A cyclist in the summer, a skier in the winter, and a year-round adventurer, Olivier Marcoux dreamed of one day realizing his project of fitting out and renting campers , a “way to travel better, more simply, closer to the world and nature”. When he lost his job as partnership manager at GoVan in March 2020, when economic uncertainty was at its height, and when his girlfriend was expecting their second child, he dove in and set up his project. Bromont Campervan was born in February 2021, and little Charlotte a month later. The young entrepreneur dad’s schedule quickly filled up.

An expert on the vanlife phenomenon

“The idea had been on my mind for a long time,” Olivier admits. “I’ve traveled with vans, bought them, resold them, lent them to friends. It was the pandemic that forced me to take the plunge with my work stoppage and the market opportunities.”

Olivier speaks like an expert. Vanlife holds no secrets for someone who can't count the kilometers behind his adventurer's tie: the Canadian and American West and East, the climb up Mexico with baby Hugo and his girlfriend, Japan for a van-ski trip with friends. The instructor of the Massif de Charlevoix and cyclist of the pan-Canadian crossing has this way of life and travel in his blood.

“The trend has been growing for the past five to ten years,” he says. “Popularized by social media and larger-than-life images, it brings together young people who love freedom.” In recent years, Olivier has seen a shift in clientele, accelerated by Covid: “That was the last straw. We all need to get out, if only in our backyard. Since last summer, there has been a boom and the price of campers has skyrocketed.” The pandemic has had the wonderful effect of democratizing the movement. “When I started this business, I never doubted the traffic,” he says.

A grant from the Brome-Missisquoi Local Development Centre (CLD) gave Olivier the peace of mind he needed to take the plunge. From October to January, he developed his business plan with a mentor from the CLD, who continues to support him today. With a personal investment and loans of up to $100,000, the young owner learned to delegate: “I procrastinated and ended up hiring a graphic designer to design my logo. I’m really satisfied, it’s my brand image and everyone’s talking about it!” A family friend, a cabinetmaker, took care of revamping the interior of the vans, and the entrepreneur plans to get involved soon too. His eight vans are parked at the local mechanic’s who does regular maintenance. “The plan was to start with two vehicles, then six the second year and ten the third… I’ve already exceeded my business plan!” " he admits, all smiles.

Supporting new customers

Young people, who make up only 30% of its clientele, have been joined in large numbers by people in their fifties and sixties. Previously long-distance travellers, keen on the sun or organised tours in Asia or Europe, they viewed this form of tourism with a rather fearful and even precarious eye, explains Olivier. "Today, there are smaller, lighter and mobile camper models on the market. They can be equipped with solar panels and generators. Insulated and heated, they allow you to be autonomous and comfortable."

“A lot of my clients want to know if this mode of travel can apply to them,” Olivier explains. “Before buying a new vehicle for $150,000 or $200,000, they want to try it out. What size? What level of comfort? What amenities? You have to know your needs first. What may be essential for one, may be overkill for another.” The Montérégie company is filling a niche.

Olivier rents vans, but he doesn't just leave the keys on the dash . He accompanies his clients, advises them, takes them by the hand to explain the basics. " Vanlife is falling asleep to the sound of the waves and having dinner by a wood fire, but it's also knowing how to adapt to the challenges of the road, remembering to turn on your water heater before showering," recalls Olivier with a smile. I remember the 70-year-old lady who called me at least ten times before booking! I took the time to answer her concerns, explain all the basics of van tourism and establish a relationship of trust. I even left her a small bench so she could climb into bed more easily! When she came back, she had filled the diesel to the top and she was smiling from ear to ear."

Slow travel , sustainable and local tourism

Travelling in a minivan also means slow travel , qualitative rather than quantitative. “In Estrie alone, there are mountain bike trails, hiking trails, vineyards, orchards, breweries, public markets. It’s Brome, Sutton, Dunham, Frelighsburg, Orford!” enthuses the owner, happy to offer adapted local itineraries. Short and local circuits have been popular since 2020. “Do you really want to swallow 2,000 km in seven days?” he asks. A great way to participate in sustainable and responsible tourism.

Municipalities are changing legislation to create parking areas and deal with overflows, as in Gaspésie last year. There are also digital platforms that offer spaces at farmers' and regional producers' sites. "You can set up in a vineyard, pick up a bottle or two and sip your glass with your feet in the grass. That's vacation!"