Whether blinking on the back of a firefly or glowing from a mysterious clump of mushrooms, bioluminescence often looks like magic. This video is no exception, as a cruising kayak lights up the waves with swirls of electric blue. For superhero fans, dipping your hand in these waters might be the closest you get to seeing lightning shoot from your fingertips, but no superpowers are needed to kayak through the Florida bioluminescence.
Glowing plants and animals are an unusual sight, but in these ocean waters they are not quite as rare as you might think. The coastal estuaries of Florida are among the best places to view the phenomenon, with seasonal migrations of bioluminescent jellyfish and microscopic plankton called dinoflagellates.
Dinoflagellate plankton light up primarily from June to October each year. These harmless creatures use a chemical enzyme called luciferase to emit a blue-green glow when their marine environment is disturbed, but to our eyes the water itself seems to shine with an otherworldly light.
[ Plan your next Florida paddling adventure with the Paddling Trip Guide ]
Visit Florida and see for yourself
To experience bioluminescent kayaking, check in with a tour operator based in Cocoa Beach or Titusville, a short drive south of Orlando. Clear kayaks can be booked for a premium experience. Other bioluminescent kayaking can be found on Florida’s gulf coast near Tampa.
Craig Blacklock and Jon Smithers have spent years paddling along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but have never seen anything as extraordinary as this before—let alone captured it on camera. On this day, the pair were filming with two drones but it was Smithers’ that was perfectly positioned to record the event.
The Pictured Rocks cliffs are located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, near Munising, Michigan. They tower up to 200 feet tall in places, and stretch for 15 miles along the lake, the colorful streams of mineral stain on the sandstone giving the cliffs their name.
While the view from the top of the cliffs out to Lake Superior is mesmerizing, the view of the cliffs from the water is even more incredible. That’s why there are a few different kayak companies in the area that run tours along the base of the cliffs. Normally it’s a leisurely sightseeing paddle—but on the day Blacklock and Smithers were shooting, a kayak tour group experienced the thrill of a lifetime.
In the video you can see that Smithers’ drone is quite a distance from the cliffs, and is slowly panning right to take in a sweeping shot of them. Then the frame quickly moves right, just as a massive chunk of the cliff face lets go and collapses into the water below. Lakewater launches into the air, spraying out what seems like hundreds of feet from the base of the cliff. And there to witness it, is a group of kayakers.
Smithers and Blacklock say they weren’t sure initially whether the rocks had landed on any of the kayakers, but as the drone flew closer to where the rockslide had occurred and the nearby kayakers, they quickly realized everyone was okay.
[ Paddling Trip Guide: View all kayaking tours on the Great Lakes ]
Northern Waters Adventures kayak guide, Van Ouelette-Ballas, was leading the group of kayakers. He said he noticed a small rockfall occur just prior, prompting him to paddle away from the base of the cliff. Once he thought they were a safe distance away, the group turned toward the cliffs, only to see the bigger rockfall occur. Ouelette-Ballas said the rocks fell exactly where he’d been floating just moments before.
Watch the video to witness the power of nature that astonished the kayakers and photographers—and the world after the video went viral. For more behind-the-scenes details, you can watch the video Blacklock put together about the event here.
You’ll find great RV camping in stunning landscapes near Victoria, B.C. | Photo courtesy of: Tourism Northern BC // Andrew Strain
Camping in Victoria, BC is a great option for adventurous travellers, paddlers and nature lovers—and for locals too. Set on southern Vancouver Island, Victoria is British Columbia’s capital city, with amazing cultural attractions and a waterfront that’s perfect for kayakers and paddleboarders. With so many urban charms, you may be surprised to discover that nature is close at hand.
Paddlers have first dibs on some of the best campsites in Victoria. | Photo courtesy of: Destination BC // Reuben Krabbe
Camping in Victoria gives you access to all the wonders of the city and the outdoors. You’ll find stunning beachfront camping, family camping, sites with RV hookups and wilderness camping for kayakers and paddleboarders. Here’s our list of the best camping in and around Victoria.
[This article is part of our 7 Adventurous Things To Do In Victoria, BC series. Learn more about where to hike, bike, paddle and sightsee around BC’s beautiful capital city.]
Best Campgrounds in Victoria
French Beach Provincial Park
The French Beach campground is set on the ocean’s edge with stunning views to Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula. Direct access to the Strait of Juan de Fuca makes this a great Victoria campground for kayakers and paddleboarders. The campground is off of Highway 14 west of Sooke. A total of 69 campsites are located in a mature forest, a short walk to the beach. The campground is open year-round with online reservations available for the summer months.
This campground, only a 16-km drive from Victoria on Highway 1, features great hiking trails through mature forests. Goldstream Provincial Park has a peaceful vibe; you’ll be amazed that you’re so close to the city. Highlights include waterfalls and 600-year-old Douglas fir trees, as well as secluded swimming holes on the Goldstream River. There are 159 drive-in campsites, available year-round. Reserve your Victoria, BC campsite online.
The best RV camping in Victoria is set on the ocean’s edge, located just north of downtown (and minutes from the BC Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay). Oceanside RV Resort features 69 campsites with electrical hookups, water, sewer and WiFi hotspots. Paddlers will love the direct access to Saanichton Bay for great kayaking and standup paddleboarding. Make your booking online.
This family campground on scenic Lake Cowichan, 35 km from Duncan, features plenty of sunshine. In fact, the Victoria, BC region boasts the warmest climate of anywhere in Canada. Visit in April for great wildflowers and trout fishing; paddlers will love easy access to one of the largest (and warmest) freshwater lakes on Vancouver Island. You’ll find 126 car-accessible campsites. Reserve online.
Bamberton Provincial Park
Check out Bamberton Provincial Park for some of the best family camping in the Victoria area. Located only 30 minutes from downtown, the park’s 41 well-treed, spacious campsites will make you feel like you’re out in the wilderness. Paddling is fantastic on the sheltered Saanich Inlet, and you’ll find warm water for ocean swimming. Make a reservation now.
Looking for the best beach RV camping near Victoria? Check out Island View Regional Park, located near the airport, less than a half-hour drive from downtown. The majority of the campground’s RV sites are located next to the beach, with stunning views to the Gulf Islands. Launch your kayak and explore the shoreline. There are a total of 47 campsites, including 24 for tent camping. The campground is open from late May through Labour Day. It features fire pits and outhouses, but no shower facilities. Learn more about the campground and make reservations online.
This sandy Vancouver Island beach campground is located on the Juan de Fuca Channel, off of Highway 14, about a 90-minute drive west of Victoria. The beach is stunning with fine white sand, incredible views and a gorgeous waterfall. The hiking here is outstanding. The Juan de Fuca Provincial Park campground features 78 drive-in sites. Book your campsite online.
This walk-in campground for tent camping is well worth the ferry ride to Sidney Island, part of the Gulf Islands National Park. You’ll love the sun and white sand at this spectacular beach campground. It’s a great destination for experienced paddlers and families alike. Reserve one of 29 campsites online.
Kayak Camping Victoria
Vancouver Island is a world-class sea kayaking destination, with countless tour options for all levels of paddler, in part because of its outstanding coastal camping. We’ve compiled a few of the best kayak campsites on Vancouver Island.
Prevost Island
Set in Gulf Islands National Park, the James Bay campground on Prevost Island is a fantastic destination for Vancouver Island kayak camping. Parks Canada maintains 10 primitive sites here, making scenic Prevost Island a great overnight stop on one of the most popular BC kayak trips. Camping is first come, first served.
You’ll find seven backcountry campsites at Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island, a perfect destination for an overnight trip or a longer tour in Gulf Islands National Park, near Victoria. There’s a pit toilet and a hiking trail to stretch your legs. Be sure to pack your own drinking water. Reservations can be made online.
This island located northeast of Sidney is a great objective for kayak camping near Victoria, with three separate backcountry camping areas and 24 total sites. Portland Island features sand and shell beaches and tall cliffs rising out of the ocean. The island was home to Indigenous people; do not disturb the shell middens that reveal their ancient presence. Camping is first come, first served.
Glamping in Victoria is a great way to introduce yourself and your family to camping; check out our top-rated options for luxury camping Victoria. Or maybe you’re looking for four walls and a solid roof? If so, click on our comprehensive list of Vancouver Island’s best cabin rentals.
Woods on Pender
Experience the ultimate in luxury camping on Pender Island, a short ferry ride from the Victoria area. Woods on Pender features Airstream trailer and cabin rentals, set in a secluded forest area in the Gulf Islands. What’s more, the campground features a farm-to-table restaurant and a food truck. This is Victoria, BC luxury camping at its finest. Book now.
This national historic site of Canada features a luxurious oTENTik cabin tent available for Victoria glamping. You’ll fall asleep within earshot of the ocean, camping in the same fashion as Canadian soldiers more than 50 years ago—with many luxurious upgrades. Five canvas tents are available within the historic site; each is equipped with sleeping space (bunks) for up to six people, electricity, cooking equipment, and outdoor space including a picnic table and propane fire pit. Book your Victoria luxury campsite online.
This private campground is located 45 minutes west of Victoria on Highway 14. You’ll find several family-friendly options for camping cabin rentals, making Sooke River a great spot for luxury camping and experiencing tiny house living near Victoria. Each cabin comes equipped with kitchen supplies and access to public bathrooms and shower facilities.
Free Camping in Victoria
You’ll find some good options for free camping in Victoria. But if you choose to wild camp, be responsible and leave no trace. For a comprehensive map of over 1,000 wild camping options on Vancouver Island—including many in the Victoria area—check out Recreation Sites and Trails BC.
Musgrave Point
This free campsite in Samsun Narrows on the west side of Saltspring Island is perfect for sea kayakers. Be a considerate camper—this site is provided and maintained by BC Marine Trails. A pit toilet and picnic table is available.
These wild campsites on Labour Day Lake are reasonably close to Victoria, accessed via Highway 4 near Port Alberni. You’ll find three campsites and access to a subalpine lake with good trout fishing. Access to this B.C. Recreation Site is via private forest access roads. Drive carefully.
[ Plan your next paddling adventure with the Paddling Trip Guide ]
RV Camping and Campervans in Victoria
Victoria is your starting spot for an epic Vancouver Island road trip by campervan or RV. You’ll find great itineraries for all interests and tastes, from backroads tours to wilderness campsites or more urban adventures exploring BC’s rich culture.
Justgo Campervan Rentals
Based in Nanaimo, Justgo rents classic VW campervans and four-wheel-drive Jeeps with rooftop tents to live out your vanlife dream in one of the greatest road trip destinations on the planet. What’s more, the company’s experts will give you insider knowledge to find the best campsites and travel itineraries on the island. Book your van online.
