Oceanside Recreation Guide

2011 PARKSVILLE/QUALICUM BEACH & REGION

VANCOUVER ISLAND • BRITISH COLUMBIA

Experience the difference that QUALITY makes

Summer Festivities at Parksville Beach

Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition Professional sculptors compete for a spot at the

World Championships!

Exhibits open daily until 9pm www.parksvillebeachfest.ca

July 16 - August 14 www.QualityFoods.com

Quality Foods Festival of Lights

We’l beach l be at th e prod with FRE u and s ct sampl E e pecia l offe s rs

QF Children’s Sandcastle Contest

2010 International Gold Award Winners

Bring your pails and shovels to the beach and create some sandcastle magic!

this spectacular fireworks show is simulcast at the beach.

Thousands of dollars worth of prizes and every one has a chance to win.

A HIGHLIGHT EVENT EACH SUMMER!

OPEN TO CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND UNDER.

Saturday, Aug. 13 - Approx 9:45 pm

Sunday, Aug. 14 - 11am sharp

Designed and produced by

Qualicum Foods, 705 Memorial, Qualicum Beach QF Parksville, 391 E Island Hwy., Parksville QF Nanoose Bay, Red Gap Centre, Nanoose Bay

(250) 752-9281 (250) 954-2262 (250) 468-7131

Plus 8 more award winning locations on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast!

… o t e m o c l e W Vancouver Island’s Oceanside Region!

Since 1998, I’ve called Parksville, one of the Oceanside communities, my home. I discovered this area as a visitor years before and fell in love with the surroundings. Sun, sand, shopping and friendly people in small towns — that’s what you’ll experience in Oceanside. Summertime is truly special here.

You can take in our parades, festivals, street markets, unique stores and spas, forest strolls and sand sculpting on our beaches. Like so many visitors before you, you’ll create wonderful memories and discover why our residents choose to vacation at home. I bet this won’t be your last visit in Oceanside! The pages in this guide will help you benefit from all that Oceanside has to offer. Enjoy your holiday.

Cheryl Dill President, Parksville Beach Festival Society

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ....................................... Pg. 1 Visitor Information...............................Pg. 2 & 3 Highlights .............................................Pg. 4 & 5 Natural Wonders .................................Pg. 6 & 7 The Great Outdoors ............................Pg. 8 & 9 Festivals & Events .............................. Pg. 10 - 13 Shopping............................ Pg. 14 & 15, 18 & 19 Map ...................................................Pg. 16 & 17 Art .....................................................Pg. 20 & 21 Farm Market ............................................. Pg. 22 Spa............................................................. Pg. 23 Dining Guide ....................................... Pg. 24-26 French Creek ............................................. Pg. 27 Calendar of Events 2011 ..................Pg. 28 & 29 Golf .................................................... Pg. 30 - 32

Masson Graphic

On the Cover

From left: Teagan Andres, Rohan Barlow and Aden Andres at Parksville Community Beach.

Cover photo by Katie Barlow

The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

1

Visitor

OCEANSIDE Alaska

OCEANSIDE Nanoose Bay Parksville Qualicum Beach Coombs Errington Deep Bay Qualicum Bay

Queen Charlotte Islands

EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Fire, Ambulance, Police......................................911 Crimestoppers/Tips ......................... 1-800-222-8477 Wild Fire Reporting ........................ 1-800-663-5555 Crisis Line ....................................... 1-888-494-3888

BRITISH COLUMBIA

PACIFIC OCEAN

SERVICES:

Alberta

Vancouver Island

Washington State USA

Vancouver Island Regional Library Parksville ........................................................(250) 248-3841 Qualicum Beach.............................................(250) 752-6121 Bowser ...........................................................(250) 757-9570 Parksville & District Historical Society ..........(250) 248-6966 Canada Post Parksville ........................................................(250) 248-3932 Qualicum Beach.............................................(250) 752-6435 Nanoose .........................................................(250) 468-7722

“TAKE THIS GUIDE WITH YOU” The residents of the Oceanside area are here to

welcome you!

Area population As of May 16, 2006

Statistics Canada census says...

Nanoose Bay & Area 5,000 Parksville 11,000 Qualicum Beach 9,000 Coombs & Area 6,700 Errington 3,500 Bowser-Horne Lake-Deep Bay-Qualicum Bay 3,500

2 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

KILDONAN

BAMFIELD

Visitor

OCEANSIDE

FROM HERE TO THERE

(in kilometres) (1 km = approximately 0.6 miles)

From Oceanside to: Vancouver Victoria Nanaimo Port Alberni Tofino Courtenay Campbell River Port Hardy

56 kms 146 kms 35 kms 47 kms 171 kms 73 kms 117 kms 355 kms

PARKSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Parksville Visitor Centre 1275 E. Island Hwy. Ph. (250) 248-3613

www.chamber.parksville.bc.ca

QUALICUM BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 124 W. 2nd Ave., Qualicum Beach Ph. (250) 752-0960

www.qualicum.bc.ca

BC FERRIES TO VANCOUVER ISLAND

There are frequent sailings throughout the day between either Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) and downtown Nanaimo (central Vancouver Island), or Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Duke Point (south of Nanaimo).

Victoria, on Vancouver Island’s southern tip, is connected by frequent ferry sailings to the Mainland and there is service as well between Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands and between Vancouver Island and points north of Vancouver on the Mainland.

Vehicle reservations ............... 1-888-223-3779 www.bcferries.com/schedules/

Welcome to Oceanside!

We hope you find our guide is a valuable resource during your stay in our little piece of paradise!

WE HAVE OCEANSIDE COVERED FROM NANOOSE TO DEEP BAY! The Oceanside Star has Oceanside’s largest audited distribution!

Questions or Comments?

Call at 250-954-0600 www.oceansidestar.com

MERCEDES LANE * Unique Fashions & Accessories * Furniture & Gifts 119 Craig Street, Parksville, B.C.

(250) 248-2662 mercedeslane@shaw.ca

The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

3

Highlights

OCEANSIDE

Welcome!

In creating this vacation guide, we at the Oceanside Star, a Postmedia community newspaper, tried to put ourselves in your shoes: on the Prairies and plotting your escape, in the big city and looking for something different, on the ferry and browsing the pamphlet racks, lying on your hotel bed and flipping through the pages.

What do you want to know? What piques your interest? What catches your eye?

Carrie Powell-Davidson, our well-known gal about town in the Oceanside area, has provided us with bright, chatty, informative articles we hope will whet your appetite to further explore this unique piece of paradise.

Kris Masson, our graphic arts and design whiz, has arranged it all in an attractive package we hope will suit your needs.

If you have any suggestions for future editions, please send them to me at news@oceansidestar.com.

Welcome to our home. Enjoy your stay.

— Brian Wilford, Editor

Sandbar Café & Art Gallery

Your Local Family Restaurant

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY FRI. & SAT. EVENING

5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

BEAUTIFUL OCEAN VIEW FROM THE PATIO & DAILY SPECIALS FOR BREAKFAST LUNCH & DINNER OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 7 am to 8 pm FREE INTERNET

6087 West Island Hwy., Qualicum Bay, B.C.

778-424-4478

4 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

Affordable Luxury in a Seaside Setting 2680 80 Nanoose Station Rd Rd., Nanoose Ba B Bay, y BC

250-468-9922

seameadows@telus.net

www.seameadowsfarm.com

Be & Breakfastt Bed Be www.falcon-crestbb.com TF: 1.866.752.1989 Tel: 1.250.752.1989

4265 Island Hwy. West Qualicum Beach. B.C. Canada Email: falcon-crestbb@shaw.ca

Highlights

OCEANSIDE Hike the Oceanside Trails

Set Foot on Every Gulf Island

With all our provincial, regional and municipal parks, finding trails will never be a problem. A dedicated army of trailblazers has been quietly forging through the woods, creating and maintaining pathways for all levels. For more information, contact the Visitor Information Centres or go the Regional District of Nanaimo’s website and type in ‘trails.’

