Guidebook for Nanoose Bay / Beachcomber
Sightseeing
Just steps from Beachcomber Cabin is a beautiful, serene spot to relax, take a dip in the water, snorkle, fish or just take in the sights.
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Beachcomber Regional Park
1330 Marina WayJust steps from Beachcomber Cabin is a beautiful, serene spot to relax, take a dip in the water, snorkle, fish or just take in the sights.
Formerly the site of youth camp, Camp Moorecroft, this 35-hectare, oceanfront park is now managed under a Conservation Covenant held by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The covenant prioritizes ecological protection and enhancement and permits low impact recreational amenities within a natural setting. Moorecroft is home to precious Garry Oak meadows and coastal Douglas-fir maritime ecosystems. Walk the trails, picnic by the water, and gaze at the splendor of the Salish Sea and snow-capped Coastal Mountains.
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Moorecroft Regional Park
1563 Stewart RdFormerly the site of youth camp, Camp Moorecroft, this 35-hectare, oceanfront park is now managed under a Conservation Covenant held by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The covenant prioritizes ecological protection and enhancement and permits low impact recreational amenities within a natural setting. Moorecroft is home to precious Garry Oak meadows and coastal Douglas-fir maritime ecosystems. Walk the trails, picnic by the water, and gaze at the splendor of the Salish Sea and snow-capped Coastal Mountains.
Experience this 2.9-km loop trail near Nanoose, British Columbia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, trail running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
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Notch Hill Park
Powder Point RoadExperience this 2.9-km loop trail near Nanoose, British Columbia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, trail running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Drive up the steepest street in the area (Little Mountain Road -just east of Parksville) and park at the top. Hold hands of younger children! and walk about 100 ft to see a view like no other in the area. What makes this exillerating is that there are no fences/guardrails etc!!! Scared of heights or not - stay away from the edge! Scary? Yes, but worth it.
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Little Mountain Lookout
908 Little Mountain RdDrive up the steepest street in the area (Little Mountain Road -just east of Parksville) and park at the top. Hold hands of younger children! and walk about 100 ft to see a view like no other in the area. What makes this exillerating is that there are no fences/guardrails etc!!! Scared of heights or not - stay away from the edge! Scary? Yes, but worth it.
Drive east of Parksville, into the rural community of Errington. Follow Errington Road until it ends in the Provincial Park. Take a stroll in the woods and feel free to dip your feet in the Englishman River which feeds the falls. A great place for photos! Just don't get too close to the edge of the falls!
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Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
2245 Errington RoadDrive east of Parksville, into the rural community of Errington. Follow Errington Road until it ends in the Provincial Park. Take a stroll in the woods and feel free to dip your feet in the Englishman River which feeds the falls. A great place for photos! Just don't get too close to the edge of the falls!
Activities
Practice your swing, improve your score or play a round with your friends on Vancouver Island's best golf experience, fitting for both novice and seasoned players alike. The course is open daily from dawn to dusk. Set on a spectacular piece of land with dense forest, ocean views and dramatic elevation changes, come and enjoy the natural scenery.
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Fairwinds Golf Club
3730 Fairwinds DrPractice your swing, improve your score or play a round with your friends on Vancouver Island's best golf experience, fitting for both novice and seasoned players alike. The course is open daily from dawn to dusk. Set on a spectacular piece of land with dense forest, ocean views and dramatic elevation changes, come and enjoy the natural scenery.
The center piece of Parksville is the "Community Park". The site of most activities during the summer months, the park is used by people young and old. Almost everything your family is looking for is there, including: food trucks, a soccer field, baseball diamonds, lacrosse courts (also used for pickleball and basketball), tennis courts, curling rink, HUGE kids playground with waterpark, beach volleyball, skateboard park, boardwalk, gardens, a soon to be completed outdoor music stage, and washrooms. All of that within sight of or beside the sandy beach on the edge of Parksville Bay! It hosts the annual Beach Fest which includes music, a professional sandcastle competition and Kids Fest as well as Canada Day (July 1) celebrations.
