A BC Circle Tour From Vancouver Island to Northern BC and Back

Exploring BC has become much more leisurely since my husband and I purchased an RV.   Come along for the ride and see BC from our perspective as we tootle around our home province. 

I find that driving a large RV about four hours behind the wheel is comfortable.  It also provides a framework for where to stop and stay.  If traveling with friends, it leaves more time to relax and socialize at the end of the day. 

As I have family and friends in the Prince George and Burns Lake area of Northern BC my husband and I thought it would be fun to circumnavigate BC, driving up through the centre of the province. Then we would head west to Prince Rupert and south via BC Ferries from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and back to our home in Victoria. This loop is approximately 2,500 km (1,550 mi) so leave lots of time to explore BC and plan accordingly.

We began our BC loop with a ferry ride from Vancouver Island’s Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen Terminal on Vancouver’s lower mainland, followed by a short drive east to Hope staying at Coquihalla Campground.  We spent a couple of nights visiting friends in the area and exploring Hope which has some wonderful bike trails.  There was even a bike park right outside our campground.  Great for kids!  Whether taking a walk or ride around town be sure to get a selfie with the Rambo statue as the movie was filmed here.

We then headed north through the stunning Fraser Canyon that follows the impressive Fraser River to Lytton and on to Ashcroft – a little slice of heaven and a must for the train enthusiast.  We camped at a small full-service campground called Legacy Park right on the Thompson-Okanagan River.  Train tracks ran on either side.  It was quite the sight to see them rumbling so close.  Ashcroft is full of train lore.  You can visit the local museum, view the many tile mosaics dispersed across numerous buildings and if you also happen to love vintage cars there are many charming old vehicles scattered throughout town.

We love BC’s Provincial Parks, so we made sure to include a couple in our journey.  First up, Lac La Hache in Cariboo Country, home to rolling hills, ranches and horseback riding. We chose a site with a lake view to relax and take in nature before connecting with friends and relatives further north in northern BC’s ‘capital’ of Prince George. There is a lot to see and do here. One of the fascinating places is The Exploration Place Science Centre, home to 70 million year old fossils and dinosaurs with fun things for kids to participate in.

Yellowhead Hwy 16 traverses an area known as the Lake District with great views and abundant fishing. Burns Lake, where we stopped to visit with more friends, is a lovely scenic lake and the weather was particularly hot. After our visit we headed for Smithers and Tyee Lake Provincial Park.  It was refreshing to stay at one of the few provincial parks in BC with 30amp electrical power.  What a relief to be able to run our air conditioning unit to cool off! 

If you get a chance along the way, check out New Hazelton.  It’s lovely with its picturesque mountain backdrop and intriguing First Nations heritage.

Hwy 16 took us through Terrace and on to the scenic ocean route westward to Prince Rupert.  Stop in at the old fish cannery (as we did) in Port Edward, now a museum, or feast on fresh seafood at one of the local pubs or restaurants but whatever you do, bring your raincoat!  You’ll need it as Prince Rupert gets an average of 219 days of rainfall a year. 

From Prince Rupert we boarded the ferry over to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and camped in Port McNeill at Cedar Park which was new to us.  After disembarking the ferry at midnight, the short 30-minute drive from Port Hardy to Port McNeill was somewhat stressful.  The ferry ride itself is 16 hours and stunningly scenic but once on the Island the highway was pitch black.  Be forewarned, there are no lights in this remote part of northern Vancouver Island.  Once we turned off the highway towards our campground the road was gravel and rough in parts and although we had to set up in the dark it was totally worth it.  We awoke the next morning to sunny skies and an incredible ocean view!

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

Interested in RV tours and trips throughout BC go to Trips & Drives

Share your BC travel and camping photos using hashtag #CampInBC, #ExploreBC

It’s always a great day to #CampinBC

Explore British Columbia’s Scenic West Kootenays

Mountains, lakes and old-growth forests make up the West Kootenays, a scenic and outdoorsy area of the Kootenays region in southeastern BC. Bordering Washington, Idaho and the edge of Montana, it’s nestled between the Okanagan and the East Kootenays, with the Purcell Mountain range as a divider. The Selkirk and Monashee mountains are also in the West Kootenays and the ski town of Revelstoke in the Columbia-Shuswap region and the Trans-Canada Highway are to its north.

There are no major urban centres here. Rather, you’ll find unique alpine culture and artistic and eclectic communities. Major highways that run through the West Kootenays are Hwy 3 in the south (zigzags east-west through Creston, Castlegar and Grand Forks), highways 3A (north and east of Hwy 3) and 3B, which links the towns of Rossland and Trail. Highways 6, 23 and 31 run north-south in the central-northern area of the West Kootenays, with Hwy 23 hugging the east side of the long and thin Upper Arrow Lake.

Situated where the Columbia and Kootenay rivers meet, Castlegar is the crossroads of the West Kootenays and a great spot for trout and kokanee fishing. There are countless hiking and biking trails to try in spring, summer and fall when you can experience mountain meadows in bloom and autumnal changes. Nearby parks include Millennium Park, with its swimming ponds and dog park, and Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park, located in the middle of the Columbia River and accessible by a pedestrian bridge. Castlegar has local markets and hosts various events throughout the year, including music festivals and cultural celebrations. A camping option is Castlegar RV Park and Campground.

