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Who says the weather is always rotten at Long Beach? Especially in the Fall. If the truth is known, that can often be the best time to go. Less crowds, lower prices, huge waves, and often as good weather.
The clickable photos above are just a small sample of the last short trip to the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Taken right on the Thanksgiving Day Holiday.
For those of you that have never been, there are some must do places, here are a few suggestions...
Generally, the trip from Parksville to the Long Beach area can be done in 3 hours. But, leave lots of time to get there. The highway is good, but the last bit is really winding and hilly. No problem for a good sized RV, but allow at least an hour and a half to go from Alberni to Tofino. That includes lots of time to stop along the way. There are a lot of good viewpoints, and some very good photo opportunities of the many creeks along the way.
Personally I like to go straight up to Tofino and get settled. There is a Federal Campground at Pacific Rim Park. As well many private campgrounds along the beach. I particularly recommend Crystal Cove Beach Resort. It is a fully serviced RV-Tent Campground. But, some day I am going to stay in one of the beach front log cabins. The one I was particularly impressed with had an old cast and nickle wood cooking stove and a real stone fireplace. Right on the beach! Free showers and the seculsion more than ofset the fact it is 10 buck more than the Federal Campground. Which, by the way is not on the beach and has no RV service!
Once you are located, then explore the Park and Tofino. In Tofino, consider a whale watching trip, or a boat ride to Mears Island. Or, to the hot springs. Take a look at Chinook Charter's website for more information (but be sure to come back here).
Now, when you are on the Long Beach, you are in fact at a number of specific areas that all together make up the geographic area. I am particularly envious of my dad during WWII, as he was stationed at Long Beach. The Canadian Government had a squadron stationed there for the purpose of intercepting and shooting down Japanese Incendiary Balloons. They almost shot down a kids kite by mistake though, so they got the name the "Kite Squadron". Poor Freddy would have been really choked! Now the area is under control of Parks Canada. About all I can say is enjoy the miles and miles of perfect beaches! For you adventurous ones, get on the wet suit and the surf board and head for the water. The waves can be awsome!
Tofino is at the north tip of the Beach. The south tip has Ucluelet to offer. Go right south through town to the coast guard station for a terrific view. I have a particularly fond memory now of the fishing boat Outlaw on the Whiskey Dock. A conversations with one of the crew yielded some fresh sole that tasted supurb! And the cost, well that was the best part. Absolutely free! He made our day (and our next two meals)!
Get a kite. Then when someone suggests you "Go Fly A Kite"
you will be ready!
So, spring, summer, or fall; go to the West Coast of Vancouver Island. In
the winter? Well, go too, but bring a warm wind proof coat and a good sturdy
hat!
I hope you have enjoyed this little tour.
Go to the places index or go to the main page.
Either way, thank you for taking the time to visit.
73, Tom