Qualicum Beach, British Columbia

Qualicum Beach is a small seaside town located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada. The town has a population of approximately 9,000 people and is known for its natural beauty, mild climate, and small-town charm.

Qualicum Beach is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including old-growth forests, sandy beaches, and the Strait of Georgia. The town is also home to a number of parks, including the Heritage Forest, which features trails through an old-growth forest, and Milner Gardens and Woodland, a public garden with an impressive collection of plants.

In addition to its natural beauty, Qualicum Beach has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a number of galleries, studios, and cultural events throughout the year. The town also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and other amenities, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

  • Beaches: Qualicum is known for its stunning beaches, including Eaglecrest Beach, Qualicum Beach. The sandy shores and calm waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. In between Parksville and Qualicum you will find Columbia Beach, where you can watch experienced kite boarders catch the wind. For those looking for a scenic walk, the Beachfront Promenade is a paved pathway that runs along the waterfront and offers stunning views of the ocean, as well as easy access to the beach.

  • Outdoor Activities: Qualicum is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, golfing, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

  • Parks and Trails: The town has a skate/bike park, large soccer and ball fields, as well as a swimming pool where you can find a class for the kids or fitness choices for every body.

    One of the most popular parks in Qualicum Beach is the Heritage Forest, a 50-acre park that features hiking trails through an old-growth forest with towering trees, moss-covered rocks, and a peaceful creek.

    Another must-visit park is Milner Gardens and Woodland, a public garden with over 70 acres of woodland, an impressive collection of plants, and breathtaking views of the Strait of Georgia. Don’t miss high tea!

    The Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is also a popular destination for hiking and picnicking. The park features several trails that lead visitors through lush forests and past picturesque waterfalls.

  • Festivals and Events: local attractions include the Qualicum Beach Farmers' Market, which is open year-round, and the Qualicum Beach Museum, which showcases the town's history and heritage. Here, visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts from local vendors.

    Other annual events in the area include the Qualicum Beach Canada Day celebrations, which feature live music, food vendors, and a parade. The town also hosts a number of arts and cultural events, such as the Qualicum Beach Film Festival and the Qualicum Beach Art Walk.

    For those interested in outdoor activities, Qualicum Beach offers a number of events such as the Great Canadian Beer Festival and the Qualicum Beach Triathlon.

  • Local Cuisine: The town is home to a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bistros, many of which focus on using local, seasonal ingredients in their dishes. There is a local brewery/restaurant that has become a local gathering spot.

Parksville is served by two school districts, which are responsible for providing education to students from kindergarten through grade 12:

  1. School District 69 (Qualicum): This district serves the communities of Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanoose Bay, and Bowser. It operates nine elementary schools, two secondary schools, and a distributed learning program.

  2. Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique: This district provides French language education to students in Parksville and other communities throughout British Columbia. It operates one elementary school, École Oceanside Elementary School, which offers a French immersion program from kindergarten through grade 7 & École Ballenas Secondary School for dual track high school.

The school districts is committed to providing high-quality education to students in Parksville and the surrounding communities. Offering a wide range of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of students and help them achieve their academic and personal goals. Additionally, both districts work closely with parents, community organizations, and other stakeholders to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Parksville also has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Here is a brief overview of the city's history:

  • Indigenous Peoples: The area has a rich history, with evidence of First Nations habitation dating back over 4000 years. Qualicum First Nations runs a beautiful, oceanfront campground in Qualicum Bay.

  • European Settlement: In the late 1800s, the town was settled by Europeans who were attracted to the fertile land and mild climate. The first permanent settler was William Avery Dunsmuir, who built a large estate on the shores of Qualicum Bay. Dunsmuir was a wealthy industrialist who owned coal mines on Vancouver Island.

  • Development:The town began to grow in the early 1900s as a popular tourist destination, known for its sandy beaches, warm waters, and abundant wildlife. The town was incorporated in 1942 and since then, it has continued to grow and develop.

  • Growth: Today, Qualicum Beach is a thriving community with a population of approximately 10,000 people.

  • Tourism: Despite its growth and development, Qualicum Beach has managed to maintain its small-town charm and natural beauty. It remains a popular destination for visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

One unique feature of Qualicum Beach is that all businesses are locally owned and operated. There are no chain stores or restaurants. We say support local!