Thirty minutes southwest is the picturesque ski town of Rossland and Red Mountain, a prime spot for winter adventures and summer exploring. Rossland Lions is the community campground and Nancy Greene Provincial Park (southwest of Castlegar and north of Rossland) has a refreshing sub-alpine lake and is great for an overnight stay or day visit.

East of Rossland is Trail (check out Trail Creek Falls, Centennial Trail and the sandy beach at Gyro Park) and Beaver Creek Provincial Park along the Columbia River. The 18-hole Birchbank Golf Club boasts mountain and river views and a long golf season, averaging over 210 days annually, and Trail Museum and Archives has three galleries and free admission.

Northeast of Castlegar is Nelson, amidst the Selkirk Mountains, and Kokanee Creek Provincial Park with its four campgrounds, boat launch area and beautiful sandy beaches. Nelson City Campground is walkable to the town’s sights, numerous heritage buildings and amenities. While in Nelson chill out at Rotary Lakeside Park or hike to Pulpit Rock across Kootenay Lake, where stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are popular. The multi-use Great Northern Rail Trail (49 km) near the town is part of the TransCanada Trail system. An amazing fact about this area is that it’s home to the last remaining inland temperate rainforest on earth, with old-growth western white pine, Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, western red cedar, western hemlock, subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce.

Communities close to and along Kootenay Lake include Creston to the south, known for its agriculture and wineries, and Kaslo at the more northern (west side) end of the lake. This village is often called the “Little Switzerland of Canada”. While in Kaslo check out the SS Moyie Sternwheeler National Historic Site, the vessel worked on Kootenay Lake from 1889 until 1957 and is the oldest of its kind in the world. North of Kaslo is Kootenay Lake Provincial Park (Davis Creek and Lost Ledge campgrounds) and, near Kaslo, is Goat Range Provincial Park, which protects the natural spawning site of the Gerrard rainbow trout, the largest of its kind. Ainsworth Hot Springs on the west shore of Kootenay Lake is a must-visit and just 15-minutes between Balfour or Kaslo on Hwy 31. Close by is Cody Caves Provincial Park where you can book a tour of its magnificent caves system.

Granby Provincial Park (southwest of the locality of Needles/Hwy 6) is one of the least-explored wilderness areas in southern BC. Close to the Washington border on Christina Lake is Gladstone Provincial Park, which has lakeside camping and recreational activities.

Upper Arrow and Lower Arrow Lakes are a widening of the Columbia River and lie between the imposing Selkirk Mountains on the east and the Monashee Mountains on the west. Valhalla Provincial Park, in the Selkirk range, was created to protect the diverse topography, alpine lakes and unique vegetation of the area.

A neat experience in the northern part of the West Kootenays is the vehicular/passenger ferry across the top end of Upper Arrow Lake, which connects Galena to Shelter Bay, on the west side. (There is also a similar ferry that connects Balfour to Kootenay Bay across Kootenay Lake.)  When near Galena it’s worth a trip down Hwy 23 and inland to Halfway Hot Springs. There are over 20 campsites here, and about half of them are vehicle accessible though large RVs are not recommended. Forty-five minutes south is the community owned Nakusp Hot Springs, with its two spring-fed pools. Temperatures are regulated for winter and summer, with one pool kept warmer than the other. Hot Springs Campground is also located here. For more information on the area read the articles on campgrounds around Nakusp and Arrow Lake.

Golf courses in the West Kootenays include Redstone Resort in Rossland, Birchbank in Genelle, Champions Lake in Fruitvale, Castlegar Golf Club, the Salmo District Golf Club, Valley View in Winlaw and Granite Point in Nelson. Northeast of here on Kootenay Lake are Balfour Golf Course and Kokanee Springs in Crawford Bay, and the par-9 Riondel Golf Club on the east side of the lake.

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

Share your BC travel and camping photos using hashtag #CampInBC, #ExploreBC

It’s always a great day to #CampinBC

Port Renfrew, British Columbia: Fall Camping, Old Growth Forests and Beautiful Beaches

Last fall we took a Vancouver Island camping trip north of Sooke to Port Renfrew. We started out in Victoria and traveled to Sooke along Highway 14. We have spent lots of time in Sooke with family and were excited to explore beyond to the Port Renfrew area, especially when most campers have packed away their gear for the season.

From Sooke our first stop was French Beach Provincial Park (about 20 kilometres from Sooke). It was late September, so no reservations were required. It was fairly quiet on the weekdays, but it filled up on the weekend. We definitely appreciated the extra blankets on our bed at night and extra layers around the fire. Some days we needed toques and gloves for beach walks and other days we were wearing shorts. Take home message – be prepared for all weather!!

After a few days at French Beach, we drove to Port Renfrew, another 50 kilometres along the same highway. The road was bumpy in spots with lots of corners to slow down for, but fully paved. We recommend stopping at the charming logging community of Jordan River which is well known for surfing. There is ocean-front camping (first come, first served) at Jordan River Regional Park with a picnic area, which is a great place to watch the surfers. Before leaving we stopped for coffee, snacks and wifi at the Cold Shoulder Cafe.

