Further Up Island and Back to the Mainland

Further Up Island and Back to the Mainland
Comox, Campbell River & Powell River – July 23 - Aug 3

On Tuesday, July 23, we resumed our journey “up island” to Comox, located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Everywhere we looked, we were surrounded by majestic forests, sparkling water, and towering mountains—some still snow-capped in mid-summer.

Like many Vancouver Island communities, the Comox Valley is rooted in Indigenous history. The original inhabitants were the K’ómoks First Nation, part of the Northern Coast Salish peoples. The name "Comox" comes from their language and reflects the area’s rich natural resources—abundant fish, fertile land, and dense forests.

European contact began in 1792 when Captain George Vancouver anchored in Comox Harbour aboard the HMS Discovery. By the mid-1800s, settlers had arrived and established agriculture, mining, and logging industries. The Port of Comox soon became an important hub for the Royal Navy and transport steamers. The early 20th century saw further development, especially with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1942, CFB Comox was founded, initially as a Royal Air Force base, and remains an active military installation today.

We were fortunate to spend six days in Comox, staying at the Airforce Beach Campground thanks to our great friends Gwen and Billy—friends we first met in Hawaii years ago. While based there, we enjoyed a wonderful mix of relaxation and exploration:

• Gwen and Billy gave us a great tour of Comox, including Goose Spit Park and Comox Marina Park, followed by dinner at the Blackfin Pub with sweeping views of the waterfront.

• We walked the long, sandy expanse of Airforce Beach.

• Took a day trip to Campbell River, where we:

  • Hiked to the stunning Elk Falls Suspension Bridge

  • Toured the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery

  • Strolled the Campbell River harbour and enjoyed a seafood lunch

• Returned to Nanaimo for another delicious lunch at Horang Korean Restaurant

• Gave our travel trailer a “spa day” with a thorough exterior cleaning

• Enjoyed a visit at our campsite from great friends Lito and Kelly, who we met in Hawaii many years ago and who also live in Comox

This was our longest stay in one campground so far, and we truly appreciated the slower pace.

With Billy & Gwen at Comox Harbour

Dinner at the Black Finn

Cruise ship passing Comox

Hiking to Elk Falls Suspension Bridge

One of many old growth trees

Fran on the Suspension Bridge over the Elk Falls

Elk Falls

Campbell River Harbour

Campbell River Waterfront

Airforce Beach, Comox

31 Ranger Tug's at a Comox Rendezvous

Lunch at Horang Korean Restaurant

Doe and two fawns at Airforce Campground

Campbell River

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Campbell River has a rich history spanning thousands of years. The region is the traditional territory of the We Wai Kai (Cape Mudge) and Wei Wai Kum (Campbell River) First Nations.

Its fame as a sport fishing destination began in the 1920s and ’30s, drawing in celebrities like author Zane Grey and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Tyee Pool became legendary for its giant Chinook salmon, and the Tyee Club of British Columbia, founded in 1924, introduced strict fishing rules—light tackle and rowboats only.

The construction of the Elk Falls pulp and paper mill in 1952 brought hundreds of jobs and helped anchor the local economy for decades. Logging, fishing, and forestry dominated much of the 20th century. Today, Campbell River is a thriving coastal community that proudly embraces its Indigenous roots and industrial heritage.

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Back to the Mainland – Powell River

On Tuesday, July 29, we had the shortest travel day of our trip. We left Comox, drove a few minutes to the Little River Ferry Terminal, and took a 90-minute ferry to Powell River. From the ferry dock, it was just a short drive to our destination—Willingdon Beach Campsite, right on the waterfront. Total driving distance of under 7 kilometres. 

We stayed in Powell River for six days, enjoying quality time with my cousin Kate and her family plus my sister Leslie (from Vancouver) who timed her usual summer visit to Kate & Evan with ours.

Powell River is perched on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, a stretch of mainland coast extending 180 km from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. Rugged mountains isolate it from the rest of the province—though it’s on the mainland, access is only possible by ferry, private boat, or plane.

