Join us on our final leg exploring the incredible wilderness of Vancouver Island! Starting at a private waterfall campsite, we grab the best fish and chips in Canada at Port McNeill before taking a ferry to Sointula on Malcolm Island. There, we experience a bucket-list moment: listening to the blowholes of a wild orca pod as they swim right up to the rocky beach at Bere Point.
The adventure takes an unexpected turn when our Sprinter van experiences turbo issues miles away from service on a remote logging road. Learn how to spot the signs of a failing Sprinter turbo resonator muffler and how we limped the van back toward the US border. We wrap up the journey with coastal explorations, local seafood, and tips for your own Pacific Northwest van life road trip.
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This video was made in partnership with Winnebago.
We’re currently traveling full-time in a Winnebago Revel 4×4, and it’s been our home and basecamp for this entire journey.
Learn more about the van we’re using here:Winnebago Revel 4×4 Sprinter Van:
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Chapters
00:00:00 – Waterfall Camp & Morning Update
00:01:50 – Port McNeill & Best Fish and Chips
00:02:30 – Ferry to Malcolm Island & Harbor Walk
00:04:23 – Arriving in Sointula
00:06:02 – Bere Point Early Morning & Thoughts on Luck
00:09:02 – Incredible Shoreline Orca Encounter
00:11:02 – Pulteney Park Trail & Lighthouse Hike
00:13:05 – Sprinter Van Breakdown: Turbo Resonator Leak
00:16:17 – Scenic Bridge & Waterfall on Logging Road
00:16:35 – Campbell River & Dick’s Fish and Chips
00:18:21 – Dense Forest River Camp
00:19:11 – Revisiting the Wild Swimming Hole
00:21:23 – Final Ferry Ride & Wrap-Up
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We love the videos guys!! Def be little easy on the off throttle where u get that woosh sound it's turbo flutter and can be bad on your turbo. Till you get it fixed be gentle when u let off the throttle and it won't do it as bad . It sucks air in trying to turn the turbo the opposite direction it is moving.
Love your guys videos!! We watch soon as they come out .
Seeing the orcas was sooooo incredible!! Loved it!!
How do I find your guide booklets?
Kathy, I soooooo agree. It takes hard work to have good luck. It's not just handed to you. It's the silent toiler that has the best "luck" and makes it look easy.
Kathy – luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
One of my greatest joys is when Kathy has a great whale watching day. You put in the work girl, and made your own luck! Best day ever!
first stop on Sointula would have been Dockside Ice cream Bar😉😋
Thanks for the pep talk Kathy. Very wise words!
Planning a trip to Vancouver Island late next summer along with an excursion into Olympic National Park. Been thinking about it a long while and the last two videos just convinced me it was time. Of course, I need to know all the cool places to go so I just purchased a Patreon membership and am looking forward to the field guide. I've been subscribed to the channel a while now and it was just time to help out as well. There's also a couple of other creators I watch that live on Vancouver Island. Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and run into them as well. Thanks for all the great videos.
Drop by vw bus camp for a drink, etc. tell em Phantom sent ya!
It’s best practice to get boost leaks fixed right away. The turbo will compensate for the leak or atleast try to. So although no noticeable change in boost pressure, This can cause the turbine to over speed and self destruct or take years of life off the turbo.
Glad you made it off the island without major issues, Thanks for a great video!
Bjr, sympa ce court de mécanique sur sprinter 😊👍
Thanks so much Sadie! I was hoping we would run into you there. You live in a wonderful part of the world.
So Happy you made it to Rubbing Beach, and that you seen Orca's. I spent a week there and did not see any, sad face, but it is still spectacular views. CHEERS AND SAFE TRAVELS Steve h.
Hey Peter we’re currently on the Sunshine Coast and I thought of you when an old timer told me about Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park. Have you been? Popular kayaking spot with unreal tide swings.
How lovely to see your videos again. Welcome to the PNW. Kathy’s expression is priceless. 🥰. Whales are so magical. 🍀 Lucky manifestation, you called them to you, Kathy. I. Loved “Rambles with Kathy.” Canada is so beautiful,I feel fortunate to love 2 hours from the BC border on the WA side. I haven’t been to Bear Point on Vancouver Island, looks beautiful. Campbell River is a favorite of ours to visit. I’m glad the van didn’t go into limp mode. Not sure what time of year you were in the area, we’ve had little rain all summer. Cheers to you both from Seattle. Good to see you both again on your channel.
Next time you’re up try a kayak camping trip to Kaikash Creek – great spot and really good for whale watching. Enjoyed the video 👍👍
"The harder I work the luckier I get"
🙏
Careful!! Watch your proximity to all those boats. There seems to be a virus that can suck RV YouTubers into boat life. 😂
The sprinter keeps you honest with its gremlins. Awesome vid guys and great country and camps.🤙
Im seeing a lot of sprInter issue lately with turbos and the DEF sytems.
My wife and I are looking for a van.
I am down to the Ford and the Sprinter.
Leaning toward the Ford.