Old school buses re-purposed for recreational vehicles - often referred to as "hippy buses" or "skoolies"- are still sighted occasionally - usually in summer. So it was quite a surprise to see three of them - likely travelling together - all in the same place in Halifax on January 25.
The big Freightliner was the only full sized unit of the three. Its grey paint (peeling in places) was touched off with a red stripe on the hood, but despite the awning and few other touches it appeared to be in fairly rough shape.
I'm not expert enough to know with certainty which manufacturer built the "Toukie Skoolie", but I am leaning toward Thomas Built Buses Inc (a Freightliner, Daimler subsidiary).
The other two skoolies were small scale types, one of which still displayed the Shool Bus sign board, "cheese" coloured paint, and the Girardin name. Girardin is a Blue Bird dealer, and also manufactures Blue Bird's Micro Bird line at their Drummondville, QC, factory.
The third and last skoolie, also built on a cutaway van chassis, but this time a GMC, is named "Le Chalet Bus". Perhaps tney are seeking snow for skiing, but that will be hard to find this year.
This one was probably never a school bus, but was more likely a shuttle van or similar. The rear doors suggest a baggage compartment or it may have been in special needs service. Oddly it has a pair of D-rings mounted up front (I hope they are secured to the frame), so it might have served a remote or northern area.
Fortunately temperatures are on the warm side right now, but if it turns cold I cannot imagine these skoolies being comfortable accommodation.
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