In case you didn’t already read my last post, I live in a 1978 Itasca Winnebago Class C Motorhome with my boyfriend and we are loving it! I left off by sharing a couple experiences we had on Vancouver Island in the first couple of weeks in Arla [our love]. It was a solid beginning, which has continued into a beautiful new lifestyle here on the Sunshine Coast.
Here are the main things you want to check off your list before traveling with your tiny home:
- Is my propane tank off?
- Is my fridge set to source energy from our 12-volt batteries?
- Do I have rearview visibility?
- Are all of my belongings properly secured? (Critical)
- Is my doorstep in?
Our Experience
On April 14th, 2021 we moved from our temporary Airbnb in Qualicum Bay, all the way to the town of Gibsons, BC on the Sunshine Coast. The day began with driving Arla from Qualicum Bay down to the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo.
The highway speed limit went up to 110km/hr for a good stretch of road, however, I didn’t take Arla past 100km and was usually cruising at a mere 90km. Better safe than sorry! I was still getting used to driving such a large vehicle at that point, but it all went smoothly. We coasted into the ferry terminal and were able to pick up our reserved ferry tickets.
During Covid-19 it is highly recommended and wise to reserve your tickets for ferry travel. Of course, if you are a foot passenger there is no need to worry about this. Our vehicle is 24.8ft long, and a little more than 9ft tall, so our toll was pretty steep compared to what we are used to as foot passengers! Feel free to send me a message through the contact page if you want the proper digits.
We got to park at the front of our designated lane as we waited to board the lower vehicle deck of the ferry. The entire process was thankfully straightforward and enjoyable. We had to display on our windshield a little red paper that the ferry staff gave to us.
The piece of paper was to notify those around us (staff and other vehicles) that we have a large propane tank on board. Of course, we had completely turned off our propane before going onto the ferry (THIS IS CRITICAL AND VERY IMPORTANT TO DO) but it was still required that we display the piece of paper.
Once we had successfully positioned ourselves on the lower vehicle deck inside the ferry, we parked and were allowed to go up to the passenger decks. It felt so weird to leave Arla down there! On the slow drive in, a ferry staff member guided us to where we were to park and then placed bright orange parking blocks in front of our front tires.
The ferry ride from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay is approximately 1hr and 40mins. We had lots of time to relax before needing to go below deck again. On the passenger decks there is a Cafeteria that serves from a Whitespot menu, an extensive Gift Shop, a Play Area for children (closed due to Covid), travel brochures, and lots of places to sit and enjoy the view.
It’s a good idea to give yourself lots of wiggle room when you’re planning the timing of your trip with your tiny home. Better to arrive too early than too late. In our case, we arrived at our terminal with time to spare which allowed a positive domino effect to occur for the rest of our trip.
Now, if you’re just trying to get your tiny home from Vancouver Island over to Mainland Vancouver, you can feel free to stop reading now. This next part is for if you are continuing your journey as we did to the Sunshine Coast!
It is important to note that the terminal at Horseshoe Bay is not set up for vehicle passengers who are wanting to connect to an additional ferry ride (Bowen Island or Langdale). To our disappointment, we were not able to perform a simple U-turn maneuver, but rather had to drive an extra ~15mins!
We were grateful to the ferry staff that advised us as to what we would need to do in order to get in line for our next ferry ride. There is a special exit you take after driving along the scenic highway route from the ferry into Vancouver for several minutes. This exit will allow you to turn around (finally!). It felt like a waste of gas, but we were just happy that Arla managed to survive the journey.
The Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay ferry schedules don’t line up very well, so we found ourselves with extra time to kill. It was nice because there is a sweet little café that is accessible to people waiting outside their vehicles at the terminal.
It was very a colourful establishment and we were able to enjoy a couple hot teas and a card game as time sauntered by. Then, it was go time. We got to board a ferry again! You feel pretty powerful when you’re the biggest thing on the road. Also perpetually nervous.
The ride from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale ferry terminal is a mere 40mins. It goes by in a flash and offers a beautiful scenic route that highlights some of BCs mountain ranges contrasted by trees and passing islands. It’s common for people who live on the Sunshine Coast to commute via ferry to go to work in Vancouver. I know from experience that it is possible, but a huge time commitment!
Once you’ve boarded and disembarked from a ferry once, it’s pretty easy from thereon out. Make sure to scan the road ahead of you and read the road signs! Always listen to the unique sound of your engine and be alert to anything that may be amiss. But, also trust in the moment that whatever will be will be.
Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the adventure of taking your home on wheels somewhere new.
Our temporary final destination is a lovely forest retreat on the outskirts of Gibsons. A beautiful place to get comfortable for the rest of Spring and heading into Summer. We are lucky that in our particular situation, we are connected to electricity and have a water supply! It makes life easier to not have to worry about those two things.
One of these days we are going to properly set up our solar panel, but we’re happy to take it one step at a time.
If you have any questions about tiny-living/travel feel free to send me a message from my contact page. I’d love to hear from you and help you along the way. Maybe this is just the beginning for you and you’re interested to hear more about what it’s like to live tiny. Or maybe you’ve been at this for a few years already and have few tips and tricks of your own to share.
Either way, it’s great to build a supportive community around yourself, especially when there is a limiting Pandemic still lingering, and you may be physically isolated.
Take care,
Holly
Thoughts to Writings 