The Sunshine Coast lies within the traditional territories of the Tla’amin, Klahoose, shíshálh, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and Homalco Nations.

Powell River’s history is tied to industry. In 1910, the Powell River Company built the world’s first newsprint mill using groundwood pulp and hydroelectricity using the nearby dammed river. At its height, the mill was the largest of its kind, drawing workers from across Canada. A model company town grew around it, with neighbourhoods and amenities—many of which still exist today.

A highlight of Powell River is the original townsite, now a National Historic District. With its Arts and Crafts homes, grid layout, and landmarks like the Patricia Theatre (BC’s oldest continuously operating cinema), it offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century life.

After WWII, the community expanded with new schools, arts centres, and recreational facilities. The mill, later merged with MacMillan Bloedel, operated until its closure in 2005.

While in Powell River, we:

• Swam in Powell Lake, just a short walk from Kate and Evan’s home

• Drove to Lund with Kate and Leslie for lunch at the Boardwalk Restaurant overlooking the harbour, walked the docks and chatted with a Nordic Tug owner, and bought beautiful, locally made wool sweaters at the Pollen Sweater Store

• Celebrated Emma and Evan’s birthdays with a cozy family dinner at Kate and Evan's house

• Visited Emma and Bronte at their home to see all their major renovations, followed by a hike along the Sunset Park Trail with Emma, their dog Milo, Kate, and Leslie

• Attended the Willingdon Beach Farmers Market, which Kate helped launch this spring

• Picked wild blackberries, abundant all over town

• Walked the Sea Walk (and picked more blackberries!)

• Enjoyed a final goodbye dinner with Kate and Leslie at Coastal Cookery, overlooking the ocean

Powell River is a place of exceptional natural beauty—mountains, ocean, and forest all around. Its seclusion helps preserve this charm and supports a peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle. With fewer people and less transience than urban centres, it has a close-knit, friendly community and a surprisingly vibrant arts scene for its size.

That said, isolation does come with trade-offs. It requires two ferries to reach Vancouver. Travel can be time-consuming, expensive, and weather-dependent. Access to consumer goods and building materials may be limited and/or more expensive. Specialized healthcare often means a trip to the Lower Mainland. And in winter, the remoteness can feel isolating to some.

We had a marvellous time in Powell River and wholeheartedly encourage others to include it on their West Coast itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.

Ferry to Powell River swallows up hundreds of cars

Leslie, Kate, Evan & Fran

Tug'n at Willingdon Beach Campground, Powell River

Swam here at Powell Lake

Chief wild blackberry picker - they are everywhere

Wilkinson Beach Park - the site of the annual Lumber Festival - pole climbing is one of many competitions (they really are as tall as they look)

Chainsaw carving contest at Willingdon Beach Park

Lunch at the Boardwalk Restaurant in Lund

Kate, Fran, Leslie, Emma and Milo on our hike on Sunset Park Trail

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Next Episode: Making our way to British Columbia’s Okanagan Region 🌿🍇

Towing with an EV: Our Tesla Model Y and Airstream Experience

Towing with an EV: Our Tesla Model Y and Airstream Experience

Everywhere we go, people are curious about our Tesla/Airstream setup. Whether at campgrounds, charging stations, ferry lineups, or on board ferries, we’re constantly approached with questions. Our rig—a Tesla Model Y towing a 28’ Airstream—certainly turns heads.

The Setup

Our Model Y has impressive torque, making it surprisingly capable as a tow vehicle. We had our rig configured by Can-Am RV in London, Ontario, a dealer with deep experience—over 100 EVs set up for towing to date. They reinforced the hitch, installed an electronic brake controller, weight distribution bars, and anti-sway gear. Thanks to this setup, towing has been smooth and worry-free.

At the midpoint of our cross-country journey from Milton, Ontario to the West Coast and back, we’ve towed our trailer more than 5,500 kilometres without a hitch—pun intended.

Our Airstream has a dry weight of 6,825 lbs and a loaded weight of approximately 7,800 lbs.

