Travel, Trying New Things

Revising our Travel Bucket List: Vancouver Island North

Retirement Reflections

It’s that time of year when Richard and I have often been walking a Camino Trail …or at least planning to do so (2010, 2016, 2017, 2019). During our recent sheltering in place, I longingly reviewed my Camino photos. Many of them tended to look like this:

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Italian Camino (Via Francigena), 2019.

This got me thinking. We already had the travel gear, as well as a mutual love of adventure. We simply had to tweak a couple of things.

Richard and I decided to do a trial run with Port Hardy on Northern Vancouver Island. We have always wanted to go there. Despite it being only a 3.5-hour drive away, we had never quite made it…until this past weekend. And the results? This is the perfect place for a Canadian Camino. Check out this photo and judge for yourself. Pretty similar, right?!

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Quatse River Nature Trail, Port Hardy, June 2020.

We managed to get in 18+ km of hiking in one day, which was fairly close to many of our days on the Camino. We just had to exchange the Camino bunk beds and snoring neighbours with being on constant alert for black bears, wolves and cougar that are commonly found on these trails. Richard was ready!

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Richard was prepared with his bear spray.

Luckily, the bear spray was not needed. As soon as we saw the second fresh pile of bear scat, I immediately left that trail (fraidy cat, I know). However, the next trail that we were on revealed a very similar, fresh pile. Bravely, I safely managed to finish that hike.

Actually, we completed several hikes. The trail options were varied,  and the scenery was rich and stunning.

 

This weekend trip gave us an excellent taste of how we can experience so much that we love about the Camino trail, while travel restrictions remain in place.  There are many more parts of this area that we wish to explore, including Cape Scott Provincial Park (northwest tip of the island, accessible by boat….or by twisty, turny gravel logging roads). We are already planning a return trip!

How have your revised your travel bucket list?

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

104 thoughts on “Revising our Travel Bucket List: Vancouver Island North”

  1. What a lovely trip. Cape Scott is on my bucket list too. Great photos. Seeing Bear scat would make me “scat” too.

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    1. HI, Sharon – Thanks so much for dropping by. I really can’t wait to get to Cape Scott. The more that I read about it, the more that I want to see it. If only I weren’t such a fraidy-cat about those intense logging roads… 😦

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  2. Hi Donna! During the 1970s and 1980s I travelled the length of Vancouver Island several times. We had just moved to the Island from Calgary, and I was in love with the place. I remember the wooden slat trail (could it be the same one?)and of course, the wonderful scenery. I’ll most likely never do the trip again, but have some amazing memories to keep me going!

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    1. Hi, Diane – Thank you so much for dropping by and commenting. Traveling the full length of Vancouver Island is definitely on my bucket list. Our visit to Port Hardy and surrounding area, helped to check off a few more places on this list. It must have been fascinating to visit these areas in the 70’s and 80’s. I agree about amazing memories. There is travel that I have once done and sadly will not do again. But the memories are still with me as if these trips happened yesterday!

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  4. Donna, have you ever tried a boat horn can instead of spraying? They are supposed to be so loud and jolting that wild life heads in the other direction before they get closer. Also, now is when the bear moms are taking care of their babies they may be more aggressive than normal so be careful.

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    1. HI, Luisa – We had a boat horn can with us as well (I was holding that one). We have owned bear spray for years and years but never onced used it. For us, bear spray would be a last resort. But as you say, bears are more aggressive at this time of year. We would rather be safe than sorry.

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  5. I love how you think outside the box Donna and you both managed your own Canadian Camino walk despite restrictions at the moment. It looks breathtaking and Mike has said he would love to come back and visit Canada with more time on Vancouver Island. Perhaps we could do the walk together! xx

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  6. I have! I always assumed I wanted to spend a lot of time in Italy when I eventually retire (if I can afford to travel) but after a holiday there – though I enjoyed it – I realise that my lack of language would be problematic longer-term so… .because I speak a smidge of Portuguese I’m actually thinking I might spend a bit of time in Portugal instead!

