Photo courtesy Salish Seaside RV Resort and Marina
Some appealing features at the resort include immaculate grounds, modern facilities, and clean spacious sites.
Words by Steve Fennell
There are two kinds of destinations to consider when planning a summer RV trip. One is the area to visit that has plenty of outdoor recreation and attractions to experience. The other is the campground to stay at that has well-maintained services and amenities for your comfort level. When both 'stars align,' you're almost guaranteed a well-rounded getaway.
Victoria, BC, and Vancouver Island are popular RV destinations. With well-maintained highways and two coasts to travel, you could spend an entire summer visiting all the rural villages, towns, and cities. In fact, many RVers do. If time is limited, it's just as easy to plan a week or two in one area as you never have to go all that far to see a lot.
However, if you stay at an RV park that's too close to all the action, you may not have the privacy and seclusion you would like. If you stay at one that's too secluded, you may spend more time driving than enjoying the attractions and local culture.
The Salish Seaside RV Haven, which now operates under The Salish Seaside RV Resort and Marina following some recent developments, recognizes this. This big-rig-friendly resort is on a private peninsula in Victoria's inner harbour, offering easy access to many services and city attractions, all the while providing the opportunity to retreat to a quiet RV overlooking the water.
Owned and operated in partnership with the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, the resort recently purchased a portion of the adjacent Westbay Marine Village, a private marina that has 33 boat slips. In addition, they have a three-storey float home vacation rental that offers some of the best views in the harbour.
Photo courtesy Salish Seaside RV Resort and Marina
Enjoy some quiet time after a day of enjoying the city attractions.
The marina, which also serves as a float home community, currently has long-term moorage available for boats up to 17 m (55 ft) and a variety of services and amenities including 30- and 50-amp power, water, and a waste-water pump-out at each slip. Laundry facilities, showers/washrooms, and nearby shopping and dining are other benefits.
According to The Salish Seaside RV Resort and Marina, the float home is currently available to reserve at www.airbnb.com and future plans may include on-site chartered ecotourism tours and transient moorage.
RV Park Amenities on the Coast
One of the popular destinations when visiting Vancouver Island is Victoria. The BC Ferries terminal is approximately 25-30 minutes from the resort and is one of the more common routes for its guests. Once in the park, some of the first appealing features you'll see are the immaculate grounds, number of modern facilities, paved roads, and clean spacious sites with concrete pads.
Another nice thing about the resort is it's not a large RV park. There are only 37 sites - most with private views of the water - and all have 20-, 30- and 50-amp service, free Wi-Fi and ample space to park towed- or tow-vehicles.
Although they are designed for larger RVs of 15-plus m (50-plus ft), truck campers and compact trailers are welcome. Keep in mind, the common 10-year RV rule applies, so it's best to speak to the park before booking a reservation if your unit is more than 10 years old.
Photo courtesy Salish Seaside RV Resort and Marina
The clubhouse and east balcony at the resort.
When you’re settled in, however, some amenities on the grounds include a gift shop that features First Nations art, new washrooms, shower and laundry facilities, and a modern clubhouse with a deck to lounge on during nice summer days. It even has a fireplace to keep comfortable on cooler evenings. Bicycle and fire pits rentals are also available.
While there are delivery services available from local grocery stores, the resort is nearby to many city services and attractions. For instance, rather than driving, take the easy 2.7 km (2 mi) West Bay Walkway Boardwalk Trail, which is accessible at the marina and leads to the Johnson St. Bridge in downtown Victoria. The trail is actually 5 km (3 mi) if you want to walk further.
Cycling is not permitted, but there are designated bike lanes along Admirals Rd., Esquimalt Rd., and Craigflower Rd. All run throughout the downtown core and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Another option to see Victoria is taking the Harbour Ferries' service, which makes scheduled stops right at the RV park. Pets and bikes are allowed on board and the ferry leads to a variety of attractions throughout downtown Victoria.
In addition to its water taxi services, Harbour Ferries offers tours of Victoria Harbour, the Victoria Gorge and even a pub crawl tour for groups of four to three popular locations. Mini cruises and charters are also available.
Victoria is known for its dining options, annual events, entertainment, government buildings and historical attractions and when combined with the hospitality of The Salish Seaside RV Resort and Marina, it provides an insightful RV destination. It serves as a perfect stopping-off point for a few days before exploring more of Vancouver Island and is an ideal place to round out your trip, each time offering a unique and comfortable getaway.
For more information about rates and availability during the summer and/or winter season visit www.salishseasidervhaven.com or call (250) 590-5995.