A Four-Season Escape in BC

From Summer through Winter, Coombs Country Campground is ready to serve RVers all year.

by

Words by Steve Fennell

As Laura MacDonald of Coombs Country Campground explains, “don’t just make an escape from somewhere in the colder months, escape to somewhere in the colder months.” By this statement, the Property Manager of the RV park means enjoying a warmer winter Canadian snowbird destination to the fullest extent this season.

Coombs Country Campground is located on Vancouver Island between Qualicum Beach and Parksville. According to MacDonald, the 14 ha (34 ac) RV park attracts RVing snowbirds from as far as Quebec and Ontario as well as various parts of Alberta and BC. It’s a popular destination not only for the warmer winters but for the variety of activities for its guests to the park and area.

“The weather is certainly a lot warmer than other parts of Canada but we think it’s important for our guests to realize that once they escape the cold weather there are also many services and activities to enjoy,” says MacDonald. “The area is known for its beaches, nature and green spaces, provincial parks, plus golfing and fishing and Parksville and Qualicum Beach have everything they need.”

Getting to these two communities from the campground couldn’t be easier. Leaving the park grounds and simply “turning left” leads to Parksville where there are pharmacies, medical clinics (and urgent care centres), as well as opportunities for shopping and dining. “Turning right” leads to Qualicum Beach 6.5 km (4 mi) away, which encompasses 4 km (2.5 mi) of sandy shores along the Strait of Georgia and where more services, shopping and dining options await.

In the event more necessities are needed, there’s the Goat's on the Roof Old Country Market and Nanaimo is approximately 20 minutes away with big box stores and other essentials. There are even ferries nearby to visit the popular Gulf Islands.

What’s also interesting about the area is Statistics Canada recently reported that of the 700-plus communities across the country with more than 5,000 residents, Parksville and Qualicum Beach have one of the highest populations of people aged 65 years and older per capita.

“With the high age per capita, there are a number of specific activities in the local communities,” says MacDonald. “A recreation centre and Ravensong swimming complex schedule light fitness classes, book clubs, curling clubs, and swimming groups or they can get involved in some of the local farmer’s markets. We think these social events and activities are important to get involved in.”

There are many advantages of staying in the RV park and taking in some downtime as well. The park has a unique vibe and among its property, 6 ha (14 ac) is a designated forested area, allowing guests to get in touch with nature and spend some quiet time among the green spaces. There are 100 sites with a choice of either fully-serviced, which includes 30/50 amp power plus water and sewer hookups, or partially-serviced sites that have 15/30 amp power and water.

Whether you choose between one of the forested, shaded locations or scenic waterfront spots (that overlook the 1 ha (2.5 ac) pond), all are ideally spaced apart to offer maximum privacy. Pull-throughs are also available for larger rigs.

Some of the additional niceties include well-maintained picnic tables and Valyrian steel fire rings. Firewood and ice are available and there’s even a sani-dump, playground and dog park (two pets maximum per site).

“We have an expansive property, which is very scenic, has limited crowds, and the campsites are not right next to each other so there’s a lot of privacy,” says MacDonald. “The grounds are also a great way to take advantage of the warmer winter weather.”

Common average winter temperatures in the immediate area range from 5°C to 12°C (41° F to 54°F) and although it may snow (e.g. once a season) it’s very limited and almost melts as fast as it comes. Although the region does experience rain, which is common on the Pacific Coast, it’s also very likely to have temperatures up to 20°C (68° F) at varying times from October to April. However, average temperatures hover around 10°C (50°F) in the peak winter months of January and February.

“Our guests are happy about the weather as they can explore a different part of Canada,” says MacDonald. “Many are excited to try something new for the winter and they don’t have to cross the border to have new experiences.”

For more information and to inquire about reservations visit www.coombscampground.com or contact info@coombscampground.com or (250) 248-9371.