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Some of the best campgrounds are found on Vancouver Island in some of the most picturesque outdoor settings. In the south of the island, popular camping destinations include the Victoria area and the coast to the southwest, right up to Port Renfrew. Farther north, you'll find places like Tofino on the west side of the island and Strathcona Provincial Park in the interior, closer to Campbell River. If you really want to go exploring, consider heading to the far north, beyond Port Hardy, to the wild shores of Cape Scott Provincial Park.
For those more interested in activity than a location, you can also find some campgrounds that are highly associated with certain sports, like surfing, kiteboarding, or hiking.
When you are planning your camping trip, you should take into consideration that summer, particularly July and August, is a busy time, and if you want to secure camping in the most popular areas, so it's best to book well in advance. Also, many campgrounds are seasonal and only operate from May to October.
Camp life is made easier by gaining experience and learning the tricks. Here are some great camping tips and advice to help make your camping adventures more enjoyable.
If you’re visiting the island and plan on doing camping and hiking, make sure you are always prepared for wildlife sightings – in particular bears and cougars. Most marked trails will have warnings posted if an animal has been spotted in the area, and will also usually post tips on how to keep yourself safe.
If you do encounter a bear, stand as tall as possible and make as much noise as possible. Also don’t run – the bear will chase you. For cougars stay calm and confident so you don’t appear to be prey. If you have small children with you pick them up immediately as small children can get scared/excited and those quick movements and loud noises may scare the cougar and cause it to attack
If you are not familiar with how to keep yourself safe, make sure to do some research on these animals before you hike. Most animals will not attack if you take the right precautions.
Vancouver Island has an unpredictable climate, and the fact that it is vegetated with temperate rain forest speaks volumes about the weather. To put things into perspective, it rains an average of 206 days a year in Tofino. Actually, from a tourist’s point of view, the rain usually isn’t so much of a problem as the wind and clouds that may accompany it, which can severely limit your options.
Allow yourself sufficient time to have some ‘wiggle room’ in which to accommodate the almost inevitable days of bad weather. Retain maximum flexibility within your schedule, and take opportunities as they arise. If the weather is clear, do your float plane trip that day, because it won’t necessarily be nice tomorrow. Plan your itinerary by identifying activities that are absolutely weather dependent, i.e. boat trips, whale watching, float plane trips, and those which are still possible even if it rains.
The tent is the focal point of most camping trips. If you’re a beginning camper, there are a couple of different tent tips to remember. First and foremost, practice pitching your tent before you head to the campsite. Being able to do it quickly and effectively is extremely valuable. When looking for a place to set up, always look for a “natural bed” of soft, flat soil – but avoid the bottom of hills or valleys. Finally, always set up a tarp below your tent to avoid potential damage or water-logging.
Campers can also benefit from a few non-specific outdoor principles. Rule number one, no matter the time of year, is to dress in (or at least carry) layers. It’s the easiest and most effective way to control your body temperature. Secondly, learn how to use a GPS or map and compass. No matter how familiar you are with a certain wooded area, getting lost among acres of similar-looking trees is very easy. Finally, practice basic outdoor skills such as using and sharpening a utility knife, tying various knots, and building a fire. It’s this knowledge that separates the amateurs from the seasoned campers.
With any luck, each camping trip proves to be a unique experience. There are many wonderful things that nature has to offer. But, no matter where you’re headed, a few things should always come with you. Below is the “short list” of camping essentials that should always be packed.
* A Tent, Tarpaulin and Sleeping Bag
* A pot, pan, dishes, utensils, and fire-starting materials (preferably waterproof matches or a butane lighter)
* A utility knife and length of rope
*Plenty of water (get gallon sizes for cooking and cleaning)
*
*Energy-rich, easily prepared foods and snacks (think items like pasta, beans, ground beef, peanut butter, chicken, trail mix, and oatmeal)
* Plenty of clothing (a good rule of thumb in temperate areas is enough for two to three layers daily)
* A tight-closing cooler to store your food items
*Hand sanitizer and soap
*Optionally, outdoor gear like fishing poles and hiking equipment.