Cool Camper (250-216-9523) rents campervans and small RVs with unlimited mileage packages ready for Vancouver Island road trips, all from its base in Sidney. Each rental comes complete with kitchen supplies, a propane stove, bedsheets and more, with packages available for couples and families.
RV Rent Vancouver Island
Based in North Saanich, RV Rent Vancouver Island (778-426-8295) maintains a fleet of 17 motorhomes ranging from 19 to 30 feet in size. They’re a great choice for RV rentals in the Victoria area, ideally situated to explore the many campgrounds of Vancouver Island.
Looking for a bigger camping rig? Vancouver Island RV Rentals (Saanichton, 250-857-6153) offers family-sized Coleman Dutchman trailers for your Victoria, BC camping adventure.
Where to Buy Camping Gear in Victoria
Need camping gear? We’ve got you covered. You’ll find well-equipped camping gear stores with knowledgeable staff in Victoria.
Robinson’s Outdoor Store
Robinson’s Outdoor Store (1307 Broad St, 250-385-3429) has an 80-year tradition of selling outdoor equipment and camping gear in Victoria. The shop specializes in adventure travel gear (including tents and sleeping bags) and apparel from top brands, as well as fly-fishing gear.
Valhalla Pure Outfitters
A BC original, Valhalla Pure is a great destination for camping equipment on Vancouver Island, with a location in Victoria (1824 Store St, 778-432-3579). Purchase high-end apparel, camping gear (including tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear and backpacks) and the best in kayaks, SUPs and paddling accessories.
MEC is a classic Canadian retailer of quality outdoor gear with a location in Victoria (1450 Government St, 250-386-2667). You’ll find a wide variety of equipment, paddling gear (including canoe, sea kayak and SUP rentals) and apparel, making MEC a great choice for quality camping gear on Vancouver Island.
You’ll find great RV camping in stunning landscapes near Victoria, B.C. | Photo courtesy of: Tourism Northern BC // Andrew Strain
Harvie Passage is a popular spot for whitewater kayaking, right in Calgary. | Photo: Mike Holroyd // @mholroyd
With scenic mountaintops on the horizon and crystal-clear waters close at hand, kayaking in Calgary is full of enchantment. Both lakes and rivers are easily accessible within or just outside the city, offering both flatwater and whitewater experiences that will please paddlers of a range of skill levels.
Bring your own equipment or rent from one of the many local outfitters. Take guided tours and lessons to get the most out of paddling in the area and improve your skills. With a wide range of paddling options and undeniably incredibly scenery, any kayaking trip in Calgary is bound to be unforgettable.
Read on to discover everything you need to know to make it happen.
Harvie Passage is a popular spot for whitewater kayaking, right in Calgary. | Photo: Mike Holroyd // @mholroyd
Places to kayak in Calgary
Find the perfect place to launch your kayak in or near Calgary among the pristine waters of the lakes and rivers below.
Lake kayaking Calgary
Lake and reservoir kayaking options are plentiful in Calgary, but even more expansive for those who are willing to travel a few hours outside the city. Regardless of your experience level, Calgary and the surrounding area has something to offer everyone.
Barrier Lake
Located an hour west of Calgary, Barrier Lake is worth the drive for the chance to kayak on tranquil, blue waters and be surrounded by towering mountain peaks. This is actually a man-made reservoir, created by the hydroelectric dam found at the northeast end of the lake.
There are two access points. The first is at the Prairie View Trail Parking area near the dam; however, this launch is not recommended as it requires descending steep terrain to reach the water. The second is a parking lot located at the mid-point of the lake—look for signs for Barrier Lake Day Use Area on Hwy 40 to find the turn.
Because the lake is so long, windy days can result in big waves on the lake. Be aware of the weather and conditions before setting out.
Tandem and solo kayaks, hourly and daily rental rates
(403) 591-7000
Located at the Barrier Lake Day Use Area
Take it easy on the Glenmore Reservoir. | Photo: Nonie Heinrich // @nonieheinrich5775
Glenmore Reservoir kayaking
Experience nature without even leaving the city limits by kayaking at the Glenmore Reservoir, located on the Elbow River. Paddling here is a calm and enjoyable experience—a great way to get out on the water for a morning or afternoon. There are a few bylaws to be aware of, however, including the following:
Approved PFD must be worn while on the water (which you of course should be doing anyways)
Rental kayaks available at the reservoir on Wednesday evenings, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
(403) 288-9283
Chestermere Lake kayaking
You’ll find the calm waters and beach-like atmosphere of Chestermere Lake (or Lake Chestermere) 30 minutes east of Calgary. Don’t come here if you’re after quiet and seclusion—many houses back onto the lake and the beach area can get quite busy in the summertime. Instead, this a great urban paddling experience and will allow you to get some beach-time and paddling-time in during your stay in the area.
Tandem and solo beach kayaks, solo sit-inside kayaks
(403) 277-9118
109 E Chestermere Dr, Chestermere
Chestermere Lake offers leisurely paddling in an urban environment.
Sibbald Lake
Take an hour drive west of Calgary to reach Sibbald Lake, a small mountain lake that is a great spot for a half-day paddle. There’s a campground located on-site, but it’s located so far off the beaten path you should be able to experience relative seclusion paddling here.
There’s no boat launch or beach located here, so you’ll need to scout for the best place to launch your kayak along the shore yourself.
Sibbald Lake kayak rentals
There are no kayak outfitters located at Sibbald Lake. See rental section below for outfitters in Calgary.
Ghost Reservoir
Located just west of Cochrane on the Bow River, the Ghost Reservoir is a great location to go for a lazy afternoon paddle. It extends for 10 km and is approximately 1.5 km wide, allowing you to spend quite a bit of time exploring its waters and gazing at the not-too-distant Rockies.
There are two access points to the reservoir, on either side of the Bow Valley Trail on the west side of the Bow River: south launch and north launch.
Be aware that it can get quite windy here and waves may make paddling unsafe. As well, it’s worth noting that this lake has a lot of motorboat and sailboat activity.
Ghost Reservoir kayak rentals
There are no kayak outfitters located at Ghost Reservoir. See the kayak rental section below for outfitters in Calgary.
With the Bow and Elbow rivers running right through Calgary, you’ll have great flatwater and whitewater river paddling options at your doorstep. However, the surrounding area is home to many lesser-known rivers, which also provide ample river running opportunities.
Elbow River kayaking
Flatwater paddling on the Elbow River extends from the Glenmore Reservoir to the confluence with the Bow River. In the summer, this section is often congested with inner tubes and rafts enjoying this slow-moving waterway. Spring or early summer is the best time for kayakers to go for an excursion, as water levels will be higher.
There are several access points along the river, depending how long of a trip you want to take. Find them below:
Choose from flatwater sections of the Bow River within or outside Calgary city limits. Sections through the city will give you a great urban paddling experience, allowing you to glimpse a variety of neighborhoods and greenspaces. Beyond the city, the best paddling sections are located upstream. Take your pick from a variety of access points, and plan a trip that’s the right length and difficulty level for you.
Kayak right through Calgary on the Bow River. | Photo: The Paddle Station
Whitewater kayaking Calgary
Highwood River kayaking
Originating in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in the Rockies, the Highwood River flows east until joining with the Sheep River and then entering the Bow River southeast of Calgary. Along the way, there are several exciting sections for whitewater enthusiasts to enjoy.
Find information on four class II to IV routes below:
There are no kayak outfitters along the Highwood River. See rental section below for outfitters in Calgary.
Bow River whitewater kayaking
The best whitewater kayaking along the Bow River (that’s in the Calgary area—there’s more on offer in the Banff area) is at Harvie’s Passage, located in the middle of the city. There are two channels paddlers can choose to take. Beginner and early level intermediate paddlers should take to the right channel, where they’ll find class II rapids.
The left channel has class III/IV rapids and should only be paddled by experienced whitewater kayakers. Park at Pearce Estate Park and walk the trails to the put-in at the top of the channels. The take-out is just after the channels on river right, where you can walk the trails back up to the put-in and parking area.
Whitewater paddling package includes kayak, PFD, paddle, throwbag and bailer
(403) 202-8490
1975 26 Street SE, Calgary
Enjoying the slalom course on the Kananaskis River. | Photo: Nolan Hindmarsh
Sheep River kayaking
Experienced whitewater paddlers are in for a treat in both rapids and scenery along the Sheep River. Choose from a class II run through a canyon or a class IV/V run (note that the class V rapids can easily be walked and in between are fun sets of class II/III) with waterfalls and ledges.
There are no kayak outfitters located along the Sheep River. See rental section below for options in Calgary.
Kananaskis River kayaking
Enjoy class II and III sections of whitewater on the Kananaskis River. The class III route has great variety for river runners, creek boaters and playboaters. There is also a racecourse section with a national level slalom training course.
There are no kayak outfitters located along the Kananaskis River. See rental sections below for options in Calgary.
Whitewater fun on the Kananaskis River. | Photo: Natacha Labonte // @misslollipopthevan
Elbow River
While the Elbow River runs at a lazy pace through Calgary, there are many fun class II to class IV sections west of the city. You can choose to go for a short paddle or link several of the sections together for a longer run.
You can find more information about the sections below:
There are no whitewater kayak outfitters along the Elbow River. See the rental section below for options in Calgary.
The Paddle Station rents kayaks and rafts for easy paddling trips along the Bow River. | Photo: The Paddle Station
Kayak rentals in Calgary
For those looking to try kayaking for the first time or those who are unable to transport their boat to the area, there are ample kayak outfitters in and around Calgary. Find a list of all of them below.
Aquabatics
Aquabatics‘ Calgary location offers a range of kayak rental packages, including solo recreational, tandem recreational and whitewater kayaks. Their knowledgeable staff are also able to help with trip planning and provide paddling advice for the area. You’ll need to pick up and drop off rentals at the store. However, Aquabatics does provide kayak rentals on Wednesday evenings at the Glenmore Reservoir.
Sports Rent offers tandem and solo recreational sit-inside kayaks. You’ll need to visit their store to pick up and drop off equipment, located across the Trans-Canada Hwy from the Bow River.
The Paddle Station makes it easy to paddle the Bow River. They rent singe and tandem sit-on-top kayaks. Reserve your watercraft online, and simply meet them at the put-in at Shouldice Park. From there, you’ll paddle two to three hours down the Bow River, ending at St Patrick’s Island.