Between Jordan River and Port Renfrew there are many beaches to explore (all along the 47 kilometre Juan de Fuca Marine Trail); some of our favourite beaches are China Beach, Mystic Beach and Sombrio Beach. All are absolutely beautiful, and it is difficult to recommend just one!

We arrived at our destination for the next few nights, Port Renfrew. It is well known for being the trailhead for the Juan de Fuca Trail and the West Coast Trail, as well as, the beautiful, natural Botanical Beach. Check out Things To Do in Port Renfrew.

While in the Port Renfrew area, we stayed at Pacheedaht Campground. They have numerous ocean-front campsites and many set back from the water in the wooded area.

Over the next few days, we explored. First on our list was Botanical Beach, known for being one of the richest tidal pools on the west coast. We made sure that we checked the tide charts for the area before we went. We arrived an hour before low tide (it was 1.6 metres), which was good for beachcombing. We took the Botanical Beach Loop Trail which circles past Botanical Beach, as well as, Botany Bay. This 2.9 kilometre trail takes you from the parking lot down to the beach and follows along above the beach. The loop takes about 40 minutes, but was much longer since we stopped at all the beaches.

Next on the list was Avatar Grove. We picked up a Port Renfrew visitors guide which helped send us off in the right direction. It was a 15–20 minute drive and then both an upper and lower trail; both seemed to take about 20-30 minutes depending on how many photos you stop to take. The upper trail is an old creek bed with lots of fallen trees, rustic stairs and surrounded by old growth Douglas Firs and Red Cedars. At the end of the trail is the large Red Cedar known as Canada’s gnarliest tree with a burl 10 feet in diameter. Both trails are awe inspiring!

A little further up the road is a hike to the famous “Big Lonely Doug”, Canada’s second largest Douglas Fir and estimated to be about 1,000 years old! It has become a symbol for protecting old-growth forests. Much has been written about this mammoth tree; I enjoyed reading the history written by the Walrus; if you want to learn more, just do a quick google search. We have a second trip planned back to the area next spring, so we wanted to save that hike for our next visit.

Lastly, dinner at the local pub was a must to finish off our camping trip. The waterfront Renfrew Pub located on the pier at Snuggery Cove had a very comfortable friendly atmosphere with a mix of locals and tourists. We tried the fish and chips and pulled-pork tacos and then took a walk out on the pier, which was a nice way to end our visit to memorable Port Renfrew.

For places to camp in British Columbia go to the Camping Map.

Share your BC travel and camping photos using hashtags #campinbc #explorebc.

Kayaking the Nuchatlitz on BC’s West Coast

The west coast of Vancouver Island is a rugged and beautiful place. Windswept beaches, crystal-clear bays, and dramatic rock formations make the area a mecca for kayakers seeking a multi-day adventure.

Nuchatlitz Inlet is one such kayaking paradise. Located north of Nootka Island and approximately two thirds of the way up the west coast of Vancouver Island, Nuchatlitz Inlet is primarily accessed from either Zeballos or Tahsis. On our recent trip, we opted to take a water taxi out of Zeballos. Another way of accessing the Nuchatlitz area is on the MV Uchuck III, which provides passenger and freight service to remote areas along the BC coast.

For our trip we were dropped off by water taxi at Rosa Island. Rosa is nestled right in the middle of Nuchatlitz Provincial Park and serves as the primary drop off point for kayakers accessing the area via boat. When we were there, we were happy that we were being dropped off and then moving on to another camping location, as Rosa was extremely busy. This is variable, though, as we spoke to people later in our trip who told us they had Rosa all to themselves.

From Rosa we paddled approximately 14 kilometres our first day, weaving our way through Chuish and Wy-ash Islands, past Ensanada Islet, through the Colwood Rocks, around Belmont Point, and finally to Benson Point. Benson Point is a spectacular stretch of sandy beach that on a sunny day makes visitors feel as if they have been transported to the tropics! Commercial kayak guiding groups use the Benson Point area, and we were fortunate to have the entire area to ourselves.

On day two, we explored the Mary Basin area. Our paddle this day was approximately 10 kilometres and included a bear sighting, numerous sea otters, and lots of beautiful views. At the end of the Mary Basin, an extremely narrow opening leads to the Inner Basin. This area is only accessible when the tides are right, as the current flows so fast in and out of the narrow opening that paddlers can get trapped until the next tidal exchange. Unfortunately for us, the tide had just started rising when we were there which meant we could get into the Inner Basin, but we would have been stuck in the basin for many hours before we could get back out. Not wanting to spend that much time, we opted to save the Inner Basin for a future trip.

For our 22-kilometre paddle on day three, we left Benson point, crossed Nuchatlitz Inlet, then headed out around Ferrer Point in order to experience the extreme west coast of Vancouver Island. On the outside the wind is stronger, the swell is bigger, and kayaking is a whole lot more adventurous. Ferrer Point is on Nootka Island, and we had initially hoped to paddle a little bit down the outside of the island and visit Third Beach, which is a popular campsite for those hiking the Nootka Trail. However, given the surf conditions we decided to turn back and instead explore Louie Bay, which turned out to be one of my favourite places of the whole trip.

