There's nothing like being all snug in your sleeping bag, fast asleep in your tent.
Suddenly, you are awakened by a murder of black crows right above your campsite, cawing incessantly, and very, very loudly. It's 5 AM and nature's alarm clocks are saying 'Good morning in the great outdoors!' (I understand why a group of crows is referred to as a 'murder', because at that hour, I know what I'd like to do to those birds.)
We love camping.
It's one of the most economical and fun family holiday getaways out there. The variety is incredible. You can choose from umpteen campgrounds in locations all over North America. From the extremely popular, like Yellowstone or Banff National Parks, to the more secluded and remote, like the Hoh Rain Forest in Washington state or Wells Gray Park in B.C., these parks and natural playgrounds offer something for every member of the family.
We are incredibly blessed in British Columbia. BC Parks maintains the provincial campgrounds and they are truly one of our province's greatest treasures. Beautifully situated near lakes, ocean beaches and forests, with generous individual campsites that allow for some privacy while still encouraging meeting your fellow campers, these campgrounds offer some of the best value imaginable for family holidaying.
One of our favourite campgrounds is located at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, on the east coast of Vancouver Island. This large park and campground is surrounded by forest, meadows and beaches that contain natural wonders for the whole family. There are ocean-front trails for walking, jogging or biking, and pathways through meadows and forests where you can see deer, owls and other forest creatures. The ocean tide of the Georgia Straight goes far out twice a day, allowing for hours of beach-combing, long walks, lazing in the sun, and discovering all kinds of sea creatures hidden under rocks. For several years one of our kids' favourite beach activities has been collecting tiny crabs in a bucket and then releasing them all at once in an exciting crab race on the beach. (Note: No crabs were harmed during the collection or the race itself.)
Rathtrevor is located just south of Parksville, a small town that was 'discovered for its beaches, and treasured for its lifestyle.' Indeed, Better Homes & Gardens magazine has names Parksville beaches as one of the top six family-friendly beaches in North America. In addition to the natural wonder of its beaches, the Parksville oceanfront offers a large park, waterpark and playground, as well skate park, mini-golf, and mountain-biking trails. You and your family will not be bored in this oceanfront paradise.
From your Rathtrevor Park campsite, it takes about 15-20 minutes to bike into Parksville, along the main road and through a residential neighbourhood. The drive into town takes less than 5 minutes. It will take a little longer if you stop for a tasty ice cream at the gas bar on the top of the hill at the entrance to Rathtrevor. I'd highly recommend it - everyone deserves a treat while on holiday, and the Island Farms ice cream they stock is delicious.
Rathtrevor Provincial Park and Parksville are easily accessible from Vancouver via the BC Ferries service from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, a 1.5 hour crossing from the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island.
[travellingmom tip: It's important to plan ahead when booking your camping trips and ferry travel, especially on busy summer weekends. In British Columbia, you can book a provincial campsite three months in advance of your arrival date, by visiting discovercamping.ca. For travel to Vancouver Island (and the popular Gulf Islands), reserve the time and day of your ferry travel as soon as you've booked your holiday. You really don't want to start your vacation with a 1 or 2 sailing wait (which can mean hours at the ferry terminal), before you even get to your destination.]