Dealing with Doubt

We’ve encountered our share of skeptics online—some claim our setup is illegal, unsafe, or likely to land us in jail. But here’s the thing: what makes a great tow vehicle isn’t brute size—it’s a low centre of gravity, independent rear suspension, strong pulling power, and a short hitch-to-rear-axle distance. The Model Y checks all those boxes.

Can-Am RV’s team knows what they’re doing. For those interested in towing with an EV, I’d strongly suggest checking out their website or talking directly with them.

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Energy Use & Range

Average Consumption (So Far)

Our average energy consumption while towing has ranged from 400 to 425 Wh/km depending on terrain and weather:

• Ontario to Winnipeg (via Lakes Huron and Superior) – 425 Wh/km

• Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Alberta – 411 Wh/km

• British Columbia – 400 Wh/km

It’s important to note that these are averages—some legs were over 500 Wh/km, others well under 400.

Range Forecasting: Tesla’s Energy Screen

Tesla’s trip planner is excellent—when not towing. While towing, it tends to be overly optimistic. Fortunately, the Energy screen is a lifesaver. It lets you track your real-time efficiency and forecast whether you’ll reach your next charger. If it looks doubtful, you only have two options:

1. Slow down – A lower speed significantly extends range.

2. Unhitch and charge solo – If you're really tight on range, unhitch the trailer, drive ahead to charge, then return.

So far, we’ve only had to unhitch and charge once during the entire 5,500+ km journey. This was caused by an "out of service" Flo charger.

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Charging Strategy

As most EV owners know, the 10% to 80% state-of-charge range is the charging sweet spot—especially with DC Fast Charging. Above 80%, charging slows significantly. While towing, we often need to charge beyond that range to play it safe.

We make good use of that extra time—grabbing a snack, brewing coffee in the trailer, or working on this blog. Time never feels wasted.

Charging Network: Superchargers & Beyond

When you’re not towing, Tesla’s Supercharger network can get you just about anywhere in North America.

When towing, though, range is significantly reduced. In our case, we consume about 2.8 times more energy than normal driving. That means we sometimes need to access alternative networks like Flo, BC Hydro, ChargePoint, etc. A Tesla CCS adapter has been essential.

The Tesla Supercharger network remains the most reliable, but having the ability to use others has expanded our flexibility.

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Daily Planning

Each travel day, we review:

• Wind direction (headwinds hurt range, tailwinds help)

• Elevation changes

• Charger distances and availability

We aim for a maximum of two charging stops per day, which has worked well. 

APPS

When needing to make use of non Tesla chargers, we have apps from PlugShare, ChargePoint, Switch, Electrify Canada, ChargeHub, Shell and Flo. We've also made good use of A Better Route Planner software and used a very conservative consumption rate of 440 Wh/Km for planning. 

Unhitching to Charge

So far, traveling westbound across Canada, we’ve gone from Barrie, Ontario to Cranbrook, BC without needing to unhitch—except once. Many Supercharger sites were empty, allowing us to pull in sideways. At several busy sites, other EV drivers graciously moved aside to make space for us. Those little moments of thoughtfulness make a big difference.

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Charging Costs

As of July 29, we’ve towed our trailer 5,511 km and spent $765 on charging—a very reasonable amount for such a long journey.

At campgrounds, we often plug the car into shore power using 30A and 50A adapters. Our trailer has a robust lithium battery bank and solar setup, so it rarely needs external power.

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Final Thoughts

We’ve been very pleased with how the Model Y handles towing our Airstream:

• No white-knuckle moments

• Excellent stability and control

• Cruise control + regenerative braking makes mountain driving a breeze

• On long downhills, we’ve even gained up to 10% charge back through regen

We’d love a future EV tow vehicle with more range, so we can stay comfortably within the 10–80% charge window. But we’re not interested in massive battery trucks that take forever to recharge. The upcoming Lucid Gravity looks promising—and it’s on our radar to explore when we return home.