In December 1969, a Greek freighter wrecked on the rocks near Ferrer Point. The ship was dragged into Louie Bay and blown up in hopes of scrap metal salvage. As things sometimes happen, something clearly went awry and to this day rusting and abandoned remains of the ship remain in Louie Bay. At low tide it is possible to walk through them, and on a rising tide – like the one when we were there – it becomes possible to float through the wreckage. I find the human history of remote locations fascinating, so the Louie Bay shipwreck was a big hit for me.

On our fourth day we left Benson Point and headed into Nuchatlitz Marine Provincial Park. We spent two nights on Wy-ash Island, often referred to as “Island 44.” Wy-ash was a great place to end our trip, as we were able to walk a trail across and around the island, see a reassembled sea otter skeleton, and spend a couple of days exploring the protected waters of the provincial park. As our trip came to a close, we paddled back to Rosa Island where we were picked up by the water taxi and transported back to Zeballos.

Nuchatlitz is an excellent paddle destination as it offers opportunities for most levels of kayaking experience. From an intermediate commercially guided trip to a self-supported adventure full of swell and surf, Nuchatlitz Inlet offers it all and is an amazing location to enjoy a truly west coast experience.

For places to camp in British Columbia go to the Camping Map.

Share your BC travel and camping photos using hashtags #campinbc #explorebc.

Soak in the Sunshine Coast Along BC’s Salish Sea Route – Saltery Bay to Lund

Indigenous cultures, artistic communities, sea-inspired activities, spectacular coastlines and old growth forests make up British Columbia’s Salish Sea Coastal Route. This blog covers the Sunshine Coast part of the drive, from Saltery Bay north to Lund. Click here for the Sunshine Coast blog from Langdale to Egmont which also includes ‘Getting There’ from the BC Mainland.

Saltery Bay

After a 50-minute ferry ride across Jervis Inlet from Earl’s Cove you arrive at Saltery Bay on the Malaspina Peninsula. It was named in the early 1900s when it was the base for a salmon saltery and fish packing plant. Nearby are Mermaid’s Cove and Saltery Bay Provincial Picnic Park, a popular stop for, yes, a picnic. Mountain bikers can explore the 48-km Elephant Bay Loop. Between Saltery Bay and Powell River lies Lang Creek Estuary, a superb location for salmon fishing and beach casting when the fish run in autumn. There are several hiking trails and forest recreation sites along the way too. Palm Beach Regional Park off Hwy 101 before Brew Bay is open year-round and bids adieu to summer with the Sunshine Music Festival on Labour Day Weekend.

Powell River/Texada Island

Powell River is the ancestral home of the Sliammon First Nation. The city of Powell River lies along the shores of the Georgia Strait at the heart of the Malaspina Peninsula and faces west to Vancouver Island. Inlets and Powell Lake separate this area from the rest of the BC mainland, making it a magical place to visit.

It’s an area steeped in Indigenous culture, logging and BC heritage (check out the educational forestry museum). Late winter sees the Powell River Film Festival in the classic Patricia Theatre, Canada’s oldest continuously running cinema. The townsite has over 400 buildings dating to the original 1910 town plan and, in 1995, was designated as a National Historic District of Canada. Stroll around for yourself or book a heritage walking tour or take in an Indigenous experience, such as the Tla’amin Nation Cultural Tours where you can meet skilled craftspeople and learn about traditional practices. Music gatherings include the Townsite Jazz Festival in April and the PRISMA Festival & Academy Festival in mid-June, which unites renowned guest artists with top international music students for two weeks; spectators are invited to watch the symphonies and orchestras that take shape here. Mid-July means outdoor entertainment with a unique logger sports event.

Local produce can be purchased at the Townsite Public Market and Coast Berry Company, a blueberry, strawberry and honey farm and café, and the Powell River Blackberry Festival and street party is in August. For an educational outing visit the Tla’amin Salmon Hatchery.

From kayak and canoe rentals and dive trips to day tours and eco resort indulgences, there are numerous tour opportunities and 32 lakes in the Powell River area. Golfers and cyclists should head southeast to Myrtle Point Golf Club and explore the roads through Paradise Valley agricultural area.

Beachgoers can check out Willingdon Beach Municipal Campsite on the northern edge of town (open year-round), Mowat Bay Park at the bottom end of Powell Lake, or, northeast of town, Haywire Bay Regional Park, operated by the Regional District. Travellers to Vancouver Island can take a ferry from Powell River to Courtenay.

Southwest across the water from Powell River is Texada Island, the largest of the Gulf Islands, with Courtenay, Vancouver Island beyond that. Each July the sandy beaches of Gillies Bay on Texada are home to the community event of Sandcastle Weekend. Other entertaining gatherings are the Texada Island Fly-In (air and car/bike show), the Texada Island Blues & Roots Festival, the Sunshine Music Festival and the Run the Rock 8 km and half-marathon/marathon. Said to be the toughest marathon in Canada it attracts runners from around the world. For a calmer outing visit Texada’s beaches to experience their vast intertidal zones or chill out and watch some skimboarding.

For more on Powell River read the blog Powell River, Insulated By Nature.

