Potholes abound on the dirt roads leading out to SDL Glamping, but pass through the gate and onto the property, it's immediately clear each bump and jostle was worth it. Stepping onto each site, you’re met with everything you could need, from firewood and icepacks to hotsauce and coffee, mugs and cookware. Show up with almost nothing but clothes and food, and you’re set. There’s a fireplace inside, a firepit on the beach, and a propane firepit at each site. A hammock to relax overlooking the ocean, and adirondack chairs to do the same. The toilets are spotless, and the showers warm. The care and attention to detail is astounding.

Step onto the beach and soak it in. It’s the rugged coast, with Sitka Spruce towering above and sea grass growing amongst the driftwood. Along the beach and you’ll find tide pools teaming with life: starfish, sculpins, anemones, and more. There’re patches of sand, jutting headlands, and rock fields. Keep walking, and you’ll find a cave large enough to venture into, hidden behind a fallen log. Likely you’ll see a bear; surely, you’ll see bear droppings. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a couple of waves right out front your site. No surf? Grab a kayak and go for a paddle.

Your hosts are informative, welcoming, and extremely friendly. With all the amenities, a plethora of activities, an epic west coast setting, and no crowds, what more could you want?

If I had to pick one word to describe the Doighouse Earthship it would be welcoming. Coming onto Susan and Tony’s property is like coming onto your own, due to the strong sense of community they’ve built. Whether setting up camp in the forest, garden, or elsewhere, you’ll feel at home.

While the property has anything you could need, including water, a clean pit toilet, and even an outdoor shower, perhaps the greatest attraction – aside from the aforementioned sense of community – is touring the Earthship, which was under construction when I visited. You probably don’t know what an Earthship is, and I’ll save that for Tony and Susan to explain, but don’t skip finding out for yourself.

Like the Earthship, when I visited, a number of tent sites were also under construction, with two finished: the forest site I stayed at, as well as the garden site. There’s even a small cabin nearing completion, which will make a cozy and equipped stay for those without a tent. Beyond the sites, the property is centered around a beautiful garden through which ducks, cats, and a dog wander, with chickens scratching in their coop. Walk mere minutes back along the driveway, and an amazing trail crosses, which features a small stream and towering old growth trees. Head back to the road, and a beautiful beach with seaside eateries awaits.

The property is one that you could stay a night, a week, or who knows how long?

In a peaceful neighbourhood close, but not too close, to town, parks, and the ocean, Longleat House offers a great location to post up and enjoy the pastural atmosphere.

Coming down the driveway, one is met by the horse Jewel, whose stable one parks beside. Behind host Barry’s house is a large field, edged by forest, which offers a number of places to pitch a tent, some shaded by the trees. The large field is perfect for games, with the various benches dotting the property offering great spots to take a rest. A woodchipped trail leads down to the creek, which is the perfect to cool off and admire the large cedars towering above. Needing to warm up? Then have a hot tub on the patio. Or grab some firewood from Barry.

Activities off the property abound, including a variety of parks such as Englishman River Falls, or Tiny Mountain Lookout. Nearby Parksville has anything one could need, including an expansive sandy beach.

The care and attention Barry has put into his property is evident, and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again.

Located steps from the ocean, Paul’s property offers exactly what is states: dispersed field sites, as well as secluded tent sites based around the main field. Depending on the time of year, the secluded tent sites will be shielded by tall grass, offering a good amount of privacy, with the field open and easily able to accommodate any RV imaginable.

The expansive property offers opportunity for wildlife viewing, field games, and walking, while feeling secure and quiet, despite being fairly close to the highway. Just steps away is the beach, with a nature trail perfect for exploring and wildlife viewing. A small pizza truck is located by the beach, great for an easy meal.

Paul is friendly and responsive, and his property offers endless camping opportunities. Although rain dampened my trip, a summer visit spent at the beach and in the field at Paul’s would be fantastic.

Follow the brewery signs along scenic dirt roads with lake, dam, and mountain views, and one eventually arrives at the incredibly breath-taking Ursa Minor Brewery and Ranch.

Sitting alone on the shores of Lake Ootsa, Little Bear Ranch is a true slice of paradise, offering a plethora of activities including fishing, kayaking, swimming, wildlife viewing, hiking, and of course, beer tasting.

The small cabin is well equipped with everything one could need, with retro charm and a wood fireplace/oven/stove, as well as a gas grill. The showers are warm and more than welcome after having spent the last few days camping, as are the comfortable beds. It’s worth noting that there’s no wifi or cell reception, so prepare to disconnect during your stay.

Beyond the cabin, a small campground is under construction and is likely already open by the time you’re reading this. There’s a small number of spots for both trailers and tents, and a small boat launch as well.

Kayaks, life jackets, and fishing rods are begging to be used on the quiet lake, with a beer tasting (and BBQ meal on certain days of the week) to follow in the tasting room, or on the patio. A tour of the micro-brewery is also recommended for those interested.

Hosts Gwyn and Nathan are incredibly welcoming and happy to share stories and the history of the ranch/brewery. The only complaint you’ll have, is how hard it is to leave.

Willow Cale Tent and RV is the perfect place for someone who wants nothing but the basics, while being within 20 minutes from Prince George. The large open field allows pretty much any vehicle to easily set up camp, with lots of distance from other campers. When I visited, some of the ground was still wet, causing some ruts in the access road, making for a little bit of a challenge for lower vehicles. However, come drier weather, this wouldn’t be an issue.

