Hazlemere RV Resort – When Your Weekend Get-Away Comes to You...

Staff Writer

            When you first start a business, the initial inspiration and vision is sometimes not how things turn out. Hazlemere RV Resort is a case in point. Soon into the genesis of the Resort, it became apparent that most travelers who frequented the resort were from around the lower mainland. There were, and have been, over the years a solid contingent of RVers from south of the border and who come in from abroad. But the mainstay at Hazlemere is definitely local travelers.

            Co-owner, Ralph Zanderbergen, says its always been this way, more or less, but with the economy being the way it has over the last seven or eight years, more travelers are choosing to be tourists in their own town.

            The plentiful attractions in the immediate area – including trail networks for mountain biking and hiking; a fish hatchery – a captivating and educational experience that you should take up at least once in your life, and the natural terrain in and around the park that serves as a natural stop-over for migratory birds, combines to make Hazlemere – not only a bird-watchers paradise, but a central hub for a respectable number of local attractions. It goes without saying – with the trail networks and the native and migratory bird population – that Hazlemere provides opportunities for nature photographers – whether amateur, novice or expert – to break out their best gear in their quest for the perfect species or landscape shot.

            The Park is equipped with fully updated and maintained laundry facilities, outdoor pool, golf courses and numerous other in-park features – not the least of which is the fact that it is tastefully designed to provide for an exceptional RV vacation for the entire family. 

            Nearby attractions include: the Rainforest Reptile Refuge Society for abused and unwanted reptiles, amphibians and other exotic pets. Housing some 50 different species, and about 350 animals, including bearded dragons, caiman, chameleons, frogs, iguanas, skinks, snakes, tarantulas, toads, tortoises and turtles, you're in for a captivating experience here. 

            The Bear Creek Park Train, at Bear Creek Park, is an historic miniature diesel and steam engine train ride that takes travellers through a magical forest and display tunnel.

            Historic Stewart Farm is a beautifully restored 1894 farm-stead, including house, pole barn, and heirloom gardens on the Nicomekl River. Seasonal events include tours by guides in period-style costume, woodstove cooking, heritage crafts and participatory old-fashioned parlour games.

            Surrey Arts Centre features live performances, exhibitions of contemporary art featured in the Surrey Art Gallery, there is a Tech Lab and guest lobby. The Gift Shop offers unique and finely crafted original artworks by various local artists.

            The Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition takes place on the Victoria Day long weekend and features North America's top cowboys. It features 150 acres of family-oriented entertainment, including agricultural/horticultural exhibits, a trade-show, parade, midway rides and special features: the West Coast Lumberjack show, lawnmower races, livestock exhibition, bike trails and the Kids Korral.

            Crescent Beach/Blackie Spit is a tranquil and quaint beach village. Go for a swim in the warm waters of the protected swimming area or build sandcastles on the sandy beach. Wander through the charming stores and enjoy the varied restaurants along the main strip. Next to the beach area is Blackie Spit, one of the best bird watching areas in Canada with some 200 species of birds recorded over the different seasons.

            To get to Hazlemere RV Park from the south, head north on I5 take Exit 275 and proceed north to 8th Avenue turn right (east) for 2 1/4 km. From the International Peace Arch: head north on Hwy 99 - take Exit #2 (first exit after the info booth) travel east on 8th Avenue for 4 km. From the North: from Hwy. 1 exit onto 176 St. South take 8th Avenue and head east for 2 1/4 km. From Vancouver: head south on Hwy. 99, take Exit #2 8th Avenue East follow for 4 km.