[insahmniak]

First of September, we're going to be in Victoria.
We are doing hotels for 4 nights. Ending up in Vancouver on night 4. (Have to go to Vancouver to get mom on plane.)

We then have 6 more days to get home (Idaho). We want to camp all the way home. We are traveling with a 3 year old, so can't drive 12 hours straight like we used to. We LOVE the mountains. We LOVE the ocean. We want our daughter to have a great time in nature.

How should we do it?

Should we explore north area of Vancouver Island?
Should we head toward Banff?
Should we stay low on the us/ca border?

I've never been to BC and have no idea where to start! There are sooooo many parks and wonderful parts to explore, it seems. Help! Any good (and not so overwhelming links) to help me out?

TIA!

 

[mamajama]

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." —Margaret Mead

 

[mamajama]

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." —Margaret Mead

 

[insahmniak]

Thank you, mamajama.

I'm partial toward keeping it short and flexible, traveling w/3 year old and all. Partner just LOVES dramatic mountains, and would hate to miss the Rockies. But I may have to trump him this time and promise him another trip.

And thanks for the tip on Tofino. I'll check it out. If you can think of any other special spots we could consider, please do let me know. There are so many options around the area.

Thanks again!
Ann

 

[mamajama]

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." —Margaret Mead

 

[insahmniak]

We think Vancouver-Boise will take 2 days. So that leaves us four to spare. We're already in Victoria for three nights. But it's time with my non-camping mom, in a hotel. We want to make it wild after she gets on the plane. Just don't know if we should head back to the island or out to the Rockies for those four days. That's probably not any more clear. I'm almost bilingual, but not very articulate. Does that make sense? Ha.

 

[MichelleW]

ohmtaretu, first, English should be the only language you need to rely on. Of course if you visited the Chinese Night Market or something, well... I get by on English ok too!

I am thinking that if you head to the Rockies, you may want to check out Manning Park. (I think it is on Hwy#3.) There are a few different campsites (some with flushies & showers, some without), and lots of hiking, etc. It does get quite cool there at night, but it has always been a place I'v enjoyed -- as a child & adult (except last June when it rained & rained & rained)!
My parents know more about teh great spots around the province than I do, as i haven't done much camping as an adult -- finding the time off work & school is tricky!

Anyways, hope you enjoy it. No matter where you decide! and hope the weather cooperates too!

 

[mamajama]

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." —Margaret Mead

 

[mamajama]

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." —Margaret Mead

 

[insahmniak]

Voila.

:

Okay. So Canadian Rockies it is. Where should we stop? I need one or two places between Vancouver and not-quite Calgary. I'll check out Manning Park. Any others?

 

[mamatojade]

Another vote for Manning Park.

If you keep low and go to Ainsworth HotSprings between Nelson and Kaslo for a visit.

 

[insahmniak]

Ainsworth Hot Springs looks great! Thanks for the recommendation. What a pretty area.

 

[Throkmorton]

Ainsworth is beautiful. If your DH wanted to see mountains, highway 3 is definitely the way to go.
www.hellobc.com is a pretty good place to start looking at accomodation. How many hours do you plan to cover in a day? You could leave vancouver and easily make it to Princeton or Osooyoos. Manning Park is just outside Princeton, and definitely a nice place to camp.
After that, it's 4 hours or so to Nelson/Ainsworth and there is more camping around there.
From nelson, it's an easy jaunt to Idaho, although I have to admit I don't know how far it is to Boise once you are over the border. Nelson is about 2 hours north of Bonners Ferry, ID (not including the border delays)

 

[momof3sweeties]

Quote:

Should we head toward Banff?

YES!!!!

Banff is SO cool!!! Beautiful!!! We stayed in Banff for 4 days when we were on our trip moving to Alaska. I could of stayed in Banff. Ever since I have wanted to go back. Oh...I'm SO jealous of your trip!! Have a blast!!!!

 

[mamatojade]

Banff is so expensive in the summer and very, very hard to find places to stay if you do not have reservations.

When are you going? We leave tomorrow for Nelson and will be going to Ainsworth at some point next week.

 

[momof3sweeties]

Quote:

Banff is so expensive in the summer and very, very hard to find places to stay if you do not have reservations.

We camped right in Banff. They had a nice campground with nice showers. I loved seeing all the Elk in town, the downtown area they had neat shops and a very cool Blues Bar we had a blast at and there are cool hikes to take.

 

[super kitty]

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[hawkfeather]

if you can squeeze it in.. I live on the sunshine coast.. a ferry trip from van.. and it is paradise! and camping here is wonderful

 

[insahmniak]

Thank you for so many good ideas. I think we won't try going back to the island, considering the time the ferry crossings will take up. And from the responses here it seems like Hwy 3 has a good deal to offer.

One last thing, though. Okay, now, don't laugh.... I have this irrational fear of bear attacks. And it seems that HWY 3 goes through grizzly country. Mountain biker mom near Banff or Calgary or something is no longer with us, for example.

So for you campers out there, how do you sleep out there? It's not just my own safety, and my role as mother. But I also think of how terrifying I could be to my daughter, just wondering about every last noise or raccoon wandering through at night. YK? Even if we're as prepared as all get out, my daughter witnessing a run-in with a not-so-composed mom like me could give her PTSD, even if it only turns out to be a rodent of unusual size.

I'm only half-kidding. And it's quite embarrassing, as I know the stats should calm me down, but in this case they don't. So can any of you help calm me stay calm while I'm out there? I never used to be like this. Used to backcountry camp alone in bear country, and didn't think much of it. It's being a mom, I think, that changed things. Something about the preciousness of life and fragility and all that is emphasized in such small beings. Well, you get the idea. I need help.

Anyone?

 

[super kitty]

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