Rocky Mountain Paddling Centre rents whitewater and recreational kayaks. Additionally, you can rent equipment such as sprayskirts, booties, and drybags. Book your gear online and pick up from their location on the Bow River.
Address: 1975 26 Street SE, Calgary Phone: (403) 202-8490
Hyperactive Watersports rents tandem and solo beach kayaks, and solo sit-inside kayaks. They are located on Chestermere Lake, making it easy to get out on the water.
Address: 109 E Chestermere Dr, Chestermere
Phone: (403) 277-9118
Kananaskis Outfitters
Kananaskis Outfitters rents tandem and solo kayaks on Barrier Lake, making it easy to get out on the water.
Location: Barrier Lake Day Use Area Phone: (403) 591-7000
It doesn’t get much more beautiful than paddling on the Kananaskis River. | Photo: Mike Holroyd // @mholroyd
Kayak stores in Calgary
If you take to kayaking in Calgary, there are plenty of places to purchase a boat of your own. Find a variety of types of kayaks from a range of brands at the retailers below.
Aquabatics
Aquabatics sells whitewater kayaks, fishing kayaks, sea kayaks, and recreational kayaks, including inflatable and hard-shell, solo and tandem, and sit-inside and sit-on-top models. Brands include Wilderness Systems, Old Town, Perception, Delta and more.
Campers Village sells touring kayaks, recreational kayaks, and fishing kayaks, with options for inflatable and hard-shell, and sit-inside and sit-on-top models. Brands include Wilderness Systems, Old Town, Aquaglide and more.
Address: 7208 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary Phone: 1-888-231-4753
MEC
MEC sells touring, recreational, and whitewater kayaks, both inflatable and hard-shell. Brands include P&H, Riot, Pyranha and more.
Shop TRAK’s line of touring kayaks and paddling accessories at their Airdrie location, north of Calgary.
Address: 2966 Main St S #105, Airdrie Phone: (403) 723-0077
Fun for all ages on the Kananaskis. | Photo: Mike Holroyd // @mholroyd
Learn to kayak in Calgary
Learn how to kayak or improve your skills while in Calgary. Choose from among the reputable operators below.
Aquabatics
Aquabatics offers a range of kayaking lessons and courses. Choose from rec and touring kayak courses and whitewater kayaking courses, for beginner, intermediate and advanced paddlers. Their expert instructors will teach you everything you need to know and craft an enjoyable experience that suits your skill level and goals.
[ Paddling Trip Guide: View all of Aquabatics’ kayak courses and clinics in Alberta ]
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary offers recreational, river and sea kayaking courses taught by Paddle Canada-certified instructors. Introductory flatwater courses take place at Bowness Park, with whitewater instruction occurring at Harvie Passage.
Email ocprograms@ucalgary.ca for more information.
Rocky Mountain Paddling Centre
The Rocky Mountain Paddling Centre offers introductory flatwater courses through to advanced whitewater courses on the Kananaskis, Bow, Elbow, Red Deer and Highwood rivers. They also provide rescue and instructor certification courses.
Address: 1975 26 Street SE, Calgary Phone: (403) 202-8490
Taking a guided kayaking trip can greatly enhance the experience, providing you with insight into your natural surrounds, the history of the area, and tips for better paddling technique.
The Paddle Station
The Paddle Station offers the option to add an experienced guide onto their paddling trips down the Bow River.
Most rental outfitters will only be open from May to September in Calgary, the prime months for paddling. Be aware that flow rates will be higher in the spring and may not be suitable for beginner paddlers, depending on the river. Likewise, water levels will be lower in the fall, making some routes impassable for kayaks.
While lakes in the area freeze over in the winter, the Bow and Elbow rivers rarely do and some avid kayakers still paddle through the snowy months.
Planning an ice-out paddling trip? Watch this video first.
In this 30-minute video, seven hardy volunteers from a variety of different industries plunge into icy cold water to learn how to survive potentially deadly falls overboard.
Under the watchful direction of Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, Professor of Thermophysiology at the University of Manitoba, a safety crew stands by to ensure the wellbeing of participants. This ‘safety net’ significantly reduced or even eliminated the fear and panic that a regular boater would experience in a real cold water immersion. The knowledge, fitness levels and safety net, led to an expectation that these boot campers would outperform the average boater in this difficult situation. Even so—all eventually experienced swim failure.
The key to survival in cold water immersion is wearing a lifejacket whenever you are on or near the water. The goal is to keep your head and face out of the water while you either try to rescue yourself or wait for rescue to arrive. Wearing immersion protection, like a wetsuit or drysuit, increases your chances of survival.
The video also details the 1-10-1 principle, which is a simple way to remember the first three phases of cold water immersion and the approximate time each phase takes:
LearnThe 1-10-1 principle
1 – Cold Shock.
An initial deep and sudden Gasp followed by hyperventilation that can be as much as 600-1000% greater than normal breathing. You must keep your airway clear or run the risk of drowning. Cold Shock will pass in about 1 minute. During that time concentrate on avoiding panic and getting control of your breathing. Wearing a lifejacket during this phase is critically important to keep you afloat and breathing.
Over approximately the next 10 minutes you will lose the effective use of your fingers, arms and legs for any meaningful movement. Concentrate on self rescue initially, and if that isn’t possible, prepare to have a way to keep your airway clear to wait for rescue. Swim failure will occur within these critical minutes and if you are in the water without a lifejacket, drowning will likely occur.
1 – Hypothermia.
Even in ice water it could take approximately 1 hour before becoming unconscious due to Hypothermia. If you understand the aspects of hypothermia, techniques of how to delay it, self rescue and calling for help, your chances of survival and rescue will be dramatically increased.
Learn more about the dangers of cold water immersion and how to survive at Cold Water Boot Camp.
Nature is close at hand in Victoria. | Photo courtesy of: Destination BC // Reuben Krabbe
Victoria, B.C. is perched on nature’s edge, with easy access to a paddler’s paradise in the Gulf Islands of the Salish Sea and the mountain lakes of interior Vancouver Island. Victoria is a quaint city with a small town vibe, yet with all the amenities you’d expect in a provincial capital. Aside from great sea kayaking and standup paddleboarding, local attractions include camping, hiking, beachcombing and so much more. Once you arrive in Victoria you’ll only wish you had more time to stay.
Victoria is located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, adjacent to the beautiful Gulf Islands and within a short BC Ferry ride from the mainland in Vancouver (Tsawwassen). The city is serviced by several vehicle ferries per day arriving at Swartz Bay, north of downtown. You can also get here via ferry service from Seattle and Port Angeles, Washington. Make Victoria your home base for this itinerary of adventurous things to do.
Tourism in Victoria is all about great sea kayaking. The city is located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, with many options for paddlers to explore, including Oak Bay and the Sidney waterfront, and near the ferry terminal at Swartz Bay. Regular BC Ferries routes service the Gulf Islands, allowing you to experience the unique near-Mediterranean climate and sandstone shorelines of places like Saltspring and Gabriola islands. If you’re looking for a local kayak trip you can easily spend a week or more tracing the Gulf Islands, camping along the way. Guided day trips and multi-day trips are available in Victoria and throughout the Gulf Islands. Check out our Ultimate Kayaking Guide to Victoria for more information.
Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Victoria. You’ll find amazing hikes along the ocean’s edge and into the mountainous interior of Vancouver Island, all within close proximity to the capital city. Here are a few favorites.
Galloping Goose Trail
This 60-km path for walking, hiking and cycling connects North Saanich and Swartz Bay to Victoria and Sooke, following parts of an old railway line. Highlights of this scenic part of Canada’s Great Trail include the Selkirk Trestle, the Todd Trestle and Thetis Lake Regional Park.
Easily accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway’s Millstream/Sooke exit, this wilderness park features a challenging hike to one of the highest points in the area. In April you’ll be surrounded by spring wildflowers on the trail as you enter mature stands of Douglas fir. From the summit of Mount Wells you’ll enjoy stunning views of Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Plan on two hours to complete the 3-km round trip.
Want to hike to a waterfall? Check out Goldstream Provincial Park, located only a half-hour drive from downtown Victoria (public transit is also available via bus route 50). The 3-km Upper Goldstream Falls trail is rated easy, following the route to a stunning waterfall. Check out Goldstream Provincial Park for great camping (and several other hiking trails).
Victoria has more than its fair share of great beaches. The city is practically surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and you’ll find great swimming at places like Gonzales Beach, Esquimalt Lagoon and Cordova Bay. Island View Beach Regional Park, located just north of the city proper, features a great campground. Swing by to capture Victoria’s best sunset for your Instagram feed. Check out Tourism Victoria’s interactive map for more great sun and sand destinations.
Don’t forget to bring your bike! Victoria is a fantastic cycling town, with plenty of options for getting around the urban core or setting out on a longer ride. Several local companies offer bike rentals and guided tours, including The Pedaler (321 Belleville St, 778-265-7433).
Galloping Goose Trail
Cycling is a great way to explore this reclaimed railway line that connects several suburbs and passes through a scenic natural corridor of West Coast forest. You’ll love the scenic trestle crossings and appreciate the gentle grades, which make the Galloping Goose suitable for everyone.
Bear Mountain
Home to the Canadian national mountain bike team, Bear Mountain features Victoria’s best mountain biking, including beginner-friendly single-track, a flow trail for intermediate riders and challenging single-track. The area is located north of Langford and offers mountain bike rentals.
Lochside Trail
This designated recreation route connects downtown Victoria to Swartz, tracing the coastline. The 29-km path is paved and suitable for touring bicycles, with plenty of opportunities to stop for lunch at a cafe along the way.
Victoria is an outstanding destination for whale watching, with orca, gray, humpback and minke frequenting offshore waters. You will also see sea lions, seals and porpoises. Some of the best whale watching tours include Eagle Wing Tours (1 Dallas Rd, 250-384-8008); Prince of Whales Adventures (812 Wharf St, 250-383-4884); and Orca Spirit Adventures (950 Wharf St, 250-383-8411).
Looking for something unique to do? Sign up for a half-day or evening sailing adventure on a bona fide tall ship with 3-Hour Sail (780 Government St., 250-885-2311). Daily departures sail from the Victoria harbour throughout the summer.
No visit to Victoria is complete without a trip to renowned Butchart Gardens, one of Canada’s finest botanical showpieces full of tranquil arrangements and pleasant scents. This 55-acre garden is open year-round with trails, events and dining.
Looking for outdoorsy or paddler-friendly restaurants? Here’s a selection of the best restaurants in Victoria.
