Robert WebbIn today’s fast-paced world, disconnecting from digital noise is essential for my mental well-being. And camping, I must say, is my perfect antidote to stress!
Luckily, Vancouver Island is a camper’s paradise, boasting a diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and stunning coastlines.
So grab your gear and get ready to find your perfect campsite—read on to discover where to pack your bags and head out!
- 1. Green Point Campground
- 2. Goldstream Provincial Park
- 3. Strathcona Provincial Park
- 4. French Beach Provincial Park
- 5. Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park
- 6. Gordon Bay Provincial Park
- 7. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
- 8. Cape Scott Provincial Park
- 9. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
- 10. Sooke Potholes Campground
1. Green Point Campground
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Website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/visit/visit4c.aspx
Address: Green Point Campground, BC-4, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0, Canada
Contact details: +18777373783
Green Point Campground is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Perched on a bluff, the campground provides breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, while the lush rainforest backdrop creates a serene atmosphere.
Green Point’s prime location sets it apart, as campers are a few steps from Long Beach. The campground also features campsites, from drive-in sites with electrical hookups to walk-in options for those seeking a more secluded experience.
Pro tip: While there is no on-site store, the nearby towns of Ucluelet and Tofino offer a range of shops and restaurants.
2. Goldstream Provincial Park
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Website: https://bcparks.ca/goldstream-park/
Address: Langford, BC, Canada
Contact details: +12504741336
Goldstream Provincial Park boasts a diverse ecosystem, from towering Douglas firs to lush rainforests. Its proximity to Victoria, the island’s capital, ensures easy accessibility while preserving a sense of secluded wilderness.
The park is known for the thousands of salmon returning to their birthplace every autumn, and visitors can witness this natural phenomenon first hand along the park’s trails.
Pro tip:
To maximize your Goldstream experience, visit during the autumn salmon run.
3. Strathcona Provincial Park
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Website: https://bcparks.ca/strathcona-park/
Address: Westmin Rd, Comox-Strathcona D, BC T9E 0V3, Canada
Operating hours: 9 AM–6 PM
Strathcona Provincial Park is a vast expanse of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and ancient forests. It’s home to many ecosystems, from coastal rainforests to alpine meadows.
The park’s geological history is also fascinating, with evidence of glaciers and volcanic activity shaping its dramatic landscape. Here, you’ll find remote lakes accessible only by foot or canoe and trails that lead to breathtaking alpine vistas.
Pro tip:
We highly suggest hiking to a remote alpine lake for a sunrise or sunset experience!
4. French Beach Provincial Park
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Website: https://bcparks.ca/french-beach-park/
Address: Juan De Fuca Hwy, Sooke, BC V9Z 1G8, Canada
Contact details: +12504741336
Operating hours: 24/7
French Beach Provincial Park is a picturesque haven nestled along the Strait of Juan de Fuca on Vancouver Island. Renowned for its expansive sandy beach, backed by lush green lawns, this park offers relaxation and adventure.
The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with various feathered friends calling it home. Additionally, the beach is a treasure trove for exploring, with smooth pebbles, interesting rock formations, and the chance to discover hidden coves.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to secure a prime spot on the beach as it can get pretty crowded!
5. Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park
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Website: http://livingforest.com/
Address: 6 Maki Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6N7, Canada
Contact details: +12507551755
Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a blend of nature and comfort. This expansive campground offers a variety of camping options, from oceanfront sites to secluded forest retreats.
One of the highlights of Living Forest is the opportunity to witness the annual salmon run. As the salmon migrate upstream, you might be lucky to spot eagles, bears, and other wildlife.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the campground’s kayak rentals and explore the Nanaimo River!
6. Gordon Bay Provincial Park
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Website: https://bcparks.ca/gordon-bay-park/
Address: 7370 Walton Rd, Honeymoon Bay, BC V0R 1Y0, Canada
Contact details: +12507494096
Operating hours: 8 AM–10 PM
Known for its stunning natural beauty, Gordon Bay Provincial Park boasts a sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Its location in one of Canada’s sunniest valleys ensures warm temperatures and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The warm, clear waters of Lake Cowichan are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, while the nearby forest provides a chance to spot wildlife like deer and birds. For history buffs, the area offers glimpses into the region’s past.
Pro tip:
Make sure to view the stunning sunsets over Lake Cowichan. Find a spot on the beach to watch as the sky transforms into a breathtaking canvas of colors.
7. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
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Website: https://bcparks.ca/rathtrevor-beach-park/
Address: 1240 Rath Rd, Parksville, BC V9P 2E2, Canada
Contact details: +12504741336
Operating hours: 7 AM–11 PM
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is a quintessential Vancouver Island experience, renowned for its stunning sandy shores and idyllic camping grounds. The beach is breathtaking, stretching for miles with soft, golden sand.
The park is a haven for these feathered friends, offering a delightful spectacle for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike, from the tiny sanderling to the elegant snowy plover.
Pro tip:
Your visit wouldn’t be complete without indulging in fresh seafood. The nearby town of Parksville is famous for its delectable oysters, clams, and crabs.
8. Cape Scott Provincial Park
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Website: https://bcparks.ca/cape-scott-park/
Address: Hardy Bay Road, Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0, Canada
Contact details: +18006899025
Operating hours: 24/7
Cape Scott Provincial Park is a remote, pristine wilderness on the tip of Vancouver Island. Renowned for its rugged coastline, towering sea stacks, and sprawling sandy beaches, this park offers an unparalleled escape from the modern world.
There’s always something new to discover, from the ancient rainforests to the vibrant marine life. Watch for black bears, wolves, and eagles, common park inhabitants.
Pro tip:
Hike to Cape Scott Lighthouse. Standing at the continent’s edge, surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean, is an experience you won’t forget.
9. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
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Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/visit
Address: British Columbia, Canada
Contact details: +12507263500
Operating hours: 8 AM–11 PM
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting a rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and a vibrant marine ecosystem. This stretch offers various camping experiences, from beachfront bliss to remote wilderness adventures.
The Broken Group Islands beckon for those craving solitude and adventure. However, they’re accessible only by boat. Camping in one of these secluded spots means kayaking, fishing, and exploring untouched beaches.
Pro tip:
The Pacific Rim is renowned for its rich marine life, and exploring the tide pools at low tide is an unforgettable experience. You might encounter sea stars, anemones, crabs, and other fascinating creatures.
10. Sooke Potholes Campground
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Website: https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/sooke-potholes
Address: Sooke River Road, Sooke, BC V9A 3N6, Canada
Contact details: +12506423957
Sooke Potholes Campground is a haven for nature enthusiasts. It’s near the captivating Sooke Potholes, a geological marvel formed by the relentless force of the river over millennia.
The potholes’ smooth, rounded formations and varying depths are a fascinating sight. The campground offers a network of trails that wind through the forest, providing hiking, birdwatching, and leisure walking opportunities.
Pro tip:
Arrive early in the morning to secure a prime campsite and beat the crowds. Pack your swimwear, a camera, and a sense of adventure for a day of fun and exploration.
