Escapees May June 2015 Demo

RV Resorts and Campgrounds

and surrounding wilderness parks are amazing with awe-inspiring views and well-marked paths. The many golf courses offer great course conditions, and there’s one for every level of play. For the more adventuresome, bungee jumping 150 feet off of a trestle bridge with the waters of a river rushing past below can be a lot of fun. It’s the home of the famous Nanai- mo Bar. Follow “The Nanaimo Bar Trail” starting at the Nanaimo Muse- um, where a map is available of the local eateries that have created their own version of this special treat. Study the prehistoric First Nations rock carvings at Petroglyph Park south of town or kayak over to historic Newcastle Island, a marine provincial park minutes away from the water- front promenade. Meet Nanaimo’s ghosts in some of the historic build- ings, where strange and unexplainable things take place; take a cemetery tour and learn more about the hardy early pioneers who helped make Nanaimo what it is today, a vibrant, productive and interesting city. A Diver’s Paradise The three naval ships sunk in the local waters provide international divers with an extraordinary opportunity to dive in one of the best cold-water dive destinations in the world. There is much more to see and do if you choose to go further north on Vancouver Island towards Campbell River, considered to be the salmon capital of the world, or even further north to Port Hardy, the gateway to Cape Scott Provincial Park. Before returning to the mainland, take the op- portunity for an interesting side trip to Tofino on the west coast of the island with a stop along the way to see the old-growth forests at Cathedral Grove. Side trips Stroll through Cathedral Grove. The giant Douglas firs, some of Can- ada’s treasures, still thrive today at Cathedral Grove near Parksville. The sight of these towering ancient old-

Call toll-free (Canada/USA) 800-689-9025 or visit www.discovercamping.ca . Explore the sandy beaches, backcountry trails, pristine lakes, rugged coastlines, cascading waterfalls, caves or majestic mountains. Note : Not all parks are suit- ed for larger RVs. Please request this information when making reservations . Victoria Fort Victoria RV Park: Full hookups, playground, city bus service, open year- round and big rig-friendly. 250-479-8112. www.fortvictoria.ca Malahat Mountain Meadows Resort: Located north of Victoria, it’s located amongst the giant cedars with spacious and full-service RV sites, and it’s big rig-friendly. Open year-round. 888-478-5452. www.victoriacamprounds.com Oceanside RV Park: Bordered by the ocean, this park is only 20 minutes from Victoria and all of the attractions. Open year-round and it is big rig-friendly. 250-544-0508. www.oceansideresortrv.com Westbay Marine Village and RV Park: Located in Victoria’s harbor with views of the city center and is on the waterfront. Open all year and only a five-minute drive from downtown. 866-937-8229. www.westbay.bc.ca Chemainus Chemainus Garden Holiday RV Resort: RV and camping resort in a beautiful setting and within walking distance of the shops and activities in Chemainus. It’s big rig-friendly and is open year-round. 250-246-3569. www.chemainusgarden.com Chemainus River Campgrounds: Located south of Chemainus and along the Chemainus River, there are large sunny and wooded sites. Full facilities, big rig-friendly and is open year-round. 877-440-1010. Country Maples RV Resort: A fisherman’s paradise, it is situated near both the Chemainus River and the ocean. Open year-round, it is big rig-friendly and offers both serviced and non-serviced sites. 250-246-2078. www.htr.ca Nanaimo Brannen Lake RV Park and Campsite: Family-oriented campground with wooded and sunny sites. Fully serviced sites are available; weekend hayrides and is big rig-friendly. 866-756-0404. Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV: Waterfront campground/RV park with 300 spacious and groomed sites on forested and park-like property. Open year-round, big rig-friendly, all services are available and a perfect place to stay when exploring the island. 250-755-1755. livingforest.com Jinglepot RV and Campground: Surrounded by rock gardens, fountains and beautiful flowers, this park has full facilities, is big rig-friendly and open year- round. 250-758-1614. www.jinglepotrv.ca Tofino Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: Has 94 vehicle drive-in sites, is big rig-friendly, but has no services. There is trail access to the beach and fills up every night during high season. Reservations are recommended. 250-726-3500. www.pccamping.ca, pc.gc.ca/pacrim

28 . ESCAPEES | May/June 2015 | www.escapees.com