Vancouver Island

[Veebyes]

Starting to look at possible routes July to early November next year Starting & finishing in MD. Only a couple 'anchor' stops so far. Oskosh Airshow late July & Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta early October.

After doing Newfoundland this year another island looks interesting. Have not seen much comment on Vancouver Island, good, bad, worthwhile or not. I'd guess the timeframe would be late August into September.

Thoughts from anyone who has done it?

[GeeWillakers]

Bols2DawaLL wrote:
I saw it mentioned that it might be cheaper to take the ferry from mainland U.S. to Vancouver Island than going from mainland Canada . Does anyone have some rough costs for an average rig (p/u truck and 24-26 ft. TT) T.I.A.

We crossed from Vic to Port Angeles on Coho last September and returned from Anacortes, both about $325 with US exchange which was more expensive than BC ferries from Tswaissen. However we were able to leave at 6:10am on Coho and would have had to leave much later from Sidney to Anacortes. Since we were headed to OR the extra gas going by BC ferries would have made it about the same cost and taken longer to get south. All routes have sales for RVs but may not be at convenient times. We're 51' long with toad.

[Bols2DawaLL]

I saw it mentioned that it might be cheaper to take the ferry from mainland U.S. to Vancouver Island than going from mainland Canada . Does anyone have some rough costs for an average rig (p/u truck and 24-26 ft. TT) T.I.A.

[Veebyes]

The thread still lives. We have had to have a rethink on Vancouver Island. Another time. This year time, distance & travel budget is not going to allow it.

Trading Vancouver Island for Albuquerque, NM & the Balloon Fiesta.

[GeeWillakers]

I had to sign too when travelling in WA and OR this fall.

[enblethen]

I always had to go inside and sign after fueling with credit card. Some locales did not like debit, because non-Canadian Bank, I guess. I received the kick back on credit card.

[CA_Traveler]

When traveling in Canada make sure that you credit card has no transaction fees. We also use a 5 percent cash back card for fuel.

Since we were last in BC I've read that a pin is now required for the credit cards. Is this required for US based cards?

[GaryKH]

VagrantVan wrote:

GaryKH wrote:

VagrantVan wrote:
I hope it's okay to jump into the thread with a slightly different question. We are considering visiting Vancouver Island in April. Is there anyone in the forum who has RVed there that early in the year? Will most parks be open?

Around here (mid Island) We've gone camping in February. Sometimes all it does is rain though, so bring rain clothes and activities.

Thanks, Gary. We can cope with rain. Will RV parks generally be open? Will there be many other campers or will we be the rare oddballs on the move?

Yes there are RV Parks that are open year 'round. I would confirm first. Here's a site where you can research, clicking on the links, should open each ones' website. Keep in mind that this is definitely not all of them! Cheers!

VanIsle info

Edit to add...
VI RV Camping

[VagrantVan]

GaryKH wrote:

VagrantVan wrote:
I hope it's okay to jump into the thread with a slightly different question. We are considering visiting Vancouver Island in April. Is there anyone in the forum who has RVed there that early in the year? Will most parks be open?

Around here (mid Island) We've gone camping in February. Sometimes all it does is rain though, so bring rain clothes and activities.

Thanks, Gary. We can cope with rain. Will RV parks generally be open? Will there be many other campers or will we be the rare oddballs on the move?

[GaryKH]

VagrantVan wrote:
I hope it's okay to jump into the thread with a slightly different question. We are considering visiting Vancouver Island in April. Is there anyone in the forum who has RVed there that early in the year? Will most parks be open?

Around here (mid Island) We've gone camping in February. Sometimes all it does is rain though, so bring rain clothes and activities.

[VagrantVan]

I hope it's okay to jump into the thread with a slightly different question. We are considering visiting Vancouver Island in April. Is there anyone in the forum who has RVed there that early in the year? Will most parks be open?

[daveB110]

If visiting Tofino, take a day to visit Hot Springs Cove. They can fly you in, but a boat can do fine, and last time we did it by boat we saw whales as well. They will come back for you, there is a long board walk to the hot springs.Getting there during a convenient tide height, allows for some mixing of the hot water and North Pacific water, for a perfect soak! Years ago while canoeing there, we saw a basking shark out in the open water. That was a voyage to remember, and obviously we have. It was four days by canoe, return trip, from Tofino.

[The_real_wild1]

StirCrazy wrote:

The_real_wild1 wrote:
My mom lives on the island and last visit I was looking around and figured my trailer would be a PITA to take on the island. How are these camp sites set up for bigger trailers? My trailer is a 41' 5th wheel.

the bigger sites defiantly, remember the island is a semi snowbird location. all the rv parks will take you no problem, the bigger provincial site also. I have a 38 foot fith and I am going in the spring and am not worried at all. when I lived there I had a 30 foot travel trailer which is harder to get into a site than my 38 foot fith and I had lots of room where ever I went , just call ahead and double check for places like you would do when going to any new place.

Steve

Thank you.

[StirCrazy]

The_real_wild1 wrote:
My mom lives on the island and last visit I was looking around and figured my trailer would be a PITA to take on the island. How are these camp sites set up for bigger trailers? My trailer is a 41' 5th wheel.

the bigger sites defiantly, remember the island is a semi snowbird location. all the rv parks will take you no problem, the bigger provincial site also. I have a 38 foot fith and I am going in the spring and am not worried at all. when I lived there I had a 30 foot travel trailer which is harder to get into a site than my 38 foot fith and I had lots of room where ever I went , just call ahead and double check for places like you would do when going to any new place.

Steve

[StirCrazy]

Canadian Rainbirds wrote:
If you are thinking about Westbay Marina RV Park email to confirm they will be open. Last summer friends wanted to reserve again for next year and were told that they were not accepting reservation for next year as the lease renewal was in question.

But yes, it is a very convenient location. And the prices aren't too bad considering that location.

yes I just noticed that my self as I called to see if I could get a site in the spring. apparently they are in a dispute with the local band that owns the land.

Steve