With the threat of retaliatory tariffs looming due to escalating U.S.-Canada trade tensions, Canadian RV dealers are bracing for potential disruption but remain hopeful that more Canadians will choose to explore their own country by road.
According to an article by CBC, the majority of RVs sold in Canada are manufactured in the U.S., particularly in and around Elkhart, Indiana—often referred to as the RV capital of the world—and so far, they’ve been spared from the 25% tariffs on automobiles imposed by both governments.
Shane Devenish, president of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association, said the industry is preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. “We’ve certainly got our fingers crossed that we won’t be hit.… It would tremendously affect our industry with these tariffs, if they come on,” he told CBC’s Daybreak Kamloops, noting that some dealers have begun stockpiling inventory.
“Elkhart is what’s called the RV capital of the world. They have a workforce, they have a supply chain. They have the manufacturers right within about a 150-mile radius,” Shane added.
Allison Blouin of Fraserway RV in Kamloops echoed concerns over future pricing, given the Canadian materials used in U.S.-built RVs, such as lumber and steel.
“I don’t know exactly where the price points will end up,” she said, though she expressed optimism in the growing interest from Canadians choosing to vacation locally.
“The RV industry, I think, is going to be a beneficiary of that. Our backyard is massive. We are anticipating people wanting to spend their money at home and wanting to support local communities, local businesses,” Blouin added.
Blouin also noted strong rental activity from American and European tourists, signaling continued international appeal.
Among those opting to travel closer to home is Karl Willms, an 80-year-old graphic novelist and sketch artist from Kamloops, B.C., who usually spends six months in Mexico but now plans a road trip across Canada with his wife in their RV, “White Fang.”
“We’re just planning to go across Canada, because of the situation down south, we decided to patronize our own country,” he said.
Willms, who enjoys birdwatching and sketching small-town life, is particularly drawn to Prairie towns with classic Main Streets and local charm. “If it’s gravel roads that’s fine,” he added.
This story underscores a critical moment for the RV and outdoor hospitality industry, as the possibility of cross-border tariffs could impact supply and pricing—but also create new opportunities.
A growing number of Canadians choosing domestic RV travel may drive increased demand for local campgrounds, rentals, and support services, giving the sector a chance to strengthen its foundation at home while navigating international uncertainty.