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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    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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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.

 Birding
 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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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

April 2022.