The Gulf Islands are close and beautiful. Take a day trip or spend a weekend. For starters, head down to French Creek and hop a foot passenger ferry to Lasqueti Island.

Dive in the ‘Emerald’ River So, maybe you want to save this one for the summer and it’s the Englishman not ‘Emerald’ River but it does have a green hew and jumping off the ‘Nose’ is a local favourite. Just before you dive in, check out the petroglyphs to the right of the ‘Nose.’

Hunt for Mythical Monsters Our lake monster in Cameron Lake has been attracting plenty of international attention as of late. Discover ‘Cammie’ for yourself and don’t forget your camera!

Be Alone with Nature

Summit a Mountain We have mountains and they are so close. Visit the new Mount Arrowsmith Massif Regional Park or, closer yet, Little Mountain.

Discover our Heritage Craig Heritage Museum and the Qualicum Beach Museum are undiscovered gems and they welcome local visitors who want to learn more about the early days.

Devour Oceanside Our local farmers and crafts people are always growing and creating delicious food for us. From Nanoose Bay to Deep Bay, you will find eggs, corn, cheese, herbs, candy, pasta and shrimp.

Fly a Kite

Have you ever tried this? It’s amazing what you hear and think about when surrounded by nothing or no one but the great outdoors. Be sure to take your journal to record revelations or creative processes.

Our beaches are the perfect venue for kite flying and, if it’s been a while since you did this, why not give it a try? There is something very relaxing in making that connection with the wind.

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Located in the heart of Qualicum Beach, the Crown Mansion offers magnificent views of the ocean and golf course. This stately home keeps to its original grace of 1912 and once entertained celebrities and royalty such as Bing Crosby, John Wayne and the King of Siam!

Exquisite details include elaborate chandeliers, heritage fireplaces, sweeping staircases, king poster beds, jetted slipper tubs. • Relaxing Getaways • Weddings • Meetings • Receptions • Free Wi-Fi

Real Estate

Villa Ownership from $359,900 The Villa Units at Crown Mansion offer a solid investment opportunity.

Enjoy full time residency in a historical Mansion setting with all of the modern amenities. This upscale real estate development is redefining condo living in the Qualicum Beach area.

“A Time Honoured Classic”

Restaurant & Catering: Butlers Restaurant is situated in the lobby of the original Mansion.

The cuisine is a reflection of the elegance that surrounds the patrons of our classic and stylish eatery. Locally sourced and Chef prepared foods are the focus of our complete menu. Perfect for hosting major events, lavish weddings, or as an intimate meeting space.

292 Crescent Rd., E, Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K OA5 • 250.752.5776 • 1.800.378.6811 • www.crownmansion.com The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

5

Natural Wonders

OCEANSIDE

Little Mountain Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Parksville and you are on top of this spectacular little mountain. The view from up here is breathtaking and the rock formations are a photographer’s dream. Peer out over miles of treetops, valleys and mountains.

Fawlty Tower fans will love the drive up!

The Beaches Let’s face it: Oceanside is famous for its beaches! With miles and miles of sandy shore, little wonder that seaside activities abound.

Parksville’s beaches were voted the best beaches in Canada by readers of Better Homes and Gardens magazine and The Globe and Mail. And even though we are on the east side of Vancouver Island, there is a mile of shoreline along Qualicum Beach where the sunset is completely visible. Our year-round mild climate, coupled with the warmest ocean waters in the country, is the reason we’re known as Canada’s Riviera.

Horne Lake Caves Listed as the Best Natural Outdoor Site in B.C. by Attractions Canada, Horne Lake Caves are not to be missed. It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing outside, it never rains in the caves, though the underground waterfalls can be pretty spectacular. Enjoy a 90-minute family cavern tour or, for the more adventurous, rappel seven storeys down into the underground world!

Mount Arrowsmith Massif Regional Park Though this park was dedicated in 2009, the work to acquire these two summits began many years ago. Extremely dedicated people fought hard to save the Mount Arrowsmith and Mount Cokely summits, which are home to rare and endangered subspecies. Enjoy Alpine hiking, ice climbing, snowshoeing, ski touring and some of the most magnificent vistas on Vancouver Island. This culturally and environmentally significant land is about a one-hour drive from Qualicum Beach.

Cameron Lake Perhaps this lake would be better categorized in the ‘Super Natural’ Wonders of Oceanside. Yes, Cameron Lake is a beautiful lake nestled in the mountains on the west side of our region. And yes, there is a multitude of fun activities here, from swimming and fishing to camping and picnicking, but there is also something quite unusual going on: Apparitions from drowned souls and Cammy, the lake creature, call Cameron Lake home, too.

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Come visit our Showroom 13-1003 Herring Gull Way, Parksville, B.C.

6 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

250-947-9620

www.timelessstoneandgranite.com

OCEANSIDE

Natural Wonders

Cathedral Grove Listed as one of the most accessible old-growth temperate rainforests in the world, Cathedral Grove was described in 1941 as the greatest scenic tourist asset in B.C. Back in the early 1980s, it was the location for the Hollywood prehistoric epic ‘Quest for Fire.’ Imagine what an ant feels like as you stand beneath these towering giants and explore the forest floor along beautifully groomed trails.

Englishman River Falls During the rainy season, these falls gush through tiny crevices with enough force to move logs and gouge rock. A suspension bridge over the falls allows visitors to safely experience the wrath of nature so close that the spray will engulf you. Not far up the road is Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Both parks are ideal locations for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.

Notch Hill While a relatively short walk, this trail is rated moderate for hikers but the end result is worth it. Located in Nanoose Bay, you will soar with the eagles above the Strait of Georgia while taking in stunning ocean and mountain vistas. Because Nanoose Bay has one of the driest climates in Canada, expect to see diverse and interesting flora including the Coastal Prickly Pear Cactus.

OPEN DAILY March thru December 9am – 5pm - Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre that encourages public viewing - Self guided tours or guided tours for large groups - View eagles, owls, turkey vulture, hawks, falcons, black bears and much more!

“A Wildlife Experience for the Whole Family”

Brant Geese Every year, these tiny black geese make the trek from Mexico to Alaska. Along the way, they make a stop to fuel up on the herring roe that washes up on the beaches of Oceanside, as do herds of barking sea lions and clouds of gulls. This scene is so spectacular that we have an entire festival dedicated to it. The Brant Festival occurs in early spring (March and April) and visitors come from all over the globe to witness this phenomenon. It is absolutely stunning to see these little black birds arriving for their holiday on the beach.

www.niwra.org 1240 Leffler Rd., Errington, BC

250-248-8534 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

7

The Great Outdoors Recreation

Whether you choose to walk or ride on land or sea, above surface or below it, on top of the waves or beneath them, the Oceanside Region of Vancouver Island is the outdoor enthusiast’s ultimate playground.

Whatever your interest, whatever your skill level, our yearround mild climate and spectacular natural surroundings ensure something for everyone.

OCEANSIDE

Arrowsmith Massif Regional Park for a rugged alpine climb. A regional loop trail system that connects Nanoose Bay to Deep Bay is nearing completion. When it’s done, hikers and bikers will be able to travel the entire length of the Island’s east coast from Victoria to Cape Scott. For more information on the parks and trails of Oceanside, visit www.rdn.ca.