Boom and Batten
To taste the coast, make a reservation at Boom and Batten (2 Paul Kane Pl, 250-940-5850) and order from a menu that’s locally made. This downtown restaurant has a great view of the Inner Harbor.
The Beach House
There’s no better way to end a great day at Victoria’s fabulous Cordova Beach than to indulge in a great meal at The Beach House (5109 Cordova Bay Rd, 250-658-5224). Choose from a diverse, family-friendly menu at this beachfront restaurant and cafe and enjoy the laid back, casual atmosphere—with a great view of the water.
Marina Dockside Eatery
Oak Bay is a great place to paddle in Victoria and Marina Dockside Eatery (1327 Beach Dr, 250-598-3890) is one of the best restaurants for kayakers and paddleboarders to refuel after a session on the water. Enjoy “oceanfront casual” dining and rub shoulders with mariners and cyclists over a homemade lunch.
Victoria Accommodation
As British Columbia’s capital city, you’ll find no shortage of accommodation options in Victoria. Here are some choices tailor-made for outdoors enthusiasts and paddlers.
Victoria Camping
Camping is a perfect option for adventurous travellers, paddlers, and nature lovers. The best local camping gives you access to all the wonders of the city and the outdoors. In and around Victoria you’ll find stunning beach camping, family camping, RV camping and wild camping for kayakers and paddleboarders. Click here to Discover the Best Camping in Victoria.
A quick scan of AirBnB reveals many great waterfront cabin rental options for paddlers in the Victoria area. We’ve included three highlights below. Check out our story about the best cabin rentals on Vancouver Island for a comprehensive overview.
Studio at French Beach
This cozy Victoria cabin for couples is a real bargain, located near Sooke on a large, private property with quick access to great beaches and hiking trails. The 240-sq-ft cabin includes a full bathroom and all you need to prepare your own meals.
This cabin rental is set on the shore of Lake Cowichan, a freshwater jewel on southern Vancouver Island, a short drive from the town of Duncan. Crystal-clear water is great for paddling and the cabin sleeps five comfortably with two bathrooms. This sun-soaked region is noted to have the warmest climate in all of Canada.
This treehouse rental is located five minutes from Sooke. The stunning wooden tree cabin features a sleeping loft and plenty of deck space to enjoy the views. It’s located on the Galloping Goose Trail for hiking and biking and close to some of the area’s best beaches, with plenty of options for launching a kayak or paddleboard nearby.
Here are some of the best Victoria hotels that will appeal to the adventurous.
Spinnakers Guesthouses
Spinnakers (308 Catherine St, 250-386-2739) offers eat, drink and stay packages with accommodations available in several guesthouses. Canada’s oldest brewpub makes fantastic beers and arranges stays in Victoria garden suites and a heritage house.
One of Victoria’s finest luxury boutique resort, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel (1175 Beach Dr, 250-498-4556) is located right on the ocean, making a great upscale hotel for paddlers. You’ll find luxurious rooms, great dining and an on-site spa. Book a room online.
Located downtown and in close proximity to the waterfront, the Turtle Hostel (1608 Quadra St, 250-381-3210) claims the title of Victoria’s cheapest accommodations. It’s also one of the most whimsical places to stay if you’re looking to save money, be comfortable and have fun. A variety of room options are available, from dorm to private.
Map of Victoria
The best map of Victoria is interactive and available online from Tourism Victoria.
Victoria boasts one of the nicest climates in Canada, with early springs (making the city a great destination to catch Canada’s first blooming flowers), moderate summer temperatures with little humidity and infrequent rainfall, and temperate winters. For local weather forecasts you can rely on Environment Canada for accurate hourly forecasts; comprehensive five-day forecasts from Windy.com; and a 14-day trend from the Weather Network.
Nature is close at hand in Victoria. | Photo courtesy of: Destination BC // Reuben Krabbe
Kayak Tofino with the experts or plan a trip of your own. | Photo courtesy of: Tourism Vancouver Island // Jordan Dyck
Located in the heart of the wild Pacific Ocean coast, the town of Tofino is the launching point for some of the best kayak trips on Vancouver Island. This vibrant town is a three-hour drive on Highway 4 from the BC Ferries terminal in Nanaimo, making it a great destination for a weekend or a weeklong paddling vacation.
Beginner kayakers and families can launch from town and explore sheltered waters with professional naturalist guides, learning more about the unique marine and rainforest ecology. If you’re looking for an overnight or multi-day trip you’ll find kayaking options to explore the open waters of Clayoquot Sound—self-guided or with the expertise and all-inclusive comfort of a guided tour. Tofino is also the starting point for more advanced kayak expeditions, as well as a great place to kayak surf in some of the best waves on the West Coast. Here’s your guide to the best kayaking in Tofino.
Kayaking in Tofino is focused on amazing Clayoquot Sound, whose waters transition from island-sheltered passages where old-growth rainforests meet tidal flats to rocky headlands and surf-swept open coast. This magical seascape has something for everyone.
Meares Island Half-day Trip
This all-inclusive, beginner-friendly, four-hour Tofino kayak tour includes encounters with marine life and a visit to the towering old-growth cedar forest of Meares Island. Local guides will share their knowledge of the area and provide an immersive experience in one of Canada’s wildest destinations. Want to do it yourself? Tofino Sea Kayaking also provides rentals, route planning and accommodations for paddlers.
Venture into the Pacific Ocean waters off of Tofino with Paddle West Kayaking to explore the islands and inlets of Clayoquot Sound on a six-hour, all-inclusive day tour. Depending on conditions, you’ll visit the immense sand beaches of Vargas Island or trace the intimate, rainforest-clad waters of Lemmens Inlet, with spectacular views of the mountains. Suitable for all levels of paddlers, this is a Vancouver Island kayak tour you’ll never forget.
On this unique guided Tofino kayak tour you’ll travel aboard a mothership to the tidal beaches of Clayoquot Sound. Then you’ll launch in kayaks along with a naturalist guide to have intimate encounters with black bears feeding along the shoreline. The half-day tour will leave you mesmerized with the wild nature of Vancouver Island.
This amazing Tofino kayak tour focuses on Vargas Island, located on the edge of Clayoquot Sound. There’s some open water, tidal currents and the potential for wind and swell, so as a do-it-yourself adventure this overnight, 16-km tour is best for intermediate paddlers. Beware of boat traffic and seaplanes when crossing from Tofino to the southern shore of Vargas. From there you can circumnavigate the islands clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the wind. You’ll find outstanding sand beach campsites at Ahous Bay.
Beaches and Rainforests: The Best of Clayoquot Sound
This three-day Vancouver Island kayak tour, organized and guided by the experts at Hello Nature, explores magical Clayoquot Sound. You’ll encounter towering Sitka spruce forests and some of the finest beaches on the West Coast, while enjoying expert leadership from trained naturalist sea kayak guides. Meals and kayak rentals are included; the tour starts and ends in the town of Tofino.
Clayoquot Sound 4-day and 6-day tours
Majestic Ocean Kayaking offers four- and six-day guided kayak tours of Clayoquot Sound, departing from Tofino. You have the potential to see humpback, grey and Orca whales, as well as bears, wolves and a variety of shorebirds. The all-inclusive tours feature professional guides and gourmet meals, as well as instruction and nature interpretation to provide a more intimate kayaking experience.
Another great Vancouver Island kayak route heads north from Tofino, through the islands of Clayoquot Sound to Hot Springs Cove. There are several variants to this trip, depending on your skill and experience in paddling the open coast. Expert paddlers will revel in testing their skills on the open coast of Flores Island, which features tidal currents and exposure to large swells; intermediates can follow the more sheltered channels on the inside of the island. Regardless, your reward is a soak in a natural hot spring. Plan on a seven-day tour.
Tofino is Canada’s surf capital and it’s a bucket list destination for rough water kayakers. You’ll find great waves for whitewater and sea kayaks at Chesterman’s Beach and Cox Bay, as well as numerous spots along the 16-km expanse of Long Beach. Parks Canada provides an overview of hazards; always paddle within your limits and be aware of other surfers and rip currents.
There are plenty of options for Tofino kayak guides. Here’s a comprehensive overview of outfitters in Tofino and nearby Ucluelet.
Tofino Sea Kayaking
This kayak guide has been leading tours in the Clayoquot Sound area since 1988. Tofino Sea Kayaking is based on the waterfront (320 Main St, 250-725-4222) and offers half-day, full-day and multi-day tours, as well as instructional courses. Accommodations are available through the Tofino Paddler’s Inn.
Paddle West Kayaking
Paddle West Kayaking has offered guided day trips and multi-day kayak tours from locations in Tofino (606 Campbell St, 250-725-3232) and Ucluelet (168 Fraser Lane, 250-726-7444) since 2001. Tours range from a 2.5-hour night kayak tour to a 3-day tour that takes in all the highlights of Clayoquot Sound.
Ucluelet kayak guide Hello Nature (200 Hemlock St, 250-726-2035) offers a wide variety of Vancouver Island kayak tours in the Broken Group Islands of Pacific Rim National Park. Suitable for paddlers of all levels, some unique options include kayak and yoga half-day tours, bioluminescence tours and overnight and multi-day glamping kayak trips.
Tofino’s Black Bear Kayak (390 Main St) provides kayak tours ranging from 2.5 to 8 hours long for all levels of paddlers, including families and beginners. You’ll encounter stunning seascapes and remarkable biodiversity. Black Bear also offers mothership-supported day trips and wildlife viewing excursions to unique locations.
Remote Passages Marine Excursions
Remote Passages offers daily sea kayak tours April through October, departing from their waterfront location in Tofino (51 Wharf St, 250-725-3330). You’ll float beyond the busy harbour and into the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound, experiencing some of the most spectacular rainforest on the West Coast and a variety of marine life.
Kayak tours are among the many nature-based programs offered by Tofino’s Ocean Outfitters (368 Main St, 250-725-2866). The company offers half-day and full-day tours, exploring secluded passageways where you may see black bears and bald eagles, among other wildlife.
Ucluelet-based Majestic Ocean Kayaking (1167 Helen Rd, 250-726-2868) offers kayak trips and guided tours to the Broken Group Islands of Pacific Rim National Park. One-day tours and multi-day expeditions are available throughout the summer, as well as unique glamping kayak trips. Broken Group boat shuttles can also be arranged for self-guided groups.
Kayak Rental Tofino
You have several options for renting sea kayaks and recreational equipment in Tofino and the nearby town of Ucluelet.
