When and where are RV shows in Canada?
Dates, cities and venues change every year, and shows are sometimes cancelled or moved, so we do not list dates here. Where to look:
- The Canadian RV Association (CRVA) keeps a list of RV shows across the country: crva.ca/rv-shows.
- Provincial dealer associations run many shows. In Alberta, the RV Dealers Association of Alberta lists its Calgary RV Adventure Sale and Show on its events page. Similar associations operate in other provinces.
- Show organizers' own websites. Large markets such as Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver and Winnipeg have their own shows. Search for the city plus "RV show" and check the organizer's site for current dates, ticket prices and parking.
- Your local dealers' social channels and emails. Many announce the shows they will attend and show-only offers.
Winter and spring are the busiest months in most of Canada, because buyers shop before the camping season. Confirm the year on the page you use: old listings are common.
Is an RV show worth going to?
For first-time buyers, usually yes, even if you do not buy. A show lets you:
- Walk through many floorplans in one day and learn what you like. Photos hide size, storage and bed quality.
- Compare brands, towing weights and construction side by side. Our RV types compared and sizes and weights guides help you know what to look for.
- Talk to several dealers and manufacturers' representatives at once.
- Attend free seminars, where offered, on towing, insurance and travel.
- Find accessory, solar and equipment vendors, and Canadian-built products.
The downside is pressure. Show offers can have deadlines, and the setting is exciting. Decide your budget and limits at home, not at the show.
How do I prepare before I go?
- Know your tow vehicle. Look up your vehicle's towing capacity, payload and hitch rating. Use our towing and payload calculator to avoid falling for a trailer you cannot safely pull. If you do not have a tow vehicle, concentrate on motorhomes and campervans.
- Write your must-haves. Number of sleepers, winter use, storage space, length limits where you will park or store, and a maximum monthly payment.
- Set a total budget. Include taxes, fees, insurance, storage and the first-year costs. Our ownership cost calculator and true cost guide help.
- Get pre-approved if you plan to finance, so you can compare the dealer's financing with your bank's. See RV financing in Canada.
- Check dealer licences beforehand. See who regulates RV dealers in your province.
- Bring a tape measure, notebook, phone for photos, comfortable shoes and a copy of your needs list.
How should I walk a show?
- Do a first lap without talking to sales staff to see everything and shortlist.
- Photograph the window sticker of every unit you like: it shows the weight, dimensions, options and price.
- Sit on the beds and the dinette, open every cabinet, and stand where the kitchen is. Check headroom and the bathroom door.
- Look underneath and at the roof edge where you can, and at construction quality in the cabinets and slide seals.
- Ask about delivery weight. The listed dry weight excludes water, propane, gear and options. Ask for the cargo carrying capacity on the sticker.
- Collect written quotes instead of verbal numbers.
What should I ask an exhibitor?
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is the show price available after the show, and until when? | Tells you whether the deadline is real. |
| What is the full out-the-door price in writing? | Includes freight, preparation, documentation, levies and taxes. Our purchase costs guide lists them. |
| What is the cargo carrying capacity of this exact unit? | Shows how much you can add before overloading. |
| What does the warranty cover, who does the work and where? | Distance to a service centre matters in Canada. See RV warranties. |
| What is the delivery or pre-delivery inspection process? | Use our pre-delivery inspection checklist. |
| Is financing approval required before I sign, and what happens to my deposit if it fails? | Protects your deposit. |
| Will you take my RV or tow vehicle as a trade, and what value is that based on? | Compare against selling privately. See selling an RV privately. |
| Is the dealership licensed and what is the licence number? | Lets you check it with the regulator. |
Are show deals real?
Sometimes. Shows are competitive and dealers do offer special pricing, extras or financing promotions, because many buyers are in one place. But a "show price" is only a deal if it beats what you would get at a dealer next week. The way to test it:
- Get quotes from at least two other dealers for the same or similar model.
- Compare total out-the-door prices, not monthly payments.
- Treat "today only" as a sales technique. You can ask to take the quote home and review it.
- Never pay a large non-refundable deposit on the spot. Ask for the terms in writing.
- Read every line of the contract and ask what any fee is for before signing.
What should I do after the show?
- Sort your photos and sticker information by unit.
- Compare weights, costs and features at home using your needs list.
- Visit the dealer on a quiet weekday and see the exact unit you want before you buy.
- Order an independent inspection if you are buying used. Our used RV inspection checklist helps.
Common questions
Do I need a ticket to attend an RV show?
Most shows charge admission, with discounts for seniors, children and online tickets. Check the organizer's website. Some dealer-hosted sale events are free.
Can I buy an RV at the show?
Yes, many exhibitors sign contracts on site. You can also ask for a quote and complete the purchase afterwards at the dealership.
Should I bring my tow vehicle?
Usually not. Leave it at home or park it where the organizer directs. Know your tow vehicle's ratings, and ask the dealer to check hitch compatibility.
Are pets allowed?
Rules vary by venue. Check the show's website.
How do I find out whether a dealer at the show is licensed?
Search your provincial regulator's public registry or ask the dealer for a licence number. See our guide on who regulates RV dealers.
Official resources
Check each page for the current rules, prices and dates. Rules and provider terms change.
- Canadian RV Association: RV shows in Canada
- RV Dealers Association of Alberta: Calgary RV Adventure Sale and Show
- Federal, provincial and territorial consumer affairs offices
Related RV Resources Canada guides
- Complete RV buying checklist
- Buying a new vs. used RV in Canada
- Which RV is right for you
- RV types for Canadian conditions
- Who regulates RV dealers in your province
Last checked: October 26, 2026. This is general information, not legal, financial or professional advice. Confirm current requirements with the organization named before you act.