From Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Beach, this area overflows with places to be and things to see and do. Another blessing is that you rarely have to consider the effect that weather will have on your plans. With abundant sun light shining on all that nature has given us, usually the hardest task is deciding what you are in the mood to do.
Golf
When you're in the mood for golf, there are six courses to challenge you including nine holes at Brigadoon Golf Course in Parksville. Fairwinds in Nanoose Bay, Morningstar Championship in Parksville and Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course offer 18 holes designed around the natural beauty of their site. Tall trees line most of our fairways and water features are welcome sights. Golfers of all skill levels will find something to enjoy here as well as variety to keep things interesting.
Water Fun
Water lovers of all kinds will find their paradise. If your love includes boating, pick your vehicle. Start in Nanoose Bay where sailors and kayakers glide over the calm waters. Dock your own boat at Schooner Cove Marina or arrange a fishing charter or sightseeing tour. Windsurf or kayak from the federal dock at French Creek near Parksville or launch a boat from French Creek Marina.
Known as Canada’s Riviera, our area has wonderful spots for swimmers and beachcombers to relax. Try the broad sandy beaches along coastlines in Parksville and Qualicum Beach where the ocean water temperature averages 12 degrees Celsius. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park has a wonderful swimming beach near Nanoose Bay. Watch the birds and seals living in the area. Lakes and streams have a different feeling – try the crystal clear pool below the falls in Englishman River Falls Provincial Park.
Fishermen can find salmon and trout fishing especially challenging. Cameron Lake and the Little Qualicum River at Qualicum Falls Provincial Park as well as the Englishman River are good locations to try your luck. Marinas like Schooner Cove or arrange fishing charters or the supplies and information for you to launch your own fishing trip.
Parks and Recreation
There are many local and provincial parks in the area that support everything from just walking the dog to climbing to the top of the mountain for the unbelievable view. Campsites are plentiful and range from primitive, like those at the secluded Jedediah Island Provincial Park, to the modern facilities you’ll find at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
Cathedral Grove trails lead you through majestic old growth forests for an idea of what this land was like before any settlers made it their home. Other good hikes are along trails beside the rivers of Englishman River Falls or Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Parks.
Wandering in Qualicum National Wildlife Area puts you close to all the plants, animals and birds protected there. You could rent a horse, hike or mountain bike on the Northwest Bay Trails. If you get up to the Notch, an amazing ocean view is the reward. Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park is popular.
Arts and Culture
The beauty of this place must foster artistic spirits since so many artists and craft people have made their homes here. There are a number of galleries that include local work like Pyromania Pottery in Coombs, The Englishman River Gallery in Parksville and The Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach. The Parksville Quilt Festival is a yearly celebration of quilting and fibre arts.
Many artists open their studios so you can see work in progress. Follow the Art Loop and Scenic Drive to get acquainted with these locations. Live performances are presented at the Village Theater in Qualicum Beach. Music festivals showcase a variety of music styles. The Kulth Music Fest in Coombs presents folk and electronic performance by local and international musicians.
Heritage buildings and artifacts tell Parksville’s history at The Craig Heritage Park. Some structures in Coombs were built when it was settled and are still in use today. Milner Gardens and Woodland is considered one of ‘the seven wonders of Oceanside’. Come for a stroll and high tea in the afternoon. Browse the quaint and unique shops of Qualicum Beach for something out of the ordinary. Or try the Errington Farmers Market for local produce, live entertainment and arts and crafts.
To sum it up, along this relatively small geographic area of Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Beach, you can move from mountain to ocean, from history to present day, from cabin to grand estate, from strolling to mountain biking, from high tea in the garden to hot dogs over your campfire, from a tent to a luxurious resort. And you are always surrounded by the awe inspiring beauty of nature and probably bright sunshine.
Come and join us. If you have questions about the area, even if you are just starting a home search, feel free to contact me. I always enjoy helping others get to know this special area. Call me at 250-752-6926 or toll free at 800-224-5906. Or send me an email below.
Theresa Antolick
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