“Where ancient forests touch the tides,
Vancouver Isle, where spirit abides.
Majestic mountains meet the sea,
A land of wonder, wild and free.”
A Week on Vancouver Island – David & Joys RV Adventure
Written by Dave M
It was a crisp April morning when Joy and I, filled with excitement, set out to explore British Columbia. Vancouver Island was our first stop, and we couldn’t have asked for a better starting point.
We rented a brilliant Sunseeker campervan from a hospitable Swartz Bay family. Equipped with everything we could wish for, from hot water to a furnace and a kitchen, it felt like home.
Our first stop was the famous Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay. Nestled in a serene valley, the garden blossomed with vibrant colours and diverse flora, even in the still-cool Spring. Butchart Gardens began in 1904 when Jennie Butchart started transforming a worked-out limestone quarry into a picturesque sunken garden. Over time, it expanded to include the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Mediterranean Garden, each segment telling a story of different landscapes.
Jordan River Regional Park and Campground
That night, we camped at the Jordan River Regional Park and Campground. Many campgrounds in BC shut down during the winter months due to freezing temperatures, reopening in May. However, we were fortunate to find this one open early in the season.
That night, we camped at the Jordan River Regional Park and Campground. Many campgrounds in BC shut down during the winter months due to freezing temperatures, reopening in May. However, we were fortunate to find this one open early in the season.
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- Our Sunseeker RV at Jordan River Campground
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- Jordan River Sunset
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- Pacific West Coast Vancouver Island
Botanical Beach: With the dawn’s first light, we made our way to the Botanical Beach and Botany Bay, opting for the Botanical Loop Trail. As we tread the wooden pathways, we marvelled at the unique tidal pools and the rich marine life beneath our feet. The beaches, with their rugged coastline, were blanketed with driftwood, a testament to the Juan de Fuca trail’s wild and untamed beauty. So worth a visit. The rock pools were simply amazing.
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- Joy Taylor – Enjoy Life Adventures
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- David Masefield – No Clouds Tomorrow
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- Panorama – Botanical Beach
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- A Juan de Fuca Trail head, Botanical Beach
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- The Shells are amazing at Botanical Beach
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- The Rock Pools with entertain you for hours
Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan
Hungry from our trek around Botanical Beach, we decided on a meal at the Renfrew Pub in Port Renfrew and also to try to find an ATM because many campgrounds only accept cash. But we hit a snag: ATMs were few and far between out of season. Banks were also not a thing in this part of the Island. Eventually, we managed to convince a local general store owner to do us a cash out if we bought some ice creams. It was a humorous reminder that even in our high-tech age, some things remained quaintly analog.
Heading on after lunch to Lake Cowichan, we were disappointed to find the RV parks still closed. However, with our trusty campervan’s amenities, we pulled up near Skutz Creek for a free camping night. With games and sketches and a home-cooked meal, the night passed in cozy warmth by the side of a back road on a great level park.
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- Free Camping just outside Lake Cowichan
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- Playing Backgammon while camping in the RV
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- sketching in the RV while camping
“On Vancouver Island, the wilderness is not a place—it’s a symphony of crashing waves, towering cedars, and tales as told by the wind.”
Lake Cowichan to Ucluelet
Joy’s morning exploration of Skutz Creek painted a picture of glistening waters and tranquil surroundings, while our drive to Ucluelet was anything but serene. The Clayoquot Plateau gifted us with an awe-inspiring spectacle of waterfalls cascading beside the road and heavy continual rain. Fortunately, the roads and drains are made for handling the rainy weather.
roadside waterfalls crossing Vancouver Island
At Ucluelet, we pitched at a campground near the harbour. We satisfied our sweet tooth with some delightful cakes, which we had sketched for our Happy Shiny Art Club challenge. The next day, our exploration led us to the Ucluelet Lighthouse. Established in the early 1900s, the lighthouse has since stood tall, warning mariners of the treacherous rocks and guiding them safely. Its history speaks of the countless ships it has steered clear of dangers. The Amphitrite Point Lighthouse is an active lighthouse near Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, named after Amphitrite, the sea goddess and wife of Poseidon in Greek mythology.
Our journey continued northward to Tofino. Originally the territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Tofino has a rich history of indigenous culture. In more recent times, it evolved from a timber and fishing town to a haven for surfers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to escape to the wild Pacific coast of Vancouver Island.
Parking our RV at Crystal Cove Beach Resort, we found ourselves adjacent to the majestic MacKenzie Beach. While the icy waters discouraged us from surfing, we revelled in the raw beauty of the surroundings, ending our outward journey on a note of gratitude and anticipation for the adventures yet to come on the return.
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- EnJoy Life Adventures at Crystal Cove Beach Resort Tofino
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- Crystal Cove Beach Resort Tofino
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- Joy at Torino, Mackenzie Beach
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- Torino, Mackenzie Beach
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- David at Crystal Cove Beach Resort Tofino
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- Our RV at Crystal Cove
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- Torino, Mackenzie Beach
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- Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations Totem Pole
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- Easter Ice Cream
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- More Easter Ice Creams
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- Crystal Cove
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- Artisan Chocolate & Easter Bunny Tofino
The return Journey…
Our morning in Tofino started on a festive note. Drawn by the aroma of mouth-watering food, we strolled through the bustling local market to the renowned Tacofino Taco stand. However, in the spirit of Easter, we gave into our sweet tooth, opting for coffee and ice cream for breakfast. To top off our early morning indulgence, we picked up a delightful chocolate bunny and some artisanal chocolate bars from Chocolate Tofino.
With the taste of chocolate still lingering, it was time to inch our journey back towards Swartz Bay. But, with three days on hand before our return ferry, the island beckoned with more secrets to unveil. Our next destination was the Giant Cedar Trail off the Pacific Rim Highway 4. Walking amongst the ancient cedar giants, their towering presence enveloped us in an aura of reverence and awe.
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- Cathedral Grove
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- Joy getting into it…
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- Enjoy Life Adventures
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- Poplar Mushroom
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- Tofino Artisan Chocolate
The day drew to a close at Rathtrevor Beach Campground. The beach was untamed, with waves crashing ferociously and winds carrying tales of marine mysteries.
The next day greeted us with the promise of yet another marvel, the Englishman River Falls Park in Errington. These falls, a series of cascades and pools, are nestled amidst a dense forest. The recent heavy rains had filled them to the brim, making their roars louder and their splashes mightier. Their powerful descent, surrounded by emerald greens and moss-covered rocks, made for a sight both thrilling and serene.
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- Enjoy Life Adventures
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- Joy Taylor
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- No Clouds Tomorrow – David Masefield
As dusk approached, we steered our Sunseeker RV back towards Victoria. Our final stopover was at the Fort Victoria RV Park. The convenience of a self-check-in system for late arrivals like us was a thoughtful touch.
The day of parting arrived all too soon. After ensuring our RV camper was in perfect order, we handed it back, expressing our gratitude to our Outdoorsy host. As the ferry pulled away from Vancouver Island, memories of our week-long escapade washed over us.
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