Getting Here


By Land

By Bike

Learn about the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association’s bald eagle rehabilitation efforts in Parksville Qualicum Beach

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Canada’s Riviera

Just 37km north of Nanaimo, Parksville is the perfect oceanside retreat to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect. With something for everyone, this region offers family-friendly activities, outdoor adventure, and luxurious spa getaways. Year-round events bring the locals together, all under the watchful eyes of the resident and migrating bird population.

Parksville Community Park
 Birding
Englishman River Estuary - Parksville - Central Vancouver Island - BC Bird Trail
Englishman River Estuary
 Birding

Field Notes

Conservation in Central Vancouver Island

As we explore and enjoy the super, natural beauty of British Columbia and the birds that call it home, we should be aware of our potential impacts on the environment. Through learning and supporting local conservation efforts, we can all play an important role in ensuring the health of our local nature, making sure it…
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 Cafe
 Food
Black Goose Inn by Jordan Dyck
 Food
 Shopping
 Birding
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    Ocean EcoVentures
    1025 Lee Road, Parksville, BC, V9P 2E1

    Explore Parksville and the Salish Sea with daily wildlife and whale-watching experiences. Half and full-day tours offer opportunities to see orcas, humpback whales, bald eagles, and more out on the open ocean. Please note: this experience is not available year-round, please contact operator directly to confirm seasonal availability.

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 Visitor Centre
 Accommodations

Birding Along the Beach

Continue your exploration of Parksville, then head further north up the road to the charming seaside town of Qualicum Beach. The name is a Straits Salish word meaning “where the dog salmon run”.

Seaside Nature Park by Jordan Dyck
 Birding
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    French Creek Estuary & Breakwater
    1055 Lee Rd, Parksville, BC V9P 2E1

    A popular area for shorebirds, stick to the west side of the marina to explore the creek and estuary or head to the east side to explore the breakwater for more birding opportunities.

Hamilton Marsh Nature Trail
 Birding
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    Hamilton Marsh
    Hilliers Rd S, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2H9

    A beautiful wetland located ten minutes from Qualicum Beach. Home to many species of owls, early migrant swallows, and migrant shorebirds. It’s also the largest water bird brood marsh on this part of Vancouver Island.

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    Seaside Park Faye Smith Rosenblatt Memorial Pavilion
    Off the Island Highway

    This interpretive pavilion honours Faye Smith, a longtime wild-salmon advocate dedicated to protecting salmon habitats from Englishman River to Little Qualicum watersheds. Take in the panoramic view, and learn about the intertidal ecology, wild salmon, and a myriad of bird species. 

Bald Eagles at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
 Birding
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    North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
    1240 Leffler Rd

    With a mission to care for injured, ill and orphaned wildlife, this world-class rehabilitation centre is home to more than 60 non-releasable birds and animals and features the largest eagle flight enclosure in Canada where recovering eagles regain condition and build muscles before being released back into the wild. Open daily for public viewing.

Field Notes

Stories from The BC Bird Trail

3 Stories of Birding, Conservation, and Community featuring renowned biologist, birder and author, Dick Cannings.
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 Cafe
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    French Press Coffee Roasters
    692 Primrose St

    This award-winning cafe roasts all their coffee in-house, but don’t forget to load up on their delicious selection of baked goods too. French Press Coffee Roasters has locations in both Qualicum Beach and Parksville.

 Food
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    Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
    403 Lowrys Rd

    The name says little, but this renowned stop produces some of the west coast’s finest artisan cheeses – perfect snacks while wandering the trails.

Q Burger by Jordan Dyck
 Food
Brant Geese
 Shopping
 Visitor Centre
 Birding
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    Deep Bay Spit

    Located along Deep Bay Dr., this sheltered bay offers chances to see ducks, loons, grebes, and more. It’s also a common habitat for waterfowl in the winter.

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    Take Off Adventure Rentals
    2254 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, BC V0R 1M0

    Take Off Adventure Rentals rents quality electric bikes, bikes, mountain bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, camping supplies and more. They also offer mountain bike camps and biking tours. They’ve got everything you need to get out and enjoy Vancouver Island’s amazing wilderness.

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 Accommodations

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Discover the Parksville Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area
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Try the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Amazing Places GeoTour
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Tuesday Bird Walks with The Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store
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Visit the Deep Bay Marine Field Station
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Explore an ancient forest and garden oasis by the Sea at Milner Gardens & Woodland
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Go underground with caving tours at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
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Learn about The Big Qualicum Hatchery through tours of the hatchery
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Celebrate the return of the Brant Geese at the Brant Wildlife Festival
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Discover Wild Bird Presentations

Join a glove-trained animal ambassador at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre for an up close and personal look into the fascinating world of wild birds every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in July and August.

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