First Night Motorcycle Camping on Vancouver Island

After waking up at my campsite with the Alpacas, I go though Canadian customs and immigration and board a ferry to Vancouver Island looking for a peaceful place to camp.

Riding Solo | AZ to BC | Episode 11

Click on the image above to view this map on GaiaGPS.com

Details

  • Distance: 81 miles
  • Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
  • Start: Port Angeles, Washington
  • End: Port Renfrew, British Columbia
  • Roads: Black Ball Ferry, West Coast Road
  • Conditions: ferry, pavement
  • Cities: Port Angeles, Victoria
  • Camping: Pacheedat Campground

Port Angeles, Washington

I camped with the Alpacas last night in Port Angeles, Washington. Today I will board a ferry to Canada.


Coho Ferry

Black Ball Ferry Line operates the M.V. Coho passenger and vehicle ferry linking Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island with Port Angeles, WA on the scenic Olympic Peninsula.


Port Angeles Ferry Terminal

The Port Angeles ferry terminal is located in downtown Port Angeles which is the gateway to Olympic National Park. 


Customs and Immigration


I had to show a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada. I also had to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination, although this is no longer the case.


Across the Water

The 90-minute, 22.59 nautical mile (42 km) trip is a scenic journey through the Strait of Juan de Fuca.


Island Motorcycle Company

I stopped at Island BMW in Victoria to pick up a USB charger for my motorcycle.


West Coast Road

The paved West Coast Road travels along the Straits of Juan de Fuca to Port Renfrew.


Port Renfrew Campground

After searching for a place to camp I end up at the Pacheedaht First Nation Campground


Noisy Neighbors

It’s quite busy at the campground with neighbors playing loud music and a dog looking for food.


Fixed Blade Knife

I use a fixed blade Gerber StrongArm knife to prepare wood for my camping stove.


Firebox Stove

I’ve been using the Firebox Bushcraft Camp Stove for a couple of years and appreciate its functionality.


Nothing Fancy for Dinner

I couldn’t find a proper grocery store in the area and had to resort to sausages and macaroni and cheese for dinner.


A Friendly Dog

It might not be the best dinner I’ve ever made, but the neighbor’s dog didn’t complain.