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Fall is an ideal to visit BC and there are many routes to experience vibrant fall colours.
Words by Tom Westley/Salish Seaside RV Resort & Marina
The various regions of BC are popular among RVers in the fall. Whether you want to take the BC Ferries to Vancouver Island or discover destinations on the mainland, the first thought that often comes to mind is to plan a trip in the summer as vacation days, warm weather and sunshine all provide prime opportunities.
As the shoulder season sets in, many RVers who are on the road start returning home to return to work and get back into their post-summer routine. However, there are many advantages to staying a little longer or planning weekend trips this time of year.
Fewer crowds, lower campground fees, and very comfortable weather are just a few of the benefits. You can also explore popular destinations at your own pace, have access to prime RV sites, which may not be available in the summer, and save on costs to see attractions or enjoy entertainment. Fall is an excellent time to travel in BC and here are a few starting points to make the most of your time this season.
Outdoor Recreation Abounds
You can plan an entire trip around fall activities in BC. If you don’t know where to go, it’s a great time to enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, biking, and sightseeing. Vancouver Island in particular offers all of these activities in the larger cities and rural regions; you don't have to drive very far to get in touch with nature (but you still can if you want to). Bike tours and kayak rental companies may have reduced fees, which may also net you big savings.
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Autumn walks are especially pretty this time of year.
If you like to view wildlife, visit local nature sanctuaries to learn if any major migrations are taking place. Fall can be the perfect time for whale- and bird watching or seeing the spectacle of salmon spawning. The Adams River in the Shuswap is very popular, especially every four years when thousands of salmon return to their spawning grounds to end their life cycle in Tsútswecw Provincial Park.
The fall season celebrates harvest as well. This means almost every farm is open for business offering fresh produce, corn mazes, apple orchards, hay rides, pumpkin patches, and even some late-season berry picking. Homemade baked goods are widely available or purchase your own to make a hearty festive meal. Dutch ovens and slow cookers can be your go-to method or ‘take it outside’ and grill up a feast on the barbecue.
Don’t forget about Halloween. You can visit haunted houses or take a ghost tour; Victoria is especially well-known for its Halloween celebrations and is considered BC's ‘most haunted city.’ Special events are common at RV parks; you can even decorate your RV with monsters and jack o' lanterns. Craigdarroch Castle holds annual Halloween shows, a Zombie Walk takes place downtown and Government St. is only open to pedestrians during Wicked Victoria. The Royal BC Museum also has special after-hours events.
Top BC Fall Spots to Visit
Unlike Canada’s eastern provinces, BC doesn't have a dedicated ‘fall colours report’ indicating the best spots to view fall foliage. However, driving through heavily wooded areas will yield some pretty amazing scenery. Some popular areas can be found in Tofino, Kaslo, the Comox Valley, Victoria, Vancouver's Stanley Park and along the shore of Kootenay Lake.
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You can also admire lace leaf Japanese Maples, Japanese Maple, and Acer palmatum at Butchart Gardens in Victoria.
National, provincial, and regional parks are also a good choice. Okanagan Falls Provincial Park, Stocking Creek Regional Park, Thetis Lake Regional Park, and Strathcona Provincial Park are other nice destinations with its clear lakes and waterfalls.
Wherever your route takes you, check the availability of your campsites in advance. Salish Seaside RV Resort & Marina in Victoria is open all year, providing a great destination for snowbirds staying north of the border for the winter or if you want to plan a few late-season RV trips. It’s a central gathering place with heated amenities.
The mild climate of the BC coast means there are more options than most for fall RVing. Even in the Rockies, temperatures can stay above zero well into September and sometimes October. Remember, many locations may experience unpredictable weather so choose your destinations carefully and keep up to date on weather reports and monitor www.drivebc.ca.
Now is the perfect time to plan a trip to BC. With all of the festive events and activities, you’ll be amazed at the opportunities outdoors for new experiences every year.
For more information about a selection of BC RV parks visit www.suncruisermedia.com or www.salishseasidervhaven.com
How to Stay Dry, Warm and Comfortable When RVing in the Fall
It’s common BC knowledge that fall in BC means rain but don’t let that stop you from RVing here. It’s easy to plan ahead and just take some extra steps including:
- Always have a professional safety check completed on your RV, especially if you'll be visiting the mountains. Get your brakes, axles, wheel bearings, towing gear, and heating and water systems inspected. Freezing temperatures are unlikely in many areas of BC in the fall, but it doesn't hurt to know how to disconnect and drain your water lines just in case.
- Do any upkeep you're capable of regularly such as checking lug nuts, lubricating your slides, and cleaning the roof. Always bring along a tool kit with all of the essential items.
- Insulate your windows with wrap kits that are available from hardware stores. They are affordable, easy to install and will help keep your RV warm in cooler weather.
- Eliminate condensation in your RV using a dehumidifier, turning up the heat, or opening cupboard doors and windows. Moisture can lead to mould (and voided warranties).
- Pack seasonal jackets, long-sleeved shirts, extra blankets, vests and warm socks if temperatures get a little cooler than expected.
- Stay dry. Understand the difference between ‘water-resistant’ and ‘waterproof’ clothing. Quality rain gear is a good investment, which you’ll appreciate during surprise showers.
- When travelling long distances in a single day, constantly monitor the forecast in the regions you’re visiting.