Camping on Vancouver Island

Island Campers in the Morning Mist 1

Where these pilgrims go and how long they stay depends on how experienced they are and how adventurous they feel. Why they go, however, remains pretty consistent—camping emancipates people from the rat race. It reconnects them with the natural world and it reminds them of the things that really matter such as friends, family and peace of mind.

Old Growth at Cathedral Grove 2

Here, a mild climate supports one of the world's most diverse and awe inspiring ecosystems. Pockets of old-growth trees fill dense rain forests, fresh water lakes reflect glacier-draped mountains and tidal pools build on expansive beaches. Attracted by these natural wonders, thousands of campers pitch their tents on Vancouver Island each year. Accordingly, this Pacific paradise features some of the biggest and best campgrounds and parks in all of British Columbia.

NORTH PACIFIC PARADISE

Tucked in against mainland B.C. and Washington's Olympic Peninsula, Vancouver Island is the largest North American Island in the Pacific. It spans roughly 450 km (280 mi) from north to south and embodies forests, meadows, beaches, mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes.

Lay of the Island
The west side of Vancouver Island is a rugged and mountainous, windswept land. It is less populated than the east side of the island and therefore has more parkland. Busy fishing and logging communities like Port Alberni and Ucluelet make up the permanent residents while the tourist town of Tofino brings in a seasonal crowd.

Sheltered from the Pacific by the surrounding mountains, the island's east coast is more hospitable than the west. Due to this, it features a higher population, more farmlands and bigger cities than the west coast. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located in the southeast with Comox, Courtenay, Nanaimo and Duncan located further north.

Watch Out for the Rain
Along with the archipelago that surrounds it, the island has a camper-friendly climate like no other in the country. Though extremely wet from October to May, much of the island rarely sees snow.

	Whippletree Junction, Duncan 3

SO MUCH TO SEE, SO MUCH TO DO

This island paradise is one of the world's premier locations for golf, sailing, fishing and sightseeing. Whale watchers can see the local Orcas and Humpbacks breach the frigid waters while birders can quickly check hundreds of species off their lists.

Other outdoor options include hiking tours, boat charters, seaplane rides, scuba diving and surfing lessons. Tours can be arranged in Port Alberni, Nanimo, Ucluelet, Victoria and most of the other towns and cities that dot the island.

Because a great portion of the Island is protected by provincial parkland, its natural heritage has been preserved alongside some of North America's most amazing old-growth fir and cedar forests. Visit Cathedral Grove on the highway between Nanaimo and Port Alberni and find one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas Fir trees in B.C. Otherwise, hike through Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park on the southwest coast or the more northern Pacific Rim National Park and take in the world's largest spruce trees.

The Beach at Green Point 4

Each region has numerous campgrounds which come in all shapes, kinds and prices. Well-serviced, easily accessible grounds are typically found near populated areas and may even operate year-round. Provincial and National parks will often offer a handful of spectacular sites. These are very popular and reservations are often required. Due to this, it is recommended that those planning to stay at one of the governmental parks book well in advance.

North Island
Municipalities: Port Hardy, Sayward, Port McNeill
Rich in First Nations tradition and culture, North Island's rugged coastal wilderness hosts a wealth of recreational activities and spectacular parks.

Start by hiking into Cape Scott Provincial Park. Located at the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, it features 11 designated camp pads on the shores of Eric Lake. Random wilderness camping is also allowed.

Other options include the rural Quatse River Campground near Port Hardy and the RV-friendly Fisherboy Park south outside of Sayward.

North Central Island
Municipalities: Campbell River, Comox, Courtenay.
From the shores of the Pacific to the Island's highest peak, North Central Island features a full line-up of year-round outdoor adventure.

	A Fallen Tree in the Rainforest 5

Campbell River is also a popular destination for camping and RV enthusiasts. There are plenty of full-service, waterfront sites surrounding the city, including Driftwood by the Sea, Ripple Rock and Salmon Point.

Pacific Rim
Municipalities: Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Alberni.
Backed by the Insular Mountains and facing the open Pacific Ocean, the Pacific Rim is renowned for its huge sandy beaches, towering trees, great surf and wilderness camping.

Green Point Campground, in Pacific Rim National Park, is situated on a forested terrace overlooking part of the island's longest beach. With easy car access, Green Point can accommodate young and old but has no cooking or shower facilities.

The Pacific Rim also has a number of private campgrounds. Rural sites like Arrowvale near Port Alberni and Surf Junction outside of Ucluelet offer the privacy of wilderness camping along with the security and services of urban camping.

A Misty Beach on Vancouver Island 5

North of Nanimo on the east coast, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is ideal for a family holiday. Set along a 2-km (1.2-mi) beach, the campground is well serviced and only a five-minute drive south of Parksville.

A host of private campgrounds in the area ensure visitors a place to setup camp. The very urban Coombs Country Campground hardly counts as camping, but for those who need a resort getaway with heated pool and hot tub, it could be perfect. Around Nanaimo, places like the Living Forest and Jinglepot Campgrounds are less like a resort but still fully serviced. Further out of town, the large Mountainaire Campground appeals to those who prefer a more rugged adventure.

South Central Island
Municipalities: Chemainus, Duncan, Ladysmith.
With inspiring views of valleys and vineyards, forests and farmland, sparkling lakes and crystal-clear rivers, the picturesque South Central region has developed into one of the island's most popular destinations.

Cowichan River Provincial Park is a haven of outdoor recreation. Situated west of Duncan, along the Cowichan, the park is a great place for swimming, canoing, white-water kayaking and hiking. Camping is only permitted in designated areas such as the walk-in campsites at the Stoltz Pool, Horseshoe Bend and Skutz Falls.

Private campgrounds in the Chemainus and Ladysmith area include the waterfront Bald Eagle Riverside Campground and the wooded Chemainus River Campgrounds. Both feature modern conveniences and RV hook-ups. Further west at Cowichan Lake, campers can chose from the Beaver Lake Resort or Lakeview Park.

Camping on the West Coast Trail 6

The Golf Islands National Reserve is only minutes from Sidney's Swartz Bay ferry terminal and open throughout the year. It's a great home base for exploring the Gulf Islands and features multiple backcountry camping pads on six different islands. As these islands are only accessible by water, camping in the reserve is guaranteed to be private and peaceful.

Victoria has a handful of urban camping options such as the All Fun Recreation Park, Fort Victoria RV Park and Thetis Lake Campground. Outside of city limits, camping can be arranged in San Juan Bay at the Port Renfrew Recreational Retreat and within the spectacular Sooke Potholes Regional Park.

The West Coast Trail
The physically active nature lover will definitely want to spend a couple days on the West Coast Trail. Though all of the parks on the island have many trails to explore, this wild and remote footpath gets special attention from experienced backpackers. Stretching a full 75-km (47-mi) from Port Renfrew to Bamfield, it can take five to seven days to navigate the West Coast Trail. Due to this, the rugged path is dotted by campsites and rest points.

Night Falls on Vancouver Island 7

Etiquette
Most campsites post their rules and regulations at the park entrance or at the ranger's office. These are simple guidelines that, if followed, ensure a pleasant, safe and relaxing stay for all.

Common sense, however, can go a long way:

• Respect the environment and carry out all garbage.
• Do not leave food out in the open, this can attract wild animals and cause persistant problems for the park.
• Be considerate to your neighbours by respecting campsite boundaries and monitoring noise levels.
• If travelling with pets, be aware that restrictions often apply.
• Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails.