Local Adventures and Guidebook

Alexandria
Alexandria
Local Adventures and Guidebook

Nature Walks/Hikes

For a great hiking adventure with old growth forests and awaterfall feature -this is a wonderful spot! It has 6km of trails and a nice viewpoint. We take our kids here for an afternoon trip. Difficulty level easy.
118 locals recommend
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
4001 Alberni Hwy
118 locals recommend
For a great hiking adventure with old growth forests and awaterfall feature -this is a wonderful spot! It has 6km of trails and a nice viewpoint. We take our kids here for an afternoon trip. Difficulty level easy.
This is a great spot not only to hike but to swim. The elevation can be a bit steep at times but once you get down to the river level (while stopping to enjoy that amazing waterfall) there are some awesome swimming spots. Difficulty level: medium
140 locals recommend
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
2245 Errington Road
140 locals recommend
This is a great spot not only to hike but to swim. The elevation can be a bit steep at times but once you get down to the river level (while stopping to enjoy that amazing waterfall) there are some awesome swimming spots. Difficulty level: medium
For an easy, leisurely walk through the woods, this is your spot. The South Loop even offers wheelchair accessible forest bathing. What a great spot just down the road from us. Wonderful for families with small children or mobility issues.
17 locals recommend
Lighthouse Country Regional Trail
3475 Lioness Blvd
17 locals recommend
For an easy, leisurely walk through the woods, this is your spot. The South Loop even offers wheelchair accessible forest bathing. What a great spot just down the road from us. Wonderful for families with small children or mobility issues.
Winter travelers can enjoy some amazing slopes at a fraction of the cost of mainland hills. Summer adventurers will love the many biking and hiking trails.
133 locals recommend
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
1 Strathcona Pkwy
133 locals recommend
Winter travelers can enjoy some amazing slopes at a fraction of the cost of mainland hills. Summer adventurers will love the many biking and hiking trails.
If you want to see a large white sand beach, this is the place for you. Large walking trails along the beach are easy to access. Good beach for an easy walk with the whole family.
165 locals recommend
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
1240 Rath Rd
165 locals recommend
If you want to see a large white sand beach, this is the place for you. Large walking trails along the beach are easy to access. Good beach for an easy walk with the whole family.
This old growth forest is well worth the trip. Immerse yourself in the ancient standing people of Vancouver Island. Go early to avoid crowds.
163 locals recommend
Cathedral Grove
British Columbia 4
163 locals recommend
This old growth forest is well worth the trip. Immerse yourself in the ancient standing people of Vancouver Island. Go early to avoid crowds.

City/town information

Commonly called a sleepy town, QBeach is becoming a little more vibrant as younger folks move in. We will admit that stores close early but their complete lack of large chain stores has kept that tiny town feel alive. We love it. The beach is a great place to spend the day.
108 locals recommend
Qualicum Beach
108 locals recommend
Commonly called a sleepy town, QBeach is becoming a little more vibrant as younger folks move in. We will admit that stores close early but their complete lack of large chain stores has kept that tiny town feel alive. We love it. The beach is a great place to spend the day.
So much more than a Super Mario villian, our quiet little town is a real gem. The people here are friendly, know each other by name and create an old-school-feel community. Cafe, foods and gift shopping are available here.
7 locals recommend
Bowser
7 locals recommend
So much more than a Super Mario villian, our quiet little town is a real gem. The people here are friendly, know each other by name and create an old-school-feel community. Cafe, foods and gift shopping are available here.
Well known for Rathtrevor Beach and the annual sand castle building competition, Parksville is becoming a large busy city. We enjoy our trips to the beach and community park. Our children love finding sand dollars and walking far far out when the tide is low. Parksville has a lot to offer in terms of shopping.
55 locals recommend
Parksville
55 locals recommend
Well known for Rathtrevor Beach and the annual sand castle building competition, Parksville is becoming a large busy city. We enjoy our trips to the beach and community park. Our children love finding sand dollars and walking far far out when the tide is low. Parksville has a lot to offer in terms of shopping.
If you don't mind driving (a beautiful drive) this is a very popular tourist destination -mostly because of the beaches. We recommend staying a night or two in Tofino (if you can find a place) because the drive there and back in one day is a bit much -especially if you have kids.
104 locals recommend
Tofino
104 locals recommend
If you don't mind driving (a beautiful drive) this is a very popular tourist destination -mostly because of the beaches. We recommend staying a night or two in Tofino (if you can find a place) because the drive there and back in one day is a bit much -especially if you have kids.

Family Fun

If you have kids and you want a day out but don't mind crowds, this is the place for you. Playground, water park, massive amazing beach (find sand dollars!), large sand pits for castle building, skate park...it has it all. And right in town so you're close to stores and restaurants.
94 locals recommend
Parksville Community Park and Skate Park
193 Beachside Dr
94 locals recommend
If you have kids and you want a day out but don't mind crowds, this is the place for you. Playground, water park, massive amazing beach (find sand dollars!), large sand pits for castle building, skate park...it has it all. And right in town so you're close to stores and restaurants.
Mini golf, paddle boats, arcade and close to the beach. Our kids love going here for an afternoon.
52 locals recommend
Paradise Mini Golf and Fun Park
375 Island Hwy W
52 locals recommend
Mini golf, paddle boats, arcade and close to the beach. Our kids love going here for an afternoon.
What is a more classic Vancouver Island tourist destination than Goats on the Roof? Shopping, eating, and general walk-around fun. Ice-cream and doughnuts are a special treat.
151 locals recommend
Old Country Market - Goats on Roof
2326 Alberni Hwy
151 locals recommend
What is a more classic Vancouver Island tourist destination than Goats on the Roof? Shopping, eating, and general walk-around fun. Ice-cream and doughnuts are a special treat.
Ooooooooh what an adventure. There are a variety of tours that you can choose from, varying in length and depth underground. There are also some large open cave areas that you can walk around in without a guide. Tons of trails in the area. You could easily spend a day (or more) here.
102 locals recommend
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
3905 Horne Lake Caves Rd
102 locals recommend
Ooooooooh what an adventure. There are a variety of tours that you can choose from, varying in length and depth underground. There are also some large open cave areas that you can walk around in without a guide. Tons of trails in the area. You could easily spend a day (or more) here.
This is a great lake to swim and canoe in. I'm completely serious when I say that the wind picks up at 1pm. Go in the morning and enjoy this lovely spot. Prepare yourself for the afternoon wind.
Horne Lake
This is a great lake to swim and canoe in. I'm completely serious when I say that the wind picks up at 1pm. Go in the morning and enjoy this lovely spot. Prepare yourself for the afternoon wind.
Do you like to swim in lakes? Me too. That's why I come here often. In the summer it's refreshing. Clear water. No swimmers itch. My two complaints: that parking is a nightmare and that power boats can be a bit annoying when you're trying to relax.
22 locals recommend
Cameron Lake
35 Alberni Hwy
22 locals recommend
Do you like to swim in lakes? Me too. That's why I come here often. In the summer it's refreshing. Clear water. No swimmers itch. My two complaints: that parking is a nightmare and that power boats can be a bit annoying when you're trying to relax.
I especially love sharing this place with couples...want to know why? Because a late-night swim here in the summer usually comes complete with phosphorescence! During the day it's also a really nice spot for families as the beach is sandy and the entry into the water is gradual. This beach is a local spot that I send travelers to if they want to avoid the crowds of Qualicum and Parksville.
Sunnybeach Public Water Access
I especially love sharing this place with couples...want to know why? Because a late-night swim here in the summer usually comes complete with phosphorescence! During the day it's also a really nice spot for families as the beach is sandy and the entry into the water is gradual. This beach is a local spot that I send travelers to if they want to avoid the crowds of Qualicum and Parksville.
Want to see raptors? Our kids love coming here and seeing all of the injured and recovering animals. There are some educational tours and it's small enough that you can spend an hour or two here and still have time for another adventure -it's partway to Englishman River Falls so we usually make an afternoon of it and do both.
43 locals recommend
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
1240 Leffler Rd
43 locals recommend
Want to see raptors? Our kids love coming here and seeing all of the injured and recovering animals. There are some educational tours and it's small enough that you can spend an hour or two here and still have time for another adventure -it's partway to Englishman River Falls so we usually make an afternoon of it and do both.
Not the most exciting park, but it's super close. This park was just finished in the spring of 2022. It's a nice spot for the kids to run around and parents to sit on a bench and relax.
Dunsmuir Community Park
326 Horne Lake Road
Not the most exciting park, but it's super close. This park was just finished in the spring of 2022. It's a nice spot for the kids to run around and parents to sit on a bench and relax.
This is up the road from us and while there aren't always tours of the hatchery, we primarily come here for the hikes! This place has TONS of trails and most of them are easy walking. There is an amazing trail that you can bike/stroller/walk on that goes ALL the way to Horne Lake. Coming here is worth packing a picnic for.
Big Qualicum Hatchery
215 Fisheries Rd
This is up the road from us and while there aren't always tours of the hatchery, we primarily come here for the hikes! This place has TONS of trails and most of them are easy walking. There is an amazing trail that you can bike/stroller/walk on that goes ALL the way to Horne Lake. Coming here is worth packing a picnic for.

Food scene

This absolute hidden gem is my #1 restaurant on Vancouver Island. I don't want to hype it up TOO much, but...damn. This place is so good. They take every day local ingredients and turn them into a gastronomical experience. Try the carte blanche with wine pairing. Make a reservation.
9 locals recommend
De L'île Restaurant
129 West 2nd Avenue
9 locals recommend
This absolute hidden gem is my #1 restaurant on Vancouver Island. I don't want to hype it up TOO much, but...damn. This place is so good. They take every day local ingredients and turn them into a gastronomical experience. Try the carte blanche with wine pairing. Make a reservation.
Classic italian fare in a pretty great venue. We love the restaurant and they now offer gluten-free options for their pastas. Good variety for adults and there's a basic kids menu. We find the portions to be generous. Inside the "Goats on the Roof" property.
72 locals recommend
Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria
2310 Alberni Hwy
72 locals recommend
Classic italian fare in a pretty great venue. We love the restaurant and they now offer gluten-free options for their pastas. Good variety for adults and there's a basic kids menu. We find the portions to be generous. Inside the "Goats on the Roof" property.
This is a fan favourite. People drive from an hour or more away to order these tacos and eat them on the seaside. Honestly, if you're in a rush this isn't the place for you. We have waited an hour for a taco. If you have the time, do it. Climb down the rocks to the beach. Watch for seals. Enjoy the breeze. Maybe eat some ice-cream from across the street while you wait.
38 locals recommend
Tidal Taco Shack
6001 Island Hwy W
38 locals recommend
This is a fan favourite. People drive from an hour or more away to order these tacos and eat them on the seaside. Honestly, if you're in a rush this isn't the place for you. We have waited an hour for a taco. If you have the time, do it. Climb down the rocks to the beach. Watch for seals. Enjoy the breeze. Maybe eat some ice-cream from across the street while you wait.
Tiny, classic ice-cream joint. We take our kids here. They have a good selection of flavours and we take our time eating them on the grass watching the ocean. It is right on the highway so if you have young kids who run I recommend taking the ice-cream to go.
6 locals recommend
Cone Zone
5970 Island Hwy W
6 locals recommend
Tiny, classic ice-cream joint. We take our kids here. They have a good selection of flavours and we take our time eating them on the grass watching the ocean. It is right on the highway so if you have young kids who run I recommend taking the ice-cream to go.
Tiny little place with a big reputation. This is the favourite sushi place for the locals.
12 locals recommend
Sushi Hama
221 W 2nd Ave
12 locals recommend
Tiny little place with a big reputation. This is the favourite sushi place for the locals.
This food truck is an absolute MUST. Sunday mornings they serve EGGS BENNY POUTINE. You read that correctly. Eggs benny poutine. Burgers, fries, poutine, fish and chips...all on the oceanfront in Qualicum Beach. We frequent this place.
The Knockananna Grill
2767 Island Highway West
This food truck is an absolute MUST. Sunday mornings they serve EGGS BENNY POUTINE. You read that correctly. Eggs benny poutine. Burgers, fries, poutine, fish and chips...all on the oceanfront in Qualicum Beach. We frequent this place.
Dole Whip anyone? Seriously, they have Dole Whip. I thought they only had this in Disney Land. The food isn't anything to write home about but it's convenient and right on Qualicum Beach.
Shore Restaurant
2831 Island Highway West
Dole Whip anyone? Seriously, they have Dole Whip. I thought they only had this in Disney Land. The food isn't anything to write home about but it's convenient and right on Qualicum Beach.
Not sure why they call it a cafe when it's more of a mid-to up scale restaurant. The food is great. We find it a little loud and there are TVs on the walls that make our children totally zone out. We prefer to come to this place as a date night and leave the kids at home.
41 locals recommend
Qualicum Beach Inn
2690 Island Hwy W
41 locals recommend
Not sure why they call it a cafe when it's more of a mid-to up scale restaurant. The food is great. We find it a little loud and there are TVs on the walls that make our children totally zone out. We prefer to come to this place as a date night and leave the kids at home.
German food in large servings. Schnitzel is a specialty of theirs, obviously, but their other menu items are pretty delicious too.
21 locals recommend
Black Bird Schnitzel Haus
3298 Island Hwy W
21 locals recommend
German food in large servings. Schnitzel is a specialty of theirs, obviously, but their other menu items are pretty delicious too.
If you want coffee, this is your place. We've tried all of the cafes in a 30km radius. This is the best.
21 locals recommend
French Press Coffee Roasters
694 Primrose St
21 locals recommend
If you want coffee, this is your place. We've tried all of the cafes in a 30km radius. This is the best.

Sightseeing

A quick ferry ride will take you to this artisan filled island. It has some cool beaches and hippy foods. :) It's a cool day trip. If you've come all the way here, you may as well take a ferry over to Hornby and see Canada's Hawaii (seriously cool white sand warm beach)
20 locals recommend
Denman Island
20 locals recommend
A quick ferry ride will take you to this artisan filled island. It has some cool beaches and hippy foods. :) It's a cool day trip. If you've come all the way here, you may as well take a ferry over to Hornby and see Canada's Hawaii (seriously cool white sand warm beach)
If you can find accommodation here, GO! This place is home to Canada's Hawaii, a warm white sand beach. If you can make it happen, this is a trip worth doing.
40 locals recommend
Hornby Island
40 locals recommend
If you can find accommodation here, GO! This place is home to Canada's Hawaii, a warm white sand beach. If you can make it happen, this is a trip worth doing.