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Photos courtesy Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities
Gallagher Lake Resort
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Anna Beaudry Photographic Design
Oceanside RV Resort
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Anna Beaudry Photographic Design
Rondalyn Resort
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Anna Beaudry Photographic Design
Rondalyn Resort
By Perry Mack - Photos courtesy Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities
Finding a wonderful RV park that’s well managed is a mixed blessing. You love where you are so much it creates some anxiety – you’re afraid the next resort will leave you disappointed.
One solution is to stay at resorts that are managed by the same company. In this case, the company is Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities. In addition to their 36 cottage and RV resort destinations; they have 5 marinas and over 60 residential communities across Canada.
We’re going to feature three of their recently acquired, and wonderfully upgraded, British Columbia properties.
Starting in the sunny Okanagan (actually the northern tip of the Sonoran desert), in the heart of wine country, is Gallagher Lake Resort. Once you get settled in, you’ll realize what an incredible gem you’ve discovered.
The pet friendly resort offers a full menu of amenities, but for me the private sandy beach stands out as the top feature. After (or before) taking a dip in the cool waters, there’s fishing, tennis, pickleball, beach volleyball, horseshoe pits and a playground. Take a little road trip and visit a plethora of estate wineries, fruit stands and markets, or visit nearby Oliver for a movie, or Penticton if you’re craving a big city fix.
There are a limited number of full service seasonal sites available along with a variety of short term full and partial service sites and cabins. Recent upgrades include additional pull-though sites and a complete electrical upgrade to all of the sites.
With nearby hiking & biking trails, local music events and abundant birds and wildlife to enjoy, there’s a wonderful outdoor experience waiting for everyone in the family.
Traveling westward, our next stop is Oceanside RV Resort on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island. It is seaside vacationing at its best. The resort is open year round so you can enjoy the ocean beach and nature walks whenever your ‘wanderlust’ strikes. Active outdoor lovers thrill to the ocean kayaking, boating, golfing, fishing, hiking and cycling while the sight-seers revel in open jawed wonder at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, whale watching tours and the enthralling bird watching opportunities.
Close to the provincial capital of Victoria, attractions abound including some of the nations top gardens, museums, markets and entertainment. And some of the best micro-brewed beers the world has to offer (if you can find it, Phillips Longboat Chocolate Porter is heaven in a bottle) - the perfect accompaniment to your mouth-watering meal in one of the many friendly pubs and restaurants.
Driving an hour and a half north on the Trans Canada highway brings you to Rondalyn RV Resort, just 15 km shy of Nanaimo outside the quaint town of Cassidy. This resort shouldn’t be missed, as the area (and the resort) has its own completely unique ‘vibe’.
This pet friendly woodland resort on the banks of Haslam Creek has immaculate landscaping and a full suite of amenities and past times on-site. Soak in the heated saltwater pool, swing by the par 3 golf course, fish in the trout pond, and socialize around the horseshoe pits, volleyball court, video arcade or children’s playground.
Take a short road trip and view the murals in Chemainus (along with great small-town shopping), the totem poles in Duncan, and then let the family burn off some energy at the Wildplay Waterpark, hike Mindy’s Suspension Bridge on the Trans Canada Trail or the feel the adrenaline rush at the Bungy Zone.
Feeling a little more adult? Try the Cottonwood Golf Course or visit the Nanaimo Museum with it’s three floors of exhibits, costumes, photographs and ... a daily noon cannon firing (mid-May through Labour Day).
Three great resorts, three great vacations and no anxiety. To get more details on the resorts mentioned visit www.parkbridge.com.
Travel Tip: Parkbridge is offering a loyalty program reward - for a limited time stay just five nights at any two or more of their very own resorts, and get a free night’s stay.