Our Northern Vancouver Island RV Adventure Begins!

[@metaxaanabeer]

Psst: the ferry from Port McNeill to Cormorant Island (Sointula) is only $45 round trip. Make a reservation at Bere Point Campground via the regional District of Mount Waddington Regional website (no res, no fee at Bere Point mid September to May) and if you are lucky you will see Orcas rubbing on the pebble beach. Changes you as a human to see then up so close in the wild. Ferry into Alert Bay if you can too...the view as the village comes into sight is breathtaking, if you took a picture of it and sent it to someone in Ontario they'd think it Hollywood fake. And next time email me for where to stay, how to find the perfect spot, this is my stomping grounds.

[@hikenrv]

We did end up at Sointula, but no space left at campground. Made it there largely as a suggestion of yours. Thank you! Loved it. We didn’t try to book until quite late however. Did a short hike there but no whales. Next time! Appreciate the comment!

[@mjm3852]

Been to Vancouver Island twice, never as far north as Port McNeil, can't wait to get back. Happy Anniversary!

[@hikenrv]

Thank you! We really enjoyed the northern island!

[@larryvincent2098]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful and beautiful scenery with all the views of the island. This is a beautiful video and taken me on journey with the two of you . BS & BK

[@hikenrv]

Our pleasure!

[@adrianhockey9334]

Vancouver Island looks like a spectacular place to tour around, the scenery looks varied and stunning but no doubt very popular with holiday makers, moreso this year with so many people not being able to travel too far for their annual vacation. Much the same here, apparently 20 million are staying within the UK for their holiday, putting considerable pressure on the more popular destinations. I read this week that over 16,000 Motorhomes have been sold here in the last 12 months up from 9,000 the previous year. This has added to congestion issues in already busy areas and unfortunately, a considerable amount of litter and other waste have been left in countryside areas, as here, we do not have a significant number of large touring sites that can accommodate the substantial increase in RV activity. I really enjoyed your recent video and remain jealous of all the fantastic places you have on your doorstep. Take care and best regards.😁👍🍷🍺🚐

[@hikenrv]

We so enjoyed the upper island…more to follow! Currently in norther BC near Yukon border. Amazing scenery here too…mtns, Cariboo and Wonderful lakes. Starting to get a bit cold at night and rainy though. Thanks for the update! 🚐

[@cleanerlakes]

Man, that ocean looks clear.

[@hikenrv]

Nice to dive we bet!

[@VanlifeMidlifeRocks]

Beautiful footage of an area we love. Thank you for your perspective. 🧡

[@hikenrv]

We quite enjoyed! Appreciate the comment! 🚐

[@whereswendy8544]

The water looks so inviting on a hot day. Beautiful falls!

[@hikenrv]

Very nice…we enjoyed!

[@scallywags12]

You need to check out Anutz lake recreation campsite south of Nimpkish lake and the area south. Paddle from Anutz lake to Nimkish. Watch for seals coming from the ocean. Love this area! Visit theHuston caves south of Anutz lake and short hike in. And well worth it!

[@hikenrv]

Sounds perfect!!

[@scallywags12]

Always check for a high pressure over the north of the Van. island in the summer. Best weather is July to mid august and sometimes in September.

[@hikenrv]

Appreciate the advice! We were just so pleased that it was cooler and far less smoky than elsewhere!

[@transporter4363]

Great Video this week. We just got back from driving from Port Hardy to Victoria (Aug 16 returning from Dawson). Alder Bay is one of our go-to places but we always insist on a lower beach site, much easier to launch kayaks. agree that the upper lots are congested. Never at a loss for bears in that neck of the woods. good fallback is the Forest campground at Telegraph cove just down the road, has some nice hikes (Blinkhorn Trail). We are Huge fans of taking the coastal route when coming home as the Tidal Taco shack (Qualicum Beach)is a must.

[@hikenrv]

Thank you and good advice! We booked late so few options. Sounds like a Nice trip..at one point we gave serious thought to hopping ferry and going home the other way! Currently in Barkerville and enjoying route north and likely go as far as Liard Hot Springs. Will see if weather holds! Already cool at night! Safe travels!🚐

[@transporter4363]

@@hikenrv we spent 3 days at Liard Hot Springs on our way to Dawson. What a wonderful drive! The pools were great. the Electric fence was a bit much but necessary none the less. Campsites were nice and clean. Are you taking the Stewart-Cassiar? Boya Lake is MUST.

[@whereswendy8544]

I live in Campbell River now and still need to make the trip north to Ports McNeil and Hardy. Looks lovely there.

[@hikenrv]

Long drive, even from CBR but beautiful country!

[@raymondharding8443]

Great video and stunning views! Looking forward to part 2.

[@hikenrv]

Glad you enjoyed! Wonderful area!

[@carolmelton9067]

Great so far, looking forward to the rest. That pump definitely has a mind of its own, don't think I would trust it LOL.

[@hikenrv]

More fun ahead and yes, pump now retired!

[@shawnahansen8597]

Great trip! Looking forward to next video. Hope you get to Cape Scott park since you'd love the hike to San Josef Bay (it's on our bucket list but looks great).

[@hikenrv]

Not this trip, but Gordon has been there before and did the backpack to Cape Scott. Road likely a bit too rough for the van. We could make it, but slowly! On the list for a return visit! Appreciate the comment!

[@rearly1000]

Greetings from Reed!…Just a quick note Gordon - love your videos - and the town is spelled Courtenay - why differentiates it from the women’s name…. Courtney. Cheers

[@hikenrv]

Yikes! We missed that in edits! Thank you!

[@SustainUsFarm]

Hey guys! I’ve been watching you forever…question about the Zion…is it the SRT or the longer one? Can you sleep front to back in a rain configuration?

[@hikenrv]

We have the Zion, but we would have found the SRT worked well for us. We can sleep N/S or E/W. Max length N/S around 76” if we recall correctly. E/W (sideways) about 71”. Thanks for watching!

[@Ricardo-SW]

Question about the macerator pump- has it been trouble free? Do you carry a traditional hose setup "in case"? Thanks!

[@hikenrv]

We have never had an issue with the macerator. Works very fast, but yes we do have a back up hose for the gravity dump if needed. Tucked away.

[@garthwheeler1338]

Do you folks do much boondocking?

[@hikenrv]

No, mostly parks and recreation sites. We have on occasion if more rural. Currently close to Northern BC and likely many more opportunities there. On the island we saw a few potential spots, but several had signs noting you were not allowed. Others simply not that nice, but expect there were many we simply did not see. We did however find several established camping areas that were free. Nice!

[@milesfong3901]

Your hometown must seem rather small now that you're out of elementary school

[@hikenrv]

Haha, it has actually grown a lot! Now almost a suburb in a sense for Victoria, though it still seems like a wonderful place!