Lund

At the most northern end of Highway 101 is Lund, a quaint village known for craft harbour, fishing (Lund Seafood Festival in May), sea touring and being the gateway to Desolation Sound, the deep-water area at the northern end of the Salish Sea. Lund sits on Tla’amin land in the qathet Regional District and is home to the Coast Salish people. Its first European settler was Swede Charlie Thulin who, in 1889, named the harbour after a city in his home country.

Visit art studios such as Tug-Gumh Gallery or indulge yourself at Nancy’s Bakery or the Lund Resort at Klah Ah Men, an award-winner in Indigenous tourism.

East of Lund is Okeover Arm Provincial Park and Okeover Inlet, a superb spot for harvesting oysters and clams (tidal water licence required). Diver’s Rock Regional Park and Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park are just north of Lund. The latter is made up of a small chain of island, islets and rocks in Thulin Passage and is a prime area for wildlife viewing and wilderness camping; there are also some anchorages for small vessels. For an unforgettable experience book a water taxi or snorkel/dive trip to Savary Island, southeast of Lund—it has some of the warmest waters north of the Baja and sandy shores to relax on. Lund Water Taxi offers services to Savary and Cortes Islands, Sarah Point (start of Sunshine Coast Trail) and Desolation Sound. They also have bicycle and kayak transfer services.

Water enthusiasts and hikers are keen on Inland Lake Provincial Park and the Sunshine Coast Trail from Powell River to Sarah Point, approximately 47 km north of Lund. There is 13 km of wheelchair accessible trail around Inland Lake.

The Sunshine Coast region is home to the traditional and ancestral territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, shíshálh, Tla’amin, Klahoose and Homalco Nations. Visitors are encouraged to learn about how they can engage in cultural exploration.

Read our suggested drive along the Salish Sea Coastal Route or learn about winter activities on the Sunshine Coast.

Check out the first part of this tour up the Sunshine Coast by reading the blog Soak in the Sunshine Coast Along BC’s Salish Sea Route – Langdale to Egmont

For places to camp in British Columbia go to the Camping Map.

Share your BC travel and camping photos using hashtags #campinbc #explorebc.

Where to Go Camping and RVing in British Columbia

British Columbia offers breathtaking natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous outdoor activities and cultural events including hiking, fishing, cycling, and attending farmers markets or museums.

For a first-time camper, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in nature, disconnect from technology, and experience the serenity of the wilderness but also enjoy some culture.

There are four types of camping experiences to choose from and they offer a mix of frontcountry and backcountry access. Frontcountry means an area within 1 km of a park road or a highway. Frontcountry campgrounds are accessible by vehicle, and they offer a range of amenities not available in more remote locations.  Backcountry campgrounds are still mainly vehicle accessible (some are hike in only) but usually on gravel or forestry roads and are more remote with limited facilities.

Choosing the right campsite and doing the research, you must consider factors such as location, amenities, scenery, and activities available. The map located on campingrvbc.com allows users to search and locate over 1,700 campgrounds offering unique camping experiences. Here is an overview of the opportunities.

Private RV Parks

In British Columbia, you can enjoy a variety of amenities at more than 400 of BC’s private sector RV parks/campgrounds that are well-maintained, accessible, and enjoyable for all levels of campers. 

British Columbia’s independently owned and operated campgrounds provide services and facilities to suit every lifestyle and budget. Whether you prefer a full-service site with electrical, water and sewer hook-up, a limited-service site with just electrical and/or water, or perhaps a basic site for your tent or tent-trailer, you will find lots to choose from throughout all regions of BC and within all the terrains that this stunning province has to offer. Camp by a lake, on a river, at the foot of a mountain, or under a canopy of tall trees in the forest, it’s all here in BC.

Glamping

Don’t have your own home away from home?  That is not a problem, as quite a few campgrounds offer “Glamping” – the opportunity to drive up in your own vehicle and rent an RV, Yurt or Cabin, or as some call it, “Ready to Camp units.”  Reservations are always recommended as this type of vacation is popular. Most private sector businesses offer online reservation capability and many allow bookings up to 12 months in advance.

Parks Canada (National Campgrounds)

Parks Canada is responsible for protecting nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. They operate seven national parks in British Columbia that offer camping, of which four have glamping oTENTiks.

A great option for beginners, frontcountry campgrounds may include:

• washrooms with showers
• kitchen shelters
• electrical
• water hookups
• Wi-Fi access zones

Check first.

Parks Canada operates a reservation service that opens early in the new year but also has a selection of first-come-first-served campsites. Reservations are recommended as the demand is high in peak periods. National parks include: Kootenay National Park, Pacific Rim National Park and Mount Revelstoke National Park.

BC Parks (Provincial Campgrounds)

If it’s more wilderness that you seek, then BC Parks, which has over 640 Provincial Parks with more than 10,000 Frontcountry campsites and approximately 2,000 walk-in or backcountry campsites, as well as 39 group campgrounds. (If you’re venturing into BC’s backcountry, ensure you camp safely and responsibly and refer to a backcountry guide for more information).

Rustic Recreational Sites

For a more rustic feel, then you will want to visit Recreational Sites & Trails BC (RSTBC) who provide public recreation opportunities through the development, maintenance and management of a network of recreation sites and trails throughout British Columbia. The BC Ministry of Tourism Culture and the Arts maintains more than 1,200 recreation campsites under this program.

