Going on a great hike in the region’s rugged and beautiful mountain ranges offers an amazing experience. It is one of the best ways to discover Vancouver Island. For me though an even better way is by spending the night in my tent. You can do this during a backpacking trip. Choose any one of the many backcountry camping wilderness destinations around the Island.
You have plenty of camping options in and around Vancouver Island. Realistically, you can camp almost anywhere if you are well experienced. Respecting Leave No Trace principles is key. You should explore the rules and regulations around where you can camp. Check if a permit or reservation is required. BC Parks has a great web page loaded with resources. Make sure to check out their Backcountry Guide to familiarize yourself.
Let’s jump right in. Enjoy a visual treat of my tent set up in stunning wilderness settings. Here are photos from some of my most memorable and beautiful backcountry camping spots on Vancouver Island.
12 Beautiful Backcountry Camping Spots on Vancouver Island
If you’re curious about the backpacking tents in the images, here are older posts of mine for reference. For the tents and other backcountry camping gear info, you can start here. Check out the Backpacking Gear List for 3-5 Day Trips or the Lightweight Backpacking Gear List.
Many of the images above were shot from locations within Strathcona Provincial Park. My backcountry camping photos above are a great example of why it is my most beloved British Columbia park. Here is a great overview direct from the BC Parks website.
“Strathcona Park, designated in 1911, is the oldest park in British Columbia. Located almost in the centre of Vancouver Island, Strathcona Park is a rugged mountain wilderness comprising of more than 250,000 hectares. Mountain peaks, some perpetually mantled with snow, dominate the park. Lakes and alpine tarns dot a landscape laced with rivers, creeks, and streams.“
I love spending time in the outdoors, exploring remote, seldom-seen places and reconnecting with the simplicity of nature. I hope you enjoyed my backpacking overnight photos. Hopefully my images inspire you to seek out a beautiful wilderness location to set up your tent for the night. Now get out there and find your own favorite beautiful backcountry camping spot