Paddle West Kayaking
Paddle West Kayaking provides high quality rental kayaks in two West Coast locations: Tofino (606 Campbell St, 250-725-3232) and Ucluelet (168 Fraser Lane, 250-726-7444). Experienced paddlers can rent a kayak and set off on their own adventure.
Tofino Sea Kayaking
Tofino Sea Kayaking (320 Main St, 250-725-4222) offers rental single and tandem kayaks for day trips, overnight and multi-day tours from its location on the town’s waterfront.
Located just south of town on MacKenzie Beach, Tofino Paddle Surf (1119 Pacific Rim Hwy, 250-244-6399) rents single and tandem inflatable kayaks with reservations available online. Standup paddleboards are also available.
This Ucluelet business (180 Main St, 250-920-9020) maintains a fleet of rental single and tandem kayaks, in conjunction with a boat shuttle service to the Broken Group Islands of Pacific Rim National Park.
Kayak Shop Tofino
Tofino Paddler’s Inn
Check out the small yet well-equipped retail shop at the Tofino Paddler’s Inn (320 Main St, 250-725-4222) if you’re looking for kayak and standup paddleboard gear and accessories. Operating in conjunction with Tofino Sea Kayaking, you’ll find all the guide-recommended gear for your Tofino kayak camping trip.
Kayaking Near Tofino
Besides Clayoquot Sound, there are plenty of other outstanding places to kayak near Tofino (and all across Vancouver Island for that matter—check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Kayaking on Vancouver Island). Discover great spots to paddle close to Tofino, including the town of Ucluelet (located less than an hour to the south) and the Broken Group Islands.
Ucluelet Harbour Half-Day Trip
Sign up for this guided half-day tour with Majestic Ocean Kayaking to experience the quaint West Coast town of Ucluelet from its sheltered harbour. The tour includes all gear and expert guides, and it’s suitable for all levels of paddlers and families.
Experience a stunning collection of wilderness islands with rich cultural heritage and amazing marine life on this five-day guided kayak tour with the professionals at Hello Nature Adventures. The Broken Group is one of the best spots to kayak on Vancouver Island, and you’ll enjoy experienced guides and great backcountry meals on this tour, which includes a water taxi to start and finish. You may encounter a wide range of wildlife, including gray whales, sea lions and over 200 species of shorebirds.
Looking for a more luxurious kayak camping experience? Check out this four-day lodge-based guided kayak tour in the Broken Group Islands. Your Majestic Ocean guides organize all the details and supply expert leadership, with a keen eye on safety. Aside from great paddling you’ll enjoy the luxury of soft beds and hot showers on this all-inclusive wilderness trip.
Tofino Canoe Tours
Clayoquot Sound is the traditional homeland and spiritual centre of the Indigenous Nuu-chah-nulth, with the canoe being a central piece of their cultural identity. To learn more about coastal canoeing check out Tashii Paddle School (250-725-2169), which offers canoe tours of Meares Island and Clayoquot Sound. Their beautiful, 22-foot cedar dugout canoe was crafted by a master carver, and the company is owned and operated by members of a local First Nation.
Another ordinary day in Tofino. | Photo courtesy of: Destination BC // Graeme Owsianski
Tofino, B.C. has a well-deserved reputation as one of Canada’s top outdoor adventure towns, with a laid-back vibe and easy access to world-class sea kayaking, surfing, hiking, camping and more. Paddle through the area’s sheltered waters, host to varied marine life and shorelines full of towering old growth trees. Along the way you can stay at amazing wild campsites on the stunning outer coast. From the surf beaches of Pacific Rim National Park to the haunting Big Tree Trail of Meares Island, there are enough things to do in Tofino to keep you busy for a week or more.Tofino is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Getting there involves a ferry ride from the mainland in Vancouver and a spectacular drive across the island on Highway 4. Plan on about a four-hour drive from Victoria or three hours from Nanaimo. Make Tofino your base for this itinerary of adventurous things to do.
There’s no doubt that this is Canada’s surf capital. Here you’ll find great waves and surfing conditions from beginner to pro. You can surf year-round in Tofino, with the winter being best for big waves and the summer providing mellow breaks for beginners. Check out the Tofino surf report at Surfline. Beach cams are also viewable online. Here’s a list of Tofino surf shops offering surfboard rentals and lessons.
Facing waves at Tofino’s Cox Bay. | Photo courtesy of: Destination BC // Boomer Jerritt
Tofino Surf School
Learn to surf with Tofino Surf School (381 Main St., 250-522-0189). The company offers beginner instruction with all the required equipment, and local instructors who know all the tricks (and waves) to get you started.
Storm Surf Shop
Storm Surf Shop (444 Campbell St., 250-725-3344) is a long-established surfing store offering retail sales of boards, apparel and gear.
Combine surf lessons with great accommodations at the Surf Club at Long Beach Lodge Resort (1441 Pacific Rim Highway, 250-725-2442). In addition to custom instruction for surf and SUP, the Surf Club features change rooms, saunas, hot tubs and showers.
Long Beach Surf Shop
This surf shop includes a range of rental surfboards for all levels. Long Beach Surf Shop (630 Campbell St., 250-725-3800) also arranges surf lessons. Reservations are available.
Live to Surf
Established in 1984, Live to Surf (1180 Pacific Rim Highway, 250-725-4464) is Tofino’s original surf shop. The company offers rentals, lessons and sales—with a wide range of surfboards suitable for novices to experts. Rental SUPs are available as well.
This Tofino-based surf school has offered lessons since 1998. Pacific Surf School (441 Campbell St., 250-725-2155) maintains a ratio of five students to one instructor, making your first surfing experience a safe and successful one. Board rentals and SUP lessons are also available.
Tofino Paddle Surf
Located just south of Tofino on Mackenzie Beach, Tofino Paddle Surf (1119 Pacific Rim Highway, 250-244-6399) offers surfboard and SUP rentals, lessons and guided SUP tours. Wetsuit rentals are also available.
This surf school provides expert instruction to everyone. Surf Sister (625 Campbell St., 250-725-4456) provides comprehensive group lessons, private lessons and youth and adult surfing camps.
Check out Tofino Surf Adventures (511 Campbell St., 250-725-3119) for group, family and private surf lessons. The company offers three-hour lessons that focus on spending time in the water and learning to catch waves.
Swell Paddle and Surf
Swell Paddle and Surf (1101 Pacific Rim Highway, 250-266-3787) offers surfboard and SUP rentals at the Mackenzie Beach campground. The company specializes in guided SUP tours and surf lessons.
Tofino Hot Springs
If you’re looking to soak in natural hot springs, check out the soothing waters of Hot Springs Cove, located north of Tofino. This is a popular destination for advanced sea kayakers, requiring at least five days of paddling. One-day boat tours are also available from Ocean Outfitters and many others (including trips by seaplane).
Soaking it in at Tofino hot springs. | Photo courtesy of: Tourism Vancouver Island // Ben Giesbrecht
Tofino Kayaking
Tofino is one of Canada’s best destinations for kayaking. Beginner kayakers and families can launch from town and explore sheltered waters with professional naturalist guides, learning more about the unique marine and rainforest ecology of this diverse region. Those looking for an overnight or multi-day trip to explore Clayoquot Sound can enjoy the all-inclusive comfort of a guided tour or make a DIY self-guided expedition. Tofino is also the starting point for more advanced kayak expeditions, as well as a great place to kayak surf on some of the West Coast’s best waves. Check out our Ultimate Kayaking Guide to Tofino.
A glimpse from the air of a kayaker’s paradise. | Photo courtesy of: Destination BC // Yuri Choufour
Tofino Hikes
Looking for a land-based adventure? The best hikes near Tofino include old-growth forests and spectacular ocean views, along with a popular hot spring hike and a plane crash site. Interested to learn more? Here’s a sample of great Tofino hiking options.
Take a walk on the wild side in Tofino. | Photo courtesy of: Tourism Vancouver Island // Jordan Dyck
Big Tree Trail
This hike on Meares Island brings you up close and personal with veritable west coast giants: the old-growth cedars that make Clayoquot Sound famous. The 3-km trail follows a rainforest boardwalk through 1,500-year-old trees. Take a water taxi or sign up for a guided half-day kayak tour to access Meares Island.
You’ll discover the remains of a Canso Royal Canadian Air Force plane that crashed in 1945 on this 5-km hike, located just south of Tofino. Parking is available at Radar Hill Road. The trail ventures towards the coast; there’s minimal elevation gain on the way to the wreckage, but be prepared for lots of mud.
Hot Springs Cove
Take a 20-minute seaplane flight or a 1.5-hour boat excursion (or paddle there by kayak—if you’re truly adventurous and skilled) to follow the enchanting, 1.5-km boardwalk trail to Tofino’s natural hot springs. Don’t forget your bathing suit.
Best Beaches in Tofino
Tofino tourism is highlighted by great Pacific Ocean beaches. If you love surf and sand, this is the place for you! Parks Canada has produced a Tofino beaches map to give you a sense of five great beaches in Pacific Rim National Park. Of course, surfers are drawn to Tofino’s beaches and good swimming can be had at Wickaninnish Beach (in front of the visitor center) and Combers Beach, with relatively sheltered water (there are no lifeguards so be sure to be safe). MacKenzie Beach is a great destination for paddlers and those looking for a quieter beach experience. Want to capture the best sunset in Tofino? Make your way to 16-km Long Beach and take your pick of countless photo opportunities as the sun sinks into the Pacific horizon.
A visit to Tofino isn’t complete without an encounter with the majestic whales of Clayoquot Sound. From March to October, you may be lucky enough to see migrating gray whales (especially in the spring and fall), humpback whales or transitory Orcas. Sea lions and harbor seals are also frequently seen, along with black bears along the intertidal zone. Mostwhale watching tours are 2.5 to 3 hours long. Check out Adventure Tofino Wildlife Tours (250-725-2895), Jamie’s Whaling Station and Adventure Tours (250-725-3919), West Coast Aquatic Safaris (250-725-9227) and many more.
Don’t forget to pack your bike (or rent one from Tof Cycles or Tofino Bike Co). Cycling is a family-friendly activity, with great paths located in Pacific Rim National Park. The sweeping beaches of Tofino are perhaps the most unique cycle path as well, with dozens of kilometers of hard-packed sand to explore.
A remarkable 360 species of birds have been sighted in Tofino, making it a prime birding destination. You’ll encounter species unique to old-growth temperate rainforests; shorebirds; and, if you sign up for a boat tour, rare pelagic birds in offshore waters. There’s a birdwatching platform located adjacent to the Tofino Mudflats (a noted destination for viewing shorebirds in April and May) on Sharp Rd. Guided birding tours are available with the Raincoast Education Society (250-725-2560) and Long Beach Nature Tours (250-725-3320).