At the field, the ground is fairly even, making picking a place to pitch a tent pretty easy. The open skies make for great stargazing, or, in my case when I stayed, watching the epic storm clouds blow over. The many trails that cross through the property’s forest allow for leisurely walks, and the chance to spot wildlife, with many grouse sightings during my visit. Evidence of deer scratching at the trees is also present throughout the property.

Ensure you bring everything you need with you when you visit, as there’s no amenities available aside from a firepit and a large amount of fallen wood. That said, with the city of Prince George so close, anything forgotten is a short drive away. Brother hosts Ben and Trahern are quick to respond to anything needed, and will warmly welcome you to the property.

A nice stopping point to break up a drive when traversing highway 97, or a base camp for exploring the many lakes of highway 24, Shaker Acres has the essentials, but is a tad cluttered in some spots. Across the property, there's a variety of areas to set up camp whether tenting or RVing, with amenities available including a bathroom located in the basement of the house. A plethora of old vehicles make for an interesting backdrop while exploring the property, and one will be sure to have at least one of the very excited (sometimes a bit over-bearing) dogs joining on any walk. Nearby attractions abound, including the Bridge Lake Ice Caves, well worth checking out.

Located in the heart of the Fraser Canyon, Richard’s property makes for the perfect base camp for exploring the gorgeous area.

Although tiny indeed, the house is equipped with everything one or two people could need, with kitchen amenities, a bathroom, and a great patio to enjoy the sun and view of the mountains. While the indoor shower is a bit tight, the outdoor shower is perfect for stretching out a bit. The small lawn is great for laying in the grass, or playing a game or two.

Boston Bar itself has the basics available, and even though the house is just off the highway, road noise isn’t too bad. The perk of being on the highway is quick access to the plethora of parks and attractions the Fraser Canyon has to offer, from historic sites, to incredible waterfalls.

Well within a reasonable drive from Vancouver, Magnolia Cottage makes for the perfect quick getaway from the city. Tenderly stocked by host Michele, one feels right at home with coffee, tea, cookware, etc. inside the cozy cabin. Outside the cabin, the mighty Fraser offers constant entertainment watching logs and birds go by, and fishing opportunities abound. Two fire pits, one wood, one propane, make great spots for relaxation. Michele’s animals are happy to make friends, with the chickens up top quick to say hello, and her cats more than happy to hang out by the wood fire pit between hunting sessions in the bushes. With really everything one could need, Magnolia makes a great base camp to explore the Fraser Canyon.

Port Hardy RV Resort and Cabins is an incredible place to stay while exploring the north end of the Island. Even with all the activities available around Port Hardy, one could simply stay at Laura’s property and be totally happy.

From a number of oceanside or forest tent sites, cute log cabins, or full-service RV sites, there’s something for any type of camper. With a beautiful estuary to explore, nature trails starting right at the property, a river to swim/fish in, ample room for field games, a BBQ pavilion, and a playground, there’s something for all ages. The amenities include firepits, picnic tables, flush toilets, hot showers, firewood available for purchase, and even wifi. Being located five minutes from Port Hardy, supplies are a breeze to find. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Laura is extremely responsive and happy to help with anything one might need.

With clean and useful amenities on such a beautiful property, the campground really is a gem, and certainly where I’ll stay next time I’m in Port Hardy.

Located up a quiet mountain road, Giovanni’s property is a perfect get-away to relax in nature, while being steps away from the amazing bicycling opportunities of the Cowichan Valley Trail.

On the property, the peaceful ambiance is highlighted by a private site sheltered by salal and trees, with a seasonal stream trickling in the background. A picnic table and fire ring are perfect for relaxing, with firewood and kindling provided for my stay. Steps away from the site is a beautiful field and pond, with a water tap, clean outhouse, and putting green for guest’s enjoyment.

While the one site is well established, Giovanni has more in the works across the property, all offering private tranquility. Some of the in-progress sites will be perfectly suited to those with trailers or campervans, while others will excel for tenters.

Giovanni himself is welcoming and quick to respond to any questions one might have. His level of care for his property is clear, and well reflected in the currently established site, leaving no doubt the other sites will be just as nice.

Clayton’s expansive property hugging the magnificent Cowichan River is a sight to behold, even outside of the summer season. When I camped in the late winter, the aquamarine water rushed by the property in thunderous awe, and hinted at the wonderful beach to come once the waterline recedes in the summer.

The property offers a great number of sites to choose from. A lower field allows a large area to set up any number of tents – steps from the river – with fire pits here and there, as well as a beach volleyball court, and ample room to store kayaks or floaties. Up the driveway is the upper field, again offering essentially unlimited space to set up tents, campervans, or trailers. Here one will also find a tap, and on the road connecting the two fields, there’s an outhouse tucked into the forest. From the upper field, step into the forest and one will find a number of established treed sites, offering more shade/privacy, as well as picnic tables and fire rings.

Activities available on the property nearly number the available space for tents. The river, of course, is the biggest draw; with world class fishing (check the regulations first) and amazing swimming/floating opportunities. Beyond the river there’s a plethora of trails winding through the forest, bringing hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The field space also offers room for field games.

Overall, Clayton’s property offers nearly limitless camping options, and almost as many activity potentials.