Touring Advice for Vancouver Island

[Zardoz]

Hello friends!

Looking for some “tried & true” travel planning advice from the *been there, done that” folks who have taken their trailers through Vancouver a Island this coming August. What are the, “must see” sights and recommended RV Campgrounds? Any inside recommendations you’d like to make would be greatly appreciated too. We’re hoping to stay at as few campgrounds as possible and venture out on day-long excursions.

As always, many thanks for your helpful insights!

[LarryandLiz]

We find Little Qualicum Falls Provincial to be our favourite Island Campground. It’s nicely positioned to give access to a variety of areas for day trips.

Whereever you go on the Island book your campgrounds ahead in August I think you will have lots of completion for sites.

[Bobbito]

Green Point Campground is fantastic and located on Long Beach on the west coast. Bella Pacifica Campground on MacKenzie Beach in Tofino gives you access to that beautiful beach. Both campgrounds are hard to get into in summer without a reservation made long in advance. From either base you can explore all the wonderful beaches, forest trails and the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet. Great restaurants and galleries in Tofino, and don’t miss the famous Roy Vickers art gallery.

Bob K

[travdes]

I second green point, but you pretty much had to book it within an hr of them going on sale on Jan 9th to get any date in July/Aug. You might be able to get single days, and just shift campsites each day.

[RTRadio]

Hello Rich and Mary.
As others have suggested consider making reservations for August camping. Vancouver Island has become a popular destination especially the last few years when the rest of the province has had significant wildfires.
Victoria. If you want to see Victoria there are not a lot of campgrounds close but if you can get a spot at Goldstream provincial park you are a short drive to downtown Victoria with lots of sightseeing and great restaurants.
If you want to head a bit further west there is a very nice campground at French Beach Provincial Park.
Mid island has a number of nice campgrounds but they will be busy in August. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is always full in July and August. It is right in Parksville and has a beautiful sandy beach. Close to Parksville with easy access to Coombs and Cathedral Provincial Park you have Little Qualicum Falls or Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. Both are great spots but again check the reservation system with BC Parks.
As you head further north towards Campbell River Miracle Beach is another nice provincial campground. North of Campbell River there is camping around sayward. North of Campbell River you have less urban development and there are more rustic recreation sites. At Kelsey Bay you can find a commercial rec site. Kelsey Bay RV Campground - Oceanside Camping in Sayward, on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
If you go north to Port McNeil there is a nice campground on the Ckluxe River. Looking at the web site it looks like it has had a number of amenities added since we last camped there. It is a nice spot to then explore other areas around the north island. Cluxewe Resort | Port McNeill, Vancouver Island, BC

Lots to do on Vancouver Island, great restaurants, great outdoor activities. I hope you enjoy your trip to the island.

Richard.

[Chris R]

Recommend all that is mentioned above. We go to Green Point every year in September on the west coast of the island. Any campground there will work, lots to see, visit Tofino and Ucluelet, especially Long Beach, big waves, surfing, long walks, great sunsets.
The Cluxewe Resort is fairly central to the north of the island. It make a good base to see other sights. Try for a spot on the spit, great views. Photo is taken out the back window on the spit at the resort.

[NW Cat Owner]

Hey Rich, I see you got rid of your 5.0. We well remember touring your 19 back when we were trying to decide what to get. More room for your kitty in the new trailer?

[arniesea]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

Hey Rich, I see you got rid of your 5.0. We well remember touring your 19 back when we were trying to decide what to get. More room for your kitty in the new trailer?

... and I bought that 19'. Soon for sell as I upgrade to the 5.0.

[fudge_brownie]

When we travelled the Island we were surprised at the time and distances involved. Being a first time visitor it is hard to grasp travel logistics in a new area. So our suggestion, is allow for enough time and plan travel to minimize “windshield time” and maximize the sights.

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

Hey Rich, I see you got rid of your 5.0. We well remember touring your 19 back when we were trying to decide what to get. More room for your kitty in the new trailer?

For all of us. Took the door off a below-bed storage cubicle, threw in an old blanket and he has his own room now. Also lots more windows to look out while lounging on the wide backrest cushions. Life is goo.i

[lorrie]

If you are going as far north as Port McNeill, the best campground in that area I know is Alder Bay RV Resort. Alder Bay Resort - Home.

If you have a chance, Coombs near Parksville is a nice little detour.

You will LOVE Vancouver Island, and as a previous poster said, it's easy to underestimate the size and the various locales, each with their own distinct personality. Hopefully you have left yourselves a good chunk of time.

[gbaglo]

If you like eagles:
Google Qualicum Indian Band Campsite.

[Zardoz]

Thanks everyone for your valuable thoughts, recommendations, and advice! I think we’ll head up in September when all the kids are back in school and campgrounds are readily accessible. As always, thanks to the members of this great community!

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Zardoz

I think we’ll head up in September when all the kids are back in school and campgrounds are readily accessible. As always, thanks to the members of this great community!

Co-worker had a 'cabin' ( to become a house over the years ) at Deep Bay spit. He took the month of September off work every year and often said Sept. was the best month on the Island.

[Tisiphone]

My favourites are:

Sooke Potholes, Botanical Beach, Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park (fairly rough gravel roads to access this), Little Qualicum Falls, Rathtrevor beach, East Sooke Park, Chemainus, Coombs (goats on the roof).