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Parksville Community Park og Skate Park
193 Beachside DrThe center piece of Parksville is the "Community Park". The site of most activities during the summer months, the park is used by people young and old. Almost everything your family is looking for is there, including: food trucks, a soccer field, baseball diamonds, lacrosse courts (also used for pickleball and basketball), tennis courts, curling rink, HUGE kids playground with waterpark, beach volleyball, skateboard park, boardwalk, gardens, a soon to be completed outdoor music stage, and washrooms. All of that within sight of or beside the sandy beach on the edge of Parksville Bay! It hosts the annual Beach Fest which includes music, a professional sandcastle competition and Kids Fest as well as Canada Day (July 1) celebrations.
A relaxing 9 hole course between the town and beach.
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Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course
469 Memorial AveA relaxing 9 hole course between the town and beach.
A picturesque 9 hole course on the south end of Qualicum Beach.
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Eaglecrest Golf Club
2035 Island Hwy WA picturesque 9 hole course on the south end of Qualicum Beach.
Morningstar Golf Club
525 Lowrys RdA challenging 18 hole course in Parksville
A family friendly, 9 hole course on the south end of Parksville. Good for all ages and skill levels.
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Brigadoon Golf Course
359 Martindale RdA family friendly, 9 hole course on the south end of Parksville. Good for all ages and skill levels.
A beautiful and challenging 18 hole course in Qualicum Beach.
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Pheasant Glen Golf Resort
1025 Qualicum RdA beautiful and challenging 18 hole course in Qualicum Beach.
A relaxing 18 hole course 10-15 minutes north of Qualicum Beach. My husband plays once per year and this is the course he chooses - he finds it the least frustrating of the 18 hole courses in the area. The restaurant is good too!
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Arrowsmith Golf & Micky J's Bar & Grill
2250 Fowler RdA relaxing 18 hole course 10-15 minutes north of Qualicum Beach. My husband plays once per year and this is the course he chooses - he finds it the least frustrating of the 18 hole courses in the area. The restaurant is good too!
An iconic activity that everyone with kids that visits Parksville plays at least once. Two 18 hole mini golf courses and bumper boats for summertime fun. Food, drink and indoor arcade games mean hours of fun and laughs. Someone will get a hole in 1!
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Paradis Mini Golf og Fun Park
375 Island Hwy WAn iconic activity that everyone with kids that visits Parksville plays at least once. Two 18 hole mini golf courses and bumper boats for summertime fun. Food, drink and indoor arcade games mean hours of fun and laughs. Someone will get a hole in 1!
So fun! without the frustration of sand traps and water. Two 18 hole mini golf courses, an arcade, and laser bumper cars for summertime fun. |Add food and drink and you'll have hours of fun and laughs. Someone will get a hole in 1!
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Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf
1000 Resort DrSo fun! without the frustration of sand traps and water. Two 18 hole mini golf courses, an arcade, and laser bumper cars for summertime fun. |Add food and drink and you'll have hours of fun and laughs. Someone will get a hole in 1!
Whether you want to just self guide or take hours with a tour that includes rappelling, these caves are a must see.
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Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
3905 Horne Lake Caves RdWhether you want to just self guide or take hours with a tour that includes rappelling, these caves are a must see.
Located near Parksville, this working farm is a delight for young and old. See the animals and tour/learn about a modern dairy farm. Eat and drink the products made on the farm. Did I mention entry is free!
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Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
403 Lowrys RdLocated near Parksville, this working farm is a delight for young and old. See the animals and tour/learn about a modern dairy farm. Eat and drink the products made on the farm. Did I mention entry is free!
This is a renowend spa that people travel to from areas all over Vancouver Island and B.C. They have restaurant dining as well.
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Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre
1155 Resort DrThis is a renowend spa that people travel to from areas all over Vancouver Island and B.C. They have restaurant dining as well.
City/town information
We have lived in and around Parksville since 2005 and love the lifestyle here. It is a quiet, friendly city with ammenities for people from 1 to 101 years old. There are a variety of activities, especially in the summer, and plenty of places to visit, eat and play.