Across the Island to Tofino and Ucluelet

Across the Island to Tofino and Ucluelet

The next leg of our journey took us across Vancouver Island to its rugged west coast, where the land ends and the Pacific Ocean begins. Our first brief stop was Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park—one of British Columbia’s most magical and accessible old-growth forests. Towering Douglas firs and red cedars reach heights of up to 250 feet and circumferences of 30 feet, with many trees over 800 years old. Walking among them is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

A brief visit to see the old growth forest of Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park

To reach Tofino, the road passes through Port Alberni, a city nestled at the head of the Alberni Inlet—a long, fjord-like waterway ideal for boating, kayaking, and exploring Barkley Sound. The city was named after a Spanish officer stationed at nearby Nootka Sound in the 1790s and was settled in the mid-1800s with the arrival of the fur trade and logging. It grew into a major forestry and fishing hub by the 20th century. In 1964, a tsunami triggered by an Alaskan earthquake caused extensive damage to the town, though fortunately, there were no fatalities.

After charging our vehicle in Port Alberni, we continued westward on a very lumpy road (not fun pulling a trailer) and then north to Tofino. Long before European contact, this region was home to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, whose deep connection to the land and sea spans thousands of years. Their traditions of fishing, whaling, and cedar canoe building are still honored today.

In 1778, Captain James Cook landed at Nootka Sound, further north on the island, sparking European interest in the Pacific Northwest. In 1792, Spanish explorers Galiano and Valdés mapped the coastline and named the area Tofino, after Spanish hydrographer Vicente Tofiño. The town slowly developed as an outpost and was connected by road in 1955—a turning point in its history. The creation of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in 1972 brought environmental protections and a growing wave of tourism.

Tofino gained international attention in the early 1990s during the Clayoquot Sound logging protests—one of the largest acts of civil disobedience in Canadian history. Over 800 people were arrested protesting clear-cut logging. The movement led to changes in forestry practices and helped shape Canada’s modern environmental movement. In 2000, Clayoquot Sound was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in recognition of its ecological and cultural value.

Today, Tofino is a vibrant coastal community known for world-class surfing, whale watching, eco-tourism, and a thriving arts and culinary scene, all while maintaining a laid-back charm. The town is a model of sustainable tourism and Indigenous collaboration, with strong partnerships between First Nations and the local tourism sector.

We stayed at the relatively new Tsawaak RV Resort, located on Mackenzie Beach. During our stay, we took a whale watching tour with Ahous Adventures, an Indigenous-owned and operated outfitter. Along with ten fellow passengers from Canada, Washington State, and Austria, we saw several gray whales. Compared to humpbacks, belugas, or minkes we've seen before, gray whales show less of their bodies—surfacing every few minutes with just a subtle rise of their heads and backs, and their tails barely breaking the surface. Still, it was thrilling to be just a few hundred feet from these massive creatures. We also spotted harbour seals, rafts of sea otters, and several bald eagles.

Our campsite at Tsawaak

Tsawaak RV shares its property with the Best Western Tin Wis Hotel, and we took full advantage of sitting on their wide beachfront, watching paddle boarders and kayakers glide across the calm bay.

MacKenzie Beach at Tsawaak RV Resort

Whale Watching Tour (our first boat ride of the year)

Seals on the rocks

Back of a grey whale

Raft of sea otters

 

Lunch at the Brown's Social House on the beach

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

This National Park Reserve occupies a large part of the land between Tofino and Ucluelet and it is one of Canada’s most ecologically rich and culturally significant protected areas. It recognizes the long-standing presence of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, who have lived, hunted, fished, and traded here for generations. The park was created in 1970 following public outcry over potential development and logging in the Long Beach area. As a reserve, it acknowledges that land claims with Indigenous groups remain unresolved and respects Indigenous title.

