7 Things to Do in Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island

When it comes to Vancouver Island, Calgarians tend to flock south to Victoria or west to Tofino and Ucluelet. That means we miss out on the charm and chill of the interior coastal towns of Parksville and Qualicum Beach. But no more. It’s time to explore this eastern region of Vancouver Island, which offers a quirky blend of activities set against a beautiful backdrop of ocean, mountains and old-growth rainforest. Plus, its temperate climate makes it pleasant to visit any time of year.

From Vancouver, you can hop aboard B.C. Ferries to the Nanaimo terminal, then make the 35-minute drive to Parksville. Alternatively, ride in style by taking the scenic 18-minute Helijet tour from Vancouver to Nanaimo.

The history of the Parksville and Qualicum Beach area has been shaped by the Coast Salish peoples, early European exploration and settlement, and the development of the Canadian Pacific Railway, giving it a unique and storied cultural mix today. With a beach that extends a kilometre at low tide, you can take in a host of marine activities, outdoor adventures, arts and cultural activities, and more.

Here are some must-visit spots for your next trip to the Parksville and Qualicum Beach region.

Relax and rejuvenate at The Grotto Spa

 

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Located at the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre, this spacious spa with its renowned warm mineral pool, whirlpool, waterfalls and new cedar barrel outdoor saunas offer a zen experience. Designed to feel like a natural stone grotto, the 2,500-square-foot pool is infused with natural minerals and trace elements to detoxify the body. After your soak and sauna, head upstairs in your cozy spa robe to the Treetop Tapas & Grill, where you can relish in “Endless Tapas.” Sample as many delicious items from the chef’s selection as you wish, but be warned — it’s ridiculously easy to eat too much.

Go deep underground

Vancouver Island boasts the highest concentration of caves in North America with more than 1,000 recorded. If you’ve never caved before, take an introductory, yet satisfying tour with Horne Lake Caves to Riverbend Cave, one of many underground caves protected within Horne Lakes Provincial Park.

Around 30 minutes from Qualicum Beach, the area has been popular for decades and has grown significantly in size with many new subterranean rooms and tunnels explored. It’s incredible to be completely underground and see otherworldly crystal formations up close and personal. Caving does require good mobility as the caves are wild with no lighting, paved walkways or handrails, and you have to hike uphill a bit to access them. Going with an expert guide is important not only for your own safety, but that of the caves. While caves might seem indestructible, the opposite is true. Damage of pristine and fragile cave features and creatures can easily happen by uninformed cavers who don’t realize that a single touch can wipe out centuries of natural formations, ancient fossils and cave geology. The guides at Horne Lake Caves promote cave conservation and education, while encouraging new cavers to experience this uniquely beautiful environment.

See the work of 100 artists at The Old School House Arts Centre

This whimsical heritage building is home to three galleries featuring monthly exhibitions by B.C. artists. The arts centre encourages an open-house philosophy where you can feel free to wander throughout. Stop in to see 15 resident artists practicing their crafts, whether it be painting, pottery, jewellery, photography or another artistic trade. Sign up for a class or workshop so you can try your hand at painting, drawing or even hand-dyeing your own textiles.

Indulge in farm-fresh cheese and milk

 

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Got milk? Little Qualicum Cheeseworks does. In fact, this small family-run farm has Canada’s first milk-on-tap setup, where you can fill a bottle of the freshest milk you’re likely to ever taste. All of the farm’s products are processed on-site (see for yourself in the cheese plant), which means the milk you get out of the dispenser very likely got milked that same day. And we’re talking four to five per cent, non-homogenized, whole milk, so get ready for some delicious, creamy, buttery milk that leaves an impressive milk mustache.

And then, there’s the cheese — oh, the cheese! Choose from a wide selection of firm, semi-firm, soft-ripened, feta and fresh artisan cheeses, all crafted from pasture to plate on-site. Anytime the farm is open, you’re welcome to take a self-guided tour to visit the cows in the dairy barn, learn about the milking robot and meet any number of friendly animals including calves, sheep and goats.

Visit rescued wildlife

At the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, you can see the many injured, ill or orphaned wildlife the centre takes in, such as rescued black bears, eagles, owls, falcons and ravens. Stroll through the world-class rehabilitation facility, which includes the largest eagle flight enclosure of its kind in Canada. There, you can view injured eagles that have been treated recuperate and gain the strength they need to survive in the wild. Eventually, most are released back to the wild — the centre rescues, rehabilitates and releases most of the 50 to 60 injured eagles brought there every year. Founded in 1985, the centre aims to reintroduce as many animals back to the wild as possible and educate the public about wildlife and environmental issues.

Fuel up with some tasty island eats

 

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If you’re a coffee fan, treat your taste buds to a unique coffee blend at French Press Coffee Roasters. This local favourite with two locations has its own roasted coffees as well as hot chocolate made with Belgian chocolate and fresh baked goods such as muffins, lemon tarts, sticky buns and carrot cake. The Qualicum Beach location also has all-day breakfast and a host of delicious sandwiches including one with mouthwatering house-roasted chicken and brie.

If you prefer beer to coffee, head to Rusted Rake Brewing, a farm-to-tap brewery showcasing full-flavoured craft brews made from barley grown on its own farm by the sea. Order some fresh local fare like mushroom calamari or raincoast rolls to pair with, and settle in for a fun evening with friends.

For an elevated West Coast dining experience, swing by the Qualicum Beach Cafe. The menu features dishes with fresh local ingredients and Italian influences like West Coast crabcakes or seafood chowder and three kinds of daily made gnocchi.

About 10 minutes away in Nanoose Bay, its sister restaurant Nanoose Bay Cafe, which opened in 2023, is a must-eat stop. As soon as you walk in, you’re welcomed with panoramic views of the Fairwinds Marina, reminding us landlocked Calgarians that we are actually oceanside. The expansive menu also features West Coast cuisine, but with Asian influences including fresh seafood offerings like freshly shucked oysters, tuna tataki, hot crab dip and a poke bowl along with a yummy dumpling menu with your choice of shrimp, lamb, pork, mushroom and spinach or kabocha squash.

Catch some z’s

After all of your adventures, rest your head at The Beach Club Resort in Parksville. This Bellstar-owned, beachfront resort offers 149 rooms as well as suites with full kitchens. Take advantage of the Stay|Well amenities program, which gives you complimentary access to bicycles, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and more. With easy beach access just steps from your door, you can walk along the shore and dip your toes in the ocean or unwind on your balcony while you take in the gorgeous views. The Beach Club is a perfect island retreat whether you want to relax or explore by the sea.

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