September Trip to Vancouver Island

LenS · 08-17-2011, 09:19 PM

We are planning a September trip (20 days on the island) to Vancouver Island. Would be interested in any places or activities that you found outstanding. Thinking about taking our Honda generator with us. Would be need it and are there ferry issues with gas cans for the generator?

woodbee · 08-18-2011, 08:25 AM

Hello LenS,

Last year we went over to the Island. The only thing we had to do was to shut off the propane and tag it with a tag they gave us. Gasoline for my generator was on my Galley Box and they said nothing about it.

Have a nice trip.

Woody

Jepa · 08-18-2011, 08:46 AM

So many amazing opportunities where do I start? Here are some suggestions:

Off the beaten path....
-Sooke-Port Renfrew-Cowichan Lake-Duncan loop.
-North of Campbell River as far north as Port Hardy.
-West to Tofino and Long Beach.

More urban....
-Victoria
-Qualicum Beach

Jepa · 08-18-2011, 08:53 AM

Oh yea activities....

-Mountain biking in Cumberland
-Sea kayaking just about anywhere but Quadra Island (short ferry ride from Campbell River) is amazing
-Lots of fly fishing
-Lots of salmon fishing charters (try Campbell River)
-Downtown Victoria
-Downtown Qualicum Beach
-Coombs market
-Whale watching charters
-Surfing in Tofino and Jordan River
-Windsuring at Nitinat Lake
-Lots of fresh fish markets right on the dock (French Beach)
-Funky Salt Spring Island

Oh wait... you said 20 days.... sorry ;o)

Pntyrmvr · 08-18-2011, 09:32 AM

West coast trail.

Regards,

Gavin

Ford_6L_E350 · 08-18-2011, 10:00 AM

While in Victoria, don't miss the Craigdarroch Castle or Butchart Gardens. Both are worth a visit.

Mike

vwteleman · 08-23-2011, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LenS

are there ferry issues with gas cans for the generator?

Technically, I believe it is forbidden, but practically, I don't think BC Ferries ever worries about campers. It's the Gulf Island locals who fill the back of their pickups w/ cans of (relatively) cheaper mainland gas who the rule is meant for. On the other hand, I've been asked a handful of times about gas cans using the Washington State ferries, and once had to leave a small plastic jug behind, even empty.

BC Ferries is more concerned about propane, and will ask you to close and tag your tank, as mentioned by Woodbee.

Regarding info about Vancouver Island, I'm sure you've probably searched the site, but if not here are a few other threads.

Western Oregon & Washington - Trip Advice Needed
Vancouver Island, Northern Washington trip recommendations?
Canada vacation trip report
BC Ferries
Headed North for 4 weeks.
Trip Report - Pacific NorthWest
Vancouver Island

It's a beautiful place and there is tonnes to do and see. What kind of camping and activities are you looking for?

Cheers,
Brent

LenS · 08-23-2011, 07:42 PM

Looked on Washington State Ferry site and they allow up to 12 gallons of gasoline in approved containers.

"Gasoline
Gasoline may only be transported in properly capped portable containers (total quantity not to exceed 12 gallons) in a vehicle. Each container is limited to (6) gallons and must be UL or USCG approved and in good condition. All vehicles must have gas caps."

Edit..
Just looked at BC ferries (very tight):

Gasoline: Approved spare containers of gasoline are permitted on our ferries, but only in limited amounts. The containers cannot exceed 25L.

RVs/vehicles may carry one spare container,
a boat towed behind a vehicle may carry two, and
a vehicle carrying a boat on top, may carry only one spare container.
Foot passengers are not allowed to carry gasoline on board.

LenS · 08-29-2011, 06:53 PM

This Saturday, Sunday and Monday we will be traveling through the mountains on US-2 from Glacier NP to Seattle, any bad weather we should be looking for?

We will be returning home through the mountains on or about September 25th. Not sure yet if we will take US-2 or I-90. Should we normally be expecting any bad weather in that time frame??

Opinions and insights of those who live in that area would be appreciated.

Silver350 · 09-01-2011, 06:55 AM

4 Mile Pub. Victoria.
We've been there several times and it has been consistently excellent.

Red Fish Blue Fish. Victoria Harbor.
Best Fish N Chips I've had. Look for the Blue Shipping Container.

BC Hydro has a some rustic/ boondocking campsites around BC and a couple on the island, either free or really inexpensive. If you're into that. I haven't tried the ones on the island yet.