If you travel to Vancouver, you should try to plan a few extra days and head to Vancouver Island, too. An enjoyable hour and 40-minute ferry ride on BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay will get you there. Afterwards, an easy drive up the Island Highway will take you to one of our favourite places in Canada, Parksville-Qualicum Beach.
It’s a bustling area in the summer, but, come winter time, it might appear too sleepy for some — but there is still plenty to keep you busy.
Qualicum Beach Museum
I know what you’re thinking, Qualicum Beach is a small town, how interesting could their museum possibly be? The answer is very interesting. They have extensive Qualicum First Nations display, and a social history exhibit including pioneer dioramas (everybody loves a diorama am I right?). But what has gotten them world recognition is the palaeontology exhibit.
As their website explains: The Museum’s Paleontology Exhibit is recognized as one of world-class stature by paleontologists from all over the world. British Columbia is home to some of the richest fossil beds in the world, most of which are located on Vancouver Island and the Northern Gulf Islands – especially Hornby Island, lying along the geologically active “ring of fire” encompassing the Pacific Ocean.
Their collection counts over 20,000 pieces and includes items from the Precambrian Era (545 million years ago) to the Pleistocene Era.
Currently closed for renovations, they plan on reopening in Spring 2015
Heritage Forest
The Heritage Forest in Qualicum Beach is not too far from downtown Qualicum and has well maintained walking paths.
It is mostly second growth forest, but does have some impressive old growth Douglas Fir trees that are hundreds of years old, too. You can also see various types of mushrooms and berry trees, and if you’re lucky you might spot a barred owl, pileated woodpecker or bald eagle.
Check out the wildlife
If you don’t see wildlife at the Heritage Forest, try heading to the bird sanctuary at the end of Kinkade Rd. Thousands of trumpeter swans stop here every winter. You may also see some bald eagles, whiskey jacks, mergansers, oyster eaters (image below) and many more.
If for some reason you still don’t see any wildlife, head to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre where you’re sure to see some local fauna.
Eat locally
If you don’t feel like cooking, there are plenty of restaurants that would love to feed you. Places such as The Black Goose Inn, a classic English pub in Parksville, or Bistro 694 and Lefty’s in Qualicum Beach are very popular with the locals. And they all serve fresh food and local drink at reasonable prices.
If you’re adventurous, buy yourself a fishing license, bring your own rod or rent equipment at Nile Creek Fly Shop, and try and catch your own dinner by fly fishing in one of the local rivers. If you’re there at the right time of year, you may be able to catch a Coho right off the beach.
If you’ve never been to Vancouver Island, you should consider it for your next high-season or even off-season vacation. It’s the perfect place to wind down, relax and recharge. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
I’ve long since wanted to visit Vancouver Island but I didn’t realize that there would be so many things to see in addition to gorgeous beaches and the usual souvenir shops. Qualicum Beach Museum would definitely be on my list of things to do as well as the Heritage Forest and the bird sanctuary. Thanks for the info!
There are loads of things to do all over Vancouver Island. You’ll be lucky if you have time to go to the beach 😉
This looks like a fun place to explore and see all the attractions and all that amazing local seafood I’m sure.
Oh the seafood is amazing and you can buy it right off the pier.
I have been to Vancouver Island, and now must go back and visit Qualicum (which I have never been able to spell!). Your photos are gorgeous. I must dust off the gorgeous sunset photos I took when I was there.
You spelled it correctly in your comment 🙂 I’d love to see that sunset photo.
I’ve not been to Vancouver Island. When we return to British Columbia, this will definitely be on the list. It’s so lovely to discover world-class attractions in such an unassuming setting. Thanks for sharing this information.
Hope you make it there some day.
Looks like such a relaxing place. Are there nice accommodations, too?
Yes Irene there are a wide range of accommodations from budget to luxury. Most are listed on the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Tourism website https://www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com/directory-resorts-hotels-motels
We visited Parksville /Qualicum beach a couple times when our kids were small and loved it. Time for a return visit!
It’s one of our favourite spots, have spent a lot of time there over the years.
I love Vancouver Island – a beautiful place. I’ve been to Heritage Forest, but not Qualicum Beach Museum. I’ve developed an appreciation for small -town museums but did not know this one had world-class recognition. On my list for the next time I tour the island.
We were pleasantly surprised and think you will enjoy it.
I’m in Vancouver in March but I’m starting to think there will be far more to see and do than I can possibly fit into a few days. I hadn’t even thought about fitting in Vancouver Island…
There is plenty to do in Vancouver proper if you are only there for a few days. You would need more time to fit in Vancouver Island.
I really want to get to Vancouver. My husband spent a bunch of time in BC before we met and says I’d love it. Almost got there a few years ago. On the list.
I hope you make it there some day, it’s definitely worth it.
I’ve visited Vancouver Island before, but I’ve never heard of the wonderful places you describe. I’d love to visit the paleontology exhibit when the Qualicum Beach Museum reopens.
It’s supposed to reopen in spring 2015, better start planning 🙂
Van Island is a special place as a whole, but Parksville is a secret of many locals … such a chilled out place to live!
The place looks stunning! I would love to explore the forest, must be a real adventure. And I love the pictures that you give 🙂
Awesome post! Thanks a lot for sharing. Really very useful and informative post. I love your post.