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    1. Hi, Deborah – That is the cool thing about travel. It’s incredibly flexible with endless options. When I lived in Beijing, I was sure that I wanted to travel to Tibet. (Oh, wait a minute, that was Richard who was sure). We had selected a date, put down a deposit, and began to make our travel plans. The planning stage showed me just how complicated a trip like that can be. We ended up going to Cambodia instead. A very different trip — but one that was much better for me at the time. Thanks so much for stopping by.
      BTW – I love Portugal!

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  7. Hi Donna – this sounds wonderful … I never travelled to the north of the island … so I’ll really be happy following you along – enjoy the preparation and I’ll enjoy the links to look at and learn more … brilliant – great trip ahead. Fun preparation times … stay safe – Hilary

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    1. Hi, Hilary – Vancouver Island offers such diverse travel opportunities. We loved being able to see nearby places that we had not yet visited. Hiking in such pristine areas was the icing on the cake. We may do more short trips like this one — really not sure yet.
      I hope that you visit the island again. I’m so sorry that I missed you when you were here.

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    1. Bear spray is a pepper spray in a pressurized container. It sprays between 18 and 30 feet. When purchasing it, you need your ID and there are forms to be filled out. We would only use this as a very last resort (we’ve had bear spray for years but have never used it). As I mentioned to Luisa above, we also had a boat horn can with us that is VERY LOUD. That would be our second resort. Our first resort, is me singing. That would truly scare anyone off!

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  9. Hi Donna – I love that you found a way to keep your adventurous spirits alive while you’re not able to travel. I actually prefer it when I find something near to home that I love – less time on planes, less foreign things to get my head around, and I know that I can eat the food and drink the water without worrying about where the next toilet is located!
    Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 😊

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    1. Hi, Leanne – You and I are both so fortunate to live in such beautiful places with endless local travel options. On our way back from the north end of the island, Richard and I have stopped in Courtenay for two nights (we’re still here). This time, Richard will golf. We will then have a social distance meet up with friends. We even managed to get a 90 minute VERY STEEP walk in this morning. So far this trip has been just what the doctors have ordered: Get out and do stuff! 😀

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    1. Hi, John – A ‘burl’ (also called a ‘burr’) is a large bulbous growth that can form on the outside of a tree trunk. They can be found in a variety of sizes. The one that we saw is reported to weigh 30 tons, and measure 20 feet tall and 20 feet in diameter. It was removed from a tall Sitka Spruce tree on Vancouver Island in 2005. There is a similar burl also on display in Port McNeil, not far away.
      Wonderful to hear from you. Please say hello to Donna for me.

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  11. Your desire and your ability to go somewhere peaceful is reassuring. We’ve downsized our travel plans for the year. I was looking forward to visiting Canada and Hawaii this year, but that won’t be happening. No long vacations for us, instead [perhaps] we’ll do a weekend getaway at a regional resort? A bummer, but definitely a first world problem.

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    1. Hi, Ally – I do hope that you make that trip into Canada (when circumstances allow). What part of Canada had you planned on visiting?
      In the meantime, I agree that a regional resort sounds like a wonderful idea. We have stayed in two different accommodations on this trip. In both circumstances, we have been very impressed with the contactless and very hygenic COVID practices in place. (The resort that we are in now mandates a minimum of three days between guests for their rooms. That helped give much more peace of mind.)

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      1. Toronto and then the Lake of Bays area. It seemed like a good car trip, but it can wait. It’ll all be there when we get to it. Good to know about the COVID-19 cleanliness aspect of travel now. That’s encouraging.

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      2. Hi, Ally – I lived in the Toronto area. It’s such a vibrant place! I do hope that you make that trip in the future. In the meantime, you are right, it will all still be there waiting for you. And there is so much to see close to home. Please keep us posted.

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  12. Donna, I think this is the year that most of us, who love to travel, will be exploring close to home. Your hike looks beautiful, if not entirely peaceful (bears), but I am not so sure about the Cape Scott plans. That twisty turny road would not be for me. Maybe its time to buy a boat!

