Camping is a popular way to experience Malcolm Island. If this Sointula lodging option is for you, you’re in luck; there are two campgrounds on the island for visitors to choose from.
The first is Harmony Shores Campground. This privately owned campground features mostly non-electric sites designed for tent camping. They also have 4 RV-friendly sites with water and electric hookups. While there is no sewer hook-up available, there is a sani-dump station located in Sointula Harbour where RVers can empty their tanks. All campers enjoy access to flush toilets and showers, as well as a community building with a sink, fridge, and freezer. Harmony Shores Campground is also the closest campground to downtown Sointula.
Those looking for a more primitive experience or easy access to Bere Point Regional Park’s hiking trails and famous whale rubbing beach might prefer the island’s other campground. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Bere Point Campsite.
Bere Point Campground
Bere Point Campsite is located in the popular Bere Point Regional Park. This Park is located on the western side of Malcolm Island and is a must-see destination for hiking, picnics, camping, and more. The park is owned by the Regional District of Mount Waddington and is around 6 kilometers from downtown Sointula.
The Bere Point Campground has 29 campsites. All sites are primitive and non-electric. There is also a group tenting site located close to the beach, which is also non-electric. While there are no flush toilets or showers in the park, there are outhouses available for campers. FIrewood may also be on sale on-site throughout the year. Make sure to check for fire bans imposed by the Ministry of Forests before starting a campfire, and only do so in safe, contained fire rings. An attendant is on-site at the campground during the summer months.
In addition to the campsites, there are also 2 free picnic day use areas available at Bere Point. These are great for gathering with friends for an afternoon cookout.
Booking Your Stay at Bere Point Campsite
Reservations for a campsite at Bere Point Campground can be made online up to 24 hours ahead of arrival. While you can get a campsite without a reservation, they are first-come, first-serve. During the busy summer months and long holiday weekends, the campground may fill, leaving non-reservation guests seeking alternative Sointula lodging.
Online reservations can be made here: https://berepoint.letscamp.ca.
Bere Point Campground is open for overnight camping seasonally. In 2022, it is open from May 20 to September 25. It does close during the summer months. Visitors are only permitted to camp for up to 2 weeks at a time.
Things to Do in Bere Point Campsite
One thing that makes this Sointula lodging option so popular is how much there is to do in the park. Perhaps the most popular attraction is whale watching. A whale-watching platform makes it easy to watch orcas and other wildlife in the waters below. The campground is also the access point for the world-famous whale-watching beach. Here, orcas come close to the shore to rub their bellies on the rocky bottom. Researchers aren’t sure why orcas choose this particular beach, but year after year, pods of orcas stop here during the summer months to rub for anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Another popular activity to enjoy in the park is hiking. The Beautiful Bay Trail’s trailhead starts in the Bere Point Campground. This trail is 5 kilometers each way, and follows the coastline, which means hikers enjoy some incredible views. Watch for the Sitka Spruce, a massive tree that rises 212 feet above the forest floor, as well as an eagle’s nest along the trail.
While you might be a little further away from town than you would be if you stay in Harmony Shores Campground, Bere Point Campground is still just a short drive from town. This makes it easy to pop into Sointula for lunch or some shopping before heading back to camp.
Choosing the Right Sointula Lodging Option
Despite its small size, Malcolm Island has a variety of lodging options to choose from. They range from the primitive Bere Point Campsite to the luxurious, all-inclusive Sointula Lodge. Choosing the right Malcolm Island lodging option for your group can have a big impact on your stay. For instance, families new to camping might not be comfortable with Bere Point Campground’s primitive facilities. Larger groups may find the group camping at Bere Point a great, affordable lodging option.
Ready to learn more about your Sointula lodging options? Check out our directory of Malcolm Island accommodations to find the right option for you!