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Related Travel Information
Category: Oceanside
Parksville In a Hurry
The editors of this website asked local businesses for the essential recommendations for Parksville. We asked them: “If you imagine that someone has come to you and they are on a totally tight time line, and asked you these questions, what would you tell them?” 1. Where should I eat that I should not miss in Parksville? Answer: For Parksville, would be either Mekong River located at 625 Island Hwy, Parksville. Best vietnamese food! Or, Gary’s Bistro in Qualicum Beach. Fun atmosphere, great staff, large variett on the menu! They are located at 115 West 2nd Ave. 2. If I […]
Nanaimo, Duncan and Saltspring Island Eateries
Here are the Nanaimo, Duncan and Saltspring Island eateries I always go to and wouldn’t hesitate recommending: 1. Aladdin’s Caf
Butterfly World & Gardens Coombs
The travelling family is always on the look-out for a good place to visit that the children will enjoy, but has some educational value and isn’t just wall-to-wall commercialism. The Butterfly World & Gardens in Coombs BC fits this bill. We had an 8 and 2 year old with us and their interests were both piqued. The eldest just wanted a butterfly to land on her and stay for a couple of moments. The youngest wanted to just be able to see everything and had a good sense of discovery. Fortunately the facility wasn’t just a pile of butterflies flitting […]
The Old Country Market in Coombs BC
I never thought I’d visit Coombs, which is a small town near Parksville–Qualicum. It’s a name on the map for me and until we chose to go to Butterfly World I didn’t think I’d have the pleasure of finding one of the most eclectic shopping areas in the world. The draw for this market is that they have grass on the rooftops of the market (I wonder if the new Convention Centre in Vancouver stole their idea) and they have goats trimming the grass. Well, it’s been pretty darn hot and I suspect that the goats wouldn’t enjoy the dry […]
North Island Wildlife Recovery Association
If you want to see some animals in captivity, but are in captivity for a good reason — i.e. they’d be dead in a minute in the wild — the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington BC is a good choice. To get there, you need to take the Alberni Highway (4A) which you can access via Highway 19. It’s quite close to Parksville (about 4 km) and makes an excellent day trip for the family. The place is not a zoo as such and it has a wonderfully rustic feel about it. It’s a place to try to […]
Why not call Parksville Beachville?
I’m not sure why it’s called Parkville; it should be called Beachville. (Apparently Parksville was actually named after a fellow named Nelson Parks.) We are staying at Ocean Trails Resort which has access to Rathtrevor Beach. A bunch of resorts take advantage of the access to the water. The reason is obvious: the beach during the various tides can reach out for what seems like miles and you can walk along the beach for what seems like miles. There are lots of tiny creatures to look at in the tide pools including craps, clams and other shelled critters. When […]
Lefty’s is the right place to eat in Parksville
Twice now I’ve eaten at Lefty’s (101 – 280 East Island Highway) in Parksville. It’s got a mix of casual dining with funky booths and decor but the kitchen actually has some imagination. We had an 8 and 2 year old in tow and there were other families and they had a diverse kids’ menu. I ate a bison burger with bacon and cheese and it was a really nice change from the generic beef. And I actually ate their side salad. I never eat side salads. My wife had a curry vegetable bowl with noodles. She’s a vegetarian and […]
Brickyard Cove Water Park Nanoose Bay
Nestled within the stunning landscape of the East Coast of Vancouver Island is “Fairwinds” at Nanoose Bay – just south of Parksville and north of Nanaimo. Located on the leeward side of the mountain Nanoose Bay has the bragging rights of the mildest climate in Canada. As you drive down Powder Point Road past Enos Lake to Fairwinds, you may wonder where these names originated. The forest engulfs the relics of bygone years, but a little delving into the past soon uncovers a colorful history here. The first settler on the Nanoose Peninsula was John Enos. Originally from the Azores, […]
Qualicum Beach Overview
Qualicum Beach has many activities for both tourists and locals. These are just a few samples. Bard to Broadway The 2009 season will be B2B’s 10th year. Enjoy theatre under the big tent all summer. The company presents 4 plays continously all summer long. This is the 7th year of operation and the plays have been playing to sell out crowds since its inception. The Old School House Gallery and Art Centre The Old School House is a hot bed of the best of Vancouver Island art. In addtion to ever changing shows of the work of BC artists, there […]
Oceanside Overview
Traveller Facts – Oceanside Nanaimo has a population of over 70,000 and in the 1990s upgraded its downtown and harbour to reflect its focus on tourism. In 1999, Qualicum Beach boasted the most seniors of any community in BC, but don’t let that fool you; the town centre is unique and vibrant. Nanoose Bay is a beautiful quiet spot with retirement facilities, golfing, Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges and the Nanoose First Nation Reserve. Worth the detour from the main road.
