This Story is Archived
Please note this page may no longer be up to date. For new stories about Northern Ontario visit us here.

Top 5 RV-Friendly Events in Ontario for 2019

For the full motorhome experience, get yourself to at least one of these summer events where motorhome travellers are known to converge.

Ontario is a great place to go RVing. Big wide highways that stretch into the furthest corners of the wilderness, hundreds of great campgrounds and provincial parks, and an amazing RV community that welcomes newcomers with open arms.

These RV events are an amazing way to kick off your Ontario RVing adventure and get to know some local RVers. Spend a week with dozens, sometimes hundreds of other nomads, and enjoy the shows and spectacles of these great RV-friendly events.

While there are plenty more than just these five, these are our favourites—and they could be yours too!

RV-Friendly Events in Ontario

International Plowing Match

September 17-21, 2019, West Nipissing (Near North Bay), ON

This is a legendary RV-friendly event in Ontario, that has plenty to keep people occupied throughout the full length of the event. The plowing match itself is an incredible display of agricultural prowess, but there are dozens of displays and lots of evening activities. You’ll find life-long RVers decorating their front lawns and hosting gatherings at their homes throughout the park. 

Mattawa Voyageur Days

July 26-28, 2019, Mattawa, ON

Legendary musical acts on the shores of the mighty Mattawa river, under the brawny gaze of Big Joe Mufferaw. Mattawa Voyageur Days is a long-standing event and definitely an incredible party. Sid Turcotte’s RV park is walking distance to the main venue and all of the town’s amenities, and is loved by locals and travellers alike. And there’s usually a great fishing derby, right on the banks of the Mattawa River.

Kirkland Lake 100th Anniversary

June 22-July 7th, 2019, Kirkland Lake, ON

The Kirkland Lake events are known throughout the North as attracting some big-name performers, and this year is no different—except that it’s the 100th anniversary of the town! Serena Ryder, Crash Test Dummies, and Blue Rodeo will be playing the Joe Mavrinac Community Complex. Expect this to be a once-in-a-lifetime event that will keep people coming back to this small town with a big heart. Find a list of nearby campgrounds here.

Smooth Truck Fest

August 15-18, 2019, Smooth Rock Falls, ON

The 14th annual truck fest in Smooth Rock Falls is a pretty cool event—aside from the truck pulls, there’s an illusionist and some amazing local musicians. But let’s be honest: you’re here for the truck pulls. RVers tend to run in the transport trucking circles, so you’re likely to find a good assortment of new friends here. 

Great Canadian Kayak Challenge

August 23-25, 2019, Timmins, ON

In its 11th year, this event in the heart of Northern Ontario’s wilderness is focused on kayaking, but there’s plenty of other stuff to do—as well as great performances to see. If you want to race, you can rent a kayak locally, and even compete against the mayor. East View RV Park is the best place to set up.

BONUS: Sutton Bay RV Park Country Fest

July 25 to 28, 2019, New Liskeard, ON

This is an absolute hidden gem of an event, catering to RVers who love country music. The Sutton Bay RV Park puts on this event every year, and has an absolutely amazing RV community. We stayed here years ago, and they had incredible local country musicians who really sang from the heart. We can’t recommend this one enough—and you can do the Temiskaming Passport Tour on your way!

There are dozens more events in Ontario that are great for RVers—if you think we’ve missed something, please email us, or reach out on Facebook! We’ll be updating our new RV events in Ontario page later this year! 

About Staff Writer, What A Ride

What A Ride covers stories, events and perspectives from the worlds of motorcycling, snowmobiling, ATVing and boating. Motorized adventures, full-tilt, 24/7.

Recommended Articles

The Complete 2025 List of RV Shows in Ontario

Add these RV events to your calendar.

RV Camping Sites in Ontario: The Ultimate Guide

A comprehensive list of where to book an RV site across the province!

An RV Camping Guide to Ontario's Provincial Parks

Which park is right for your next trip?

4 Essential RV Itineraries From Toronto

From the GTA to the great outdoors, have you done these road trips?

5 Tips on How to Go Full Time Remote Work With Your RV

From Starlink to bullet journals and making friends along the way—find your inspiration here!

RV Summer School: An Educational Road Trip That Kids Will Actually Enjoy

Design your summer school road trip with these 42 educational (and fun) attractions in Ontario, Canada.

Love on the Run

A starter guide to RVing for young couples.

Have Your Toured Ontario's Provincial Park Nature Trail?

Go Tour Ontario's 10-Day RV Route

An RVer's Guide to the Voyageur Trail

Maximize your RV vacation by taking advantage of these incredible hikes!

Camping and RVing in Restoule Provincial Park

This diverse campground makes the perfect spot for campers to both be active and unwind.

An Algonquin Provincial Park Family Camping Adventure

Gorgeous scenery, spectacular paddling and interesting (and surprising) vegetation make this huge provincial park an adventure for all ages.

Looking to enjoy the RV life and get paid to do it?

Check out our guide to work camping. Job perks include fishing, campfires and gorgeous sunsets.

Search RV Canada