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Discover the adventures the area offers you!
Standing on the edge of Springtime, everyone is wondering what kind of adventures are waiting for them on Vancouver Islands abundant coast. The birds are singing, the water is flowing and people everywhere are being beckoned to follow their hearts into nature.
With Victoria’s hip city vibes and Tofino’s rich surf culture, it is easy to overlook what the rest of Vancouver Islands rugged outdoors has to offer. Look no further, because we’ve put together a list of the top 5 provincial parks to visit in the Qualicum, Parksville, and Oceanside area.
“The shallow waters warm quickly and when the tide gets low you can find yourself walking for over a kilometer to get down to the water, making your beachcombing self-reflective strolls an open-ended ticket to inner peace. And, if you find yourself there during the spring time you just might be sharing some of that inner peace with some of the infamous migrating birds which local the area.”
– Angela / Resort Manager
Kayaking and Canoeing in Qualicum Beach
Coastal British Columbia is home to some of the richest wildlife in the world. It’s become a renowned place for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s also rapidly growing as an ‘all-inclusive nature resort’ to those aqua loving sea freaks out there. The oceanside Parksville and Qualicum area isn’t just a place to feel the sand in your toes. It’s a place to jump in and paddle your way through the adventure you so earnestly crave. Pods of whales, gulf islands, the beauty that is the sea, these things are only the beginning of what Seaside Kayaking and Canoeing in the area can offer.
Some of the most popular spots around include Rathtrevor Beach and Qualicum Beach, but you aren’t limited to the ocean. You can find kayaking all around the area, including many of its lakes and provincial parks. The Qualicum Beach area is well known for its gradual immersion into the ocean. You can literally find yourself 1000m out to sea, and still not be waist deep, offering both safety for beginners and families with children. But it doesn’t stop there. With an enormous coastline stretching as far as the eye can see, there is room for intermediate and advanced seafarers to explore deeper and farther than the coastlines of Qualicum Beach itself. No matter what your skill level, the routes and options for sea-faring strangers to the area are plenty. Several companies rent canoes and kayaks and most of the resorts around the area can help you get a discount on your rentals, or point you in the right direction.
Spa & Wellness
Vacations, by their very nature, are all about relaxation. Look no further, Qualicum Beach and Parksville offer many amazing spas to help you relax and unwind. With all of the amazing spas in, you’ll get the most out from yours!
Treatments, aromatherapy, herbal wraps, massages, facials, reflexology, hydrotherapy, and mud baths and even more. Relax with us!
- Tigh-Na-Mara in Parksville
- Stonewater Spa in Parksville
- Sunny Day Spa in Qualicum
- Nevaeh Day Spa in Qualicum
- Ocean Blue Day Spa in Qualicum
Provincal Parks / Our Top 5
#1 Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
If Vancouver Island had a batman, here’s where you would find him. Well… Maybe not. He would probably choose somewhere a little less peaceful. But if you’re a family looking for an activity for all ages, a single ready to mingle type trying to spice up your very first tinder date, or just an outdoor adventure fiend, Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is one of the best springtime adventure playgrounds you could ask for.
Camping in the midst of breathtaking mountaintop views, surrounded by thick woods is only half the story here. There are countless trails waiting for exploration with wildlife around every corner. The real magic begins with the caves themselves were home to some seriously ancient fossils and crystal formations.
#2 Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
When people come to Vancouver Island in search of some seriously amazing outdoor activities, Englishman River Falls makes the list. The park itself features two gorgeous waterfalls that bury themselves deep into a riverbed and canyon.
The Park is large and has a lot of ground to cover by foot including a multitude of viewpoints and hiking trails. Some of that ground and those trails also being part of Vancouver Islands famous old growth forests. Picturesque as it is, you just might find yourself dropping the camera to swan dive into the crystal clear pools that await you.
#3 Spider Lake Provincial Park
Sometimes what you need isn’t an adventure into the unknown. Sometimes what you need is a quality place to take your family for a light, friendly, nature set outing. When this is what you need, Spider Lake Provincial Park is where you want to go.
With its warm waters and many bays it is perfect for lakeside strolling as well as many water based activities. You can find yourself here picnicking, hiking, boating or just laying around on the main beach soaking up some of that spring and summer sun.
#4 Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Little Qualicum falls is known to be one of central Vancouver Island favorite outdoor destinations. It’s home to not only beautiful mountain views surrounded by thick forest but also a beautiful waterfall which buries itself in a lustrous gorge. The views are breathtaking and its rich aesthetic will stimulate your senses and give you your breath right back. Perfect for families or anyone trying to get a dose of some of the freshest air Vancouver Island has to offer. The park has a handful of amenities, which are friendly to visitors of all ages including swimming areas, shaded trails, and picnic facilities.
#5 Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Last but not least, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to central Vancouver Island. Surrounded by giant old growth forest, white sand beaches and ocean sunsets make this park one of the most inviting outdoor adventures spots Coastal British Columbia has to offer. Whether you are in for a day trip or you’ve booked a weekend camping getaway, you will leave this place feeling refreshed, enlightened and ready to bring home some of those coastal nature vibes.
“Vacations are all about relaxation!”
Kathrina – happy resort visitor
More to discover
Shorewater Resort, Qualicum Beach
Oceanfront Suites
Shorewater Resort
3295 West Island Highway
Qualicum Beach, B.C. // V9K 2C6
Vancouver Island, Canada
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