Need help from Vancouver Islanders!!!

[tonydca]

Me and the family are planning a trip to Vancouver Island this March for our spring break from Tuesday March 9th 'til the following weekend some time ('bout 5 days in all).

As it'll be our first road trip with VanZilla, I'd love to hear some favourite suggestions for places to see and stay on the Island that time of year. I'm Googling right now, but it's hard to seperate the wheat (fun stuff) from the chaff (hype/tourist traps) on some of the websites. Besides, the best places often don't advertise!

We live in the urban Vancouver jungle (currently transformed into a little Olympic Police State) with two boys under 10, so we're looking for places to roam around where the boys can be feral for a while. Off the beaten path would be fantastic - that's one reason I bought the van!! Ucluelet, Cathedral Grove, ???

We probably want to spend most of our time exploring/hiking/beachcombing, rather than in all-day drives and lots of making-and-breaking campsites, so I'm hoping for lots of day trips and some nice friendly accomodations.

Anyone got any favourite B&Bs?

In any case - show off your local knowledge to a poor Vancouverite - all suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Tony.

[flybotfox]

Well, I've just moved from there. My favorite places: Paradise Meadows (Mount Washington, forest hiking w/ whiskey jacks ), Seal Bay (Comox Valley, meandering through the forest and out to a rocky beach), Goose Spit (Comox, staring at water, throwing rocks), Hornby Island (Great place for a hiking, running free, wading, swimming. Can be a bit over-populated in the summer.)
All of these places are beautiful and great for families.

[cobsweb]

If your looking to drive some logging roads to a remote old growth forest, try the Carmanah Valley.
its on the westcoast near nitnat lake and port renfrew
biggest sitka spruce trees in the world
their are a two main locations to camp along the roughly 20kms of trails and boardwalks.
and even outhouses.

was there early this year, some trails are in need of repair
bring good boots and be prepared to do some log jumping.

their are a 3 routes to the valley so you can come out to a different view.

gov website
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explor ... /carmanah/

[mararmeisto]

One of our favourites places, year after year, is French Beach. However, for the most things to do within a short distance, definitely the Comox Valley. As the one poster pointed out: Mount Washington, the meadows, the beaches, the forests, sea kayaking, swimming, sailing, etc, etc, etc. they are all within half-hour to an hour's drive of each other. Camp in the middle and go out from there each day.

For the pure rugged West Coast beach experience, you have to go to the 'outside' of the Island like Tofino or Long Beach (obviously). Pachena Beach is similar and less travelled/visited.

[bryanc]

Botanical beach near Port Renfrew has the most amazing tide pools you will likely ever see if you go at low tide of course , perfect for a couple of boys . it's really a must see and then you can hit the logging roads to get up island .

[Artacoma]

!

[Artacoma]

Find the Chewat Cedar about 2.5 hrs from vic and 45 min hike

[Meanman]

LOng Beach/Cox bay.....awesome surf and lots of beach combing. Stop along the way in Port Alberni at Sproat Lake and check out the Martin MArs water Bombers, and the Petroglyphs at Sproat lake park.
On the way to Port Alberni/ Longbeach stop at Little Qualicum Falls ...lots of trails to run. Cathedral Grove....also on the way to Port Alberni. Just to name a few.

[Modsqwad]

LOng Beach/Cox bay.....awesome surf and lots of beach combing. Stop along the way in Port Alberni at Sproat Lake and check out the Martin MArs water Bombers, and the Petroglyphs at Sproat lake park.
On the way to Port Alberni/ Longbeach stop at Little Qualicum Falls ...lots of trails to run. Cathedral Grove....also on the way to Port Alberni. Just to name a few.

Don't forget to stop at goats on the roof for lunch on the way there. Combs is fun for the kids and wife to snoop around the shops for a bit.Also right round the corner from Combs Country Auto if you need any parts or service from Glen and the gang.Suerte.
Andy Wilson