Marine Activities

With miles and miles of sandy shoreline, Oceanside has plenty of seaside activities but we also have Hiking and Walking rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Jump We have eight provincial, seven off the ‘Nose’ at Top Bridge or float regional and numerous municipal in the peaceful waters of Spider parks in Oceanside. They’re as Lake. Rent a canoe at Horne Lake abundant as they are beautiful. or a rowboat at Cameron Lake but For easy walking, Rosewall Creek don’t forget the trout rods. Cool off Provincial Park provides several in the crystal pools at Englishman kilometers of coastal rainforest along a meandering creek. One would almost expect fairies and River or Little Qualicum River. Enjoy the falls at both these parks imps to dash out from beneath the giant maples and sphagnum or discover the hidden treasure of Nile Creek. Down at the moss in this magical place that even has faces carved right into beach, dive into some of the warmest ocean waters in Canada, the stumps. The walk is so accessible that even wheelchairs explore the tidal pools for aquatic creatures (but please, don’t can mosey along this tranquil spot. Another easy walking trail take any home — they are a crucial part of the ecosystem) or is found in Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Deemed as the create the ultimate sand castle. Our cool breezes and shallow most popular Provincial Park in B.C., Rathtrevor offers miles waters are a haven for windsurfers, skim boarders and kite of shoreline and old wooded areas. Campers and picnickers flyers. Romantic types will fall in love again strolling hand-inlove this place. Top Bridge Regional Park is just minutes away hand into the sunset as gentle waves lap against your bare feet. from the resort area in Parksville. Residents and visitors alike For those who want to be on the water, how about sailing, sea love the myriad of trails that range from easy walking to kayaking or fishing? And, speaking of fishing, Bowser has some more challenging. The new suspension bridge allows hikers to of the finest shore fly fishing on the continent. Perhaps you easily go from one side of the Englishman River to the other, want to be under the sea. Diving and snorkeling in Nanoose Bay increasing the trail capacity even more. See if you can find the petroglyphs! And, for the really adventurous, test your mountain is considered some of the best on the Island. Can’t get enough seafood? Before you go clamming or picking oysters, make sure bike skills at Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park, one of Canada’s only designated Mountain Bike Parks, or head up to the Mount you have a license for harvesting shellfish.

Bird Watching

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LICORICE DUTCH IMPORT STORE

14-1343, 14 1343 Alberni Alb i Hwy., H Coombs C b

(250) 954-2336

Email: aranea@shawbiz.ca

www.iloveoma.com 8 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

Bird watching has been a popular recreational activity since the 1700s. In recent years, it has become so popular that in 2001 North American ‘birders’ are estimated to have spent US$32 billion. Well, birders of the world-rejoice! You are in feathery heaven. Oceanside has stores, clubs and even entire festivals dedicated to this growing sport. Enthusiasts can enlist the guidance of one of the local pros or conduct self-guided tours using the online bird list created by the Nanoose Bay Naturalists. The Arrowsmith Naturalists have created an online seasonal bird checklist for year-round bird watching.

OCEANSIDE Outdoor Tours

The Great Outdoors

If you can tour it, we have a tour for you. Eco Tours allow visitors to experience the Oceanside Region and neighboring Island destinations in a unique and natural way. Tour caves deep beneath the Earth’s surface or old-growth rainforests that tower high above. Get up close and personal with the rugged shoreline via a sea kayak or take a larger vessel out to spot bears, sea Recovery Centre rehabilitates wild animals and releases them lions and whales. For a most relaxing and thought-provoking if they are able. Come and see abandoned bear cubs or the experience, try touring the back country on horseback. release of an eagle. The World Parrot Refuge is the largest freeSports flight parrot refuge in the world and those birds will amaze The residents of Oceanside are very active. From the regional you with their human-like characteristics. Down the road are recreation programs to seniors organizations such as the Butterfly World, the B.C. Orchid Gardens, Turtle Town and Big Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association (PGOSA), every age Bug Jungle. Experience habitats from around the world without group and interest is well-covered. Our largest sports centres leaving Oceanside and be sure to visit their beautiful gift shop include Ravensong Aquatic Centre and Oceanside Place ice upon your return. And what about those farm animals? Tiger Lily arenas. The Ballenas Whalers are a kick for football fans while Farm and Little Qualicum Cheeseworks are hands-on, interactive the Parksville Royals hit it out of the park during baseball season. Martial arts have become a large part of the Oceanside farms with enough stuff to keep farm hands of all ages entertained. ‘Cheeseworks’ also has the region’s only winery — sports scene with such disciplines as Taekwondo, Karate and try the gooseberry wine!

German Ju Jutsu, as well as martial arts derivatives such as Tai For more information on all these activities and more, pop by Chi and Yoga. With so many beautiful trails to run on, it’s little wonder that running clubs have become as popular as walking one of the Visitor Centres or visit groups. If you are horse-crazy, you will love our expansive www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com equine community. Arbutus Meadows is one of the largest equestrian centres on the Island and hosts the many local clubs, as well as clubs from out of town at year-round horse shows.

For those who would rather ride than watch, Oceanside has many riding schools, trail rides and even therapeutic riding.

Parksville’s Community Park is a hub of sporting activity with everything from croquet to cricket, not to mention world-class RIDING LESSONS beach volleyball. You will find one of Oceanside’s two curling Both English and Western rinks in this park, right on the beach!

Let’s Talk to the Animals Even the animals love it here. Just as Oceanside has become a haven for human visitors, so has it for the furry variety. Many of our hotel operators have special rates for Fido and our trails and flat streets are ideal for taking walks. We have three doggy parks and plenty of services in case your READ• RECYCLE • REUSE pet falls ill. We live in harmony in our natural paradise so, while Re “KINDLE” your love for books. you are out enjoying the great Stop by the ‘FIRESIDE ROOM” outdoors, don’t be surprised if you and relax with a book. spot a family of deer, a gaggle of geese or a bandit raccoon.

FIRESIDE QUOTE: Visitors; like fish, Animals have many special places begin to stink after three days. to call home here and some of 114 Middleton Ave., Parksville those homes are open to the 250250 25 0-24 248248 8-12 123 34 34 www.firesidebooksparksville.com public. The North Island Wildlife

F I R E S I D E BOOK FIRESIDE BBOOKS OOKS

Monday thru Friday 9 am to 3 pm

Now Taking Reservations for June and July 2011 Camps

Call Karen for more information 250

751-4646

The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

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OCEANSIDE

Festivals & Events Festivals and Events

Father’s Day Seaside Cruizers Show & Shine

Oceanside loves to celebrate and with so many reasons to do that, it’s no surprise that there are over 140 annual festivals and events. In a region where diversity is our second name, you will find celebrations honoring everything from kids to kites and from cars to cowboys. So, whether you plan your vacation to coincide with one of these great events or leave it up to fate, you can count on something fun going on during your visit.

Fire and Ice Street Festival Qualicum Beach turns up the heat and chills out every year at the beginning of May. (This year it’s May 7.) What a brilliant way to bid adios to the colder months and welcome the heat of summer! Street performers, ice carvers, fire breathers and the famous chili competition take over the downtown village in this tribute to the opposing elements.

Head back to Qualicum Beach for Father’s Day and dad will have his best day ever.

Over 500 classic, custom cars and trucks line the streets for car buffs of all ages to ogle.

This multi-generational event transports visitors back in time when hot cars and cool dudes were all the rage. The street dance on Saturday night is a perfect example of a time when all the family hung out together and really had a good time. This Show and Shine was even listed on Oprah’s Top 10 things to do on Father’s Day.

Coombs Fair This August 13-14, step back in time to a real live old-time small-town agricultural fair, with kids from the 4-H clubs brushing and grooming their bunnies and horses so they look just right for the judges. And yes, there are rows and rows of crafts, plants

PARKSVILLE • VANCOUVER ISLAND

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10 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

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Festivals & Events

and jams out for judging, as well, plus live, old-time music and great homemade pies and other country goodies. This has been going on in Oceanside for more than 90 years and some of the real live old-timers you’ll meet at the fairgrounds can point themselves out in the displays of historical photos.

Canada Day Canada Day Celebrations take place in Qualicum Beach and the Lighthouse Community but if you want to participate in one of the largest celebrations in B.C., plan to be in Parksville’s Community Park. Each year, thousands converge along the main street to take in the 70-plus floats that parade by before heading down to the beach for a full day of activities, entertainment and great food. Top name bands take to the stage just before dusk and prepare the crowds for one of the best fireworks displays on the Island.

