Getting Here
By Bike
- Biking Routes: Parksville – Qualicum Beach Links
- Biking North: From Nanaimo
- Biking South: From Courtenay
By Bus
By Air
- via Comox Valley Airport
- via Harbour Air
- via Helijet
- via Iskwew Air
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.
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1Haida Gold Ocean Adventures3521 Dolphin DrBOOK NOW
Encounter shorebirds, whales, dolphins, and seals during a variety of themed adventures, from fishing to sunset sightseeing.
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2Englishman River EstuaryEntry at the end of Shelly Road
An important habitat to the Pacific Brant Sea Goose, this estuary offers a short walking trail and a chance to see some of the 250 bird species living here.
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3Adventuress Sea KayakingFlexible drop-off pointsBOOK NOW
Enjoy the beauty of Vancouver Island with an emphasis on environmentally friendly kayaking. Adventuress offers a variety of day trips, multi-day adventures, and group tours.
Field Notes
Conservation in Central Vancouver Island
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4Pacific Brimm Cafe123 Craig St
Grab some breakfast or lunch at this cozy cafe just steps away from the Parksville Community Park beach.
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5Nanoose Bay Cafe3521 Dolphin Drive, Nanoose Bay, BC, V9P 9K1
Discover Nanoose Bay’s premier dining destination offering locally-sourced provisions, live music, private events, and more. Join them for a taste of Vancouver Island’s finest offerings by the waterfront.
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6Realm Food Co.180 Craig St #2
A community food hub working with local farmers to create a vibrant and diverse menu, with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.
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7Lefty’s Fresh Food101-280 East, Island Hwy E
Delicious pizza made fresh to order with house-made dough and sauces. Get one of their signature pizzas or create your own.
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8Black Goose Inn1051 Resort Dr
Grab a pint on the patio to pair with pub classics in this English styled restaurant on the grounds of the Beach Acres Resort.
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9Bayside Restaurant & Lounge240 Dogwood St
Exquisite oceanfront dining with a West Coast-inspired seasonal menu paired with Vancouver Island craft beer and local wines.
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10Pacific Prime Restaurant at The Beach Club Resort181 Beachside Dr
Enjoy fine dining with local seafood and amazing views, or sit on the oceanfront patio for a more relaxed experience.
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11Sea & Summit Bookshop102 280 E Island Hwy
Parksville’s newest bookstore, owned and operated by local husband and wife adventure couple Kristie and Kevin.
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12Ocean EcoVentures1025 Lee Road, Parksville, BC, V9P 2E1BOOK NOW
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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14The Beach Club Resort181 Beachside DrBOOK NOW
A luxury hotel with a seaside pool and hot tub, spa, thoughtful amenities, and easy access to the beach.
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”.
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15French Creek Estuary & Breakwater1055 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.
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16Hamilton MarshHilliers 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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17Seaside Park Faye Smith Rosenblatt Memorial PavilionOff 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.
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18North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre1240 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
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19French Press Coffee Roasters692 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.
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20Little Qualicum Cheeseworks403 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.
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22Old Country Market2326 Alberni Hwy
Stop by this Coombs landmark to refuel at one of the many eateries while watching the famous goats on the roof.
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23The Camellia Tea Room at Milner Gardens & Woodland2179 Island Hwy W
Take a break for some afternoon tea, served with freshly baked scones and jelly, inside the historic Milner House.
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24Mulberry Bush Book Store130 W 2nd Ave #130
A staple of the community, you’ll find a large selection of books and gifts in this independent bookstore.
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27Take Off Adventure Rentals2254 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, BC V0R 1M0BOOK NOW
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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28Qualicum Beach Inn2690 Island Hwy WBOOK NOW
Stylish and elegant rooms just steps away from the sandy beaches of the Strait of Georgia.
Explore More
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.
The Central Vancouver Island Bird Trail