VANCOUVER ISLAND // BRITISH COLUMBIA

Vancouver island, the largest Pacific island east of New Zealand, is a magical escape. Getting to the coveted northwest coast of the island is a lot of work, but well worth the effort. Catch a ferry from Vancouver or the Washington coast and head into Nanaimo, a town on the southeast side of the island, then take in the epic scenery as you drive to this surfer’s paradise - about three hours from the ferry drop. 

Our days were spent hopping back and forth between Tofino and its southern neighbor Ucluelet. Both tiny towns cater to beach bums with miles of beach, crystal clear waters and some pretty epic beach camping. Equipped with our van home we set up camp at the Surf Junction Campground and set out to find one of the many beautiful beaches hidden behind thick forest. We spent three nights here hanging at the beach, hiking, surfing and eating hobo camp dinners, of course.

SURF // COLD WATER

“I expected the rocky mountains would be a little rockier than this”-Harry Dunne. Pulling into Tofino I felt like Harry driving the Mutts Cutts van but instead I was behind the wheel of Derilic our 1996 Ford Econoline camper van. As we ventured out on a search for waves, we found ocean on our left separated by a few trees and sunlight poked through with sneaking views of the endless beaches of Vancouver island looking exotic and hot. Dirt parking lots were staged in front of the beach, jeeps with surfboards on top and lightly dressed people carried BBQ gear. It is summer in Canada, not what we had expected but who cares the water is lovely. Heading further south from Long beach we stumbled upon rocking crags, secret coves and isolated lighthouses. Afternoons are lost making deli sandwiches out of the van's makeshift kitchen and exploring tide pools on black sand beaches. 

We made the decision to head out to the island at the last minute and found ourselves sailing under lucky stars with small summer waves and a decent place to park our van each night.  Tofino and Ucluelet are no secrets, and while there is plenty of space to surf hike and enjoy the beach don't expect our last minute luck come August. Book a campsite early, expect small surf and get pumped up when it turns out better than that.

FOOD // SEASIDE DINING AND CAMP DINNERS

While most nights concluded bonding over campfire dinners, the dining scene on this side of the island is varied and appeals to the laid back foodie with its beach vibes and minimal swank. Get your breakfast sandwich on at Barkley cafe after an early morning hike or surf session and as the sun starts to set, settle in for a cozy island dinner at Wolf in the Fog. And if you’re camping, don’t forget to stock up on marshmallows and Hershey bars - nothing complements a beachside sunset like gooey s’mores fresh off the fire.

If you find yourself spending any time across the bridge on the mainland, we found the newly gentrified Southmain (SoMa) neighborhood ripe with trendy restaurants, breweries and dive bars. Stop by Brassneck Brewery for a delightful flight of local brews and pop down a few blocks for some decent tacos (and free popcorn!) at the friendly latin joint, El Camino's. 

HIT THESE 'HOBOS' HOT SPOTS

Surf // Relic Surf Shop // New gear and koozies

Hike // Wild Pacific Trail // Enjoy a coastal loop

Dine // Wolf in the Fog // Burgers and seafood in Tofino

Dine // Barkley Cafe // Lattes and breakfast bagels, Ucluelet

Drink // Brassneck Brewery // Fresh brews and cheesy breadsticks, Vancouver

Stay // Surf Junction Campground // Ucluelet 

Stay // Bella Pacifica Campground // Tofino