Parksville Beach Festival Featuring the Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition, this year’s Beach Festival begins July 15th and runs for a whole month! Entertainment, activities and vendors all gather on Parksville’s sandy shores for the most fun you can have with sand in your pants.

Coombs 33nd Annual Bluegrass Festival Make sure y’all hang around Coombs July 29-31 and take in one of the oldest bluegrass celebrations in B.C. (and quite possibly, one of the largest!). They will be pickin’ n’ grinnin’ all B.C. long weekend with bluegrass bands from all over the continent. Enjoy great jam sessions and fun for the whole family.

Parksville Lion’s International Kite Festival Look up. Look way up and you will see the sky filled with every imaginable shape and colour. Kite fliers come from as far away as Alberta and Washington to spread their strings on

Parksville’s expansive shore. July 16-17, bring your own kite to fly or simply hunker down and enjoy.

St. Mark’s Fair in Qualicum Beach One of the oldest and largest markets on Vancouver Island is celebrating its 39th year on July 23rd. With over 130 vendors selling everything from antiques to jelly, this fair attracts over 10,000 visitors each year. Activities such as a petting zoo and face painting keep the kids busy while you enjoy the live entertainment.

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The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

11

OCEANSIDE

Festivals & Events

Kid Fest

Oceanside Overdrive

If you got kids, you may as well pitch a tent in Parksville because August 14th is Kid Fest. Kids of all ages will love this fun-filled day stuffed with entertainment, activities and the always popular, Kids Sandcastle Competition. Dust off your sand bucket because you won’t want to miss this; they have awesome prizes!

Vacation in Complete Comfort…

SeaShell MOTEL Free breakfast, free WiFi, kitchenettes available and next to Paradise Fun Park.

Right by the beach and walking distance to restaurants and shopping.

Call us Toll Free!

Motel: 1-877-337-3529 • (250) 248-6171 RV Park: 1-866-325-1874

www.paradiseseashellmotel.com 411 W. Island Hwy., Parksville, BC. V9P 1A1 12 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

What could be more fun than hanging out on the beach, listening to some golden oldies while checking out hundreds of classic, custom cars, trucks, hot rods and motor cycles?

Parksville beach is the place to be July 30-31 but don’t forget the sunscreen! P.S. The Cruise is pretty cool, too!

Knox United Church Fall Fair Every year it’s a grand garage sale with furniture bargains, family entertainment, children’s games, home baking, a silent auction and much more. This year it’s Sept. 17, 8:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m., at Knox United Church, 345 Pym St., Parksville.

Christmas in Oceanside Because of our mild winters and celebratory nature, we have events happening all year round. If you had so much fun in the summer and can’t wait to come back, you are in luck; just look at what we do at Christmas!

Christmas Craft Explosion begins that last few weeks of November and runs until the beginning of December. Visitors come from as far away as the U.S. to get a jump start on

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Size Range from 2-18 their Christmas shopping as various Craft markets conveniently coordinate their event to coincide with others. Most notable is the Kris Kringle Craft Market, which boasts over 100 booths of high quality crafts, and the Original Village Christmas Arts Faire, featuring many of the area’s top artists and artisans.

Milner Christmas Magic at Milner Gardens and Woodland is a must-do on any list. Thousands of twinkle lights illuminate the forest as vignettes whimsically entertain. Talented musicians fill the air with the sounds of the holidays and local artists offer their wares-at very reasonable prices. Enjoy a hot chocolate in the historical home and take home a real wreath. An old-fashioned Christmas experience that is magical indeed!

Bethlehem Walk is unlike any Christmas event you have ever seen. Imagine walking through the village of Bethlehem on your way to see the Baby Jesus at His birth. This is it! The whole village, recreated; live animals, real soldiers and even a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. Wrap up your visit with hot chocolate, goodies and a great choir.

The Santa Claus Parade lights up the night sky in downtown Parksville and kicks off midnight shopping, caroling and all kinds of great Christmas fun.

For more information on any of these events or the 130 others that take place throughout the year, www.

VisitParksvilleQualicumBeach.com or pop by one of the Visitor’s Centres.

• • • • • • •

Sportswear Sweaters & Blouses T-Shirts Pants & Suits Dresses Accessories Capri’s

A Large Selection of Summer accessories all at GREAT PRICES! Our customers tell us we have Quality Goods at Great Prices and that is REAL VALUE!!!

Open Mon. to Sat. 9 to 5pm • Sun. 12 to 4pm Open Fri. nite from June 17 to Sept 2nd till 9pm

Hurry in for the BEST selection!

Your Fashion Outlet Centre!

146 W. Second Ave., Qualicum Beach (250) The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

752-8780

13

OCEANSIDE

Shopping Let’s Go Shopping!

Forget regurgitated air and carbon-copy clutter, most shops in Oceanside are independently owned, making for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

For shopping with a European flair, the town of Qualicum Beach can’t be beat. Picturesque gardens and old-worldstyle architecture enhance the experience but, again, it’s all about diversity. From perfumers to chocolatiers to • Trendy handbags kitchen gadgetiers — if you are • Fashion accessories • LEDers searching for a unique item for • Gifts and Gift Baskets Owner someone special, you will find it Donna Andres • Hip Hop Baby Products • Norwex in Qualicum Beach. www.ladysmantle.ca ollow us us on o Follow

Parksville is the commercial centre of Oceanside. A lightindustrial zone inhabits the 716 E. Island Hwy, (250)-58 Parksville 586-3800 86 3 south end but all along the Corner of Martindale Rd. & Is. Hwy before the Orange Bridge. At North Pacific Window. main Island strip and into the

QUALICUM BEACH PHARMASAVE Your Neighbourhood Drugstore and so much more!

Pharmacy Compounding Blister Packing

WE DELIVER 720 Memorial Ave., Qualicum Beach

Home HealthCare and Rentals Natural Health Care

Cosmetics Cards - Toys Giftware

LIVE WELL WITH

250-752-3011

14 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

1HR Digital Photolab or order online at www.qualicumpharmasave.com STORE HOURS:

Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 9 - 5:30pm Sunday 10 - 5pm

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED FOR 30 YEARS

OCEANSIDE

Shopping downtown core, retail and commerce marry, providing a vibrancy and sense of innovation. Gift shops, clothing boutiques and life’s essentials provide the variety, while the flat terrain makes getting around easy.

While shopping in Parksville, take advantage of the quintessential 2 for 1 special.

Not only do you get in some great purchases but we’ll throw in an ocean view and one of the most beautiful community parks in the province for free!

Both Parksville and Qualicum Beach have earned top honours in the Communities in Bloom

UNIQUE ORIGINAL GIFTS:

Natural - Local - Organic

NATURAL FIBER & FAIR TRADE CLOTHING Located at 117 Craig St., Parksville

(250) 248-2501

www.sogreen.weebly.com

100% Natural Products •R Rocky k M Mountain t i S Soap 100% natural t all soap p& aromatherapy products for bath & body. boody.

• K. Hall Designs • Natural Soy Candles lees • Fabulous Cosmetic Bags • Gift Sets

• Jewelry in silver, beadwork & rawhide • Gold jewelry available by commission • Native drums, rattles & window hangers • Paintings in oil & acrylic • Antler carvings • Masks • Woodwork • Wedding bouquets Wonderful corporate and wedding gifts including: silver servers & bowls, coasters, silk scarves, ties, ceramic salt & pepper grinders, travel mugs, mugs & water bottles, wedding vases, dream catchers, dolls, watches & more!.

Souvenirs: clothing, purses/bags, umbrellas, stuffies, posters, cards & Aboriginal art/craft supplies.

Commissions are welcome!

We consign original works of Aboriginal Art. Classes or one - on - one lessons in art forms such as drum making and beadwork are available.