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    1. Hi, Suzanne – Yay, I’m a bit concerned about the logging roads myself. They are not suitable for small cars. Even with a larger vehicle (we have a Jeep), one needs to use extreme caution. The logging trucks have the right of way and are traveling VERY QUICKLY. You need to use the pull offs and get out of their way. Fortunately, there are shuttles and water taxis (that leave at 7 am and pick you back up at 1 pm), but they were not running while we were there and must be booked in advance. Plenty of options for us to explore! 😀

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  13. Lovely, Donna! I am looking forward to exploring more of this beautiful island once the dust settles from my move. 😁
    Guess I’d better invest in some bear spray 😬😜
    Deb

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    1. Hi, Deb – Welcome to Vancouver Island! I believe that you are going to love it here. When we first moved to the island, we received a small pamplet in our mailbox regarding Bear Safety. If encountering a bear, one of its pieces of advice was to say “Go Away Bear!” Seriously!!
      Since then, I’ve made it a point to read up on this topic. A good resource can be found here: https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/bear-sightings-bc-interactive-map-2019. Happy hiking!

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  14. Hi Donna, A Canadian Camino this year sounds perfect! BC is a hiker’s paradise. Your trial hikes look beautiful. I look forward to following along your adventures. For this trip did you stay overnight in your Jeep? I remember you did make it ready for overnight sleep before. In Ontario, we still have spikes in COVID-19 cases so emergency orders have been extended until June 30. It’s going to be a long haul/ lockdown for Toronto since it’s a big city. I haven’t made new travel plans yet due to the restrictions.

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    1. Hi, Natalie – I’m so sorry to hear about Toronto’s spike in COVID cases. With the warmer weather, and already having 3 months of sheltering in place, many of us are (understandably) going a bit stir-crazy.
      On this trip, we stayed 2 nights in a small hotel overlooking the water in Port Hardy. We then stopped an hour away from home at a golf resort for two nights. That’s very Camino-ish for us (saving the more luxurious accomodations for the end of the trip). Friends from Parksville with drive up for an outdoor social distance gathering this evening. We are very much looking forward to this. I hope that you get to travel again soon. In the meantime, your local area does offer wonderful walking opportunities. Please keep us posted.

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  15. I like the idea of a twisty turny gravel road. Beautiful landscape. We honeymooned in Western Ontario and took our little fishing boat on some very remote lakes where we had the entire lake to ourselves. It was the perfect honeymoon for this young couple who spent half their life living in airplanes and hotels.

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    1. Hi, Ingrid – I love your brave and adventurous spirit! Except for the resident wildlife (who we never saw,,,but likely saw us), we had the Port Hardy trails to ourselves. The peacefulness was perfect. (I was going to add ‘quietness’….but the birds were particularly chatty!) I hope that all is well for you. 😀

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  16. What a place of beauty. Magical, even. I, too, would be leery of bears and cougars. I would have both the spray AND an air horn. 😉 Finally, as we Mainers would say, that is some burl.

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    1. Hi, Laurie – That is ‘some burl’…which is incredible since there are two of them of similar size, quite near each other. Like you, I’d rather be overprepared rather than underprepared. I was incredibly relieved that we did not have a bear encounter. I do believe that Richard was a bit disappointed about this. He would have liked at least a glimpse! 😀

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  17. Agree that we just need to get out there, somewhere somewhat local, and take a walk or go on a hike. Getting outside, no matter if it’s close to home, will help everyone’s mood.

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  18. Good for you. Many wonderful places within Canada. A lot of Canadians will be tourist in their own back yard. Enjoy!

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    1. Hi, Joanne – Great to hear from you. How are you and Bill doing? I agree that many of us will now become tourists in our backyards. It’s embarrassing what nearby sites I have still not yet seen. Rectifying this is a definite silver lining. Take care. Big hugs!

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    1. Hi, Susan and John – Vancouver Island truly holds stunning natural wonders. I’m delighted that you were hiking along beside us. I believe that you would both really enjoy this area.
      I hope that all is well for you and that you are both safe.

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  20. Dear Donna,

    I’m a big fan of finding adventure in our own backyards! So I loved this! What great photos and so reminiscent of the Camino. Who would know the difference. So glad you are enjoying the great outdoors and breathing in copious amounts of live giving and life sustaining
    oxygen. I can’t do without my Nature fix😄. Yesterday my sister and I climbed a little cliff in our own backyard overlooking the Pacific Ocean and it was like being reborn.

    Thinking of you,

    Susan

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    1. Hi, Susan -There were so many times on this hike that Richard and I looked around and said to each other “we could totally be on the Camino”. Then we’d look around, see a bear warning sign, and instantly know the difference. 😀
      I’m so glad that you and your sister have been able to hike, climb and explore your surrounding area.
      Sending big virtual hugs your way!

