15 replies to this topic

[Ted]

Good people,

 

We are planning to do a road trip to Vancouver Island next summer. Will probably have 5-7 days on the island itself. Doing some reading but would like to hear from anyone with first hand knowledge.

 

We know this is the high season. Is boon docking an option at all? If not, how early should we make campground reservations? They start taking reservations 6 months in advance. For many places here in California the reservations can be filled withing days of that advance. Is it similar for V.I.?

 

Whales, bears, and natural beauty are what we are after. Any particular locations or must see spots for those?

 

Thanks in advance. Ted

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Ted, I don’t have answers about boondocking or reservations. We have stayed at the RV park at Telegraph Cove where you can go on whale and bear watching tours, but typically stay on our boat in the Broughton Archipelago. Do leave your car at Port McNeill and take the ferry to Alert Bay, then walk down to the Umista Centre (https://www.umista.ca). It is well worth the visit. Fantastic First Nation artifacts that were confiscated by the government, and are now being returned to the people. Active carving is ongoing there as well.

[Vic Harder]

You might want to pick up one of these - https://www.backroad...ackcountry-maps

[klahanie]

PART 1

 

One of the great things about The Island is the abundance of logging roads giving loads of recreation access to lakes, dirtbiking etc. The kicker is, thanks to the long ago E&N Railway grant, the public was sold out and currently lockout out of huge tracks of land. You'll find gates across most of the south island and much of the east, up to mid island. Sometimes the gates are open, sometimes not.

 

We've never done reservations. Or many Parks CGs in the south Island. I expect some get very busy.

 

Whale watching is a big tourist attraction out of Victoria. Never done it myself. But might one day if it (and the Orcas) are still around

https://globalnews.c...ching-boat-ban/

Edited by klahanie, 02 December 2018 - 02:00 AM.

[klahanie]

Part 2

 

If you go to that Cultural Centre WS posted, try to go when there is a Traditional Dance. Would be more worthwhile.

 

That area is North Island and a long drive from Victoria, so you'll have to pick and choose where to go.

Edited by klahanie, 02 December 2018 - 02:01 AM.

[Moose Dog]

This isn't about camping spots exactly, but if you end up in Tofino, hit up Sobo's for the cornbread! Also Wildside Grill for lunch. Caveat it is a summer destination  ( I was there in April ) and judging from the website it looks like Sobo's has gotten a ilttle fancy-ish. But 8 years later I'm still thinking about Sobo's cornbread with their soup! Lots of nature activities in that area. Saw a lot of eagles! 

[Vic Harder]

Princess Auto for those 20L Scepter gas cans you seem not to be able to get in the USA

https://www.princess...can/A-p8451411e

[BILL98388]

I have one of those cans, but from the Scepter gas can description: "Triple handle design allows you to carry 2 cans per hand." With fuel? Ummm, not my hands. :-)

[DavidGraves]

Hey Vic

 

Do you know anywhere that sells similar cans but for water.....and not $80 ?

 

What other treasures does Princess Auto hold ?

 

Thanks

 

David Graves

[klahanie]

Not Vic, but fwiw

 

Erickson Mfrg: towing, recovery, ratchet straps, etc. Variously often on sale, for best pricing.

 

eg.  could be for tow, tree protector, winch ext etc

https://www.princess...rap/A-p8770968e

 

Langford store (mentioned in your tread) shows stock.

 

Pretty sure these are made by Scepter for consumer market

https://www.princess...can/A-p8570798e