Other Camping Opportunities

Campertunity is an online marketplace that showcases campsites for you to rent on private land throughout BC. There are also  opportunities to rent trailers, domes, yurts, and cabins.

Know the Camper’s Code

All campground operators have rules and a behaviour etiquette, but the industry has endorsed the Camper’s Code as an approach to develop a friendly camping culture.

The camper’s code has 9 rules that are really easy to follow.  When all campers follow them, camping is enjoyable for all, nature stays pristine, fellow campers become friends and animals stay wild and free. www.camperscode.com

Whatever you have for a first-time experience, take the time to sit and see the wildlife and listen to the sounds of camping, because “It’s always a great day to #CampinBC”.

To find camping accommodations throughout British Columbia go to https://www.campingrvbc.com/

Share your BC camping and travel photos at hashtag #campinbc

It’s always a great day to #campinbc

5 Ways to Enjoy Winter in Wine Country, Okanagan, British Columbia

As cooler temperatures emerge, and the snow blankets the vineyards, the valley transforms from a sun-soaked paradise to the ultimate winter destination. From champagne powder to frozen waterfalls to theatrical sleigh ride shows, the winter can be a magical time to explore the Okanagan.

1. Take A Winter Road Trip

With surrounding mountains and expansive lake views, Route 97 through the Okanagan Corridor is one of BC’s top scenic drives. In the winter, the sweeping landscape is enveloped in glistening tones of white and blue. Be sure that your vehicle or RV is ready for winter and always check road conditions in advance of your trip.

2. Winter in Wine Country

The colder weather brings with it the perfect opportunity to enjoy the elegant, bold reds the Okanagan is so good at crafting. Try out the exceptional vintages garnering international attention, and raise your glass to the upcoming year. Check out one of the many events at the Winter Wine Festival.

3. Winter Camping

What could be more magical than waking up in a winter wonderland? Enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire with mulled wine in hand, unwind in the great outdoors, and try your hand at winter camping. With many RV Parks and Provincial Campgrounds open year-round, escape to the Okanagan for the ultimate winter getaway.

4. Ski Three Resorts in a Week

The Okanagan is home to a multitude of mountain resorts so you don’t have to travel far to hit the slopes. Known for unparalleled champagne powder, the mountains boast beautiful villages that will get you right into the festive spirit. And you don’t have to ski to enjoy the winter culture. From dog-sledding and ice-fishing to a horse-drawn sleigh ride to a rustic cabin in the woods – there’s an array of wonderful experiences for anyone looking to embrace the snow season.

5. Snowshoe the Myra Canyon Trestles

Rent a pair of snowshoes this winter and explore the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail. At Myra Canyon there are over 18 trestles and 2 tunnels to explore.

Whatever your winter preference this season, be sure to take a step back, enjoy the view, and welcome the festive charm of the Okanagan. To start planning your winter road trip visit route97.net. For more information on winter camping visit https://www.campingrvbc.com/winter/

For places to camp in BC this winter check out winter camping opportunities.

Share your BC travel and camping pictures using hashtag #campinbc, #explorebc

It’s always a great day to #CampinBC

Vancouver Island, British Columbia Off-Season Adventures

‘Canada’s Mediterranean’, is how I like to refer to Central Vancouver Island. It offers more year-round outdoor recreational opportunities in mind-blowing scenery, than I’ll ever have time to enjoy in one lifetime. But I’m trying– and the best part is that so many activities are absolutely free!

To get you started let me give you just a couple of very different ‘cool season’ activities on different parts of the Island, along with two fantastic year-round RV parks located close to each mini adventure.

Life’s too short not to visit the best places, right? So let’s start this Island winter season sampler with…

…a Waterfall!

Stocking Creek Regional Park

Nothing screams “Vancouver Island” like a waterfall– we’ve got the tallest one in Canada here, but the one I’ll show you today is near the popular year-round Country Maples RV Resort.  Stocking Creek Falls is just south of the neat little town of Ladysmith—and you HAVE to see their downtown Christmas light up if you’re here during the festive season!!

The Stocking Creek Regional Park is the start of a tranquil 2km loop trail in a lush rainforest alongside the clear babbling creek that leads to the stunning viewing platform above the picture-perfect waterfall.

And if you’re nimble and sure of foot (although it’s not recommended for safety reasons), it is possible to get behind the waterfall and look out through the water curtain—it’s so loud back there!!!

Check out the video of the recent winter hike I took there with our RV Snowbirds. Love this park!

Groomed Trail Snowshoeing at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort

And my second ‘quiet season’ Island adventure, is to head up Island to the Comox Valley, and get your rig set up in another great RV park near the ocean – Seal Bay RV Park in Courtenay.

After setting up camp, it’s a short drive inland and up to Mt. Washington Alpine Resort, which borders world famous Strathcona Provincial Park, BC’s oldest park, and home to Canada’s tallest waterfall with a drop of 440 meters!

It’s also one of the few places anywhere that you can ski AND have a view of the ocean!

One of the things they brag about in the Comox Valley is that you can golf in the morning and ski in the afternoon!

Although there are exceptions to all rules, on the East Coast of Vancouver Island, the expectation is that white stuff stays on the mountains, while at sea level, anything that comes down from the sky is rain. I love snow, but I don’t want home delivery– except Christmas Eve.

