Chrome Island Lighthouse
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.
The area is named after the Chrome Island lighthouse off the southern tip of Benby Island and Sisters lighthouse of the northern tip of Lasqueti Island. The central portion of this route includes the charming Oceanside communities of Black Creek, Bowser, Deep Bay, Fanny Bay and Union Bay.
Pull out your fishing rods at Deep Bay, watch the commercial fishing boats come in, or hire one the sport fishing boats and try to catch one the 20 lb Chinook salmon the area is renowned for. Do some bird watching at Baynes Sound or head over to Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, voted the best natural outdoor site in BC. Tour the natural caverns at where you’ll see underground waterfalls and rare crystal rock formations. Anyone eight or older can participate and they recommend you bring a change of clothes this time of year for the three-hour Wet and Wild Spelunking Adventure tour! www.hornelake.com (250) 757-8687 info@ hornelake.com
Don`t leave the area without a quick trip or a few days on Hornby Island via BC Ferries. It`s just a 15 minute ferry ride from Buckley Bay to Denman Island and then a short hop to Hornby Island. Tribune Bay is the largest campground on the island with 114 sites but only 14 have electric power. Drop into Tribune Bay Provincial Park and check out the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre with your kids, rent some ocean kayaks and get up close and personal with seals and sea lions while admiring the whales and eagles! Bike rentals are also available from Hornby Island outdoor sports for a leisurely cruise or thrilling trail ride. www.hornbyisland.com
Take some time to ‘drive’ down the green carpeted fairways framed by tall stately evergreens at Arrowsmith Golf and Country Club. With 18 holes measuring more than 3700 yards you’ll get to use every golf club in your bag on this beautifully manicured par-61 course.
Vancouver Island Great Stays
Lighthouse RV
Fanny Bay, BC
(250) 335-1667