North Island
Most known for: Tofino, San joseph bay, Hornby island
remote get aways
logging roads
no service and GPS coordinates
Mid Island
Most known for: Nanaimo River, New castle island, Mount Benson
campgrounds, hikes, lakes
service, city driving
Day trip or starting ground
South Island
Most known for: Victoria, Sooke, Port Renfrew
great tourist route
moderate to easy hikes
middle ground of nature and big city
Summer is all about the water—whether you’re swimming in rivers, paddling across glassy lakes, or exploring oceanfront spots. Hiking enthusiasts can take on mountain trails that lead to alpine lakes, while beach lovers can set up camp right on the sand—either by driving onto the shore or pitching a tent under the stars.
Spring is a hiker’s dream, with comfortable temperatures and waterfalls at their peak flow. It’s the perfect time to experience the freshness of the season and see the Island’s wild beauty at its most vibrant.
Fall brings crisp, clean air and golden forests. The roads wind through towering trees painted in orange and red, while rivers and waterfalls run strong. With fewer tourists, it’s a peaceful time to explore and take in the scenery at your own pace.
For those seeking the truly remote experience, we can provide exclusive GPS coordinates to secluded spots. Or, if you prefer something more familiar, you can choose from our recommended campgrounds and popular locations listed below.
What to expect during our seasons
North Island
North Island
The North Island is the ultimate destination for an off-grid adventure.
This region is home to our favorite hidden gems, where you’ll find a perfect mix of crystal-clear lakes, turquoise rivers, sandy beaches, and lush green forests that open up to breathtaking mountain-top views.
Our Recommendations
1. San Josef Bay (Cape Scott Provincial Park)
Remote, hike-in camping with sandy beaches, sea stacks, and dramatic coastal scenery.
Best for: Adventurers who want a true off-grid experience.
2. Cape Scott Provincial Park Campgrounds
Backcountry campgrounds like Nels Bight, Guise Bay, and Experiment Bight.
Best for: Long hikes and rewarding oceanfront camping far from civilization.
3. Bere Point Campground (Malcolm Island, near Sointula)
Oceanfront sites where you can see orcas rubbing on the beach.
Best for: Wildlife lovers and peaceful seaside camping.
4. Cluxewe Resort (near Port McNeill)
Mix of serviced and unserviced campsites right on the ocean.
Best for: Families and travelers wanting ocean views with amenities.
5. Port Hardy RV Resort & Log Cabins
Conveniently located near town, with easy access to ferry and fishing.
Best for: Those wanting a balance of comfort and adventure.
Campgrounds
6. Quatse River Campground (Port Hardy)
Forested riverside sites with salmon viewing in season.
Best for: Nature lovers who want peaceful camping close to town.
7. Telegraph Cove Campground
A mix of sites near the historic boardwalk village.
Best for: Whale-watching, kayaking, and exploring a quaint seaside community.
8. Ripple Rock RV Park (near Campbell River, technically North Island gateway)
Riverside sites, close to hiking and fishing spots.
Best for: A quiet stop before heading deeper north.
9. Raft Cove Provincial Park
Remote hike-in or 4x4 access camping on a wild sandy surf beach.
Best for: Surfers and adventurers seeking solitude.
10. Marble River Provincial Park
Forested sites near a river with great fishing opportunities.
Best for: Anglers and those looking for quiet wilderness.
Our Favorites
Tofino & Ucluelet – Famous for surfing, whale watching, storm watching, and stunning beaches like Long Beach.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – Rainforest trails, endless beaches, and rich Indigenous culture.
Cathedral Grove (MacMillan Provincial Park) – Walk among towering old-growth Douglas firs, some over 800 years old.
Strathcona Provincial Park – BC’s oldest provincial park, known for alpine lakes, waterfalls, and hiking (like the hike to Della Falls, one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls).
Mount Washington Alpine Resort – Popular for skiing, snowboarding, and summer hiking.
Sproat Lake (Port Alberni) – Beautiful swimming and boating spot, also home to ancient Indigenous petroglyphs.
Campbell River – Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and great for grizzly bear and whale watching tours.
