, but most campers find that having a clean, comfortable and well-equipped trailer is what really makes the experience enjoyable. 

What should renters know about provincial travel, border crossings, and regional regulations?

A little research ahead of time makes all the difference. Check what documentation may be required and have an open conversation with the RV owners about your plans so everyone is on the same page. If ferries are part of your trip, be sure to confirm that with the owner and double check the trailer dimension before booking. Planning these details early helps ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.

Are there parts of Canada where RV rental demand spikes or inventory is limited?

I can only speak to our area, but we're lucky to be located in cottage country and near a very popular provincial park, which naturally brings strong seasonal demand. Since there isn't a ton of rental inventory right in our immediate area, our trailer is often booked for much of the summer and early fall. That said, travellers heading in other directions will often rent from larger nearby towns. Those areas usually have more inventory, are easier to get to and sometimes offer more competitive pricing simply because there are more options available. 

What advice do you have for booking timelines in peak Canadian travel seasons?

If you can, book early! Some owners open their calendars up to a year in advance, and the most popular summer dates tend to go quickly. Rates often reflect demand during a peak season and long weekends, but early planners sometimes benefit from locking in dates before annual rate updates—something we always honour for early bookers.  

What concerns do first-time renters raise most often—and how do you address them?

Most first-time renters are curious about how everything works—from setting up the trailer to using the appliances and control panels. We make the process as easy as possible. My husband walks every renter through the trailer, so they feel confident before their trip begins, and we're always available if any questions come up along the way. We also include a QR code inside the trailer that links to a step-by-step renters guide. 

What trends are you seeing in how Canadians are using rental RVs today?

One trend we're seeing more often is renters using travel trailers as a comfortable place to stay while visiting family or attending gatherings at cottages or private homes. It often offers more privacy and flexibility than a hotel and the best part is that you're right where the action is! Having your own space, plus the convenience of a full indoor fridge/freezer and outdoor set up (for all those bevvies and late night snacks), makes a great option for reunions and extended visits. 

If readers take away one piece of advice about renting an RV in Canada, what should it be?

Treat it like your home away from home. Respect the space and enjoy the experience. RV travel is one of the best ways to see how beautiful Canada really is.