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  21. We often forget about our own back yard in favour of more exotic locations. The difference in your hike on the northern parts and the Camino would be the volume of people. You’ve also got the West coast trail so near year but don’t even know if it’s open this year and if so it would already be full. It’s been on my bucket list for a long time and we are hoping for next year.
    We hope to explore a little more here in Saskatchewan this year — perhaps a trip to the sand dune hills or up to Stanley Mission to see the church and waterfalls.

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    1. Hi, Bernie – I believe that the West Coast Trail is closed until at least June 24. Since Richard and I are big hikers, you’d think that this trail would be top on our list. Unfortunately, I am more of a lodge to lodge kind of hiker. And the need to climb rope ladders to get from Point A to Point B would totally do me in. Sadly, “Fear of Heights” (where I actually could fall) is my middle name.
      The Sand Dunes and Stanley Mission sound lovely. If you get there, please share your adventures in a post.

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  22. If a duplicate message my apologies, please delete this one.

    Your photos are lovely Donna. Our exercise restriction hours have just been lifted, our hours of exercise, masked and all were from 6 am to 9.00 a.m. for about 8 weeks until this past Monday. Just today we talked about hauling out our bikes, attaching them to the car and heading out. Small picnic packed in back packs, car ride about 15 mins away, park at a view site and cycle along the cycle track. Back to car and view site, have picnic, and look out for whales (a little early) and hopefully dolphins. Watch this space – am pretty wobbly on my bike. Have never gotten those gears and how they work into my skull. But definitely plan to explore closer to home …

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    1. Hi, Susan – I ❤ your 'backyard travel plan'. If you do that trip, please, please post!
      BTW – I am also VERY wobbly on my bike. I admire you for pushing past your comfort zone. Nothing ventured, nothing gained…or something like that! 😀

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  23. Although we haven’t ventured forth like you yet, I love the idea of taking little mini-trips close to home. So many adventures can be had without getting in an airplane.

    Your hike looks very similar to the one we took while visiting Port Hardy. We didn’t see any scat but we were well aware of our surroundings, just in case. I remember visiting a very small First Nation village (Tsaxis or Fort Rupert) just south of Port Hardy that had some wonderful murals and totems, including colorful ones dotting a very old cemetery. Do you get there? If not, maybe next time 🙂

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    1. Hi, Janis – It’s incredible to believe that you and Paul were out this way less than one year ago. All of these shutdowns the past few months have seemed to push long-distance travel farther and farther away.
      Sadly, Richard and I did not get to Tsaxis or Fort Rupert (or Cape Scott, or Holberg, or Winter Harbour, or Port Alice, or Kyuquot, or Zeballos, or……). Thus, the need to go back! I look forward to chatting at the end of this week!

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  24. I love the idea of being a tourist in my own back yard. Good on you and Richard for taking advantage of what’s at hand. I came to appreciate my locale when my friends from England first came to visit in the late 80’s, then again in 2001. They would have arrived for a third visit yesterday. Today would have been a quiet day post-travel where we would have hiked locally, did some planning for the next 2 weeks. I shared the itinerary with them earlier today. It’s like being a tourist guide. To me there is nothing prettier than the English countryside. To hear my friend extol the beauty of where I live cultivated a deep appreciation for my home locale. Next year!

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    1. Hi, Mona – I’m sad that your friends were not able to visit this year. That will make next year that much more special! You are right that others often see the beauty around us before we do.
      I was excited to see your new handle and immediately checked to see if you had started a blog. You can’t blame me for hoping!

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    1. Hi, Mike – When Richard and I began our Caminos (2010) we typically hiked 27 – 31 km per day. Now that we are, ahem – a bit older, 20 km a day (give or take) is perfect for us! Hope all is well for you.

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      1. Woah! I walked 4km yesterday just around the house. On days I take the girls on a run I still only get around 8km. But I’m currently usually carrying or pushing someone so maybe I can double those numbers!

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      2. Yes, carrying or pushing something definitely counts! On our Camino hikes, Richard and I are each wearing a 10-15 lb backpack. That makes a big difference from the hikes were we are pack-free.

