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Consider Vancouver Island!
March 31, 2012 by Melissa A. Trainer · 3 Comments
One of my favorite summer destinations in the Pacific Northwest is Vancouver Island. We first visited this large island about fourteen years ago when our daughter was very little.
We were new to the region, and I was spending a fair amount of time doing research and talking to tourism representatives in British Columbia. Back then, everyone told me that Vancouver was great, but many of my contacts gave me a wink and a nod and urged me to visit Vancouver Island, too. They urged me to go in the summer and bring the kids. Those tips were true insider information. I am so glad that I listened!
When we first visited Vancouver Island, I picked Parksville as our destination. The guidebooks touted the large safe sandy beaches and a quiet atmosphere…Hmmm. That sounded perfect for a family with a toddler. Initially, we stayed at a fabulous beachfront resort known as Beach Acres. Located right on the water and next door to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, this family friendly low key resort was perfect for us! We spent many many hours combing the massive beach at low tide and exploring park. Over the years, my children grew to love this place. They built sand castles on the amazing beach. They plucked oysters from the beds and examined them in hand. They rode their bikes through Rathtrevor. Every August, they looked forward to the local apples and berries, which we would purchase at a nearby farmstand.
We eventually shifted away from renting those cabins and started hauling our travel trailer up to Parksville. One summer we camped in tents in Rathtrevor. Other summers, we reserved and enjoyed a lovely RV site at the luxurious SurfSide RV Resort. In recent years, we have been heading over to Ucluelet, which is a much longer drive because it is located on the other side of the island. This region is home to the spectacular Pacific Rim National Park. Every summer since 1998, we have fished for salmon and carted that salmon home. (Yes, my family has fished with the same fabulous captain since 1998!)
So, if you are considering a trip to British Columbia, be sure to consider Vancouver Island. It’s a fabulous island with lots to see and do…or not!
Photo by Melissa A. Trainer
–Melissa A. Trainer
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The trip to Vancouver Island by way of B.C. Ferries is to expensive.
A Rv like ours which is 34 feet in length with a tow car behind will cost 274.95 plus 5% fuel charge that is one way Vancouver to Victoria. that is 549.90 there and back. We can think of a lot of nicer places to spend time at for a lot of less out of pocked costs. We were there last year and found Parksville a congested overcrowded tourist trap. There are lots of nice places on the sun shine coast as well on the sea to sky highway. Then there is all of the Washington and Oregon coast. $577.39 is a bit much for a 20 mile ferry ride.
Service Between
TSAWWASSEN – SWARTZ BAY
One Way
FARE*
PASSENGER
Adult (12 years or older) 14.85
Children (from 5 to 11 years of age) 7.45
Infant (under 5 years of age) FREE
GROUP FARES (16 or more passengers)
Adult (12 years or older) 12.75
Children (from 5 to 11 years of age) 6.40
BC RESIDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (Documentation Required)
Student (school event)
Adult (from 12 to 18 years of age) 7.45
Children (from 5 to 11 years of age) 3.75
Permanently Disabled & Escort
Adult (12 years or older) 7.45
Children (from 5 to 11 years of age) 3.75
Senior (Monday to Thursday excluding Statutory Holidays) FREE
PASSENGER VEHICLE – Excludes Driver & Passengers
Vehicle Length up to 20 feet 49.25
- extra length rate over 20 feet (per foot) 5.60
Motorcycle 24.65
BUS – per foot (licensed to carry 16 or more passengers) 4.00
COMMERCIAL – per foot (vehicles over 5500 kg/GVW) 5.60
BICYCLE or STOWAGE 2.00
* A 5% Fuel Surcharge will be applied at time of payment to the Net Fares listed above
except on the BC RESIDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM & the Bicycle/Stowage fares.
PAYMENT of FARES:
- Cash & Travellers Cheques accepted.
- VISA, MasterCard, American Express & BC Ferries ExperienceTM Card accepted.
- Debit Card NOT accepted at this time.
Route
Hi Melissa! My daughter-in-law and her family live in Nanaimo, which is on the Island. I’ve not been yet, but hubby and son have, and all love it. Vancouver Island is high on my go-see list, and your post is a keeper for future references.
Happy tales,
Patti