Vancouver Island, BC

Campbell River to Parksville, BC

It was time for us to hook up the 5th wheel trailer and to leave Cortes Island. Anders drove carefully onto the Tenaka, the small Cortes ferry. It was low tide, and we were concerned about the angle of the on and off ramps. But we had no problems.  Campbell River on Vancouver Island, the Salmon Capital,  was busy, everybody was rushing somewhere. We realized that it was just our perception. After almost two months on Cortes Island, where the locals still wave at each other in passing, happy to see a car, Campbell River was the big city for us.

Driving South on the Island Highway

The Island Highway # 19 is a wonderful drive south from Campbell River. The mountains on Vancouver Island are still covered with snow on top. Mt. Washington the island mountain resort had a record snow fall this year. Driving south the landscape became more and more lush, spring had arrived here. We decided to camp overnight in Parksville. The Park Sands Beach Resort had space for us. it is right on the ocean. 

At the Park Sands Beach Resort

The sun came out. It was time for a walk on the beach. The almost 20 km of sandy beaches from Qualicum Beach to Parksville are shallow, warm up quickly and getting deeper gradually. They are wonderful to beach comb, to swim or to just having fun in the sun.

Parksville beach with views east to the coastal mountains on the mainland

Anders was B.B.Q.ing steaks while watching a Canuck Hockey game.

Parksville area has become very attractive for early retired Canadians looking for a small town with all the amenities. Visitors and residents love the central location on Vancouver Island. From here we have choices to hike, bike, golf, ski, swim, fish, sail, or just relax and go for a good coffee.

We dropped in at Cha Ch'a Java for a goody and coffee

Back at the beach

Evening stroll along the Parksville Beaches on the great boardwalk

Camping overnight in Parksville was our trial run before starting our trip across Canada. We are now in Victoria packing and organizing the last few things.

Liz