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Parksville
We have lived in and around Parksville since 2005 and love the lifestyle here. It is a quiet, friendly city with ammenities for people from 1 to 101 years old. There are a variety of activities, especially in the summer, and plenty of places to visit, eat and play.
Just 15 minutes south of Nanoose Bay is the city of Nanaimo. If you came to Beachcomber Cabin from somewhere off Vancouver Island you likely drove through Nanaimo and may have taken a BC Ferry there. It's the second largest city on Vancouver Island and has a variety of indoor and outdoor activities as well as restaurants and shopping.
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Nanaimo
Just 15 minutes south of Nanoose Bay is the city of Nanaimo. If you came to Beachcomber Cabin from somewhere off Vancouver Island you likely drove through Nanaimo and may have taken a BC Ferry there. It's the second largest city on Vancouver Island and has a variety of indoor and outdoor activities as well as restaurants and shopping.
Just 10 minutes north of Parksville is the town of Qualicum Beach, a serene and quaint destination where you can split your time between the downtown and the beach. Take the opportunity to walk, eat and shop in the town core and then walk, drive or bike a fews minutes down to the beach for a stroll, coffee/tea or meal while taking in the beauty of the water.
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Qualicum Beach
Just 10 minutes north of Parksville is the town of Qualicum Beach, a serene and quaint destination where you can split your time between the downtown and the beach. Take the opportunity to walk, eat and shop in the town core and then walk, drive or bike a fews minutes down to the beach for a stroll, coffee/tea or meal while taking in the beauty of the water.
An odd yet endearing destgination just outside of Parksville/Qualicum Beach famous for its "goats on the roof". If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, the best ice cream in the area, food and drink, or just want to relax while the kids/grandkids frolic around the "statues in the square", you have to head to Coombs. You'll know when you're there as it is hugely popular among tourists and residents alike.
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Coombs
An odd yet endearing destgination just outside of Parksville/Qualicum Beach famous for its "goats on the roof". If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, the best ice cream in the area, food and drink, or just want to relax while the kids/grandkids frolic around the "statues in the square", you have to head to Coombs. You'll know when you're there as it is hugely popular among tourists and residents alike.
Tucked between the east and west coasts of Vancouver Island, about 45 minutes east of Parksville/Qualicum is the city of Port Alberni. Known for it's fishing, Port Alberni is nestled in a valley that sees temperature soar in the summer. When that happens, head to Sproat Lake where you can swim, boat, suntan, play or whatever you like.
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Port Alberni
Tucked between the east and west coasts of Vancouver Island, about 45 minutes east of Parksville/Qualicum is the city of Port Alberni. Known for it's fishing, Port Alberni is nestled in a valley that sees temperature soar in the summer. When that happens, head to Sproat Lake where you can swim, boat, suntan, play or whatever you like.
Head west on Highway 4 for about 1.5 hours from Parksville/Qualicum and when you hit the end of the road turn left. Within minutes you'll be in the quaint, quiet seaside village of Ucluelet. Whether it's storm watching, hiking, fishing whale watching or simply taking in the town, Ucluelet has a plethora of things to do for such a small town.
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Ucluelet
Head west on Highway 4 for about 1.5 hours from Parksville/Qualicum and when you hit the end of the road turn left. Within minutes you'll be in the quaint, quiet seaside village of Ucluelet. Whether it's storm watching, hiking, fishing whale watching or simply taking in the town, Ucluelet has a plethora of things to do for such a small town.
Head west on Highway 4 for about 1.5 hours from Parksville/Qualicum and when you hit the end of the road turn right. About 30 minutes later you'll be in the bustling seaside village of Tofino. Known for its National Park, beaches and surfing, Tofino also has fishing, whale watching, shopping and some great restaurants.
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Tofino
Head west on Highway 4 for about 1.5 hours from Parksville/Qualicum and when you hit the end of the road turn right. About 30 minutes later you'll be in the bustling seaside village of Tofino. Known for its National Park, beaches and surfing, Tofino also has fishing, whale watching, shopping and some great restaurants.