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  26. Hi Donna! Good for you! I think the best word for 2020 is “adapt.” So many changes it is best to try and find ways to work around our restrictions and still make a life. Thank you for your photos and for your inspiration. ~Kathy

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    1. Hi, Kathy – YOU are actually the inspiration! Despite your wonderful overseas plans being postponed, you and Tom found a brilliant way to still get away and enjoy a change of scenery. Thank you for this. It is a wonderful prescription! 😀

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  28. I think the only difference between the Italian and Canadian Camino photos is that there are more clothes in the latter! What a lovely break. I’ve no idea when hotels etc will open here, so we are not making any travel plans beyond a week in August which is actually our Easter break. We had a cottage booked for a week and moved the dates when Easter became impossible. I’m not convinced August will happen either, but we’ll see.

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    1. Hi, Anabel – You have a very good eye! Richard did have more clothes on in the Canadian hike photo. Embarassingly, I wear long shirts and long pants on most hikes regardless of the weather. For me, its a dislike of bugs, scratchy plants and excessive sunscreen. Luckily, there are all types of Cool Max clothing that can help keep hikers like me cool and dry despite the temperatures.
      More and more hotels are opening up this way. So far, their COVID policies have been impressive. (I’m at a resort right now as I type this).
      Fingers crossed that your planned August travel will happen. I look forward to reading that post!

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  29. What a brilliant idea to hike your own “backyard,” Donna! We all have to make do with the restrictions! Your photos show what a glorious area this is! It looks cool and inviting, too. We have our delta an hour away, so that will occupy us all summer, with a couple of more road trips to WA in late summer. I’m hoping we can explore all that area and into Canada next year once we get moved up there! I would love to hike with you!

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  30. Hi Donna, I am opening up your email and in awe of the breathtaking heading photo! I was telling Chuck you and Richard must be in Port Hardy when I saw your evening photo of Port Hardy on Instagram. We have not been to Cape Scott, yet. Supposed to be very gorgeous, although, mixed reports on leaving a car there when you hike/camp. Issues with break ins. I think there are ways to get around that. Thankful we live on the beautiful West Coast. Scenery “rich and stunning.” All of your photos are great! Re: bear – three bear in Victoria recently. One bear outside my daughter’s house in Shawnigan Lake. Her husband went to check outside when he heard unusual noise. Where is Richard with his bear spray when we need him?xx

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    2. Hi, Erica – Thank you for your kind comment. Port Hardy was simply stunning. Richard would have loved to see the bear at Shawnigan Lake. The bear spray would have been his last defense (me singing is always his first)! I look forward to catching up again on Friday. It is amazing how quickly the weeks fly by!

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      1. I am with you, Donna. I always believed in the singing, too. 🙂 I think the bear has to be pretty close for the bear spray to be effective. I don’t want to find out! 😅

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      2. Hi, Erica – It depends on the bear spray — and the user. Most work from 18 – 30 feet. Made from hot peppers, they do severely irritate the eyes, nose, mouth and ears — so definitely not my first choice. Richard believes that my singing would scare most bears off anyway!

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  31. What a great idea – and I’d be scared of the bear poo too. We’re having to revise our plans to explore a little more of our home state – not necessarily a bad thing, but choosing somewhere that’s only about 3 hours away is a challenge in a state as big as ours.

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    1. Hi, Jo – I’m glad I’m not alone in being frightened off by the (FRESH) bear scat. I know that Richard would have liked to have completed that hike. Having a variety of options of places to travel in your home state is a very good thing. I’ve visited your lovely area (2010). You are definitely spoiled with choice!

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  32. Glad you guys (finally) made it to Port Hardy and out for some decent nature hiking again! I remember that burl and we followed a couple of short trails in that area when we visited VI. No bucket list items revisited here, if we even had a list. But, we also drove a chunk – four hours or so – for a change of scenery and focus, helping out family with renovation work in Maine! 🙂 Nope, not on any lists, but we might as well make ourselves useful instead of being stuck in a small room.

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    1. Hi, LIesbet – We loved Port Hardy. Although Richard was sad not to have seen a bear. He kept asking where you and Mark saw yours. All that I remembered was that it was near water!
      I saw on FB that you got out and about today. So nice to help friends. You two (I mean three) are awesome!

