OVERVIEW
Qualicum Beach is a charming seaside town with sandy beaches perfect for a picnic. Take a bike ride along the coastline or discover Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest. Visit the boutiques and local markets to pick up something to remember your trip by.
Top things to do
Credit: CC Image courtesy of marneejill on Flickr
Visit Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Explore Englishman River Falls Provincial Park and find two stunning waterfalls cascade into a deep canyon.
Credit: @jeffisaak
Enjoy water and beach activities
Sunbathe, picnic and relax on the beach, or swim, kayak, canoe, windsurf, stand-up paddleboard, fish and more in the water.
Credit: Destination Canada/Brian Caissie
Experience ancient fir trees
Stroll through an 800-year old Douglas fir ecosystem to explore trees as tall as 75 m and up to 9 m around at Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park.
Credit: Tourism Vancouver Island/Ben Giesbrecht
Explore caves
Take a caving tour at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, or hike, bike or horseback ride along local trails.
Credit: Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism/Katya Small
Taste local wines and cheese
Try a variety of hand-crafted cheese, taste wines and meet the animals at Morningstar Farm.
Nearby cities
Parksville
Explore the quaint, waterfront town of Parksville, BC. With beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see and postcard-worthy views, this is the perfect spot for a getaway.
There are plenty of local eateries to try, along with hiking trails and a lively shopping centre. Whether you visit Parksville in the summer or winter, there will be no shortage of new activities to try.
Courtenay
The vibrant community of Courtenay is just a 90-minute drive from Nanaimo. Its downtown core offers a variety of galleries, shops, boutiques and more for arts and culture enthusiasts, while its proximity to mountains, parks and lakes make it a great launching point for outdoor thrills – including the slopes of Mount Washington.
Port Alberni
Surrounded by lush forests and ocean inlets, Port Alberni is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore scenic hiking trails, paddle along the tranquil waters of Sproat Lake, or cast a line in the “Salmon Capital of the World.” With its rich Indigenous heritage, vibrant waterfront, and easy access to Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, adventure is found around every corner.
Nanaimo
Sail from Vancouver (Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo for a stop in Vancouver Island’s second-largest city. Socialize with friends over a round of golf at one of several local golf courses, or stroll through the Old City Quarter. Looking for adventure? Canoe, kayak or paddleboard along the waterfront, or explore natural wonders at nearby provincial parks and waterfalls.
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