Heading north from Parksville/Qualicum either on Highway 19 (Inland Island Highway) or Highway 19A (the slower, scenic route), you come to Courtenay. A smaller version of Nanaimo, it has all the ammenities that you may be looking for and is your gateway to the north island. It also has Mount Washington, one of only two ski hills on Vancouver Island. If you're visiting is a season without snow the resort has other activities such as mountain biking, zip lining, hiking and chairlift rides.
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Courtenay
Heading north from Parksville/Qualicum either on Highway 19 (Inland Island Highway) or Highway 19A (the slower, scenic route), you come to Courtenay. A smaller version of Nanaimo, it has all the ammenities that you may be looking for and is your gateway to the north island. It also has Mount Washington, one of only two ski hills on Vancouver Island. If you're visiting is a season without snow the resort has other activities such as mountain biking, zip lining, hiking and chairlift rides.
Located just outside Courtenay, Cumberland is a quaint village with shops, eateries and outdoor activities for all ages.
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Cumberland
Located just outside Courtenay, Cumberland is a quaint village with shops, eateries and outdoor activities for all ages.
Back in the late 1990s we called Campbell River home for a few years. It has only grown and added ammenities since then. Known as the salmon capital of B.C. it's obviously known for its fishing. Add to that a beautiful walkway that takes walkers and cyclists from the south of town to almost downtown, shops, restaurants, museums and First Nations art galleries. It holds a special place in our hearts and is just 30 minutes north of Courtenay and about 1.5 hours north of Parksville/Qualicum.
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Campbell River
Back in the late 1990s we called Campbell River home for a few years. It has only grown and added ammenities since then. Known as the salmon capital of B.C. it's obviously known for its fishing. Add to that a beautiful walkway that takes walkers and cyclists from the south of town to almost downtown, shops, restaurants, museums and First Nations art galleries. It holds a special place in our hearts and is just 30 minutes north of Courtenay and about 1.5 hours north of Parksville/Qualicum.
The capital city of B.C. is a must see if you've come to Vancouver Island. A beautiful city that reminds many of England, it has the most temperate climate in Canada. Everything that you are looking for is there: hiking, biking, shopping, restaurants, bars, museums, cruise ships, whale watching, the list is endless. We highly recommend one of the "ghost tours" and you MUST visit the Fairmont Empress hotel. With shops, restaurants and a feeling like no other hotel, we have spent lots of time just wandering/getting lost within it.
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Victoria
The capital city of B.C. is a must see if you've come to Vancouver Island. A beautiful city that reminds many of England, it has the most temperate climate in Canada. Everything that you are looking for is there: hiking, biking, shopping, restaurants, bars, museums, cruise ships, whale watching, the list is endless. We highly recommend one of the "ghost tours" and you MUST visit the Fairmont Empress hotel. With shops, restaurants and a feeling like no other hotel, we have spent lots of time just wandering/getting lost within it.
Drive south until almost Duncan and then turn off the highway and go to Lake Cowichan. About 1.5 hours from Beachcomber Cabin. We LOVE going there on a HOT day in the summer to "tube the river". Rent a comfy, inflatible tube and take 2 to 3 hours to float down the Cowichan River. It's peaceful, super fun and refreshing and has a party vibe since there are so many other people. The town is quaint and friendly and has restaurants and anything else you might need.
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Lake Cowichan
Drive south until almost Duncan and then turn off the highway and go to Lake Cowichan. About 1.5 hours from Beachcomber Cabin. We LOVE going there on a HOT day in the summer to "tube the river". Rent a comfy, inflatible tube and take 2 to 3 hours to float down the Cowichan River. It's peaceful, super fun and refreshing and has a party vibe since there are so many other people. The town is quaint and friendly and has restaurants and anything else you might need.
Neighbourhoods
Located between Parksville and Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay is a rural residential area that has a very "country" feel. Highway 19 runs through the area and the actual bay is easily seen from the highway. It's a natural, quiet area frequented by outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a slower, quieter pace to life.
