Off-Season Adventures
Here’s some unique off-season trips you should try.
(3 - 4 days) SURF GROVE - Cox Bay, Tofino
If you are into surfing or if you are not, Surf Grove Campground is seriously one of the best. Views and solid facilities. If you are semi-local to BC, you can even buy off-season passes that let you hit up the campground whenever you like. They have full service and semi-full serviced campsites (reserve here) with all the things you need for an amazing off-season camping experience.
If you’re coming from Vancouver, its a pretty easy trip that can be done in a day, no problem. Grabbing a ferry from Horseshoe Bay, then making your way up to Tofino (3hrs from when the ferry drops you in Naniamo). A beautiful drive. Call in sick on Thursday and conveniently have a Friday booked off, and then come back on Sunday. You won’t be sorry.
(3 - 7 days) COAST CIRCLE ROUTE - Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast
Without reinventing the wheel, here’s a link to the HelloBC trip planning page for the Circle Route. If it were me, I’d maybe forego the first part of this route to Victoria if you’re looking for a more camping-focused trip. That said, head to Naniamo from Horseshoe Bay, eventually making your way up and over to Lund and then back, you won’t be disappointed. You can do this route in a week and there’s plenty of year round camping options along the way. A random sample itinerary:
Night 1
Dashwood Meadows Campsite in Qualicum Beach (not far from Naniamo) - Stay at this super cool farm (BC Finalist for best HipCamp)
Night 2
Tyee Valley Farm in Courtney - Chill in the forest at these well-kept and simple sites
Night 3
Grab a ferry over to Powell River, an awesome little coastal town, and head up to Lund. You can take a little cruise into Desolation Sound for some potential for whale, sea lion and general sea creature watching. Kayaking would be a great activity too.
Night 4
It is at this point in the itineray that, while I respect van adventuring, I might be wanting a nice warm shower and to take a breather from the van. That’s just me though. It would be worth heading to Powell River and staying at a campsite, for sure, OR, a night in a super unique Eco Resort. The Cabana Desolation Eco Resort is a really rad spot to stay. You don’t have to tell anyone that you didn’t stay in the van every night. lol
Night 5
Take the ferry from Powell River and make your way to Egmont. There you can have access to an amazing trail taking you 4km up to the Skookuchuk Narrows which is an stunning beauty of a hike. At the end you’ll see an epic natural phenomenon, the Sechelt Rapids. The Strongwater Campground is a super cute campsite with a little hobby farm attached to it. Highly recommend.
Night 6
Make your way down to Roberts Creek and you can spend time at the Roberts Creek Provincial Campsite there (first come first serve). The mini town of Roberts Creek is an eclectic spot. You must hit the Gumboot Cafe for eats at some point. Such a gem. But there are some unreal little hikes and beach views here.
Head back to the lower mainland via Gibsons ferry terminal on your last day. Don’t forget to pop into Sunday Cider before you hit Gibsons to grab some to-go bevvies of BC’s best cider.
Harvest Hosts
If your desired Canadian Federal campsite is not open, give Harvest Hosts a try. You can camp at some super unique spots like farms, breweries, wineries, and other attractions.
AirBnB Experiences
An honorable mention here if you’re looking to create your own unique experience-based trip and would like a host to guide you through.