Looking for a bite to eat? Here are three iconic Tofino food and drink experiences that will appeal to paddlers and adventurers looking for local flavor.
Tacofino Tofino
Tacofino (1184 Pacific Rim Hwy, 250-726-8288) prides itself on “fast slow food” at great prices. You’ll find great Mexican food on the menu. The Tofino location at Outer Break is the original Tacofino location and one of the best restaurants in town; the brand has since become a West Coast staple.
The original Tacofino truck. | Photo courtesy of: Tourism Vancouver Island // Ben Giesbrecht
Tofino Brewery
The Tofino Brewery (691 Industrial Way, 250-725-2899) produces small batch beers with a tasting room that’s open daily. Check out the Tuff Session or the hard-hitting IPA. You’ll find great accompanying appetizers and snacks for dining at the brewery.
Common Loaf Bakery
This whimsical bakery and cafe (180 First St, 250-725-3915) has long been a Tofino mainstay for the simple reason that it’s a wonderful place for lunch.
From camping to glamping and luxury resorts, you’ll find local accommodations to suit every desire.
Tofino Camping
Camping is a great in the Tofino area, with countless options nearby. Some of the best sites are located at Parks Canada’s Green Point campground, set on the edge of magical Long Beach. Several private campgrounds are also available, including Surf Junction—a funky campground that’s popular with surfers and offers rentals and lessons. For a comprehensive overview check out our Tofino camping guide.
Tofino Glamping
Tofino is a great destination for luxury camping, with two great options located right in town.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
This luxurious resort offers bright and spacious glamping tents for adventurous travellers looking to blend cabins with camping. The canvas tents (with private washrooms and outdoor showers) are available for couples and families. Reserve online.
Six oceanfront geodesic domes are available for a luxury experience on the ocean’s edge. Fall asleep to the sound of the tide and wake up refreshed, ready for adventure.
A quick glance at AirBnB reveals many great waterfront cabin rental options for paddlers in the Tofino area. We’ve included two highlights below. Check out our story about the best cabin rentals on Vancouver Island for a comprehensive overview.
Nature’s Edge
This cottage rental is set on nature’s edge—and literally perched on the rocky shore of the Pacific Ocean. Soak in a luxurious outdoor hot tub and gaze across saltwater to the stunning mountainous skyline of Clayoquot Sound. With three bedrooms and two baths, this gorgeous timber frame Vancouver Island cabin will accommodate up to six people.
You can’t get much closer to the ocean than this Tofino cabin set on the famous Chesterman Beach. This cabin sleeps four—with a luxurious hot tub and a unique outdoor shower. World-class paddling and surfing is within steps (60, to be exact) from the door.
The best Tofino hotels are paddler-friendly. Here are two options for your vacation.
Paddlers Inn
Tofino’s original hotel is now a quaint place that’s dedicated to paddlers. You’ll find B&B-style accommodations adjacent to the town’s only paddling shop and a unique bookstore and cafe. Inquire online.
Wickaninnish Inn
Looking for upscale? The Wickaninnish Inn is one of the best hotels in Tofino, with waterfront property that’s perfect for launching your sea kayak or standup paddleboard. You’ll find great meals and some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Canada outside your door, as well as fine dining and luxury suites. Make your reservation online.
Long Beach Maps provides Tofino maps and maps of the Pacific Rim Highway, including beaches, campgrounds and trails—all available online.
Tofino Weather
Looking for a Tofino weather forecast? Check out Environment Canada for a detailed hourly forecast; get a five-day forecast (including detailed wind and wave conditions) from Windy.com; and click on the Weather Network for a 14-day trend.
Another ordinary day in Tofino. | Photo courtesy of: Destination BC // Graeme Owsianski
GinGin the camper van showing us what adventure looks like in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. | Photo: @fortstub
With lakes, rivers, mountains, grasslands and forests, the Calgary area is surrounded by diverse landscapes that make for varied camping experiences. Paddle across a backcountry lake set amid the mountains, park your RV at a frontcountry campground close to the city, or experience the best of both worlds by pitching your tent at a drive-in campground tucked away by the river’s edge.
Regardless of whether you choose to go backcountry or frontcountry, camp in the summer or winter, or sleep in a tent or RV, the incredible scenery in the Calgary area will inspire you to experience the outdoor adventure opportunities the area has to offer to the fullest.
This guide to camping in Calgary will help you in your quest to find the campground that suits your aspirations in this wild corner of Alberta. Particular attention has been paid to the campgrounds that provide the most value to paddlers, but hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts in general will enjoy all the camping options on this list.
GinGin the camper van showing us what adventure looks like in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. | Photo: @fortstub
Campgrounds near Calgary
Both those who are looking for a convenient and budget-friendly place to stay and those who are looking for an amenity-rich natural escape near Calgary will find what they’re looking for among these frontcountry campgrounds.
Bow RiversEdge Campground
An RV campground located just west of Calgary in Cochrane, Bow RiversEdge Campground offers quiet and private camping. Sites provide power, water, sewer and WiFi. Enjoy horseshoes, a playground, biking trails, walking paths and bocce ball on-site. Its close proximity to Cochrane means you’ll have plenty of amenities at your fingertips as well.
Calgary West Campground
Enjoy country camping in the city at Calgary West Campground, located as its name suggests right on the edge of the west side of the city. This is the perfect place to base your stay when exploring all Calgary has to offer, allowing you easy access via the Trans-Canada Hwy and a quiet place to retreat in the evenings. Both RV and tent sites are on offer, with free WiFi, a mini golf course, trails, playground, and outdoor pool on-site.
Mountain View Calgary Camping
An RV campground located just east of Calgary, Mountain View Calgary Camping offers pull-through and back-in sites with power, water and sewer. Showers and laundromat on-site mean you can stay as long as you want to soak up all things Calgary. Enjoy basketball, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes and mini golf in your downtime at the campground.
Nature’s Hideaway Family Campground
Located southeast of Calgary, in a hidden valley along the Highwood River, Nature’s Hideaway Family Campground is the perfect place to pitch a tent or park your RV. They offer non-serviced, water- and power-serviced, and full-serviced sites. On-site amenities include a playground, private sand beach, horseshoe pit, and easy access to the Highwood River for rafting (bring your own).
Okotoks Lions Campground
Keep it simple at Okotoks Lions Campground, located just south of Calgary on the banks of the Sheep River. They offer back-up and drive-thru RV sites (sewer, water and electrical service) and tent sites. There is a playground on-site, access to bike and pedestrian paths, and access to wading in the Sheep River. Call (403) 938-4282 to reserve.
Camp in comfort with your RV at campgrounds near Calgary. | Photo: Travel Alberta
Riverbend Campground
A family campground located just south of Calgary along the Sheep River, Riverbend Campground has all the ingredients for a fun getaway even if you don’t make it into the city. Choose from a diverse range of campsites in each of the different habitats encompasses by the campground: parkland, marshland and river. They offer full hookup, pull-thru and back-in RV sites and non-serviced tent sites. Play mini golf or horseshoes, go paddle boating or hiking, and more.
McLean Creek Campground
Located southwest of Calgary, the campground at McLean Creek Provincial Recreation Area offers tent and RV sites with both serviced and non-serviced options. You’ll have easy access to the many kilometers of trails in the McLean Creek Public Land Use Zone and paddling opportunities on the Elbow River.
Gooseberry Campground
Pitch a tent or park your RV beneath aspen and pine at Gooseberry Provincial Recreation Area, located southwest of Calgary. Choose from non-serviced or power-serviced sites. There are also walk-in sites for a little more seclusion. With the Elbow River close at hand, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. There are many trails to explore in the nearby West Bragg Creek Provincial Recreation Area and you’ll have access to both Calgary and Rocky Mountain scenery.
[ Paddling Trip Guide: View all paddling adventures in Alberta ]
Paddy’s Flat Campground
Enjoy private RV and tent sites among the trees at Paddy’s Flat Campground in Elbow River Provincial Recreation Area, located northwest of Calgary. All sites are non-serviced. Access interpretive trails right from the campground, and horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking trails nearby. Just west of the campground you’ll find a launch location for the Elbow River.
Little Elbow Campground
Camp right the edge of the Rockies at Little Elbow Campground in Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area. Pick from non-serviced tent and RV sites, as well as walk-in tent sites. Fish or paddle the nearby Elbow River, access hiking trails right from the campground and enjoy quiet seclusion in this corner of the world off Hwy 66.
Sibbald Lake Campground
Camp right on the edge of the Rockies at Sibbald Lake Campground, located in Sibbald Lake Provincial Recreational Area west of Calgary. This campground has non-serviced RV and tent sites and features a mountain lake where you can canoe and fish, and access to mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding trails.
Pitch a tent in beautiful Peter Lougheed Provincial Park | Photo: Colleen Ferrell // @hysterrria
Bow Valley Campground
The Bow Valley Campground, located in Bow Valley Provincial Park, has gained a reputation for beauty and wildlife and is a short drive west of Calgary. Nestled within the mountains and alongside the Bow River, this is a great place to pitch a tent or park your RV. Site include non-serviced, power- and water-serviced, and walk-in options. Trails, water and amenities are all close at hand here.
Spring Hill RV Park
Find all the amenities you need on site at Spring Hill RV Park, an RV-only campground located northwest of Calgary. They have a convenience store, gas station, propane and liquor store. They also offer full hook-up available for your RV, access to WiFi, a large playground and a catch-and-release trout pond.
Onespot Crossing Campground
Pitch your tent, park an RV—or stay in one of their on-site teepees for a unique experience at Onespot Crossing Campground overlooking the Elbow River. All sites are non-serviced. Go kayak, fishing and tubing on the Elbow River or hiking and mountain biking in nearby West Bragg Creek Day Use Area.
River Cove Group Campground
You’ll find group camping available at River Cove in Elbow River Provincial Recreation Area. There’s room for 15 RVs and 20 tents here and the property includes a large grass activity field. You’ll have easy access to the Elbow River and many hiking trails.
Willow Rock Campground
Located in Bow Valley Provincial Park west of Calgary, the Willow Rock Campground offers non-serviced and power sites. The Flowing Water trailhead is located right on-site, and many more trails are a short drive away. Awaken to mountain views and fall asleep to the sound of the flowing river.
Fisher Creek Campground
Located southwest of Calgary and within Fisher Creek Provincial Recreation Area, Fisher Creek Campground provides a more rustic frontcountry camping experience in the foothills of Alberta. There are non-serviced drive-in tent campsites and walk-in tent campsites available. Amenities include vault toilets, firepits and water from a pump. Firewood is also available for sale nearby.
