Southern Gulf Islands
Saltspring Island is
the most densely populated of the Gulf
Islands, and is also home to the biggest Gulf Island provincial
campground. Ruckle Provincial Park is
located 9 km northeast of Fulford Harbour. (BC Ferries links Fulford
Harbour with Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island.) The park features as
interesting blend of easily reached sites in a wooded setting overlooking
Swanson Channel, with North Pender
Island on the far shore.
The Ruckle family first homesteaded here over a century ago. Although
they donated most of their property to the province for a park in
1974, the Ruckles still raise sheep on private land at the entrance
to the campground. Visitors are welcome to visit the grounds where
many old buildings have been restored. There's a BC Ferries dock in
Long Harbour with links to both Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island and
Tsawwassen on the mainland.
Across the water on North Pender
Island there's camping at Prior Centennial
Park (reservations recommended), as well as paddle or boat-in
sites at Beaumont Marine Park. Prior Centennial may be more accessible
but Beaumont's setting is tops. Prior Centennial is located about
6 km southeast of the ferry dock at Otter Bay on the west side of
Canal Road.
Although Montague Harbour Marine Park
on the west side of Galiano Island
was British Columbia's first marine park, it has become just as popular
with drive-in and cycle-in visitors as with boaters. In fact, you
can make reservations for both vehicle/tent and walk-in sites from
April to September. The park lies 8 km north of the BC Ferries dock
at Sturdies Bay. Some of the walk-in sites are located in an ultra
picturesque wooded setting on a small ridge above the harbour.
Until a disputed right-of-way reopens, you'll have to boat to Galiano's
northeastern tip to reach Dionisio Point
Provincial Park, 35 km from Sturdies Bay. Much of this park has
a weathered-limestone shoreline, characteristic of both Galiano and
Gabriola Islands. Boaters can choose to land at pebble beaches on
either side of Dionisio Point and thus avoid the tidal currents in
Porlier Pass.
Farther north, you'll find walk-in campsites on Newcastle
Island Provincial Park. The entire island is park and can be reached
by foot-passenger ferry from Nanaimo's
inner harbour, near the dock from which the car ferry sails to Gabriola
Island. It only takes several minutes to walk from the dock on Newcastle
Island to the campsites. Note: The public ferry to Newcastle runs
during summer months only; otherwise, catch a ride with one of the
private water taxis that whisk travellers around the harbour.
There are no public or private campgrounds on Saturna
Island, but Mayne Island
does have two private campsites (no public campground or recreation
site on Mayne Island).
Northern Gulf Islands
Because of certain inhibiting conditions - lack of water and garbage
facilities, as well as tinder-dry forests in summer months - many
islands have no public campgrounds. In most places, private accommodation
must be arranged. In summer, reservations are highly recommended.
There are, however, public campgrounds on Denman,
Cortes, and Texada
Islands.
Denman Island's Fillongley Provincial Park
is not particularly large, and fills up quickly in July and August.
There is no telling in advance whether you'll find room here. The
campground is located in a forested setting on the east side of the
island, about 4 km from the ferry dock to Vancouver Island. Although
the campsites are tightly packed together with only concrete dividers
to separate them, the sand and pebble beach that fronts the park is
spacious and provides ample opportunity for exploring and, in season,
hunting for shellfish for dinner.
After going to the effort to reach Cortes Island, your reward is finding
a campsite on the southwestern corner at Smelt
Bay Provincial Park, a heavenly setting on this picturesque island.
Follow the island road 21 km from the ferry dock to the park, which
is near Manson's Landing Marine Provincial Park.