These days, I head to Mt. Washington to relax. I leave the downhill skiing aside, and instead, pack a lunch and head to the beautiful Raven Lodge just below the ski hill overlooking the valley and Paradise Meadows (and it is!). There you can rent some snowshoes and get out for a couple hours exploring the groomed trails in this stunning location.

Of course, the crisp mountain air and ‘shoeing works up an appetite, so the perfect ending is to drop off the snowshoes and sit under the massive wood beams of the lodge, and park beside the fireplace in a big comfy chair and enjoy lunch. They make fabulous, well priced lunches, or you bring your own, and just purchase a glass of wine or a hot chocolate while telling stories or dozing by the fire and enjoying the view over the valley.

Check out the video – you want to do this – and if you haven’t tried the modern snowshoes, it’s as easy as walking!

45 minutes later, you’re back down in Courtenay, and just outside of town, the tranquility of Seal Bay RV Park welcomes you home. It even has a stocked fishing pond onsite!

Visit Vancouver Island this Winter and Stay Awhile!

As I said, winter and summer sports are possible on the same day in Canada’s Mediterranean! While the rest of Canada deals with real winter, if you have an RV, you can still stay in Canada where your dollar goes farther, enjoy the lower off-season monthly RV park rates at award winning parks, and have an active lifestyle with endless adventures.

Special Places Google Map Makes it Easy

Visit my ‘Vancouver Island Special Places’ Google Map, and use your favourite digital device to find other amazing places to see and things to do on Vancouver Island. The map currently has over 60 different placemarks of ‘must see places’ and is growing.

The placemarks on the map for each location are colour-coded to indicate the activity level or fitness level needed to explore. Green ones are easy, Yellow a bit more challenging, then Blue, then Red. Clicking on a placemark will open a window of information about the spot, with a short write-up, and links to photos and videos showing you why each place is a jewel.

This winter, don’t hibernate—activate!

If this area interests you, check out our drive:
From Coast to Coast on Vancouver Island: Vancouver to Tofino

For other places to camp in the winter, plus more winter blogs and how-to information go to Winter Camping in British Columbia.

Share your BC travel and winter camping photos using hashtag #CampinBC

It’s always a great day to #campinbc

Osoyoos & Oliver, in the Okanagan, British Columbia – Offers Plenty To Do in the Summer

Osoyoos Oxbows

For a unique British Columbia experience, head to Canada’s only true desert destination: Osoyoos. Located at the southern end of the Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos averages over 2,039 hours of sunshine every year and temperatures regularly hit the upper 30s in July and August. Fruit and wine abound, making Osoyoos an ideal summertime vacation destination.

To maximize your time in Osoyoos, it is important to take the temperatures into consideration. Start your day early at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre to learn about the unique ecosystem that makes up the traditional territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band. After taking in the indoor exhibits, head outside (bring water and sunscreen!) and wander through over two kilometres of maintained trails complete with interpretive displays featuring everything from local flora and fauna to a reconstruction of a traditional village. Take the time to complete the upper portion of the loop through the hillside of wild sage and antelope brush – the views are spectacular.

If the heat during your walk at the Cultural Centre gets too much for you to bear, head to Osoyoos Lake which is known for being the warmest freshwater lake in Canada. Sẁiẁs (Haynes Point) Provincial Park is the perfect place to unroll your beach towel for a swim or simply to nap in the sunshine. If walking is more your speed, the park is also home to a lush wetland habitat and an interpretive trail through the marsh will delight birdwatchers of all ages.

Haynes Point Wetland

Once you have soaked up the sunshine at the beach, head for town and stop for some of the Okanagan’s best gelato at Roberto’s Gelato. Recommended flavours include Okanagan Apricot, Kulfi (Pistachio & Cardamom), Mango, and Chocolate Hazelnut.

In the afternoon, visit the Rattlesnake Canyon, a mining town themed amusement park complete with mini golf, go-karts, a rock-climbing wall, bumper boat, and the Tornado swing chair, which provides a great elevated view of Osoyoos.

If you are still seeking activity as the day goes on, consider heading to the Osoyoos Oxbows – a unique wetland ecosystem formed in the 1950s when the Okanagan River was straightened. Read about the Oxbows at the outdoor kiosk, and then meander along the trail listening for sounds of diverse migratory and resident birds. If you are really ambitious, bring your bicycle and cycle the 18-kilometre International Bike and Hike Trail heading north which runs parallel to the Okanagan River channel.

Oliver Winery

A 20 minute drive north is the town of Oliver. Described as the “Wine Capital of Canada” thanks to the more than 35 wineries that surround the town, Oliver is known for it’s abundant orchards, spectacular vineyards, and arid climate.

It is hard to speak about Oliver without speaking about wine. I am always particularly taken with wineries with unique attributes, and a few of my favourites are definitely in Oliver. Platinum Bench Estate Winery & Artisan Bread Co. forever has a place in my heart thanks to their pairing of great wine with amazing artisan bread baked on site. For me it is a toss up between their Gorgonzola & Fig and Double Cream Brie & Pear varieties. Delicious.

