A local business has seen a significant growth in customers looking for a personal home on wheels. (Facebook/Paved to Pines))

By Trevor Redden

Great Outdoors

Outdoor industries see growth

May 21, 2020 | 2:08 PM

Physical distancing and shutdown measures have kept many people inside this spring, and in turn, the pull of the outdoors has become that much stronger.

Outdoor enthusiasm seems to be reaching new levels in Prince Albert, with people taking up new activities to get out and be active while maintaining physical distancing.

It has been over ten years since Trevor Simpson found himself riding a bike but now finds himself out on the trails virtually every day.

“I’ve been doing the Rotary Trail pretty much every day that [the weather’s] half-decent,” Simpson said, adding that the 24-km loop has not been too challenging.

He even noted that his friend’s four-year-old son joined them one day and was able to complete a lap.

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

15h ago

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

While the increase in activity has left his legs, shoulders, and neck sore at times, Simpson acknowledged that he has been feeling good, and believes the fresh air, exercise, and interaction with the community is great for mental health.

After renting a bike from Fresh Air Experience last fall, Simpson intended to buy his own this spring to pursue the hobby but admits it has taken new levels due to the coronavirus pandemic. Clearly there are many in a similar situation, as business at the shop has been strong over the last two months.

Simpson has also seen an exponential increase in the number of people utilizing the rotary trail daily, with strangers frequently making eye contact and saying hello.

Meanwhile, a local company that specializes in converting buses and vans to campers or living spaces has seen significant recent growth.

Steven Glass, co-founder of Prince Albert-based Paved to Pines custom camper shop, has seen a drastic increase in orders for customizations this spring.

“Going into the pandemic, we had no idea really how our business would respond to this. We had a good lineup [of business] that we knew would be ok for a few months, but as we got about two weeks in we surpassed our goals coming into the year with a huge number of bookings,” Glass said.

The relatively new business has been in operation for over two years, and Glass has seen steady growth built on offering a niche product they call “Skoolies,” or school buses converted into campers.

“Over years, even decades, vans have always been popular. Skoolies have kind of popped up as something unique, and even livable if it’s a full-time position.”

Glass believes that the general slow-down associated with the coronavirus pandemic has given potential customers an opportunity to learn more about building their own mobile retreat.

“We think people have had time to sit down and talk with their family and kind of pull the trigger on something that they’ve been thinking about for a few years.”

Whether it’s a lap around the city or a trip across the country, it appears people are ready to get out and explore the great outdoors this summer.

–

trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden