Why Camp on Vancouver Island in Fall?

Many people raise an eyebrow at the thought of camping in this cooler, and sometimes wetter, time of the year but trust me, those people don’t know what they are missing! Every year fall captures our hearts and wins the prize for the best camping season of the year, and here’s why!

Fewer Crowds

With the kids back at school and the summer campers safely back at home, some of the best spots are now up for grabs. Whether you are looking for a wilderness spot or a camping spot at one of the more popular provincial park campgrounds you will be more likely to find exactly what you’re looking for in this season.

Seasonal Beers

Hallelujah, it’s that time of year again! Vancouver Island has an incredible craft beer scene and we’re very lucky to have a host of local breweries all creating seasonal beers. With pumpkin ales, stouts and porters back on the menu, a fall camping trip cries out for a day of adventurous activity followed by some R&R at the local brewery. Check out @tourismvancouverisland’s Guide to Craft Breweries on Vancouver Island for recommendations!

Comfort Foods

With the warm days and cool nights, comfort foods are at front and centre of the camping menu. Let your mornings begin with hot coffee and a hearty breakfast and if you are looking for a chilled afternoon pottering around camp then we really recommend setting up a nice slow cooked beef stew in a cast iron pot over the fire.

Seasonal Wildlife Spectacles

The salmon spawning season is a spectacle, but it also has the added benefit of bringing other wildlife to the rivers. During September and October, you will find that eagles and black bears are readily seen along rivers and if you are on the Ocean, our northern resident orcas also follow the salmon run.

Fall Foliage

When it comes to exploring the fall colours and foliage you do not have to venture far to witness the trees turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. On the island Tofino looks particularly spectacular in the fall, as does Port Renfrew. So, pack your boots and get ready to kick your feet in the great leaf piles!

Why Choose a Roof Top Tent?

For those of you looking to explore the wilder side of Vancouver Island, we highly recommend an adventure with a roof top tent. A backcountry adventure brings freedom, fun and exhilaration like you’ve never experienced before. Trust us, you won’t regret it! If you are looking to rent a roof top tent to see what all the fuss is about, contact Vancouver Island Roof Top Tents.

Freedom

No need to lock yourself into a campsite booking months in advance. You may not even know where you’re sleeping from one day to the next! Just hop in your vehicle and go. You’ll learn to embrace and appreciate a bit of uncertainty once you start exploring the hidden gems that Vancouver Island has to offer adventurous campers like you!

Fun

Roof-top tents remind us of treehouses — great fun for grown-ups and kids alike. Your little darlings will love climbing the ladder and cozying up at bedtime. Adults love the opportunity to open the skylights for stargazing or watching the sunrise. If you’re looking for rest and relaxation, slide off to dreamland knowing that the thick canvas walls of your roof-top tent function like blackout curtains.

Exhilaration

There’s nothing like getting away from the thrum of the city and out into nature, filling your senses with the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of our incredible outdoors. Once you and your loved ones have made camp and settled around the campfire, telling tall tales or roasting marshmallows, you might be able to watch your everyday worries drift skyward in one of the thin plumes of smoke.

Where to Take a Roof Top Tent on Vancouver Island This Fall

The best remote camping spots are those found on Forest Service Roads, and Vancouver Island has an abundance of hidden gems just waiting to be explored. Here are a few of our favorite fall camping spots:

Flora Lake Rec Site

Situated between Port Alberni and Bamfield, this is a great spot to set up and enjoy the lake with some fishing, SUPs and for the brave amongst you a quick swim.

160 kilometres from Victoria; 2 hours, 34 minutes driving time. Official Website.

Vernon Lake Rec Site

Get a lakeside spot with an incredible view. This rec site is a couple of hours down a forest service road, making it a quieter spot to camp. For some great coffee in bed views make sure to set up your roof top tent facing the lake!

406 kilometres from Victoria; 4 hours, 44 minutes driving time. Official Website.

Nahminht Lake

Take time to explore the backroads, there are many ‘pull-in’ wilderness spots to be found, and some incredible lakeside camping spots at the rec sites in this area.

229 kilometres from Victoria; 3 hours, 33 minutes driving time. Official Website.

Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park

This remote, stunning old-growth forest makes it one of the best hidden gems on the island. Get to the area early and explore the forest service roads to find yourself a wilderness camping spot, there are some incredible views to be found!

184 kilometres from Victoria; 3 hours, 04 minutes driving time. Official Website.

Ralph River Provincial Park Campground

Situated in Strathcona Provincial Park, this campground will gain you access to some fantastic hiking! Bedwell lake is a particular favorite. Myra Falls is also well worth a visit, just 10 kms from camp.

338 kilometres from Victoria; 4 hours, 06 minutes driving time. Official Website.

How to Rent a Roof Top Tent or Suitable 4×4?

Look no further! Greater Victoria is home to both FarOut Wilderness and Vancouver Island Roof Top Tents. FarOut Wilderness specializes in overland vehicle rentals and tailor-made itineraries whereas Vancouver Island Roof Top Tents specializes in roof top tent rentals and sales. Both are owned and operated by Sam and Abbie Morris, who have years of wilderness camping experience and are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to finding those hidden gems on Vancouver Island.