sue.t
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
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Joined: 08/05/2004
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sue.t wrote:From China Beach continue out towards Port Renfrew and then take the "back" road through to Cowichan Lake. All but about 10 km of this road is now paved. There are several recreation sites along the "back" road that would fit a small class C.
UPDATE: A friend drove this road this past weekend ... it is ALL paved now. He says it is a much better road then the stretch of asphalt between Sooke and Port Renfew.
sue t.
Pictures from our many RV Adventures to Yukon & Alaska
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jlmule
Indiana
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Joined: 12/14/2006
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Robatthelake,
As a native of VI, what are your favorite things to do and places to go? I wish we could stay longer but...... So, I need to do/see the best of VI.
Leslie
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gk
canada
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Joined: 07/16/2002
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We just came back from one week:
l. First night at Rathtrevor Beach Prov Park in Parksville -- beautiful.
2. Beach front site at Salmon Point RV Park (south of Campbell River)
3. Ralph River Prov Campground at Buttle Lake -- awesome scenery and nice and quiet.
4. Telegraph Cove Marina and RV Park - brand new park that is not even listed yet and nice place to explore northern Van Island from (www.telegraphcove.ca) Also great for a fishing charter or a grizzly or whale watching expedition.
5. Living Forest RV Park near the Duke Point Ferry Terminal south of Nanaimo.
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sootyme
Cotati California
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Joined: 09/13/2007
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GK what were the prices of there rv parks?
Jonny
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gk
canada
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Prices: approximately (did not write down and memory not perfect!)
Rathtrevor (Provincial Campground) - ? $24
Salmon Point - about $32 - 35
Ralph River - $l5
Telegraph Code - about $34
Living Forest - $41 (this is the one we were a bit disappointed in -- had heard lots about it and felt spots were too tight for our liking.)
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iawia
Victoria, BC
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Joined: 01/31/2005
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jlmule,
I live in Victoria. If I only had one week, I would arrive by BC ferries in Nanaimo and take the trip through Strathcona Park to Buttle Lake west of Campbell River. There are two campgrounds on the lake: Buttle just after the turn to Gold River and Ralph farther down the lake (ignoring the turnoff to Gold River). The scenery is great. You could also stay at Elk River PP or Loveland Lake closer in, and at Miracle Beach PP between Campbell River and Courtenay.
Definitely go to Tofino and stay at the Federal campground mentioned. I would recommend going back through Victoria and taking the ferry to Anacortes for a scenic tour through the San Juan Islands or the BC ferry from Swartz Bay to Tsaiwassen through the Gulf Islands.
Just one take.
iawia
97 Kodiak K99
95 GMC 2500HD 6.5TD
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jlmule
Indiana
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Thanks iawia!!
Leslie
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islander35
Canada
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gk wrote:Prices: approximately (did not write down and memory not perfect!)
Rathtrevor (Provincial Campground) - ? $24
Salmon Point - about $32 - 35
Ralph River - $l5
Telegraph Code - about $34
Living Forest - $41 (this is the one we were a bit disappointed in -- had heard lots about it and felt spots were too tight for our liking.)
You are the only person I have ever heard who dislikes the Living Forest? It is by far our families favorite spot to go camping. Mind you we do have little children and therefor enjoy all that the park has to offer. Our last spot was tight but it was only because we requested a pull thru next to the playground. The kidlets loved it!!!
To stay on track of the post:
Central Island- Living Forest, Country Maples and Rathtrevor.
Gordon Bay in the Cowichan area is super to (no hookups).
Sproat Lake between Port Alberni and Long Beach is amazing and you'll get a chance to see the tremendous Mars Bombers and First Nations carvings in the cliffs.
Anywhere on the West Coast around Tofino I am sure will be amazing.....
Never camped the Victoria area as Victoria has always been a quick in and out trip for us. When I work there, I'm quick to leave and get home.
Oh boy o' boy; I'm sure us Islanders could give you a month of camping and activities to do while on the Island.
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JohnQ
Port Angeles, Wa., (Freshwater Bay)
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Joined: 03/15/2002
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I'll second Alder Bay on Telegraph Cove Road south of Port McNeil. For Whale watching, I highly recommend Seasmoke Charters out of Alert Bay (they will pick you up at the Alder Bay Marina dock). Scones baked fresh with Jersey Butter, and a lunch of Cold Salmon was the tops in my book. I think Alder Bay is just about the best RV Value on the Island with the best managed Park.
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robatthelake
Vancouver Island
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Joined: 08/24/2003
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You have been given so many Good suggestions/options that for Me to add more would just add to the confusion.
As to Campgrounds I would agree that the Provincial and National ones are the nicest as far as settings and scenery go although be prepared to rough it a bit.
You can experience Whale watching as close as Victoria or as far away as Tofino/Ucluelet or Telegraph Cove. Personally I prefer Ucluelet but it may be too far for You to reach on a 1 week trip!
Most First Timers seem to Like Victoria and vicinity! Lots to See and do in and around the Provincial Capital!
Rob & Jean
Had a Yen for a diesel Pusher! Yen satisfied!
De Dutchess!
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