Canoe Meadows Campground
Stay close at hand to the Canoe Meadows Whitewater Training Centre at the Canoe Meadows Campground in Kananaskis. The campground offers individual sites that require a 10- to 50-metre walk from your car, as well as group sites. Enjoy quick access to walking trails and the Kananaskis River. Amenities for group campers include a refrigerator and freezer in the kitchen shelter, propane barbecue and stove, generator and firewood.
Hike, paddle or horseback ride to secluded backcountry campgrounds. | Photo: Travel Alberta // George Simhoni
Backcountry camping near Calgary
Campers who want to be even more immersed should opt for backcountry camping near Calgary. These secluded campgrounds are inaccessible by vehicle—instead, users will need to hike, paddle or horseback ride to reach them and enjoy their splendour. There are varied amenities located on-site, so be sure to come prepared with all you’ll need for a safe backcountry experience.
Jewell Bay Backcountry Campground
Paddle, hike or horseback ride into the Jewell Bay Backcountry Campground, located in Bow Valley Provincial Park. Park at the Barrier Lake Trail Parking Lot off Hwy 40 and take the 3.9-km trail or paddle west across Barrier Lake to reach the campground. There you’ll find tent pads, hitching rails, corrals, vault toilets, food storage lockers and firewood. Note that this campground is closed annually from April 14 to June 16 for the spring elk movement.
Point Backcountry Campground
Pick from 20 campsites scattered among the trees near the water’s edge at Point Backcountry Campground in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Park at the North Interlakes Day Use Area, accessible from Hwy 40 and hike 3.4-km along the Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit or paddle along the northern shore of Upper Kananaskis Lake to reach the campground. There you’ll find firepits, vault toilets and food storage lockers.
Lake Minnewanka
There are six backcountry campsites located on the shores of Lake Minnewanka in Banff that can be reached by trail or lake. Either way, park at the Lake Minnewanka Day Use Area. Be aware that motorboats have use of this lake and winds can be strong.
Hike into the Quaite Valley Backcountry Campground in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park. Park at the Heart Creek Day Use Area and hike 4.5 km along the Quaite Valley Trail to the campground where you’ll find 20 tent sites, group firepits, vault toilets and food storage lockers. Firewood is provided.
Aster Lake Backcountry Campground
Be prepared to hike a bit farther to reach Aster Lake Backcountry Campground, located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. It’s a 10.8-km hike via the Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit/Aster Lake Route Trail from the trailhead at the Upper Lake Day Use Area off Hwy 40. The trail is unmaintained, so only experienced hikers should attempt to reach the campground. No fires are permitted, but there are vault toilets and food storage lockers available.
Camp next to rivers, mountains and meadows in the backcountry. | Photo: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism // Paul Zizka Photography
Forks Backcountry Campground
You’ll find 15 tent sites waiting for you at Forks Backcountry Campground in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Hike 7.3 km along the Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit/Three Isle Lake Trail from the trailhead at North Interlakes Day Use Area. There are group firepits, vault toilets and food storage lockers available.
Lillian Lake Backcountry Camping
Experience the beauty of Spray Valley Provincial Park by camping at Lillian Lake Backcountry Campground, accessible via a 6.3-km trek along the Galatea Creek Trail. Park at the trailhead at the Galatea Day Use Area. Amenities at the campground include group firepits, vault toilets, food storage lockers and raised tent platforms.
Mount Romulus Backcountry Campground
Give yourself a challenge by setting your sights on Mount Romulus Backcountry Campground, located in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park. The primary route for reaching the campground is an 11.9-km hike along the Little Elbow Trail from the Little Elbow Trailhead. You’ll experience 175 m of elevation gain along this trail. At the campground, you’ll find tent pads, firepits, hitching rails, vault toilets and food storage lockers. Firewood is provided.
Ribbon Falls Backcountry Campground
Camp in close proximity to the beautiful Ribbon Falls at the aptly named Ribbon Falls Backcountry Campground. Located in Spray Valley Provincial Park, you’ll need to hike 8.7 km from the Ribbon Creek Day Use Area in adjacent Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area. You’ll find tent sites, a group firepit and food storage lockers.
The Grizzly Creek turn off in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. | Photo: Trinh Nguyen // @ttnguyen_
Turbine Canyon Backcountry Campground
It’s a 15.1-km hike with 525 m of elevation gain along the Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit, Three Isle Lake and Maude-Lawson trails to reach the Turbine Canyon Backcountry Campground in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. However, the trek is well-worth it for the alpine meadows, mountain views and trickling streams you’ll encounter. At the campground, you’ll find tent sites, vault toilets and food storage lockers. No fires are permitted.
Free camping near Calgary
Public land—a type of crown land—can be found all over the province and is available for Alberta residents to camp on free of charge. The two types of public land available for camping are Agriculture Public Land that is under a Grazing License and Public Land Use Zones.
However, it is essential that you follow proper backcountry camping etiquette when random camping—as camping outside of designated campgrounds on crown land is often called—to ensure these natural spaces remain pristine and in the kind of condition that will allow random camping to continue for years to come. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the regulations about where you can camp within these areas, whether fires are allowed, where motorized vehicles are allowed, and more.
There are opportunities for year-round camping in the Calgary area. | Photo: Travel Alberta // Paddy Pallin
Year-round camping near Calgary
Year-round campsites are available for campers who don’t mind the cold Winters of Calgary and the province of Alberta. Many of the sites booked through Alberta Parks are year-round, but with some restrictions in place. Symons Valley and Dinosaur Park have known to offer both Fall and Winter camping options, suitable for tens and RVs. For those who don’t mind driving out a bit further, the Valley’s Edge Resort near Radium is incredibly scenic and offers incredible Fall colours.
Many campgrounds and backcountry camping areas are open year-round. See above for information on the following year-round camping opportunities:
Fish Creek Campground
McLean Creek Campground
Spring Hill RV Park
Riverbend Campground
Mountain View Calgary Camping
Onespot Crossing Campground
River Cove Group Campground
Point Backcountry Campground
Quaite Valley Backcountry Campground
Camping supplies Calgary
Buy camping gear
Need to pick up a few camping supplies in Calgary? The city is well-equipped with camping stores with stock to help any camper, paddler or adventure traveler make the most of their visit to the area.
Aquabatics
Find all the paddling gear you could want (and more) at Aquabatics’ Calgary location. From kayaks, canoes, rafts and SUPs, to drybags, wetsuits and rashguards, to splitboards, snowshoes, roof racks and hitches, they have a range of products. Not to mention their knowledgeable staff, who can help you with trip planning and gear selection.
Grab any camping essential you could possibly dream of at MEC Calgary. Known for their incredible selection of products, find what you need and connect with knowledgeable staff to make the best purchase possible.
Delightfully family-owned, Camper’s Village boasts a wide selection of camping and outdoor gear. Carrying brands like Mountain Hardwear, Yeti, Patagonia and Osprey, you’ll find high-quality gear for all your outdoor needs, including camping, hiking, paddling, climbing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Address: 7208 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary Phone: 1-888-231-4753
Atmosphere Calgary
With four stores in Calgary, Atmosphere is a convenient place to pick up your last-minute outdoor gear. You’ll find camping, hiking, paddling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing gear in addition to ample men’s and women’s apparel.
Downtown Calgary: 817 10th Ave SW, Calgary | (403) 264-2444
Market Mall: #G008B 3625 Shaganppi Trail NW, Calgary |(403) 247-1051
Deerfoot Meadows: Unit 500 8180 11th Street SE, Calgary | (403) 355-6628
Signal Hill: 5967 Signal Hill Centre, Calgary | (403) 217-4197
Spirit West
Find all manner of camping gear and apparel available at Spirit West. They carry a number of brands, but also sell their own products. They even do custom order to ensure you get the best fit possible.
Whether you aren’t quite ready to purchase your own gear yet or you don’t have room in your luggage to bring all that’s required, there are camping gear rental options available at multiple establishments in Calgary.
Aquabatics
Head to Aquabatics for kayak and SUP rentals to make your backcountry camping adventures come true. They also rent other gear and accessories to ensure you have everything you need for your trip.
Experience incredible backcountry camping at Bow Valley Provincial Park. | Photo: Shea Goodwin // @js.goodwin
University of Calgary Outdoor Centre
One well-kept secret is that the University of Calgary rents gear through its Outdoor Centre. They offer a variety of items including hiking boots, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, backpacking packs, to name just a few. Their prices are quite affordable and you don’t have to be a student to take advantage.
Address: 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary Phone: (403) 220-5038
Sports Rent
Rent SUPs, kayaks, canoes, car racks, tents, backpacks, sleeping mats, coolers and more at Sports Rent. If there’s an outdoor activity you want to try, you’d be hard-pressed to not find the equipment for it here.
Rent climbing, watersports, snowsports, hiking and camping gear as well as maps and books from Spirit West. Camping gear rentals include sleeping bags, tarps, mess kits, stoves, drybags and more.
A cross-country skiing, hiking and climbing outdoors store, Norseman Outdoor Specialist rents tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, cooking systems and backpacking packs. They also offer a backpacking package, providing you with all the major pieces of gear you’ll need for a trip into the backcountry.
Address: 4655 37th Street SW, Calgary Phone: (403) 249-5451
Hit the road to discover the best camping on Vancouver Island. | Photo courtesy of: Northern BC Tourism // Mike Seehagel
Vancouver Island is a mecca for paddlers, outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors to this world-class Canadian destination will find plentiful options when choosing a campground. On Vancouver Island, you’ll find stunning oceanfront campsites, campgrounds for families, options for tent camping and RVs, and wilderness camping for kayakers and paddleboarders.
Life doesn’t get any better than this. | Photo courtesy of: Destination BC // Grant Harder
And there’s more than just drive-in sites. You’ll also find free camping on Vancouver Island and secluded backcountry sites within a short distance of urban areas like Tofino and Victoria, or go way off the beaten track for a superlative wilderness camping experience.
To help you decide where to pitch your tent, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of the best camping on Vancouver Island.
The only campground in Pacific Rim National Park is located midway between Tofino and Ucluelet (a 20-km drive on Highway 4), with sheltered, private drive-in campsites located a short distance from spectacular Long Beach on Vancouver Island’s Pacific coast. There are 94 drive-in sites open to tent camping and RVs, or book one of 20 walk-in sites if you’re looking for a more secluded camping experience. The campground is open from March to October and makes an excellent base camp for paddlers looking to explore the wild Pacific waters. Reservations are recommended.