Telegraph Cove – Quaint seaside village and one of the best places for orca viewing.
Hornby Island & Denman Island – Crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and a laid-back island vibe.
Tourist Favorites
Mid Island
Mid Island
Our Recommendations
Campgrounds
1.Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park (Parksville)
One of the Island’s most popular camping spots with long sandy beaches, warm shallow waters, and plenty of space for both RVs and tents. Great for families and beach walks at sunset.
2.Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park (Qualicum)
A forested campground with trails leading to stunning waterfalls and rivers. Perfect for hikers and anyone who wants to camp surrounded by the sound of rushing water.
3.MacMillan Provincial Park (Cathedral Grove, near Port Alberni)
Famous for its towering old-growth Douglas firs, this is a magical camping area where you can wake up in the middle of an ancient forest.
4.Coombs Country Campground (Coombs, near Parksville)
A fun and convenient spot close to the famous Coombs Market. Offers a mix of forest, open space, and even a small lake—ideal for families or groups.
5.Mountainaire Campground & RV Park (Nanaimo)
A spacious campground just outside Nanaimo with easy access to rivers and swimming holes. It’s family-friendly with good amenities and lots of trails nearby.
Tourist Favorites
Nanaimo: Explore the scenic waterfront, visit the Nanaimo Museum, and don’t miss the iconic Nanaimo Bars at local cafes.
Parksville Beach: Enjoy the sandy shores and tidal pools, perfect for families. The annual Parksville Beach Festival is a highlight during the summer.
Cathedral Grove: Walk among ancient trees in MacMillan Provincial Park. The towering Douglas firs and red cedars create a stunning natural experience.
Cowichan Valley: Known for its vineyards and artisan products, enjoy wine tours and fresh local produce in this picturesque farming region.
Qualicum Beach: Relax at the lovely beach, explore the charming downtown area, and visit the Milner Gardens & Woodland for beautiful views.
Chemainus: Famous for its murals, this small town offers a unique cultural experience with art depicting its history, along with quaint shops and eateries.
Butchart Gardens: Located in Brentwood Bay, these world-renowned gardens feature stunning floral displays in a variety of themed gardens.
Shawnigan Lake: Ideal for outdoor activities like boating, swimming, and hiking, this scenic lake area is perfect for a day of relaxation or adventure.
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park: Enjoy hiking trails with breathtaking views of waterfalls and lush forest scenery, suitable for all skill levels.
Cowichan Bay: A charming seaside village with a marina, shops, and restaurants. It’s a great spot for kayaking and enjoying local seafood.
Strathcona is where is at all started. This Nissan Truck has been with us from the beginning of VIO. What made us love fall camping is the indoor heater to keep us warm on those chilly nights.
6.The Living Forest Oceanside Campground (Nanaimo)
A large and well-loved campground set right on the ocean, with sites tucked between trees and others overlooking the water. Known for its views and easy access to kayaking and trails.
7.Westwood Lake (Nanaimo)
While smaller, this local favourite offers easy access to the lake for swimming and paddleboarding, plus a scenic loop trail for hiking or biking.
8.Englishman River Falls Provincial Park (near Parksville)
A smaller, quieter campground with incredible waterfall trails and refreshing swimming holes. A great option for a peaceful forest escape.
9.Cedar by the Sea & Area Campgrounds (Cedar, near Nanaimo)
A cluster of smaller campgrounds in the Cedar area, popular with locals for their easy access to beaches, trails, and calm forest settings.
10.Transfer Beach Campground (Ladysmith)
A community-based campground right on the waterfront. Great for kayaking, beach walks, and being within walking distance of Ladysmith’s shops and cafés.
Our Favorites
The Heart of the Island. The mid-Island is where we call home—and where every journey begins. Nestled between the bustling city life and endless off-grid escapes, it’s the perfect starting point for any adventure.
The mid-Island is the perfect balance—familiar yet full of adventure. Whether you’re setting out on a multi-day journey or just enjoying a day trip, it blends city comforts with outdoor escapes in a way that feels uniquely Vancouver Island.
