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theDoighouse Earthship

98%

· Qualicum Bay, Nanaimo, British Columbia

10 acres hosted by Susan D.

2 lodging sites · 1 Caravan site · 2 tent sites

Best tent-sites: 1st place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Best in British Columbia: 3rd place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Susan is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans, and concrete? Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, mere minutes from Qualicum Bay waterfront. Our location is a haven for adventurers and peace-seekers alike, offering easy access to the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. Just an hour north of Nanaimo, our property serves as an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Or don’t leave the island and spend the afternoon eating delicious fresh-made doughnuts at the famous Old Country Market in Coombs, home to the iconic goats on the roof, it’s only a 20-minute drive from our doorstep. Or 10 minutes to the waterfront and delicious ice cream at the Cone Zone. Stay local and discover forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes to an array of hiking paths, or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! Use your All Trails App to discover the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that it was the running shoes that were lost, not the people wearing them! Or stop here for a night en route to and from the mainland to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing, or if skiing is your calling, Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive away. You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our cozy tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff! Our Earthship, currently under construction, is all about exploring a low-impact lifestyle, off-grid living in an energy-efficient dwelling built from recycled materials. It is love for the planet, and people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive. Attend a group tour, or arrange for your own private tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project, and answering any and all questions you may have. We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily. Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Beach

Cave

Forest

Lake

98%

207 Ratings · 172 reviews

Chelsea W.recommends

November 16, 2024

Maple Cabin

I had a lovely time at theDoighouse Earthship in the Maple Cabin! I was only there for one night, however, it was a really fun experience! They have put so much work & love into creating such a unique off-grid property. I was throughly impressed by everything they had! The Maple Cabin is cozy & inviting. It's the perfect size for 1-2 people! The bed is very comfortable & had very warm bedding (which was very welcomed as it was quite chilly the night I stayed!) Susan provided a quilt that her mother had made, which I thought was such a lovely touch. I hope to come back at some point in the future and spend a bit more time here!

Cathy T.recommends

September 24, 2024

Garden Camping (Tent)

This place is the definition of what Hipcamp is suppose to mean. The welcoming is wonderfull.

Olly R.recommends

September 23, 2024

Under the canopy tent site

Highly recommended camping spot

Ideal spot to camp, we weren't there long but the site was easy to find, nice surroundings (we saw a woodpecker) and the tarp was a useful addition to the site. Also the host was really accommodating for a late check-in time

Mohammed C.recommends

September 16, 2024

Garden Camping (Tent)

Amazing and innovative place. Excellent host! The whole property feels like heaven. Will stay there again in a heartbeat!! Highly recommend!!

Fumiyo T.recommends

September 15, 2024

Under the canopy tent site

Doighouse Earth Ship is totally a one of a kind campsite. I didn't realize till I got there that Susan and her husband has built a totally unique habitat with total solar energy, rain water for all water use, a magical house built by re-using "trash" like old tires, cans, bottles. The 10-acre property in the woods features vegetable garden, an orchard, a walking-meditation path, all sorts of set-ups for turning rain water into drinking water, then light gray water, and finally to dark gray water. It's simply an amazing place!

Océane L.recommends

September 8, 2024

Under the canopy tent site

I spent really good time in this place. Host are really helpful and nice, moreover I got the best tent site ! Thanks a lot Oceane

Location

Qualicum Bay, Nanaimo, British Columbia, CanadaTraditional, ancestral territory of K’ómoks, We Wai Kai, and Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Susan D.

Joined in April 2022

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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.