If you'd like to savour a Mediterranean-like climate, head for Texada
Island's Shelter Point Regional Park. Texada may be a rugged
island, but it does possess this jewel of a regional park midway along
its west side, 27 km south of the Blubber Bay ferry terminal. Douglas-fir
and western red cedar trees provide a fitting accompaniment to the
beauty of the nearby beach with its exotic-looking sand dollars, sea
anemones, and oversized moon snail shells. Most of the campsites are
set back from the expansive sand and polished pea-gravel beach. A
breeze blows almost constantly across the Strait of Georgia, but Shelter
Point comes by its name honestly. Camping is especially good between
April and October, when there are plenty of clear, warm days. |
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Broughton Archipelago Paddler's Inn, Broughton Archipelago |
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Sea Kayak in comfort based from our ocean-side, or float-house accommodations in the wilderness of the Broughton Archipelago, a kayak paradise. Enjoy sumptuous catered meals, or cook for yourself. Guided kayak tours, lessons and rentals are available, as well as charter boat tours and kayak transport. We also offer Acupressure massage on-site. Surround yourself with ocean, beaches, trails, an inland lake, and quiet beauty. |
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Canadian Adventure Rentals, Vancouver |
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Self-Drive Camping Vacations in British Columbia. Canadian Adventure Rentals will help you create the ultimate outdoor adventure. All packages include a luxury sports utility vehicle (unlimited mileage) fully equipped with camping gear for one to four persons. We also provide mountain bikes, kayaks and canoes, and will reserve campsites across BC for you. |
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Cedar Beach Resort, Salt Spring Island |
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Cedar Beach Resort is located on beautiful St. Mary Lake on Salt Spring Island. Our 5 acre resort ofers 17 cabins and suites as well as 23 fully-serviced RV/camping sites. We have our own private, sandy beach right on the lake. Our heated, outdoor swimming pool (open mid-May to mid-September) and hot tub offer fabulous lake views. All cabins and suites are fully furnished with cooking facilities, and the adjoining Beach House offers indoor and outdoor recreation space. An exceptional venue for family reunions, gatherings, and small group weddings. |
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Duck Creek Farm, Saltspring Island |
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Duck Creek Farm is a 13-acre farm with vegetable gardens, fruit trees, greenhouses, sheep, ponds, and five acres of forested land. The farm offers bicycle campsites and a farmstay caravan. Campers can pitch their tents in the grassy open on the edge of the woods, in the middle of farm, or in the forest. Located minutes from the Crofton/Vesuvius ferry terminal and a few kilometers from the centre of Ganges. |
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Heriot Bay Inn & Marina, Quadra Island |
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The Heriot Bay Inn is Quadra Island's adventure resort. Adventure: Kayak, whale or grizzly watch. Dine: Casual seaside fare in Herons, HBI Pub with live music Fridays. Stay: accommodations range from hotel rooms to ocean-view housekeeping cottages. Also onsite: marina, RV & tent campsites with full service hook-ups, wireless internet. |
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Island West Fishing Resort, Ucluelet |
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With decades of experience fishing the pristine waters of Barkley Sound and Clayoquot Sound, our team of locally experienced, professional guides provide the highest quality fishing excursion. Packages include lodging and an eight-hour fishing trip each morning. Also Flightseeing Tours, Canoe and Kayak trips, Whale Watching, Winter Storm Watching, and Hiking. Waterfront or water view camping sites. Moorage for short or long term visits. |
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Malahat Mountain Meadows RV Park, Malahat |
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Malahat Mountain Meadows RV Park and Campground is located 26 kms north of Victoria near the summit of the Malahat Drive. Our quiet and natural resort offers 63 spacious, fully-serviced RV sites nestled amongst giant cedars and seasonal creeks, private and scenic campsites, heated pool, clean washrooms with hot showers, and much much more. |
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Moutcha Bay Resort, Nootka Sound |
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Moutcha Bay Resort is located at the mouth of the Conuma River, just 40 minutes west of Gold River, in beautiful, sheltered Nootka Sound. Moutcha Bay offers world-class fishing in sheltered, deep waters, abundant wildlife and adventure just outside our door. Inquire about our resort, chalet and yurt accommodations, as well as RV and tent camping sites, and featuring Nootka Sound’s best restaurant. Newly constructed for the 2011 season, Moutcha Bay Resort provides unique products and services not otherwise available in this wilderness area. |
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Pacific Playgrounds International, Black Creek |
