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theDoighouse Earthship

98%

· Qualicum Bay, Nanaimo, British Columbia

10 acres hosted by Susan D.

2 lodging sites · 1 RV site · 2 tent sites

Best cabins: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Best all-around: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Creature comforts

Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.

Best all-around: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

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%

197 ratings · 165 reviews

Breanna H.recommends

September 3, 2024

Garden Camping (Tent)

gorgeous & unique garden tenting

Susan was wonderful and prompt as a host, Highly recommend this spot! The lighthouse trail was right there so we went for a nice morning walk and in the evening we walked into town and checked out the cafe with ocean views

Lexy R.recommends

September 2, 2024

Maple Cabin

Inspirational and peaceful

Susan was wonderful and the earthship project is an incredible undertaking in a gorgeous location! Loved the quiet night, the wonderful hosts, and the proximity to beautiful trails. Will definitely return.

Steven L.recommends

September 2, 2024

Forest Camping (RV)

Warm and welcoming, clean & curious! Their dog Bentley was a spark of joy too ~

Lin W.recommends

September 2, 2024

Under the canopy tent site

Campsite with lots to do

This is a lovely hipcamp. Our site was large and comfortable, with a tarp over the tent site itself which would help with rainy weather. Nice picnic table too. The owners are friendly and there were several other sites, including cabins, that looked like they would be lovely to stay in. The Earthship is fascinating, and there is a beautiful garden. Composting toilet in the garden, and great bins set up for recycling. You can walk right out of your campsite onto some lovely trails (could go for miles if you wanted to!) and also can walk down to the main road, beach, a fun local tavern, and a cafe/art gallery. The whole area is full of beaches, hikes, waterfalls, and so much beauty!

Melody M.recommends

September 1, 2024

Forest Camping (RV)

This was such a wonderful stay! From meeting Susan and Bentley (her lovely dog) to meandering through the garden. It also felt really safe and was quite serene. I’ll definitely visit again when I’m in the area!!

Yvonne C.recommends

August 29, 2024

Forest Camping (RV)

After a warm welcome from Susan, I was shown around the beautiful property and to my peaceful spot for the night. In the morning, I explored the diverse garden and enjoyed the local trail through some lush woodland. Lovely place to spend the night.

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