Van Life Not Just a Passing Fad: Canadian Campervan Rental Company Celebrates Unprecedented Growth
Karma Campervans celebrates the addition of its 100th hand-built van to its fleet and the opening of its sixth location.
A Special report from our friends at Worthington PR, for Karma Campervans
CALGARY – March 25, 2024 – Karma Campervans (Karma), a Canadian campervan rental company, has been rapidly growing its operations since its inception in 2018, thanks to the rising popularity of the outdoor lifestyle among the younger generation.
According to GoRVing Canada, the camping industry has grown by 13% since 2017, and 67% of campers are now under the age of 55.
Karma started in Calgary out of a need to provide simple camping options to the next generation, giving customers a unique way to experience Canada’s natural beauty.
The company has since grown to a second Karma location in Vancouver (December 2019) and have campervans for rent through a network of operating RV dealers in Edmonton (Trailblazer RV), Penticton (Midtown RV), Ottawa (Primo RV) and most recently, Moncton, NB (Leisure Time RV). With affordable prices and close access to the Rocky Mountains from its Calgary and Vancouver locations, Karma has quickly become one of the largest custom-manufactured rental outfitters of their kind in North America.
Today, Karma is celebrating the addition of its 100th hand-built van to its fleet and expansion of its sixth location on the east coast in Moncton, NB. The company has a 7,800 sq. ft. location in Calgary with 13 full-time employees and a 7,000 sq. ft. location in Vancouver with 4 full-time employees. Other Karma locations operate out of RV dealerships across the country. The company expects to continue its growth as more people learn about the unique experience they have to offer.
What makes Karma special to its customers is the small touches included in each rental. Each Karma van is thoughtfully designed inside a Ford Transit van to maximize living space while being easily driveable. With a queen bed, plenty of standing room and everything one may need for camping included in the van, Karma has made its experience hassle-free. All Karma vans are also dog friendly.
The company is also launching a family version of its van, which will provide a bunk-style bed, with sleeping arrangements for up to four people.
Says Wald, “We take pride in offering our customers with little surprises while supporting other local businesses. In each rental we include a beer growler to fill up at any local craft brewery, a rotating locally roasted coffee to brew in the provided french press, tea from a local tea company and artwork from a network of more than 25 independent artists to help showcase their work”.
Karma’s relatively quick success wasn’t without speed bumps along the way. After launching with just one van, the owners worked quickly to grow the fleet. As operations started to take off and international customers began to dominate the business, the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Says Wald, “It was certainly difficult to stay in business with international travel completely shut down. At that time, visitors from Australia and New Zealand made up a large majority of our business and suddenly, with the borders closed, we had most of our fleet parked for months on end.”
Despite the downturn, Karma was able to sustain itself by serving Canadians looking for adventure closer to home. The increasing popularity of van life and simplistic travel allowed Karma to offer tourists and locals unforgettable family vacations across Canada.
Karma is planning to open additional locations and develop its fleet in the years to come, providing more options for travellers to enjoy the great outdoors with the comforts of home.
Watch the Karma Campervan tour – hosted by Dave Wald…
About Karma Campervans:
Launched in 2018 in Calgary, Alberta and with a fleet of more than 100 rentable campervans, Karma Campervans offers discerning adventurers a modern-rustic and simple way to road trip around Western Canada and the US. They’ve made it easy for locals and inbound travellers to enjoy camping whenever and wherever they like with all-season, 100% off-grid campers and a convenient automated rental process. With depots across Canada, Karma Campervans are one of the largest custom-manufactured rental outfits of their kind in North America.
For more information on Karma Campervans, please visit: https://www.karmacampervans.com/