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The Pacific Playgrounds Resort, RV Park, Campground and Marina is located at Saratoga Beach, midway between Campbell River and the Comox Valley, nestled in the trees along the bank of the peaceful Oyster River just as it flows into the Georgia Strait. This truly beautiful setting offers fresh air, clear water and acres of park for your enjoyment. Year-round RV Park, Cabin and Marina facilities second to none at your gateway to Vancouver Island recreation. Enjoy golf, world-class skiing, hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. |
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Page's Resort and Marina, Gabriola Island |
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Secluded fully-equipped seaside COTTAGES, pristine CAMPGROUND nestled in the woods, full service MARINA with fuel dock, showers and laundromat, BOOKSTORE featuring local authors, mountain bike and scooter RENTALS. Located on five acres overlooking Silva Bay, minutes from golf and restaurants, Page’s offers kayaking, fishing, diving, hiking, cycling and simply relaxing. |
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Pioneer Inn & Riverside RV, Port Hardy |
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Closest accommodation to the ferry terminal. The quiet, park-like setting across from Quatse River offers suites, rooms, and large two room kitchen units. Services include free local calls, complimentary in-room coffee, cable TV, and licenced dining room. The 25 RV sites offer full hookups, hydro, water, sewer, and cable. A laundry and dry room are available. |
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Quatse River Campground, Port Hardy |
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Feel at home in this Beautifully mature treed campground. 41 Hook-up and 21 non-hook-up sites. Sani-station, washrooms, showers, fire pits and wood. Revenue generated benefits the Salmon Enhancement Activities. Quatse River Campground is a Regional Park...it is situated on the banks of the Quatse River near downtown Port Hardy and the B.C. Ferry Terminal. |
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RainforestNorth, Nanaimo |
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RainforestNorth specializes in renting Camping Equipment Packages which provide all of the camping equipment for you and your family or group. All equipment for cooking, sleeping, and to set up camp is included in one neat and organized package. RainforestNorth is perfect for travellers and tourists, or anyone who has the desire to camp, but doesn't have any camping equipment. Go camping and leave the packing to us! |
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Sea Kayak in Desolation Sound, Powell River |
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Powell River Sea Kayak is the premier sea kayak company for Desolation Sound. Located adjacent to Desolation Sound Marine Park, PR Sea Kayak offers guided day tours, snorkeling, all-inclusive multi-day tours, and a well stocked rental fleet. Launch kayaks from PR Sea Kayak’s waterfront site on Okeover Inlet, once home to the “Cougar Lady”, and explore Desolation Sound Marine Park. For even more destinations, another option is to launch from PR Sea Kayak’s second location in Lund. |
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Strathcona Park Lodge, Campbell River |
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Guests are drawn from around the world by the lifestyle at Strathcona Park Lodge and the irresistible scenery, wildlife, and opportunities for adventure that begin on our doorstep. We have comfortable, rustic accommodation, delicious buffet meals, kayaks and canoes for rent, and lots of friendly, knowledgeable instructors. We offer guiding in rock climbing, canoeing, whitewater and sea kayaking. Enjoy our backcountry adventures in beautiful Strathcona Provincial Park; alpine hiking, backpacking, mountaineering and camping. |
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Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge & RV Park, Quadra Island |
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This unique resort is designed to renew your soul, located within an 1,100-acre forest on the southern tip of Quadra Island. The Lodge features Pacific Coast Kwagiulth architecture and traditional and contemporary native art. All accommodations feature ocean views of Discovery Passage, including the dining room, lounge, meeting rooms, sauna and outdoor hot tub. Spectacular Oceanside RV sites are within walking distance of the Main Lodge. |
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Ucluelet Campground, Ucluelet |
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Ucluelet Campground is located in the historical fishing village of Ucluelet, at the southern edge of the Pacific Rim National Park. The private campground offers 125 sites for tents, trailers and RVs, some with beautiful harbour and mountain views. Amenities include full-service, partial-hookup and no-service sites, clean shower and washroom facilities, fire rings, picnic tables, and water stations. |
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West Coast Edge ATV Adventures, Port Alberni |
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West Coast Edge ATV Adventures provides professionally guided ATV and UTV Tours in and around the Alberni Valley on central Vancouver Island. Let our experienced guides take you on the ultimate Westcoast ATV adventure of a lifetime to experience the edge of the west coast like never before. Explore Mt. Arrowsmith and enjoy the beauty of Vancouver Island's backwoods, meadows, lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Custom Tours include hiking, trout fishing, swimming, and overnight camping tours. |
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