Vancouver Island: Port Hardy, Campbell River

[chracatoa]

Any suggestions? We're not into fishing. We're going to be three families with kids in RVs. We like to visit historical sites, landscapes, beaches.

For Port Hardy (or nearby) I found two so far: Scotia Bay Resort and Alder Bay Resort. Any suggestion which one of them? Other suggestions?

So far I have found nothing for Campbell River.

Living Forest seems a nice place in Nanaimo (where the ferry will stop).

We're thinking in visiting Ducan and the Martin Mars bombers so far.

Thanks!

[ve7prt]

n7bsn wrote:

loulou57 wrote:
We spent quite a bit of time in the Port Hardy, Ucluelet and Tofino

Ucluelet....aquarium, wild Pacific trail

Tofino... whale watching

....

Be advised that the road (BC-4) has some really twisty, narrow parts. Last time I was on that road the speed limit was 30 KPH for a few sections (yes 15 MPH)

And 18% grades on one hill. The 30kph sections are only the tight (and I mean tight!) turns. There are several. Take your time. The standard driving time from Port Alberni to the Junction (where you make your turn for either Tofino or Ucluelet) is about 1hr 30min. Us locals can do it in an hour. IF you've never driven this road, especially with a larger rig, take 2 hours, but please, USE THE PULL-OUTS! If you have lots of traffic behind you, pull into a pull-out and let everyone by!

Oh ya, dunno if you'll get to see the Martin Mars now, They are both retired (due to a dumb move by our Provincial Gov't), and both will be on land. One has been repainted back to its original US Navy colors, and is slated (current timeline unknown) to fly to Florida (I think) to an aviation museum. Not sure what is happening with the other one (the last active Mars waterbomber).

Cheers!
Mike

[Grey_Mountain]

I also recommend Salmon Point Marina and RV Park south of Campbell River.
You can make a reservation on the ferries to make sure you get the one you want. Best rate is on the US ferry from Sidney to Anacortes.

GM

[chracatoa]

Another thing - on the way back the trip from Campbell river may be too far away. Is there anything near the ferry in Nanaimo but different than the Living Forest campground?

[chracatoa]

Thanks! We're going in August next year.

I have gathered your suggestions and this is what I have so far - 10 day trip:

- Thursday: Go to Nanaimo (Living Forest) stay two days there (visit Duncan)
- Sunday: Go to Sproat Lake (Sproat Lake Provincial Park if we can get it), stay two days there (visit petroglyphs, Martin Mars Bombers)
- Wednesday: Go to Port Hardy (Quatse River Regional Park) visit Port McNeil and Alert Bay
- Friday (or Saturday): go to Campbell River (Browns Bay Resort), visit Museum.
- Sunday - back home.

Should I stay two days in Port Hardy or in Campbell River? Or should I stay less time in Sproat Lake or Living Forest?


As for the ferry: Port Angeles is quite far from here and we don't want to take an extra ferry. Also the ferries there are less frequent, we don't want to miss it.

Thanks!

[rbrand]

Another thought. For a much better drive head over to the Olympic Peninsula. Visit Port Townsend and then take the Coho from Port Angles to Victoria.

[crabbin_cabin]

Port Hardy/ Yes - by all means take the ferry over to Alert Bay and visit the U'Mista Museum for a real intro. to the First Nation's history.
Also Telegraph Bay is an interesting little place - and best whale watching from there.
Back in the day ( 1955?) I was on the survey crew that was involved in building the railroad from Beaver Cove to Nimkish Lake!! Great memories of that area.

[rbrand]

The Living Forest in Nanaimo is very nice. Good trails. Right now the salmon are running so there will be hundreds of Bald Eagles around.

In Campbell river Salmon Point is really nice, right on the water and several great trails. Also Ripple Rock at Browns Bay is fun. Depending on the time of year you can sit in the hot tub at night and watch the cruse Ships go by just a few hundred feet away.

While you are in the area, consider Port McNeil you can walk on the ferry to Alert Bay for the day. Well worth the trip.

[fly-swatter]

Quatse River Campground just outside of Port Hardy is real nice. At Campbell River there is a nice campground just up the road from Elk Falls, can't remember the name though.

[answerswillvary]

Moved to RVing in Canada for more input.

[n7bsn]

loulou57 wrote:
We spent quite a bit of time in the Port Hardy, Ucluelet and Tofino

Ucluelet....aquarium, wild Pacific trail

Tofino... whale watching

....

Be advised that the road (BC-4) has some really twisty, narrow parts. Last time I was on that road the speed limit was 30 KPH for a few sections (yes 15 MPH)

[n7bsn]

We really liked the museum at Campbell River also

[n7bsn]

Ferry's
Sounds like your plan is to take the ferry to Duke Point, I've done that route many (MANY) times (for work). It's a good ride and great views. That being said you might find that the Washington ferry is a better deal (cost wise) if you have an RV.
I would NOT take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, as you will have to drive through the metro Vancouver area.

[n7bsn]

Our favorite RV Resort in the region is Ripple Rock

[loulou57]

chracatoa wrote:
Nice! How long is the ferry to the Queen Charlotte Islands?

You need to check BC Ferries, Inside Passage. The site will give you all info in regards to stops, fees, reservations etc. When do you plan on going to BC?