BC’s Tofino, Ucluelet Summer Adventures

On the road again and out to British Columbia’s west coast in our RV.  Tofino, surfer tourist mecca and Ucluelet, it’s lesser known and frequented fishing centred cousin.  It had been about eight years since we paid a visit to this corner of our beloved Vancouver Island.  What had changed?  What hadn’t?

As with any road trip there are some stops along the way to explore, grab provisions and generally enjoy.  One of our favourites is Chemainus.  It’s an easy drive from Victoria and a great place for lunch.  We dined at Sawmill Taphouse with its delicious pizzas and craft beer.  In the same plaza there is also a grocery, liquor, and dollar store as well as a pharmacy.  Chemainus is also very RV friendly with its ample specified RV parking near the little downtown core where you can peruse the famous murals, grab a coffee or eat at one of the other local restaurants like Bonnie Martin or if you like Vietnamese Pho Triple 7.

After lunch we headed for Coombs and the Goats on the Roof although I haven’t seen goats in some time, I’m sure they are still there.  We just like it for the browsing – clothes, food, plants, you name it.  A must for us is The Old Country Market which has an eclectic array of interesting foods and novelty items. 

Our first camp stop was at Sproat Lake Provincial Park.  Here you have a choice of either the lower campground (close to the water with sites closer together) or the upper campground (where we stayed) which is more private but requires a bit of a hike to get to the lake or even the shower facilities should you need them.  If you do venture down to the lake, be sure to look for the signs that direct you along the lakeside path to the petroglyphs.  They are quite impressive. 

After a relaxing two-night stay at Sproat Lake it was on to the Tofino area.  Here we stopped for lunch and a walk on Long Beach before heading to our campsite at Surf Grove on Cox Bay.  It was beautiful!  Right on the beach.  Yummy food truck on site as well as Long Beach Lodge, a quick stroll down the beach with multiple dining options from fine to casual outdoor.  As the weather was good, we opted for outdoor on the beach watching the surfers and taking in the stunning view and crashing waves. 

As our next stop was only a short drive away in Ucluelet we decided to spend the day in Tofino proper.  We wandered the shops and refreshed our memory of the surroundings fueled by a delicious brunch at Roar inside the colourful Hotel Zed with its quirky driftwood VW Classic Bus. 

With our legs stretched and our bellies full we headed for Ucluelet and Island West Resort.  Although not as polished as our Tofino site it did overlook the water and was only a 5–10-minute walk to town with an abundance of shops and eateries.  We loved the laid-back vibe of Ucluelet where even though we weren’t, we felt like locals especially at Eagles Nest Pub right on-site at Island West Resort.

Ucluelet has a rich history as a fishing village.  If you go be sure to visit Crystal at Neptune Seafood Market & Processing.  Crystal operates one of the last fish processing plants on the west coast.  The industry is no stranger to difficult times but continuing to eke out a living has led her to pivot to a market approach where tourists and local customers alike can come, and purchase seafood processed on the spot.  It doesn’t get any fresher! 

After ten fun-filled days we were headed home but to break up the trip we had one more stop, Little Qualicum Provincial Park, where we camped at the Lower Campground and hiked to the falls which is always a joy. 

You may also wish to visit Cathedral Grove or lunch in Port Alberni but no matter what you choose the west coast is a prime destination with its plethora of outdoor activities and natural splendour.  Whatever you’re into – hiking, biking, surfing, sampling local foods, shopping or more there’s no shortage of things to do or places to explore.  There’s something for everyone of all ages and capabilities.  In fact, they just finished the accessibility ramp to Cox Beach so now there’s really no excuse.  Get out there!

For campgrounds and RV parks in British Columbia go to Camping and RV in British Columbia

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