D’s Aboriginal ART & GIFTS 250-586-2828 101-177 Weld St., Parksville

250-586-0033

149 Morison Ave., Parksville, B.C. creativeandnative@gmail.com • dsaboriginalart.com The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

15

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 16 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

Complimentary Brake Inspection Brake Service & Repair Oil Changes & Tune-Ups Wheel Alignments Tire Repair Steering & Suspension Electrical & Computer Diagnosis Mufflers & Exhaust

Open Monday through Saturday, No Appointment Necessary, Complimentary Customer Shuttle.

Beside Tim Horton’s-Look For the BIG GREEN ARROW

#10 - 464 East Is. Hwy., www.safe-car.ca T: 250-954-0029 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

17

OCEANSIDE

Shopping

ViAn’s Village Fashions 184 West 2nd. Ave., P.O. Box 137, Qualicum Beach

(250) 752-7306 vians@telus.net

Competitions for many years, so be sure to leave a little time to stop and smell the flowers — they’re everywhere!

Outside of our municipalities are smaller commercial nodes full of unique shops of their own.

Coombs Old Country Market, famous for its goats on the roof, and the surrounding businesses cater to everything tasty and beautiful. Handcrafted pottery, homemade fudge and international products make the Coombs shopping spree an all-day event.

We are big on benches in Oceanside, so no matter where you do your buying, a quiet spot to contemplate your day amidst fresh aromas is only a breath away.

• MEN’S • LADIES • PETITES • SOUVENIR CLOTHING

the

Little Dog Shop

• Grooming • Grooming Supplies • Healthy Treats • Outdoor Wear • Collars & Leashes • Drop in Nail Trim • Pet Pick Up & Drop Off

WE ALSO GROOM CATS www.qualicumdogshop.com MON. thru FRI. 10am to 6pm SAT. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!

18 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

#107-200 First Ave., West, Qualicum Beach

250.752.3799

OCEANSIDE GIFTS

• Pandora • Waxing Poetic • Baroni • ELLE • Lampe Berger

• Baby Gifts • Zen lotions & soaps • Lug Bags • First Nations Gifts

HOURS: Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..

142 Second Ave., West, (250) Qualicum Beach, B.C.

752-13911

WE ARE OPEN SUNDAYS JUNE TO DEC. 12-4

Quality Fashion Footwear & Handbags Monthly Featured Artists

MAKE YOUR OWN GLASS SOUVENIR! 90 Min Workshops! (plus firing time)

Karena Donnelly

Children’s Art Classes es 1 day and Weekly

Over 100 Local artists works in Glass Fusing Gallery Project Classes and

Progressive Learning g Classes with a flexible schedule!

Gifts and souvenirs for every age and interest!

THIS IS A MUST SEE AND DO DURING YOUR VISIT!

180 Craig St., Parksville (corner of Craig & Hirst)

250-248-6624

Mon., Tues., Wed. 10am to 5:30pm • Thurs. 10am to 9pm Sat. 10am to 5pm • Sunday CLOSED www.smashinglass.ca • smashinglassanythingart@gmail.com

The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

19

Arts

OCEANSIDE

Arts are flourishing in Oceanside If you hope to find artistic beauty while on vacation you have come to the right place. Oceanside draws many artists to live here because of the mild climate and natural beauty that inspires them.

Pottery, textiles, painting, photography and more — local artists exhibit their work in galleries and participate in arts activities throughout the area, and you are always invited to come see what they’re up to.

Studio Tour 18 ARTISAN STUDIOS TO DISCOVER! • Pottery • Jewellery • Paintings • Stencils • Photographs • Cards

• Organic produce • Crafts • Sculpture

Opening Tour Event: MAY 14/15 Thanksgiving Tour: OCT. 8/9/10

All studios open 10am -4pm

For a map and individual studio hours throughout the rest of the Open Studio season, and other special events, pick up a brochure at a Visitor Centre or visit our website:

www.NanooseBayStudioTour.com

Take a walk on the creative side and surprise yourself with what you may discover.

20 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

You’ll find many galleries and studios nestled between the arbutus trees and the ocean. In Parksville, you’ll want to check out Morison Avenue, which has several independently owned galleries, and just a quick walk up McMillan Street bring you to the picturesque McMillan Arts Centre, a one-stop shop to find out about many not-to-miss galleries and arts services for the entire Oceanside area.

The Old School House in Qualicum Beach is a beautiful spot to see a working gallery and studio any day of the week. It’s also home to Music On Sundays, an award-winning series of affordable concerts featuring top names in a variety of genres. By walking the lovely small-town streets of Qualicum Beach, you’ll come across galleries and shops that are bound to inspire you.

The City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach are home to many galleries and studios but so are the back roads and municipalities of Oceanside. By picking up the locally produced ‘Artists and Studio Guide to Qualicum Beach and Parksville Area’ you can take self-directed arts tours of commercial and private galleries, artists homes and studios. The brochure is a must for those interested in meeting artisans or for the connoisseur looking for a unique treasure. This brochure is available for free at most tourist outlets and hotels, as well as on BC Ferries.

For theatre-goers, there are two excellent companies. Bard to Broadway is located at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach and offers comedy, musicals and drama July 1 to Aug. 6. This season, its 12th, features two great shows: Anne of Green Gables and Murdered to Death. For times, call 250-248-0444 and see www.b2btheatre.com.

In Qualicum Beach, Echo Players Community Theatre, housed in the Village Theatre, like B2B engages the area’s many talented musicians and thespians. From May 26 to June 12 you can see ‘Over the River and Through the Woods.’ Echo takes a break for the summer but then presents its annual One Act Play Festival in November.

OCEANSIDE

Summer

LIVE

Theatre

BARD TO BROADWAY THEATRE SOCIETY

The classic MUSICAL which has charmed the world for over four decades! Anne is everyone’s favourite red-head who brings imagination and delight to the village of Avonlea. Lucy Maud Montgomery’s heroine gets into and M out of mischief, becomes “kindred spirits” with her best friend Diana, carries out a running rivalry with Gilbert, and warms the hearts of hher guardians Matthew and Marilla.

EEverywhere she goes, Anne’s lively sspirit wins the audience’s applause.

Old-time dances haven’t gone out of vogue; they’re still available in Oceanside. Check out the Bradley Centre in Coombs for big band music the last weekend of the month, while the Coombs Community Hall offers a rockin’ Dance 4U on the last Saturday of the month. Every Thursday, from September to June, you can dance to the music of the Coombs Old Time Fiddlers, who also have a big Jamboree and dance in midSeptember at the Coombs Rodeo Grounds.

Mid-summer, you won’t want to miss the 33rd annual Bluegrass Festival (July 29-31) or the exciting Rodeo (June 24-26), both in the Coombs Rodeo Grounds.

Check out the Errington Hall website (www.erringtonhall.bc.ca) as they often bring in cutting-edge bands from afar and hot local acts as well. It’s officially the Errington War Memorial Hall, and something not to be missed.

For those with more refined tastes, Vancouver Island Opera — yes, a true opera company with a sterling track record led by a former opera star, Tatiana Vasilieva — is presenting another full opera The Elixir of Love Nov. 5-6 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.

Finally what premier arts area would be complete without activities for visitors? Workshops, classes and studio sessions are in abundance for those who feel inspired while on holiday. To find out what is happening you can visit the McMillan Arts Centre (250-248-8185) or The Old School House (250-752-6133).

Agatha Christie meets Inspector Clouseau! This hilarious spoof is set in a country manor house in the 1930s, with an assembled cast of characters guaranteed to delight—Bunting, the butler; an English Colonel; a shady French art dealer and his moll; the bumbling local Inspector and a wellmeaning local sleuth who seems to attract murder wherever she goes.

Will the murderer be unmasked, or will audiences die laughing first?

