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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 Birding
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    Adventuress Sea Kayaking

    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.

    Book Now: https://adventuress.ca/contact-us/

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    Ocean EcoVentures
    1025 Lee Road, Parksville, BC V9P 2E1, Canada

    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.

    Book Now: https://www.parksvillewhalewatch.com/book-now/

 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”.

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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.

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 Birding
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    North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
    1240 Leffler Rd, Errington, BC V0R 1V0, Canada

    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.

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    Deep Bay Spit
    5451 Deep Bay Dr, British Columbia V0R 1G0, Canada

    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.

    Book Now: http://www.takeoff-rentals.com/

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Explore More

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