South Island
South Island
Our Recommendations
Tourist Favorites
6. Bamberton Campground (near Mill Bay)
A convenient stop if you’re traveling up or down island. Forested sites overlook the inlet, and there’s a quiet beach just steps away.
7. Ivy Green / Ladysmith Area Camping
A lesser-known spot along the harbour — ideal if you want something simple, quiet, and close to town without feeling too urban.
8. Nitinat Lake Campsites
A bit of a mission to get to, but totally worth it if you like wind, water, and wide-open skies. This area is famous for windsurfing and more rugged-style camping.
9. Fairy Lake & Lizard Lake (Port Renfrew area)
Small, rustic lakeside sites surrounded by forest. Great for those who don’t need hookups and prefer peaceful canoe mornings over crowded campgrounds.
10. Pacheedaht Campground (Port Renfrew)
A long, wild beach with campsites right on the sand. You’ll wake up to ocean mist and driftwood views — it feels raw, open, and wonderfully untamed.
Our Favorites
The southern tip of Vancouver Island is packed with natural beauty, offering everything from lush rainforests to rugged coastlines. East Sooke Park is a local favourite, with dramatic ocean views and mossy forest trails along the Coast Trail. Mystic Beach and Sombrio Beach in Juan de Fuca Park are iconic for their hidden waterfalls, rope swings, and sea caves carved by the Pacific. Goldstream Provincial Park comes alive each fall with its legendary salmon run beneath towering old-growth trees.
For something more serene, Thetis Lake and Matheson Lake offer warm summer swimming and peaceful hiking loops just minutes from town. Down the coast, Whiffin Spit and Botanical Beach showcase tidal pools teeming with marine life, while the windswept cliffs of Clover Point and Dallas Road in Victoria provide easy-access ocean vistas perfect for sunrise walks. Whether you're into tide pooling, forest bathing, or sandy beaches, the South Island delivers nature in every form
Campgrounds
1. French Beach (Sooke area)
A classic oceanside campground where you fall asleep to the sound of waves. Big driftwood-covered beach, plenty of wildlife sightings, and forested campsites that feel private.
2. China Beach Campground
Tucked in the trees just above the shoreline, this spot offers the perfect balance of coastal views and quiet forest camping. A short trail takes you down to a beautiful sandy beach.
3. Goldstream Campground (Victoria outskirts)
Ideal for quick getaways without going far from the city. Huge mossy trees, salmon in the river during the fall, and trails leading to waterfalls and viewpoints.
4. Gordon Bay (Cowichan Lake)
A warmer, more inland feel — with a sandy lakeshore that’s perfect for swimming and paddling in the summer. Great for families or anyone wanting a more relaxed lake vibe.
5. Rathtrevor Beach (Parksville)
Known for its insanely long sandy beach that seems to stretch forever at low tide. Campsites are flat, easy to access, and perfect for both tents and RVs.
Victoria Inner Harbour — Street performers, seaplanes, Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel… it’s the postcard scene of the island.
Butchart Gardens (Brentwood Bay) — Globally famous floral displays, especially stunning in spring and summer but beautiful year-round.
Royal BC Museum — One of the best museums in Canada, with immersive Indigenous, natural history, and historical exhibits.
Dallas Road & Clover Point — Easy-access oceanfront walking with views of the Olympic Mountains and constant windsurfers and kiteboarders.
Beacon Hill Park — Peacocks, ponds, gardens, and a waterfront lookout — right in downtown Victoria.
Fisherman’s Wharf — Floating homes, seafood shacks, seals begging for snacks. Very walkable and fun for all ages.
Goldstream Provincial Park — Known for its massive salmon run in fall, lush forest trails and the Niagara Falls waterfall (yes—Victoria has one too!).
Sooke Potholes — Natural rock pools and swimming spots in the river, hugely popular on hot days.
East Sooke Park / Coast Trail — Rugged coastline, mossy rainforests, and killer ocean views.
Mystic Beach & Sombrio Beach (Juan de Fuca area) — Waterfalls, sea caves, rope swings — the classic wild west coast beach vibe.