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      1. We saw “ours” closer to you! It was during the salmon run, early fall, at the fish hatchery of – let me look it up – Campbell River. I also just realized we never visited Port Hardy. It was Port McNeil, where the burl is stationed and where we turned around. You’d like Seward as well.

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      2. Hi, Liesbet – As I was typing my first comment to you, friends of ours (who had just left our place) saw a black bear on the side of the road, on their way home. Now Richard is TOTALLY jealous!
        We did visit Port McNeil and Sayward as well. Sayward is almost all closed down at this time. Not much happening currently in those little island towns. We stopped for coffee in Telegraph Cove. The grandfatherly owner of the restaurant/small resort was on his porch, and offered me coffee from his thermos. Despite the enticing coffee sign, his restaurant/resort was closed until further notice. 😦

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  33. Great idea!!! My friend had planned on tackling the Applachian Trial but instead has found these amazing trials on Long Island, 160 some odd miles worth! Very cool.

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    1. Hi, Antoinette – I would LOVE to do parts of the Applachian Trail. Unfortunately, I have never (yet) been able to convince Richard about this. Congratulations to your friend for finding her own trails on Long Island. 160 miles worth is quite a find!

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  34. Hello, Donna,
    Your pictures of Port Hardy and Italian Camino bear a strong resemblance to our Great Smoky Mountain trails. In recent days, the Black Bears have been venturing out more since the crowd numbers are low. Helen and I are eagerly looking forward to Seeing Banff and Lake Louise. We have only been to British Victoria, but fell in love with it. So glad you’re a Happy Hiker. Stay safe. Joe

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  35. Hi Donna, it’s amazing how similar the area was to your original plan, and it’s clear that the adventure was a success! We can find ways to do just about anything when we think creatively, right? And I’m glad the bears stayed out of the way for you!

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  36. I love it! The Canadian Camino. It does look similar too. We do what we can do right now. So far our travel plans have been to the local park and back. Hopefully, we can explore more of Spain later on. Right now we can’t leave our province. So many great places to hike on Vancouver Island. Enjoy!

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  37. It’s amazing how similar those two photos are! Sweet proof of how sometimes we miss the beauty in our own back yards. Fabulous weekend hike you share here. My guy and I have changed summer travel plans (to SF Bay) and so far are just enjoying day hikes near our home (like Walden Pond) and walking the city of Boston. But most places are still shut down in the city. I’m crossing fingers we’ll be able to travel to DE to my mom’s church for her memorial service. Not a vacation, but a celebratory family gathering if possible. 🙏

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    1. Hi, Pam – Thanks so much for stopping by. We truly can miss the beauty in our own back yards. Walking the city of Boston sounds wonderful. So much history there!
      Sending warm wishes that you are able to travel to your celebratory family gathering. Thinking of you.

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      1. Thanks for your wishes – I think they’ll help. And yes, Boston is a very “walkable” city. We start on brick-lined Charles Street where unique cafes line the road (and do curbside pick up now for cappuccinos), walk down Beacon Hill, stroll along the Charles River, walk through the beautiful Public Gardens and down famous Newbury Street. Boston is a beautiful historic city (but best walked on an early Sunday morning). 🙂

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  38. Donna, this hiking area looks great and very similar to your Camino photo, except maybe for the bears and other beasties! I love the fact you can use this time into discovering and enjoying areas you have closer to home. The photos look great and I love the shot of you in that wooden chair! Well done on a great effort doing 18kms too 🙂

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  42. What a fabulous thing to do and with potential bears too! I’d love to see a wild bear, (although I’m sure I’d be a little scared). When we were in Sun Peaks, it was early March so apparently bears were beginning to wake up, but they are supposed to be quite scared of people and tend to shy away, or so I was told. Again, your photo’s are gorgeous Donna, green foliage and blue skies go so well together 🙂

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  43. Hi, Sam – I have another friend from the UK that was in Vancouver area last summer and did a bunch of mountain biking. One of his biggest fears was running into a bear when he was here. Everyone told him that it was quite unlikely. But…he actually achieved a trifecta (black bear, brown bear and grizzly bear sighting)! Hope that you are well.

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  44. You should add New Zealand to your list of destinations. I think you would appreciate the nature, based on the sort of places you photograph.

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