Tag: Beaches

Qualicum Beach is an unusual town in that its town centre is inland from its amazing seascape, which is right on Highway 19A, suitably called the Oceanside Route. (In fact the tourism board for the area was called Oceanside Tourism, but changed to Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism. Oceanside is a bit generic, so I see why they made the change, but the romance is lost for me.) Along Highway 19A there is a series of accommodations that are perched on the water. One we stayed at was Buena Vista by the Sea, which has x oceanfront suites. Because of the […]

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With Vancouver’s sheltered oceanfront there are opportunities to enjoy the beach life in 9 distinct places. Three of these beaches are accessible to downtown Vancouver via Stanley Park and the others are all south of downtown heading west toward and into UBC (University of British Columbia). My favourite memory of a few years back was a remarkable convergence of an extremely low tide, a glorious sunny day and the time to enjoy a long walk. Three of us realized that we could literally walk along the exposed tidal mud all the way from Kits Beach to Wreck Beach. It was […]

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In Vancouver’s West End one of the beach concession stands is considered to have the best burger in town because burgers are grilled fresh to order with all the trimmings, reasonably priced (at least compared to neighbourhood restaurants). Only available in summer, but it’s hard to beat sitting on the sand with a log at your back and good company, enjoying your burgers as the sun sinks towards the horizon, watching the passing sailboats and paddleboarders and various bits of family life unfolding on this relatively quiet neighbourhood beach.

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Kitsilano Beach Park (AKA Kits Beach) is a spectacular place to spend a day when visiting Vancouver. It’s particularly amazing when you land on a sunny warm summer day. My favourite reasons to hang out there are: The Scenery While sitting on Kits Beach and looking west you can, on a clear day, see the mountain ranges of Vancouver Island. In August the sunset sets right where the North Shore mountains touches the water and is breathtaking. It’s no wonder they built the restaurant above the concession stand so as to get a better view. If you head north along […]

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Desolation Resort is near Powell River and Lund on the Sunshine Coast and shares these five top tips for the Powell River area. If you go to Lund, go to Savary Island too. Its white sand beaches and warm waters are sure to attract the whole family. Relax on the beach! Lund Water Taxi departs on the hour. It’s a short trip and well worth it. A few excellent restaurants are nearby. Dining in Lund is a unique experience with incredible views. Wine and dine and behold the sunset! Kayak adventures are plentifully available in Okeover and Lund with Terra […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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In the summer of 2010, I lived in an apartment hotel in Vancouver’s West End.  (Specifically 910 Beach Ave Apartment Hotel.)  I was enjoying Stanley Park’s Second Beach which has a good playground and a marvelous pool as well as the ocean.  My ride back had left and I was happy, during a warm stunning sunset, to walk along the Stanley Park Seawall, which leads to a waterfront walk along English Bay. Vancouver’s West End is known for its eccentrics.  So, people-watching is great.  Somehow with a stunning sunset and warm conditions even the more erratic people have a (relatively) care-free […]

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The best part of living in the heart of Vancouver during the summer is being in the centre of all the action without having to fight the crowds by driving anywhere.  Sure, there are a lot of tourists, but most of them are pleasant and happy to be here.  The parks, pools, beaches, and community centres mean you could have a wonderful summer with the kids, without even leaving the downtown peninsula, if you didn’t want to. Here are a few places and events happening: Klahowya Village in Stanley ParkThis attraction is new in 2010 and is an aboriginal tourist […]

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It’s summer in the city.  The kids are out of school and hopefully not driving parents too crazy.  Summer weather finally arrived in Vancouver just after the Canada Day long weekend.  Good thing as people were starting to get grumpy, waiting for our best season to begin. Summer is truly glorious in Vancouver.  Usually not too hot, but warm enough to swim, sunbathe, sail, bike, whatever outdoor activity you’re into.  My husband and I are from Saskatchewan and we go back to visit our families every Christmas, and have since we’ve had our eight-year-old daughter.  We don’t often go back […]

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