J U LY ~ 2 0 1 1 ~ A U G U S T Sun

Mon 3

Tue 4

M 10

*M

11

A

31

*A

1

M

M

2

M

16

M 22

23

A 28

3

Sun. Mat @ 2:00pm

15

21

A

A

9

M

M

M

M

8

14

27

Sat

A

M 20

26

M

7

13

19

Fri

A

M

A

A

6

12

25

Thu

A

A 18

24

*A

5

M

A

17

Wed

29

A 4

A

30

A 5

A

6

M

Mon-Sat @ 7:30pm

M Murdered to Death

$10

$18

$20

A

$10

$20

$22

Anne of Green Gables

~ Vi l l a g e T h e a t r e ~ 110 West 2

nd

Ave., Qualicum Beach, BC

1-877-752-6813

Toll Free b2b@b2btheatre.com 250-248-0444 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide 21

Farm Markets To market, to market!

It’s Saturday morning and what do the locals love to do most?

Head to the farmers’ markets, of course!

We are so lucky to be surrounded by dedicated farmers who know how to turn the blessings of Oceanside into bounty for us all. Enjoy honey, preserves, produce, and more at any of our farmers’ markets.

Errington Farmers Market SATURDAYS 10 am to 1 pm

38 th Anniversary!

EVERY SATURDAY from MAY 7st to SEPTEMBER 24th 2011

We have 40+ vendors offering spray free produce and cut flowers in season, plants, herbs and spices, fresh baked goods, preserves, potters, artists, photographers and jewelers just to name a few! Our market also showcases some of the best local musicians, playing live in our Band Shelter, while you shop.

So come out and enjoy the country market atmosphere in Errington g Park!

On Errington Rd.,

2 km. off the Alberni Hwy. en route to Englishman River Falls.

Contact Susanne for more info 954-2292

www.erringtonfarmersmarket.bc.ca

Errington has the cutest market going. Nestled into the forest across from the old Errington Hall, residents and visitors alike nosh on fresh baking while combing the stalls for Mrs. Smith’s pickles and Uncle Joe’s rhubarb.

Local musicians provide the soundtrack, which sees many a happy neighbour break into spontaneous dance. This is country living at its finest.

Qualicum Beach hosts a huge farmers’ market right downtown every Saturday morning. They have fresh

produce and baking but also fresh seafood and plenty of crafts.

Live entertainment and an ocean breeze is the backdrop for this weekly ritual. Note: Both markets run out of farm fresh eggs early, so be sure to get yours jiggity-jig!

Parksville, Nanoose Bay and Bowser have farmers’ markets on occasion but every Tuesday night in downtown Parksville, the ‘Summer by the Sea Street Market’ sets up. While some farmers bring their wares to sell, you will find everything here from massages to petting zoos. This is just like a big street party complete with dancing and plenty of good food. A great way to spend a hot summer evening!

PineRidge Farm Market 7 DAY DAYS YS A WEEK! • Farm Fresh Vegetables • Espresso, Latté, Mocha • Loose Speciality Teas • Island Farms Ice Cream

MEET YOUR LOCAL FOOD PRODUCER DAY! July 16, 2011 • 10 to 4 pm

• Pete’s Mt. Meats • Little Qualicum Cheese Works • Island Scallops • Biscotti DiNotti

• Qualicum Coffee • Catie’s • Coast Black Winery • Island Farms

2715 Turnbull Rd. 10 Minutes North of Qualicum Beach. Exit #75, Horne Lake Rd.

22 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

250-757-8897

• Portofino Bakery • Wildy Delicious • Coal Creek Farm • and more

www.pineridgefarm.ca

Spa etc.

Spa-aaaaah!

Often when people think about spas, they presume that these royal treatments are just for the rich and famous. We don’t agree.

Oceanside is a spa destination and that means we have day spas, full-service spas and everything in between.

Our largest resorts have luxury spas right on site, while the many day spas offer just as much variety in soothing services.

With so many spas to choose from, you might think that the residents of Oceanside have become a little spoiled.

Again, we don’t agree.

Sure, our spas have won awards and we do have the largest resort spa in B.C. (at Tigh Na Mara Resort) but does this make us pampered? And with such a wide variety to choose from, the services each offer are unique and specialized but that does not make us coddled.

Of course, the affordability does keep us going back but we are not indulgent.

No, the residents of Oceanside recognize the importance of maintaining a balanced life. The great outdoors keep us physically active, while organizations such as Vancouver Island University challenge our minds.

Our many festivals and events cater to our social needs and but, when the soul needs attention, many of us head

to the spa Hot-stone treatments using B.C. stones really rock. Wrap up your day with a seaweed wrap. Get down and dirty in a mud bath. Let one of our highly skilled massage therapists rub you the right way. What do facials, pedicures and manicures all have in common? They all feel amazing while you are getting one and, when it is all over, you look great, too!

Let the spas of Oceanside soothe your tired soul, release that stress and invigorate you with all the energy you need to take on another action-packed day in paradise! Or you could simply go back to your room, curl up by the fire and snooze. It’s all good at the spa.

Island Reflexology Patricia Kew

RCRT Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist with the Reflexology Association of Canada

$10.00 COUPON OFF ANY SERVICE OVER $50.00

Take a break, in a spa atmosphere during your busy work day come back calm & relaxed & ready to meet the day again.

REFLEXOLOGY

6500

$

ONE FULL HOUR PLUS! Herbal foot soak, lower leg massage & hot towel wrap

REFLEXOLOGY

45 MINUTE Plus! Herbal foot soak

AQUA DETOX

30 MINUTE

4000

$

5500

$

20 MINUTE

3000

$

FOOT & LOWER LEG MASSAGE Herbal foot soak, Hot towel wrap 30 MINUTES

FOOT MASSAGE

4000 $ 3000 $

Herbal foot soak.

20 MINUTES (NOT COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER)

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE I can work around your schedule.

104 Middleton Ave., Parksville www.islandreflexology.com

250-954-4274

The

Amazing Hair Studio Barber & Stylist Services

Experience the difference Amazing Hair can make!

• Chi • L’anza • Senscience • AG Mon. - Sat. 10am – 6pm Tues. & Thurs. Open later by appointment Located at French Creek Marina 1025 Lee Rd., Parksville

250.586.4184

The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

23

Gastronomic Adventures in Oceanside Just as the diversity of Oceanside attracts visitors from every corner of the globe, chefs and foodies are drawn to experiment with the vast array of locally grown products. They exercise their culinary prowess with the eagerness of an artist holding a limitless palette. Like the scenery, the natural abundance of Oceanside is an eternal source of inspiration.

Here, in one of Vancouver Island’s most diverse ecosystems, Mother Nature rewards us with bounteous treasures from the sea, soil and surface. Our expansive shores provide us with the freshest and cleanest seafood, including Qualicum Bay scallops and clams, Fanny Bay oysters, juicy prawns and crab from Nanoose Bay and Wild Pacific Salmon. From the gourmet greens of Nanoose Bay to the exotic truffles of Parksville and the peerless potatoes of Qualicum Bay to Errington’s

• Burritos • Enchiladas • Chimichangas

• Tacos • Fajitas • Tamales

sweet corn, our region is rapidly making its mark in culinary tourism.

Let us invite you to feast at the plenteous tables of Oceanside.

Whether you dine in one of our many restaurants or gather goodies to prepare back at your hotel, you are in for a unique and memorable culinary experience. Come taste our culture for yourself!

Bars and Restaurants

With so many dining locations in Parksville, Qualicum Beach and surrounding communities, there is bound to be a sumptuous option to suit every palate and budget. Our relaxed and casual lifestyle spills into our dining scene whether you crave home cooking or gourmet fare.

West Coast cuisine is prominent here as most of our restaurants feature treasures from the sea but no menu item garners more attention than crispy battered fish and home-cut chips. Ethnic restaurants boast a full range of global cuisine, including Japanese, Italian, Thai, Mexican, Indian and Vietnamese. Most of the fast-food outlets can be found in Parksville, while all communities offer their own special brand.

We are a coffee-crazed community and many of our cafés even roast their own beans.

Numerous bars dot the landscaped with everything from old-world-style pubs to new-age-chic bistros.