[ Plan your next paddling adventure with the Paddling Trip Guide ]
This campground near Victoria (a mere 16-km drive on Highway 1) features great hiking and a peaceful vibe, set in a mature forest off the highway. Highlights include waterfalls and 600-year-old Douglas fir trees, as well as secluded swimming holes on the Goldstream River. There are 159 drive-in campsites, available year-round. Reserve your Vancouver Island campsite online.
Strathcona is British Columbia’s oldest provincial park and one of the province’s largest. Besides plenty of wilderness opportunities, including paddling on inland lakes, backpacking, mountaineering and mountain biking, Strathcona boasts two of the best campgrounds on Vancouver Island. The Buttle Lake campground features 85 drive-in sites, set in the forest or on the lakeshore (perfect for paddlers); meanwhile, the Ralph River campground has 75 sites. Access to the park is via Highway 28 from Campbell River; it’s a scenic 48-km drive to Buttle Lake. Reserve your campsite online.
Another Vancouver Island campground near Victoria, French Beach offers great oceanfront camping with stunning views to Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula and good access to the Strait of Juan de Fuca for kayakers and paddleboarders. The campground is off of Highway 14, west of Sooke. Campsites are located in a mature forest, a short walk to the beach. Sixty-nine drive-in sites are open year-round with online reservations available for the summer months.
This private campground within a five-minute drive from downtown Nanaimo is the best RV campground on Vancouver Island. Living Forest Oceanside Campground is a veritable RV resort, with 345 campsites featuring 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups and sani-dump stations. What’s more, paddlers have easy access to sheltered water from a sand and gravel beach.
Family Camping on Vancouver Island
Many of the best campgrounds on Vancouver Island are perfect for families. Here are three of our favorites.
Gordon Bay Provincial Park
This family campground on scenic Lake Cowichan, 35 km from Duncan, features plenty of sunshine. In fact, the region boasts the warmest climate of anywhere in Canada. Visit in April for great wildflowers and trout fishing; paddlers will love easy access to one of the largest (and warmest) freshwater lakes on Vancouver Island. You’ll find 126 car-accessible campsites. Reserve online.
Parksville’s Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park provides the perfect setting for beach-loving families, with warm and shallow water and an immense strand of sand to explore at low tide. The 250 drive-in campsites are located no more than 200 meters from the oceanfront, making this an ideal base camp for paddlers. The campground is quiet and shaded by tall trees—yet less than a five-minute drive from the town of Parksville. The campground is open year-round; be sure to reserve your site online in the summer months.
Take the passenger ferry to Newcastle Island (Saysutshun) Marine Park, just offshore from Nanaimo, and step back in time in a car-free paradise. All 18 campsites are accessible via a family-friendly five-minute walk from the ferry dock. This is a wonderful place to introduce your children to Canada’s rich Indigenous heritage as you walk amidst the remains of at least two vibrant Salish villages. The park’s sandstone geology and rich tidal pools will also fascinate visitors young and old. Reserve your campsite online.
We’ve already listed a handful of Vancouver Island campgrounds with beach access. Of course, with thousands of kilometers of shoreline, the options for sand beach camping on Vancouver Island are nearly endless. Here are a few more faves for worshippers of sun and sand.
Bella Pacifica
This private campground is located within minutes of Tofino on Vancouver Island’s Pacific coast. Many of the 187 sites are located next to Mackenzie Beach, which offers sheltered conditions for kayaking and standup paddleboarding. Reservations are recommended.
One of Vancouver Island’s best campgrounds is located at Jordan River, on Highway 14, west of Sooke on the Juan de Fuca Channel. The Jordan River Regional Park campground offers a mix of sites for RVs and tent campers, with easy access to a sweeping Pacific Ocean beach. This is a great location for advanced kayakers to try surfing. All sites are available on a first come, first served basis.
This sandy Vancouver Island beach campground is located on the Juan de Fuca Channel off of Highway 14, about a 90-minute drive west of Victoria. The beach is stunning, with fine white sand, incredible views and a gorgeous waterfall. The Juan de Fuca Provincial Park campground features 78 drive-in sites. Book your campsite online.
Vancouver Island is a world-class sea kayaking destination, with countless touring options for all levels of paddler. For multi-day trips, Vancouver Island also offers outstanding coastal camping. We’ve compiled a few of the best kayak campsites on Vancouver Island.
Cape Scott Provincial Park
The northern tip of Vancouver Island is a prime destination for advanced sea kayakers. Cape Scott Provincial Park encompasses over 115 km of Pacific coastline, with 30 km of remote beaches—many which make prime kayak campsites. Launch from San Josef Bay or the community of Port Hardy.
Set in Gulf Islands National Park, the James Bay campground on Prevost Island is a fantastic destination for Vancouver island kayak camping. Parks Canada maintains 10 primitive sites here, making scenic Prevost Island a great overnight stop on your Vancouver Island kayak trips. Camping is first come, first served.
This archipelago in Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island offers fantastic kayak camping for intermediate paddlers. Parks Canada maintains seven backcountry camping options in the islands, including a spectacular site at Hand Island—with a unique shoreline of sand and shell beach. Reservations are available online.
Located in secluded Nootka Sound well north of Tofino, remote Hesquiat Peninsula Provincial Park is a great destination for sea kayakers with countless excellent campsites available on remote sand and pebble beaches. Many of the camping options feature easy access to old-growth Sitka spruce forests and the opportunity to encounter remarkable terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
Glamping Vancouver Island
If you’re looking for a more glamorous camping experience, check out our list of luxury camping options on Vancouver Island. Or maybe you’re looking for four walls and a solid roof? If so, take a peek at our comprehensive list of Vancouver Island’s best cabin rentals.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort’s luxury camping accommodations are perched in the deep green forests of Vancouver Island, with views of the Pacific Ocean near Tofino. Amazing canvas tents feature king-size beds, bathrooms and showers, with options available to sleep from four to eight guests. This Vancouver Island resort offers kayaking, standup paddleboarding and many more guided adventures in the spectacular UNESCO-designated Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve. Check availability and make a reservation online.
Experience Vancouver Island in luxury at the Pachena Bay Campground, located five km from the town of Bamfield. Bright and cozy canvas tents are available to rent for a premium glamping experience adjacent to one of Vancouver Island’s best sand beaches. The campground is located on the famous West Coast Trail, with access to spectacular old-growth rainforest and a beautiful waterfall that cascades directly into the ocean.
Wya Point Campground
Wya Point is a private oceanfront campground near Ucluelet, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, with accommodations ranging from tent campsites to RV parks, yurts and luxury cabins. Fourteen yurts are located right next to a secluded beach, with several sizes available. Wya Point is dog-friendly and provides surf lessons, whale watching tours and more. WiFi, showers and flush toilets are available. Book online.
Stay in a unique geodesic dome at WILDPOD Glamping, located in Tofino. Six oceanfront domes are available for your luxury camping experience. Fall asleep to the sound of the tide and wake up refreshed, ready for adventure in one of Vancouver Island’s greatest outdoor destinations.
There’s an abundance of free camping on Vancouver Island available for outdoor enthusiasts in search of a more rustic experience. Make sure you practice the principles of Leave No Trace in these pristine locations. For a comprehensive map of over 1,000 wild camping options on Vancouver Island check out Recreation Sites and Trails BC.
Vargas Island
A favorite among intermediate-level sea kayakers, this island near Tofino in Clayoquot Sound is a great introduction to wild camping on Vancouver Island. A large beach is available for free camping, just be sure to pack out your waste and be respectful of wildlife.
There are plenty of free camping options in remote Quatsino Sound, on the northwestern corner of Vancouver Island. Forest access roads lead to a free, user-maintained car-camping site at Koprino Harbour with fire pits and picnic tables. Experienced sea kayakers can venture into the open Pacific Ocean waters of Quatsino Sound to find numerous wilderness beach campsites, all available for free.
You’ll find a variety of free camping options on Campbell Lake, located west of the town of Campbell River. Many road-access recreational sites for car campers and RVs are located on the waterfront, providing access to paddlers. Campbell Lake is located on Vancouver Island’s Sayward Forest Canoe Route.
Camper Van and RV Rental Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a fantastic destination for a road trip by camper van or RV. You’ll find great itineraries to match any objectives, from backroads tours to wilderness campsites, or more urban adventures exploring the rich culture of British Columbia. Here’s what you need to know to score that perfect ride.
Justgo Campervan Rentals
Based in Nanaimo, Justgo rents classic VW campervans and four-wheel-drive Jeeps with rooftop tents to live out your vanlife dream in one of the greatest road trip destinations on the planet. What’s more, the company’s experts will give you insider knowledge to find the best campsites and travel itineraries on the island. Book your van online.
Cool Camper (250-216-9523) rents campervans and small RVs with unlimited mileage packages ready for Vancouver Island road trips, all from its base in Sidney. Each rental comes complete with kitchen supplies, a propane stove, bedsheets and more, with packages available for couples and families.
Vancouver Island RV Rentals
Looking for a bigger camping rig? Vancouver Island RV Rentals (Saanichton, 250-857-6153) offers family-sized Coleman Dutchman trailers for your Vancouver Island camping adventure.
Where to Buy Camping Gear on Vancouver Island
Need camping gear on Vancouver Island? No problem. You’ll find knowledgeable, friendly staff at these well-equipped camping stores in Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River and more.
Robinson’s Outdoor Store
Robinson’s Outdoor Store in Victoria (1307 Broad St, 250-385-3429) has an 80-year tradition of selling outdoor equipment and camping gear on Vancouver Island. The shop specializes in adventure travel gear (including tents and sleeping bags) and apparel from top brands, as well as fly fishing gear.
Valhalla Pure Outfitters
A West Coast original, Valhalla Pure is a great destination for camping equipment on Vancouver Island with stores in Courtenay (2885 Cliffe Ave, 250-871-3963), Nanaimo (5773 Turner Rd, 250-751-8686) and Victoria (1824 Store St, 778-432-3579). Purchase high-end apparel, camping gear (including tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear and backpacks), paddling accessories and the best in kayaks and SUPs.
MEC is a classic Canadian retailer of quality outdoor gear with a location in Victoria (1450 Government St, 250-386-2667). You’ll find a wide variety of equipment, paddling gear (including canoe, sea kayak and SUP rentals) and apparel, making MEC a great choice for quality camping gear on Vancouver Island.
Hit the road to discover the best camping on Vancouver Island. | Photo courtesy of: Northern BC Tourism // Mike Seehagel