The park consists of three distinct units, collectively drawing over 1 million visitors annually:

• Long Beach – the most accessible and iconic, famous for surfing and storm watching

• Broken Group Islands – a kayaking paradise with over 100 small islands in Barkley Sound

• West Coast Trail – a 75 km backcountry trail originally built as a rescue route for shipwreck survivors along the “Graveyard of the Pacific”

Today, the park is co-managed with local Indigenous communities, integrating traditional knowledge, language, and stewardship practices. Interpretive signage increasingly reflects the living Indigenous history of the region.

Last winter, we tried—and failed—to book a campsite at the incredibly popular Green Point Campground, despite being online at exactly 8 a.m. on the first day of summer bookings. Every site was booked in under a minute. So on our way to Ucluelet, we stopped in to tour the campground, and after seeing it for ourselves, we understood its appeal.

A campsite at the beautiful Green Point Campground

We also hiked Trail B through the Pacific Rim Rainforest. This is a temperate rainforest (unlike tropical ones), thriving on up to 120 inches of rainfall annually. Thanks to the ocean’s moderating influence, temperatures here are mild and rarely drop below freezing. The forest is home to ancient western red cedar, Sitka spruce, hemlock, and Douglas fir—many over 800 years old. The forest floor is a living tapestry of mosses, ferns, lichens, and devil’s club. Fallen trees decay into “nurse logs,” nurturing new growth in a powerful cycle of life, death, and renewal.

We were awestruck by the rainforest's beauty and the feeling of insignificance it evoked. Standing among these giants, it’s hard not to reflect on the damage caused by clear-cut logging. Thankfully, forestry practices, especially in BC, have improved and we’re now on a more sustainable path.

At the start of the Pacific Rim Rain Forest

Among the "old growth" trees

Ucluelet: History and Coastal Character

Like Tofino, Ucluelet has deep Indigenous roots, followed by waves of European exploration, settlement, logging, and fishing. The construction of a lighthouse at Amphitrite Point in the late 1800s improved marine safety and marked Ucluelet as a key coastal outpost. During World War II, it hosted a Royal Canadian Air Force radar station and coastal defense systems. After the war, the town grew steadily, driven by marine and forestry industries.

Today, eco-tourism, storm watching, hiking, whale watching, and cultural education are central to Ucluelet’s identity. The Ucluelet First Nation remains an active presence in governance and conservation.

We also managed a walk along the enormous and beautiful Combers Beach. Shaped by waves and wind, it’s the kind of place you could walk for hours, losing track of time and distance.

Combers Beach

A Dramatic Climate Difference

One of the most striking things about this part of the trip was the dramatic climate difference between Vancouver Island’s west and east coasts. On the west coast, temperatures were cooler and the air was damp and occasionally foggy. But as we drove back toward Parksville, the clouds parted, the air warmed, and we were soon peeling off layers and switching from sweaters to shorts.

A Stop in Parksville

We stayed at Park Sands Beach Resort, which sounds grander than it is—but it’s right on the water and offers access to a scenic boardwalk. While in Parksville, we enjoyed a few highlights:

• Dinner with fellow Airstreamers Paul and Lianne (whom we’d met briefly at Beehive Campground). They also bought their rig from CanAm RV and tow with an Audi E-Tron. We had a great evening sharing many stories and sushi at Nori Japanese Restaurant in Nanaimo.

• A visit to the Parksville Beach sand sculpting competition with friends Brigitte and Roland, formerly of Oakville and now proud Parksville residents. These massive, intricate sand sculptures are part of a qualifying event for the World Championships.

• A walk through the forest and shoreline trails at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, followed by refreshments and dinner at Brigitte and Roland’s lovely home.

We continue to be blown away by the beauty and diversity of Vancouver Island and have already vowed to return and explore it even more deeply.

Food art at Nori Japanese Restaurant in Nanaimo with Paul and Lianne

Strolling the Parksville beach with Brigitte and Roland

Hundreds of Inukshuks on the Parksville Beach

A couple of the large number of massive sand sculptures at Parksville Beach

Strolling the Rathtrevor Provincial Park trails

Dinner at Roland and Brigitte's home

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Next episode: Heading further up island to Comox and Campbell River...