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The low winter RV rates go from October through April - that leaves plenty of time to explore the rest of the Island. One thing you have to put on your bucket list, is storm watching on the West Coast of the Island- helloooo Tofino and Ucluelet! When contemplating a storm watching adventure, you have to understand that even though it’s only a 3 ½ hour drive from Nanaimo to the West Coast, it’s a whole other climate. The reason Nanaimo enjoys mild winters is the proximity to the relatively warm and protected waters between Nanaimo and Vancouver. It means that some winters go by when Nanaimo gets no snow. But Tofino and Ucluelet face the open Pacific with the prevailing currents coming down from Alaska. This means that from November through February, the west side of the Island is right in the storm path and gets hammered with gale after gale. Not a good time to be in a boat or without shelter, but the PERFECT time to find a snug place where you can be warm but see the ocean fury.
An entire storm watching industry has developed in these two charming towns, 40 kilometres apart, replete with a range of prices and accommodations. The drive over the central Island mountain range offers amazing scenery, raging river canyons, and forests with 800 year old giant trees. There are at least two great RV parks where you can stay if you want to brave the winter passes and winding roads in your rig. Lots range from $28-$48 night. If you’re on a budget this is the way to go, just don’t put your awning out when you get there
unless you want to relive scenes from the Wizard of Oz! Numerous waterfront BnB’s, clusters of cabins, hotels and resorts all offer different twists and viewpoints to watch the crashing surf. Sitting in a fireplace room, perhaps with a Jacuzzi and steaming beverage, is the perfect place to enjoy the drama outside. Some of the resorts even have outdoor microphones and provide room speakers to bring the sound of the outside inside! Prices range from $99 to $895/night. Bruce Williams, A-Channel Vancouver Island TV personality, is a big fan of storm watching and describes it this way: “It’s a great experience to walk the beach in the mist and rain with the appropriate weather gear. But it’s a truly bracing feeling to take off shoes and socks, roll up your pant legs and walk in the surf. The water is cold and refreshing on your feet and legs, while the rest of you is warm. I did that this past winter and followed it with the perfect ending. Dinner at Long Beach Lodge and overnight in their cabin accommodation. It doesn't get any better.” Winter in Nanaimo? No, it isn’t sunshine every day, but the activities menu goes on and on, and you won’t run out of things to do in the seven month winter season. Remember, there’s no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!
Scott Littlejohn has lived on Vancouver Island for 42 years and writes a travel blog VancouverIslandTouring. com and teaches recording engineering at Vancouver Island University’s Jazz faculty. He recorded Diana Krall’s first demos but hasn’t met Elvis.
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