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Nanoose Bay
Located between Parksville and Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay is a rural residential area that has a very "country" feel. Highway 19 runs through the area and the actual bay is easily seen from the highway. It's a natural, quiet area frequented by outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a slower, quieter pace to life.
The community of Fairwinds is based around the 18 hole Fairwinds golf course. A prestigious, high-end (but down to earth) community of beautiful homes in a rolling setting near woods and water. A great place to eat, drink, golf and see the sights.
Fairwinds Drive
Fairwinds DriveThe community of Fairwinds is based around the 18 hole Fairwinds golf course. A prestigious, high-end (but down to earth) community of beautiful homes in a rolling setting near woods and water. A great place to eat, drink, golf and see the sights.
Just outside of Fairwinds is a rolling roadway that will introiduce you to the Schooner Cove Marina and the neighborhoods situated in and around Schooner Cove as well as Dolphin Drive. Cyclists looking for a challenge use the route to test themselves as it is a winding, roadway that will take you from Fairwinds back toward Beachcomber Cabin.
Schooner Cove Drive
Schooner Cove DriveJust outside of Fairwinds is a rolling roadway that will introiduce you to the Schooner Cove Marina and the neighborhoods situated in and around Schooner Cove as well as Dolphin Drive. Cyclists looking for a challenge use the route to test themselves as it is a winding, roadway that will take you from Fairwinds back toward Beachcomber Cabin.
Food scene
For some finer dining, you may want to try Kalvas. Located across from Paradise mini golf in Parksville, it's a log home converted into a restaurant. Prices are a bit high and reservations are recommended.
Kalvas Restaurant
180 Moilliet StreetFor some finer dining, you may want to try Kalvas. Located across from Paradise mini golf in Parksville, it's a log home converted into a restaurant. Prices are a bit high and reservations are recommended.
Located at Fairwinds Golf Course in Nanoose Bay, we've heard good things about the food and the view is apparenty beautiful. They serve a variety of cuisine at a fair pricepoint.
Seascape Restaurant
3521 Dolphin DriveLocated at Fairwinds Golf Course in Nanoose Bay, we've heard good things about the food and the view is apparenty beautiful. They serve a variety of cuisine at a fair pricepoint.
A&W Canada
540 East Island Highway EastFast food as you enter Parksville from the south end.
McDonald's
310 Island Hwy WFast food, located in the centre of Parksville, just north of the Community Park.
Sushi at a bargain price. Not the best sushi in town, but one of many options.
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Sushi Ichi
541 E Island Hwy ESushi at a bargain price. Not the best sushi in town, but one of many options.
Dosirak restaurant
259 Island Highway EastKorean cuisine that we REALLY LIKE! Excellent value for the amount of food.
The BEST sushi in the area (in our opinion). Always fresh and a good value. Try the California rolls, they are awesome!
Sushiro Nemo Parksville
102 Island Highway EastThe BEST sushi in the area (in our opinion). Always fresh and a good value. Try the California rolls, they are awesome!
Fast food. Great for a summer treat and located directly across from the Parksville Community Park in the center of the city.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
154 East Island Hwy WFast food. Great for a summer treat and located directly across from the Parksville Community Park in the center of the city.
Råd om byen
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Craig Street market every Tuesday night in Parksville
Local merchants selling their wares with music to entertain
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Father's Day weekend classic car show and shine
Downtown Qualicum Beach is closed to all but 100s of classics
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Canada Day parade and festivities (July 1) in Parksville
Parade goes from south end of Parksville to the Community Park. All day music, food and activities in the Community Park and a fireworks show at dark. The busiest and most festive day of the year in Parksville!!!
Sådan kommer du omkring
Traffic in the area is not typically too heavy
Parksville and Qualicum Beach downtowns are relatively easy to make your way around by car, on foot and by bicycle. There is usually lots of parking. There is bus service in the area and one taxi company (Oceanside Taxi). There is no ride sharing (Uber, Lyft).
Skikke og kultur
People are generally friendly and helpful.
They'll typically help if you ask.