PARKSVILLE

Ollivander’s Café & Pizza House

Appies, Burgers, Entrées Salads & Much more!

Casual • Oceanfront West Coast Dining

Quality Resort Bayside

240 Dogwood Street • Parksville 250.248.8333 www.qualityresortparksville.com

FREE

Appetizer

ash Curried Butternut Squ and Crab Dip with Naan Bread. ober 1, 2011 Offer valid until Oct table, per visit One appetizer per

250-947-2109 www.beachclubbc.com Complimentary Shuttle and Underground Parking

24 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

Authentic Chinese Cuisine 5968 W. Island Highway, Qualicum Bay

250.757.8288

SUMMER HOURS: Effective June 30th Sun 11-8 • Mon-Thurs 11-9 • Fri-Sat 11-10 678 Memorial Ave., Qualicum Beach

(250)752-9733

Dining on the beach is easy when you live on the ocean, so whether you are perched high on the bank or at a shore-level patio, sunset viewing is made even more special with the smells of an evening tide.

Food Shopping While our large grocery stores carry many local products, buying direct from the farms or the farmers at markets and roadside stands makes a cheery country drive even more pleasurable. Visit one of our fine bakeries for such delicacies as homemade artisan bread and ‘Beestings.’ The Little Qualicum Cheeseworks offers their famed artisan cheeses and, while you’re there, visit the Mooberry Winery and try their selection of fruit wines. Many shops sell local meat and poultry but, for fresh seafood, head down to one of the local marinas. Pick up a copy of the 2010 Oceanside Farm Products Guide for a full listing of local producers.

Food Festivals We are definitely the land of festivals so, naturally, we have celebrations that honour our food. Parksville Uncorked pays tribute to our local food, as well as the great wine region of Vancouver Island.

The Taste of Oceanside, Crab Fest and Fire and Ice are just a few of the delectable events Oceanside devours throughout the year.

To help with the preparation of your Oceanside menu, visit the many bookstores and kitchen supply shops or take a course from one of our many experts. Bon Appétit!

KALVAS

THE LOG HOUSE RESTAURANT Kalvas is well known for their East Coast lobster, live, Local Dungeness crab & an oyster bar. Unique entrée selections like hunter schnitzel, scallops & prawns, their mouth-watering filet mignon & AAA New York steaks are also featured.

180 Molliet Street, Parksville, B.C.

(250)

248-6933

18 Y ears in in B Business!

Bus uss i n e “We don’t want ALL the business just yours!”

OPEN TILL 9 PM DAILY 115 W. 2nd Ave., Qualicum Beach

(250)

752-5800 25

The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

Dining

OCEANSIDE

Wacky, Wonderful Places to Eat Would you like to dine in a tree?

Or on a boat that goes out to sea?

In a room that looks like a ball?

In Oceanside, we’ve got it all!

If walking into a nice restaurant, sitting at a clean table and having a smiling server take your order is your idea of the perfect dining experience, we’ve got you covered. However, if you are one of those people who just can’t leave well enough alone and even the simple act of taking a meal is fodder for your adventurous spirit, then you have come to the right place.

Look up! Just because you’re having your meal in a tree doesn’t have to mean you have to eat like a bird. You can eat as much as you want because your table is firmly secured to the ball that contains it. Free Spirit Spheres are tree houses for adults. While meant to be accommodations, these camper-sized ‘balls’ do contain electricity, refrigeration and a small sink.

Look down!-Have you ever dined in a cave? Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park has several. Oh sure, the facilities are a little rustic but the cool, dark atmosphere means your food won’t spoil. While there are no pleasant servers to wait on you, noshing on your own packed lunch by helmet light while burrowed deep beneath the Earth’s surface is bound to be one for the archives.

Davy, Davy Crockett — Once you crawl out of those caves, stay awhile and visit the Horne Lake Campsite. Here, you can be the king of your own wild frontier as you wrap some dried beef and a hunk of bread in a bandana and head out for some wild adventure in your canoe. At night, hunker down for the evening meal in a tipi silently perched on the lake’s shore.

A three hour tour — If the weather starts to get rough, you won’t be going anywhere on that ocean but on a nice day, there is no better way to savour a meal. Whether you bring your own dinner or catch it while fishing, crabbing or prawning,

soaking up the salt air while bobbing along our coast is appetiteenhancing indeed. We have marinas in Deep Bay, French Creek and Schooner Cove, so there are plenty of places to find an obliging skipper.

Gilligan’s Island — OK, so it’s not Gilligan’s Island; it’s South Winchelsea Island but it’s not a three-hour tour and you won’t get shipwrecked.

The island is off the coast of Nanoose Bay and you can rent it from the Land Conservancy of B.C. A quaint little cabin offers full cooking facilities, so bring your own chef and dine like the castaways. By the way, just before you leave the harbour at Schooner Cove, check out the boats in the marina. You just might see the real S.S. Minnow. It moors there — honestly!

Beach Blanket Bingo — Remember the days of Annette and Frankie frolicking barefoot in the sand? Make those days come alive again with a clam bake on the beach. After a visit to one of our many fresh seafood suppliers, put the crab pot onto boil while shucking some Errington corn. Toss in some potatoes from Echo Valley Farms, along with clams, side-stripe prawns and Nanoose Crab and you have a feast fit for King Neptune himself. Don’t forget the guitar for an old-fashioned sing-along while the sun sets in the west.

If a clam bake sounds like too much work, simply pick up a gourmet meal ready to go from one of our many delicatessens.

Add some specialty breads from La Boulange Bakery in Qualicum Beach, then spread out a blanket and do what we locals do: enjoy a picnic on the beach. Bon Appetit!

BREAD LIKE NO OTHER! Handmade Naturally Leavened Organic Artisan Breads & Sweets Come visit our beautiful retail bakery shop & farm at 692 Bennett (the airport) Road in Qualicum Beach 6 RETAIL HOURS: Monday to Friday Noon to 6pm Call for changing spring & summer hours.

250-752-0077 26 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

laboulange@shaw.ca

la Boulange ORGANIC BREADS LTD.

OCEANSIDE Fabulous French Creek French Creek is on Highway 19A on the east coast of Vancouver Island looking out over the Strait of Georgia, nestled between Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

French Creek

Its working harbour is home to a bustling commercial fishing fleet and there are many charter operations available to take visitors fishing, sightseeing, and diving.

A collection of signs along the highway directs you to the waterfront, where French Creek Marina offers sheltered moorage and yachting amenities.

You’ll find fresh seafood in the specialty French Creek Seafood Store, a great pub, a general store and a marine outfitter.

bargained for.

There’s also a private ferry service available to take you from French Creek to False Bay on Lasqueti Island, one of the offbeat, scenic Gulf Islands in the Strait of Georgia. The ferry offers foot passenger service only, and departs from the French Creek Government Wharf. Once again, a sign on the highway points the way. The ferry completes the round trip several times a day. You can ask at the marina or general store for more information.

From land or water, you can explore the French Creek Estuary, home to marsh birds and alive with migrating ducks and geese in spring and fall. With the estuary and the sea, you’re sure to see soaring bald eagles at any time of year.

Eaglecrest and Morningstar golf courses are just a three-iron drive away and there’s minigolf in nearby Parksville for the kids.

The fishing in the Strait is spectacular. Cast your lines for halibut, cod and salmon or head inland for a little trout fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers.

If this sounds like maybe a great place to stay, as well as visit, French Creek House Resort offers oceanfront cabins and self contained marina suites. All cabins and suites are equipped with full kitchens and the oceanfront cabins have fireplaces.

Sheltered by a sturdy breakwater, French Creek Harbour is also a great place to set out for some coastal paddling but do some research before venturing out into the Strait, where winds, tides and currents can sometimes provide more adventure than you’d

Light a fire in the oceanfront fire pit, sit back and listen to the crashing waves as sunset casts hues of mauve and peach. Walk to dinner and then relax in the warmth of the resort’s indoor pool.

