Where to stay in Qualicum Beach
Where Is Qualicum Beach, British Columbia?
Located on the northeastern Canadian coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Qualicum Beach lies at the foot of Mount Arrowsmith, along the Strait of Georgia. The community is situated within the Nanaimo Lowlands, which lies between the northeastern Georgia Basin and the southwestern Vancouver Island Ranges.
What Is Qualicum Beach Known For?
In close proximity to the large cities of Victoria and Vancouver, Qualicum Beach has made its mark as a vibrant Canadian tourist destination, not just for local travelers, but it also attracts a wide international audience. Famous for being a tranquil retirement community and home to the oldest average population in Canada, Qualicum Beach is renowned for its natural beauty and small-town charm. However, despite its demographic and recognition as a destination for the Canadian cottage country life, Qualicum Beach is far from boring. Its strict planning laws may mean that there are no branches of chain restaurants and department shores, but it provides ample opportunities for Qualicum Beach to show off their quaint, inviting, and elegant comforts that embody the entire spirit of the town and its people.
Popular Attractions in Qualicum Beach
- Heritage Forest: One would feel like a forest-bound fae when exploring the fairytale woodland of Heritage Forest. Lines of ancient trees populate this lushly green area where the tops of the tall trees create an emerald canopy, protecting those who walk under it. Go on a peaceful afternoon stroll with a loved one and enter a world far away from the stresses and strains of everyday life.
- Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park: Encompassing the entire southern shore of Cameron Lake, Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park provides several activities and amenities for nature lovers and adventure aficionados. Swimming, fishing, sailboarding, and six kilometers of walking trails are only some of the many activities that the park offers, as well as ample opportunity to camp under the stars in its fully catered campgrounds.
- Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park: Locally known as the hidden gem of Vancouver Island, the Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park allows visitors to get in touch with the beauty of nature that Vancouver Island is famously known for. Whether you hike through the beautiful rainforest Fossil Trail or venture on an underground quest, a fascinating subterranean experience awaits you. The journey from the emerald forest into the underground labyrinth is nothing short of exciting and educational, where you can marvel at the crystal formations, marbled surfaces, and ancient fossils. Awaken your senses when you feel the breeze of the cool air, the sounds of the powerful waterfalls, and dripping water echo in your ears. Intense and wild, the trip of a lifetime awaits you at the Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park.
Popular Destinations Near Qualicum Beach
- Parksville: With the gorgeously warm climate and sandy beaches of Parksville Bay and Craig Bay, one may think they might not be in Canada at all. Greet yourself with the calming scenes of placid waters and feel the crunch of golden sandy beaches under your feet when you visit the city of Parksville. Known for its sandcastle building competition during the summer months — lovingly dubbed as Parksville Beachfest — Parksville is a center of tourism for Vancouverites, other Canadians, and international visitors who wish to have a taste of an exotic beach location mixed with the familiarity of a Canadian city.
- Victoria: The “Garden City” is not a unique moniker when it comes to naming several international urban centers and metropolitan cities. However, due to the sheer number of several manicured parks and green spaces, Victoria is certainly worthy of the name. The capital city of Canada’s British Columbia, Victoria is the southernmost major city in Western Canada and the seventh-most densely populated cities. One of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, Victoria is a bustling metropolis of both old and new. Photogenic, safe, and known as one of the most liveable cities in the world, Victoria is made up of restored 19th century architecture and sleek and stylish modern buildings. Despite being a small city, Victoria combines the best of both worlds, with several activities catered towards exploring the nature around the city including hiking, biking, sailing, kayaking, and whale-watching, as well as offering several amenities typically found in major international cities such as diverse restaurants, pubs, museums, shopping malls and much more. Armed with a huge list of amenities and a uniquely relaxed city pace, Victoria opens its arms to hordes of international tourists and fellow Canadians.
Best Neighborhoods in Qualicum Beach
- Qualicum North: Discover the true gem of this beachside community in Qualicum North. A residential area close to the Strait of Georgia, Qualicum North is home to the eponymous Qualicum Beach, where hundreds of people congregate every summer to take in the beauty of this little Canadian beach corner to revel in its golden sands and tranquil waterfront views.
Home-types in Qualicum Beach
Qualicum Beach has a variety of property types for you to consider when booking a trip. Here are the most popular property types in Qualicum Beach:
- House: 18 vacation rentals
Points of interests in Qualicum Beach
Qualicum Beach has several popular points of interest for you to check out when visiting the area. Here are the most popular points of interest in Qualicum Beach:
- Qualicum Beach: 16 vacation rentals
Popular rental amenities
Price trends in Qualicum Beach
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Nearby destinations
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