map of vancouver island
Vancouver Island is a large, relatively sparsely populated area...
...which encompasses Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, as well as a portion of the coastal mainland. Condé Nast Traveler magazine's 2009 Readers' Choice Awards ranked Vancouver Island second in the "Top Islands of North America" category.
Van Isle has one of the world's most diverse ecosystems that includes rainforests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, oceans, rivers - all of which create habitats for multitudes of wildlife species. Vancouver Island - especially the island's west coast - is one of the world's top locations for whale watching, bird-watching, salmon and trout sport fishing and exploring by RV.
RV PARKS & RESORTS:
Driftwood by the Sea - Campbell River, BC
We look forward to your visit to our RV Park and Cottages! We are located in the heart of Campbell River, a 15 minute walk south of downtown, overlooking the each, Discovery Passage and Cape Mudge Lighthouse . From your spacious, level RV Site or well appointed cottage enjoy the spectacular ocean view. www.driftwoodbythesea.com (250) 203-0373
Lighthouse RV Park - Fanny Bay, BC
When you visit our Vancouver Island RV Park, you will discover an entire world of relaxation and adventure. You can decide to enjoy any one of a number of outdoor adventures, or just relax and enjoy your day on our seaside deck watching eagles and kingfishers and seaside activities that make this such a unique location. Salmon fishing guides, birding, biking, hiking and kayaking are located nearby for your convenience. Golf at one of six area courses, spend an afternoon at one of our majestic BC Parks, or take your family on a walk along the beach and discover the amazing ocean life just outside your front door. www.lighthouservpark.ca (250) 335-1667
Living Forest Oceanside RV Park & Campground - Nanaimo, BC
The only thing we overlook is the water! 53 natural acres of ocean, forest and river make up this year round park featuring 300 gorgeous sites. Our extensive site menu includes 50 amp, pull thrus, oceanside, oceanview, forested, riverside, full service, partial service or no services, 'nose in first' sites for motorhomes to take advantage of the view, wi-fi, sunny or shady sites. Miles of walking on our paved roads or quiet trails, bicycling, paddling, swimming in the amazing Nanaimo River, birding, basketball, bocce, games room, beach volleyball, or just enjoy a gourmet coffee or ice cream from an outdoor table with a view at the Living Forest Cafe. www.livingforest.com (250) 755-1755
Pacific Playgrounds RV Park - Black Creek, BC
Pacific Playgrounds RV Park is your gateway to Vancouver Island. Enjoy one of our many on-site activities or explore one on the many local attractions. www.pacificplaygrounds.com/Services/Camping.html (877) 239-5600
Rondalyn Resort - Cassidy, BC
Rondalyn RV Resort offers you and your family 35 acres of natural wooded land by tranquil Haslam Creek. The Resort's serene beauty is enhanced by the salmon-spawning creek, surrounding mountains and forestry reserve. Their resort is set away from the noise of civilization, yet it is only a 5-minute drive to essential services. Plan to stay awhile to enjoy their heated pool, fishing, hiking, hot tub, golf course, modern clubhouse, laundry and our spotless washrooms. They are OPEN ALL YEAR to serve you.
www.rondalynresort.com (800) 643-7552
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ATTRACTIONS:
Chemainus - The Little Town That Does
Chemainus, dubbed the 'Little Town that Did' for its resourceful turnaround under tough economic hardship, has become a favourite among seaside Vancouver Island communities to visit and stands as the mid-point between the better known cities of Victoria and Nanaimo. Once thriving under the heartbeat of forestry, the early 1980’s proved to be a difficult time for the slowing industry, and in the end, the doors to the largest covered-in sawmill ... More
Spirits of the West Coast Native Art Gallery
When you actually get out and experience this province, you realize what an incredibly beautiful place it is. It is this very beauty – and a nearly constant and abundant food supply - that has inspired Coastal Native B.C. cultures for about 10,000 years. Together, this rugged beauty and abundance have supported the development of a fascinating indigenous culture that has embraced and incorporated art as a fundamental pillar in its society. More
Wander down a manicured path nestled among the fauna of a tropical rainforest, where you can almost feel the vibrancy of life emanating from the colourful flowers that seem to guide your way. Find a spot to rest at the shore of a pond and note the ripples that hint at the life coursing just below the surface. Turtles glide through the water and bask in cool shallows as a group of Koi nibble at their toes. You watch the fish dart away, racing to the safety of a shore-ward plant-bed, as a large fifty-pound Sulcata tortoise lumbers and splashes into the water, disturbing and displacing all in its wake. More...
Storm Watching on Vancouver Island
Located on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Tofino is approximately two hours from Parskville. When you reach the Highway #4 intersection north of Nanaimo, take it west to Port Alberni, BC, on to the junction near Ucluelet, BC, turn right and pass through the Pacific Rim National Park on your way to Tofino, BC. More...
ADVENTURES:
Island RV Wintering
When summer gently becomes fall, it’s easy to be lulled into thinking it will last forever, until you wake up and have to reach for the thermostat, coaxing the furnace to take the chill off the morning while you sip your morning java. Suddenly, you realize it’s time to find a sanctuary for you and your RV for the winter months. Whether you're full time in your RV or just close up your home for the winter and use your RV as an escape pod to somewhere where it’s not so cold, the question is always, ‘where to spend the off season’? More....
Treasure Island - GeoCaching
I feel the excitement build as my map and compass indicate I’m sooo close to the treasure. My pulse quickens as I scan the huge rocks in the forest glade around me and try to imagine where I would hide the treasure I’m looking for—to see if visualizing myself as the hider instead of the seeker helps me locate the object of my quest. I’ve spent the last hour following clues and trails, up and down hills, avoiding ‘Muggles’ and trying to make sense of my treasure map,... More
The Lighthouse Route
Just the name evokes peaceful memories of these 96 kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches and coastline, the sweet smell of salt air drifting through quiet oceanfront RV parks and campgrounds. This region on the east side of Vancouver Island runs from Nanoose Bay to Campbell River on Hwy 19A – the Oceanside Route. More...
Whale Watching at Tofino
John Forde has been a whale guide for more than thirty years, rescued whales, and has a small whale museum in Tofino, British Columbia. Located on the far-west coast of Vancouver Island, John's Whale Centre, has become a hub of wildlife Eco-touring and education. More...
Five Ways to Gain Your Sea-Legs in Nanaimo B.C.
What’s a landlubber to do in seaside Nanaimo? This central Vancouver Island city is built on a headland extending into the Strait of Georgia and is surrounded by ocean on three sides. Not only that, the “Harbour City” is fronted by one of the longest, most scenic shorelines in Canada. For those who hail from land-locked locales, here are five sure ways to earn your sea legs in Nanaimo... More...
Torquart Bay
A chorus line of waves dance across the black sandy beach past an audience of RV’ers. Whether camping in tents or rubber-tired luxury units, they all come to enjoy the bounty and beauty of Vancouver Island’s West Coast - without the commercialism. More...