If visiting Vancouver Island from the mainland and you need a car, hire the vehicle when you arrive here and save the cost of the Ferry fees. Like most anything else, budgeting for a camping trip is easiest when you start big and work your way down. First, decide upon an amount you can afford, and make a resolution not to exceed it. Then, begin to factor in the larger expenses – things like food, gas, necessary equipment, and campsite fees.
For instance, you could eliminate fast food stop on the way to your camping location in favour of pre-prepared sandwiches. Little decisions such as these tend to add up in the grand scheme of financial matters, especially when it comes to discretionary spending.
Now that you know the basics of camping, what to bring, and how to squeeze outdoor adventure into your budget, nothing is left to keep you from hitting the wilderness!
Mountainous, remote, culturally diverse, and immensely beautiful, Canada is an expansive and scenic country to visit and explore. With over 10 provinces, this North American country is a favourite destination for travellers of all ages. Canada has so much to offer that it’s worth fully exploring on its own. Perfect for ski adventures, scenic railway journeys, wildlife, and historical city exploration, it’s diverse in its terrain and culture. Canada is a comfortable and exciting destination to visit.
Vancouver
Island Vacations Tourism Information Guide that has been designed to
assist all visitors vacationing on this beautiful island of ours. We
would like you to experience an enjoyable vacation.
For the camping enthusiasts there are over twenty provisional campgrounds available and literally dozens of privately owned RV parks on the island. Vancouver Island offers something for every one on vacation. There are many outdoor experiences you will be able to enjoy, fishing, golfing, horse back riding, parks you can trail walk and of course grizzly and black bear tours just to name a few activities.
W
e have hundreds of various types of accommodations listed from Victoria to the top of the island Port Hardy and every city and town in between on both the east and west coasts to suit all budgets, tastes, needs and desires.
T
here are more than 50 golf courses for the avid golfer to experience. Most of these courses are set in the most beautiful surroundings near the sea, by lakes or surrounded by great mountain ranges in evergreen forests. Vancouver Island also can boast of having some of the best championship courses.
Guides who know the waters here well and are ready and committed to
serve you individually, ensuring a personalized and rewarding fishing
charter. You may be fortunate enough to land a halibut , now that would
be a vacation to remember. It is all here at our front door. Unbelievable fishing on Vancouver
Island for those seeking the finest saltwater fishing getaway.
Grizzly bear watching
is always a tourist attraction at Knight Inlet about 80 kilometers
north of Campbell River. During a vacation on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, be sure to
book a whale watching tour to see whales, eagles, dolphins and other
marine mammals.
Mt. Washington is only minutes away from the Comox Valley and offers world class skiing, snowboarding and Nordic sports. In the summer season Mount Washington is a hiking and mountain bike haven.
If you're looking for activities beyond alpine, all snowbound tastes are catered for. Mount Washington provides guests with one of the top-rated Nordic experiences in North America.
Get inspired by the province’s natural beauty and make plans for your next outdoor adventure,
by taking advantage of the many recreation
opportunities available across the diverse landscape of mountains,
rivers, lakes and coastlines. You will experience excitement and
adventure on either a
fishing, whale watching, bear watching or hunting trip. Vancouver Islands rugged wilderness, fresh lakes and rivers offering excellent opportunities for gaming and fishing enthusiasts.
Kayaking is a very popular sport as the island has many bays and inlets
with calm waters. Here is
The Ultimate
Beginner’s Guide to Kayaking
Vancouver Island offers a host of exceptional recreation opportunities. While some of the island’s most spectacular recreation features are located in parks, many more recreation resources are found in the rugged backcountry.
Alternatively, if you are planning a more relaxed type sailing holiday and intend to explore the shores, bays and
the hundreds of inlets
surrounding Vancouver island, then you can also look forward to sun tanning,
beach combing, waterfalls, beautiful anchorages, great scenery, swimming,
hiking, photography and the many species of wildlife.
There are over 18
marine parks in our area.
Desolation sound is extraordinarily beautiful sailing area with
many safe anchorages and beautiful locations… mountain waterfall and forest
lakes only minutes walk from snug anchorages. The waters are calm, sheltered and
warm. Desolation Sound is a world famous sailing destination or longer trips to
the many other marine parks like Princess Louisa, Toba Inlet, Bute
Inlet or the Broughton Archipelago.
