My favourite season of the year is approaching, summer. Summer is my fave for plenty of reasons: camping, hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, catching a tan, the list can go on. Since moving to Victoria a year and a half ago, I've only been able to fully enjoy one summer here so I am ecstatic that another one is coming right up! There's so much to do and see on the island so I thought I'd make a list of my favourites.
Port Renfrew
Port Renfrew is a very small town located on the South shore of the Port San Juan. It's the start or end of the famous trek 'West Coast Trail', has one pub known as 'the pub' and has views you can stare at for hours. I really enjoy this spot for the quietness. It's slow moving with very few people which makes for the perfect relaxing holiday. You'll also have little-to-no cell service.
Where to stay:
Campground: Pacheedaht campground is ocean front with a long stretch of sandy beach, perfect for RV's or tents. Can only book by calling ahead!
Airbnb's: Big Fish Lodge can fit up to 20 people. Very ideal if you have a large group/event.
French Girls Lair is close to Botanical Beach, Pacheedaht Beach, Lizard & Fairy Lake and walking distance to the pub!
Yurts: Soule Creek Lodge is perfect if you want the unique experience of staying in a Yurt!
Jordan River
Jordan River is located on the West Coast Road halfway between Sooke and Port Renfrew. It's home to plenty of beaches stretched across it, the best pit stop (Shirley Delicious) and it's where the local surfers love to catch waves. My favourite beaches include, Sombrio, Sandcut, French Beach and Mystic Beach.
Where to stay:
Campground: French Beach Campground is one of the first stops along the Jordan River. Campsites are a bit up from the beach but you can still hear the waves crash all throughout the night. You can also grab pizza from Stoked Wood Fire Pizzeria. It's just across the street and it is yummy!
Jordan River Campground is perfect if you want to step out of your van in your wet suit and get right on the surfboard. Aligned with the West Coast Road but also right on the ocean. This campground runs on a first come first serve basis.
Sombrio Beach is also a surfer's paradise. About a ten minute walk from the parking lot down to the water but worth every step. Here you can tent camp right on the sand or sleep in your van/rv in the parking lot! No showers, but they have outhouses. Free to stay in the parking lot or pay with cash on arrival at the red post for tenting.
Airbnb's: Bonsai Bunkhouse is an eco-friendly tiny home situated in a Japanese garden inspired setting. Located just a minute away from China Beach.
Jordan River Cabin is an absolutely gorgeous cabin nestled between large evergreens, with an outdoor hot tub and wraparound deck with a BBQ. A modern getaway.
3 Legged Bear is in a prime location for various outdoor activities: kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, surfing & wildlife viewing. You can cozy up to the indoor fireplace after a day on the water.
Tofino
Tofino is a small town located on a peninsula on the west side of the island. It's famous for storm watching, surfing and birthed the amazing food truck, Tacofino! There are plenty of good dining options in the 'downtown core'. My favourites are Shelter, Wolf in the Fog, Shed and if you're looking for a quality cup of joe, Rhino. If you want to grab some to-go for the beach you can pick up a charcuterie board from Picnic and grab some local beer from Tofino Brewing.
Where to stay:
Campground: Surf Grove is located right on Cox Beach which is home to some of the largest waves in Canada. Heaps of RV & tent sites to choose from, all you need to bring is your surf board!
Bella Pacifica is right on Mackenzie Beach with waterfront sites to choose from. Although it's not a surfing beach it's definitely a great spot to have a beach fire! Sites book up extremely fast for summer so definitely best to book ahead.
Hotel/Airbnb: Wild Pod is a unique accommodation made of entirely windows. This is a fantastic spot to stay at in the winter for storm watching!
Pacific Sands is a resort hotel with plenty of different room arrangements to choose from. Definitely on the more expensive side but worth the penny for a one-off vacation.
Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is a 35 minute ferry ride from the Sidney ferry port. It's an island full of hippies, cidery's, cheese & goat farms. Lot's of restaurants here are "from backyard to table" style, giving you the freshest of fresh ingredients. Every Saturday starting in April-October, they have their famous market in Ganges. Here you'll find all varieties of things from local vendors.
Where to stay:
Campground: Ruckle Park has all accommodation options that you need! It's close to town and right on the water. You can either book ahead or they also have some first come first serve sites.
Mowhinna Creek is the most recent campground we stayed at and I was obsessed. It was clean, in a beautiful location and the staff were so hospitable and kind.
Airbnb/Hotel: Mineral Springs Resort is perfect for a "boujee" vacation on Salt Spring. Unique cabins, and the only hotel with access to the Island's famous mineral water.
Salty Pear is a tiny home 'bnb' that has a private barrel sauna, surrounded by farm land and is a short 10 minute walk to the quiet town of Ganges.
Hornby Island
Hornby Island (also known as Canada's Hawaii) is located just off of Comox and takes 2 ferries to arrive. It's an extremely popular spot in the summer but for good reason. It's a magical oasis with crystal clear WARM water that you can spend all day in. The island has breweries, wineries and so many markets to check out.
Where to stay:
Campground: Tribune Bay is by far the best campground on the island mainly based on location. This campgrounds booking opens up either first weekend of April or May and they fill up for the summer right away so it's best to have your dates ready to book. It's mostly a tenting campground but still has a few sites with utilities. The campground is right beside the main grocery store + a few restaurants and is also adjacent to the main 'Tribune Bay Beach.'
Glamping: Fossil Beach Farm is for those who want a bit more of a boujee Hornby experience. The accommodations are fully furnished clamping tents that are waterfront giving you your own private beach. Did I mention it also has a brewery on location?
