Written By Jeffrey Reed
Well before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Canadians had embraced staycations and nearcations as the new norms. A continuing poor economy meant extravagant trips abroad were out, while backyard pools and decks, day trips and weekend getaways were in.
A 2022 survey conducted by OnePoll for Outdoorsy reported that 72 per cent of us were dipping into vacation savings to make ends meet elsewhere, while 56 per cent said they didn’t believe they could afford a vacation because of inflation. Fifty-eight per cent of those surveyed said they planned to vacation closer to home.
Here in rural Middlesex County, embracing the great outdoors during the summer months is a way of life. Even for those who are not fortunate enough to live on rural property providing an at-home oasis, there is an abundance of hiking trails, lakes, fishing holes, camp sites and conservation areas within a short drive from our homes.
New data from Go RVing Canada shows one-third of Canadians plan to hit the road in an RV during their 2025 vacations. The study also shows a nation in need of rest and reconnection. Taking a break from screens and the endless news cycle is top of mind for 64 per cent of Canadians, while 7 out of 10 would love to spend more time with family. When it comes to what brings Canadians joy, 75 per cent say spending time outdoors makes them happier and they want to be outside more this summer.
The Canadian Safe Boating Council reports Canada’s love of boating is stronger than ever, with over 16 million Canadians taking to the waterways for recreational enjoyment. The pandemic turbocharged this passion with a surge in new boaters: boat sales in Canada have risen by 40 per cent in recent years.
There’s a bicycle boom, too, with a recent John Hopkins University study reporting that nearly half of American families own at least one bicycle, with 58 per cent of Americans using bikes for transportation. Those numbers hold true here in Southwestern Ontario.
Camping, too, has seen a resurgence in recent years. The latest North American Camping Report said about five million Canadians are camping each year.
Canadian outdoorswoman Amanda Lynn Mayhew, best known for her TV show, That Hunting Girl, airing on Sportsman Channel Canada, said the outdoors, much like hockey, serves “as a vital thread in the fabric” of Canadian communities. She said it’s “a way to connect with nature, our heritage and each other. The great outdoors creates memories, teaches resilience and instills a sense of belonging.”
Here in Middlesex County, we couldn’t agree more.
Award-winning writer Jeffrey Reed has covered Middlesex County sports since 1980. He is publisher and editor of
LondonOntarioSports.com. Reach him at
jeff@londonontariosports.com.