Kismet Winery, Oliver

If a laid back lunch is what you are after, without a doubt you need to visit the Masala Bistro at the Kismet Estate Winery. The location is convenient and the patio, from which you can sample very, very good Indian food, offers gorgeous views over the vineyards. I have to admit, when I was at Kismet there was a long line at the tasting bar so I skipped that part entirely and headed straight for the most perfect samosas I have ever tasted. The wine will have to wait for my next visit, I suppose!

If you have some time to spend in Oliver and you love the outdoors, a hike up McIntyre Bluff does not go amiss. Leaving from Covert Farms – a 650-acre organic farm and vineyard on a plateau north of Oliver – the McIntyre Bluff trail departs right from the wine shop. Parking is well marked and there is a trail log you can sign before you leave. The route heads through the Covert Farms property before starting uphill. The trail has a mostly gradual elevation gain over the next 2.5 kilometres, at which point you arrive at Rattlesnake Lake.

After Rattlesnake Lake, the trail first descends and then ascends more rapidly over the next few kilometres. Eventually the trail levels out and there is a short ridge walk before the view opens up and you are left breathless not from the climb but from the scenery. From the summit, views stretch south over Covert Farms, Oliver, and beyond. To the east, the cliff edge plummets over 850 feet to the valley bottom below. To the north, Vaseux Lake gleams. The entire trip took us about 3.5 hours and is perfectly rounded out with a stop at Covert Farms for wine tasting, a charcuterie board featuring farm-fresh products, and a wander around the property. With a little planning, and plenty of water and sunscreen as the trail is mostly exposed, McIntyre Bluff makes the perfect adventurous addition to any Oliver vacation.

Osoyoos and Oliver are the perfect places to kick back and relax in the sunshine for a couple of days while still offering a variety of activities that will be sure to keep the whole family entertained.

For places to camp in the South Okanagan and elsewhere in British Columbia go to Camping & RVing BC Camping Map.

Post your BC travel and camping photos using the hashtag #CampinBC

Bridge Lake Ice Caves in British Columbia’s Cariboo: A Cool Place to Visit on a Hot Day

On a recent trip to Bridge Lake Provincial Park (read our blog), we took a day trip to a nearby destination we had read about that seemed too good to be true on a sweltering Cariboo day – the Bridge Lake Ice Caves.

Now, if you are picturing ice caves in the traditional sense, a glistening and icy blue arch, you will be disappointed. But the Bridge Lake Ice Caves have an even more interesting heritage. A Recreation Sites and Trails BC location in partnership with numerous local organizations, the Bridge Lake Ice Caves highlight a unique geological feature of the Bridge Lake shoreline. The annual freeze/thaw process, coupled with ongoing erosion, has created a shoreline full of crevices into which the annual snowfall melts and refreezes into ice. In the bottom of these caves and crevices, the ice remains cold and persists well into the summer, if not year round.

When we visited in mid August, it was plenty hot walking the trails around the rec site, but when we descended towards the ice caves the air became cooler and cooler the further we descended. Several of the crevices we looked in contained nothing more than moist rock walls and cool temperatures, but in two areas in particular we were able to find actual ice.

According to the interpretive signage and the Recreations Sites and Trails BC website, local historians and storytellers have shared that the ice caves were used by both local First Nations and early European settlers to harvest ice to preserve food and to keep cool.

While the ice caves themselves are cool (both literally and figuratively!), the government of BC and local community organizations have done an excellent job of developing a family-friendly rec site in the heart of the Cariboo. The site has several trails named after local wildlife. On our trip we walked the Low Mobility Wolf Trail, the Beaver Trail, the Coyote Trail, and the Owl Trail. The trails are marked with totems, and represent the animal on whose trail you are travelling.

The low mobility Wolf Trail is a 0.5 kilometre, hard packed, low-grade, gravel nature trail leading from the parking lot to two viewing platforms (one of which is wheelchair accessible) overlooking the ice caves and Bridge Lake. Along the trail there are several outdoor workout facilities, including a balance beam to hop over, a push up/pull up station, and a zig-zag balance walk. At the end of the Wolf Trail there is a serious flight of stairs to run up and down for those looking for more cardio. The workout stations along the Wolf Trail are called Otter, Raven, Loon, and Eagle and each is marked with a totem.

From the end of the Wolf Trail we descended the stairs to the Beaver Trail. The Beaver Trail hugs the lakeshore and is a much rougher trail than the Wolf Trail.  Next, we headed up the Coyote Trail, which was very steep and rough. This brought us to the ice caves area where we enjoyed the view and explored. To head back to the parking lot, we took the Owl Trail, which was again wide, flat, and hard packed. Along the trail there were excellent viewpoints of Bridge Lake and plenty of benches to take a break if needed.

When I first heard about the ice caves, the picture that popped into my head turned out to be completely inaccurate to what we experienced. In reality, the Bridge Lake Ice Caves recreation site provides an excellent series of walking and hiking trails. There are beautiful views over Bridge Lake and the ice caves themselves are fascinating both geologically and historically.

For campgrounds in this area and elsewhere in British Columbia check out the Camping Map.

Share your BC travel and camping photos using hashtag #campinbc #explorebc

It’s always a great day to #CampInBC

Published: July 4th, 2023