The Wheelhouse OPEN

MON. - FRI. 11 am to 3 pm SAT. – SUN. 8 am to 3 pm

Come down and enjoy the view of Beautiful French Creek Marina

• Hot Lunches • Fish & Chips • Chowder & Salads

www.wheelhousecafe.ca 1077 Lee Rd., French Creek

250-951-3301

C A F E

The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

27

Calendar of OCEANSIDE

May 28-29, 2011

June 17 - 19, 2011

18th Annual Father’s Day Seaside Cruisers BC Boxing Road To Glory Show & Shine Tournament Named one of Oprah’s Ten Best Things To Do on Sanctioned Bronze Gloves Father’s Day. tournament for BC’s best boxers Annual Father’s Day Show n’ Shine shows off aged 11 to 19 and over trying to over 500 cars lining the streets of Qualicum Beach. qualify for the nationals.

This huge show is sure to please all car enthusiasts.

Location: Oceanside Place.

Contact: Rick Rae, Genesis Boxing, Location: Qualicum Beach (250) 248-5511 Contact: (250) 752-2325 Website: www.

Website: www.seasidecruizers.com genesisboxingandfitness.com

June 17 - September 2

Friday nights in Qualicum Beach With the theme ‘Qualicum Beach is in the Pink,’ 35th Annual Qualicum Beach businesses and restaurants will be open 5-9 p.m.

Family Day with entertainment and artisans in Glasford Square A Shriners’ pancake breakfast and then a parade and on Primrose from 2nd to the Firehall. kicks off a full day of family activities in downtown July 1 – August 6, 2011 Qualicum Beach. There’ll be concessions, music and Bard To Broadway Summer Theatre entertainment, games for the kids and best of all Now in its 12th season, enjoy live summer everything except your food is FREE! repertory theatre. Choose from 2 different Location: Downtown Qualicum Beach productions in 2011: Anne of Green Gables and Hours: Pancake breakfast 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Murdered to Death – 7 days a week.

Parade 12 p.m. -1 p.m. Activities, music and Location: Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach entertainment 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Hours: Contact Box Office Contact: Marilynn Sims (250)752-2300 Contact: The Box Office at (250) 248-0444 Website: www.qbfamilyday.com Website: www.b2btheatre.com

May 29, 2011

May 1 – Labour Day

Finders Keepers Smashin’ Glass & Anything Art. Co. has left vibrant glass stones and glass seastars for beachcombers to find in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Each one is numbered, so when you find one, call Smashin’ Glass at 250-248-6624 to register your treasure and become eligible to win a prize.

May 7, 2011

19th Annual Fire & Ice Street Festival Professional and amateur carvers from North America gather on the streets of downtown Qualicum Beach for an ice carving competition.

June 14 – August 30, 2011 Watch as huge blocks of ice are transformed into Summer By The Sea – Parksville Street amazing works of art. The ‘fire’ can be sampled at Market the many chili booths staggered among the carvers.

Businesses and community groups vying for the Every Tuesday evening enjoy over 100 vendors coveted “Peoples Choice Award” prepare gallons showcasing a wide variety of talents including and gallons of chili. It’s a day full of fun, food, and jewelry, art, culinary delights, wood work, plus live loads of live music on site, as well as a kid’s zone entertainment. for the younger set.

Location: Craig St. in Parksville Location: Qualicum Beach Hours: Tuesdays June & July 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Hours: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Aug. 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Contact: Lynda Contact: Rodger Griffiths (250) 752-9081 Schneider, Parksville & Dist. Chamber of Commerce (250) 248-3613 Website: www.fireandicefestival.net

164 2nd Avenue West Qualicum Beach 250-752-3400 www.smithfords.com

28 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

July 1 – August 19

Qualicum Beach Artisans Market World-class artists and artisans, like Larry Aguilar and Ted Jolda, offer their works and wares late Friday afternoons and evenings at The Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach.

July 15 – August 14, 2011 Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition *Top 100 Events in North America (ABA Awards) Over four weeks of family beach fun featuring

Events 2011 OCEANSIDE

international sculptors and weekend entertainment stage. Starting July 15 sculpting teams and soloists have 24 hours over a 3 day period to transform sand into works of art. Sculptures remain on display until August 14. Check out over 20 masterpieces beachside. This event is an official qualifier for the annual World Championships of Sand Sculpting in Federal Way, Washington. You and your family can experience what summer is all about - sun, sand, sea and creativity!

Location: Parksville Community Beach, Parksville Hours: Judging takes place July 16, open to public at 3 pm. Open every day after until August 14, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily.

Contact: info@parksvillebeachfest.ca or (250) 951-2678 Website: www.parksvillebeachfest.ca

July 29 – July 31, 2011

33rd Annual Coombs Country Bluegrass Festival Bluegrass musicians and fans will delight to the oldest bluegrass festival in B. C. and one of the oldest in Canada, located in sunny Coombs. A great line-up of current and past artists can always be expected.

Location: Coombs Rodeo Grounds, Parksville Contact: Bob & Linda Thorburn (250) 752-0383 Website: www.coombsbluegrass.com

July 30 - 31, 2011

August 14, 2011 17th Annual KidFest Kids’ sandcastle competitions, clowns, storytellers, entertainers, and much more. A great day of family fun on the beach.

Location: Parksville Beach Hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Contact: Mary (250) 954-1189 or (250) 248-2067 Website: www.kidfest.ca

22nd Annual Oceanside Overdrive Car Show This annual show ‘n shine is your opportunity to check out over 500 custom classic cars, trucks, hotrods, motorcycles and more down at the beach.

What a spectacular location to spend the weekend July 16 - 17, 2011 with your family.

Art and Photography in the Garden Location: Parksville Community Park.

Mid-Nov. - Mid-Dec., 2011 Meet, mingle and be inspired by local artists at Hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. work as they paint, sketch, carve and photograph Christmas Craft Explosion Contact: AJ (250) 927-9213 the beauty of this artist’s garden, at Milner Gardens Christmas only happens once a year, so why Website: www.oceansideoverdrive.ca & Woodland. not do it up big? That’s certainly the attitude in August 13-14, 2011 Location: 2179 West Is. Hwy., Qualicum Beach Parksville-Qualicum Beach. Across the region, Coombs Fair Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. hundreds of artisans, craftspeople, musicians and Celebrating agriculture in Oceanside for over 90 hall organizers are working away preparing for the Contact: (250) 752-8573 years. The fair features animals, domestic science deluge of craft fairs and markets that transform this Website: www.viu.ca/MilnerGardens and horticulture displays. Enjoy the festivities, music Oceanside area into a west coast Christmas town.

July 23, 2011 and homemade pies.

Location: Throughout Parksville and Qualicum Beach Grand Prix d’ Art Location: Off Ford Road in Coombs Hours: Varies Daily Artists compete against the clock to create Hours: Sat. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. painting scenes of Qualicum Beach. The artists Contact: Janet (250) 752-9757 OR Website: will be in various locations throughout the town info@coombsfair.com www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com painting their scene.

Website: www.coombsfair.com Location: TOSH - The Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach To keep up to date on all of the new festivals and events Hours: noon – 4 p.m. happening throughout the region, Contact: Corrine (250) 752-6133 visit www visitparksvillequalicumbeachcom Website: www.theoldschoolhouse.org

for frequent updates and up-to-date information.

The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

29

Golf

OCEANSIDE

F U N PA R K

Golfing in Paradise

Bumper Boats with Water Cannons!

Win Prizes! Gift & Souvenir Shop!

Birthday Parties in the Old Woman’s Shoe! Stellarios Italian Café: Fine coffee, soft drinks, lots of ice cream flavours.

“Fun For the Whole Family” Two 18-Hole Miniature Golf Courses Play one or both!

Fun for all ages! Play at night, a wonderland of coloured lights and delightful fantasy scenes.

Call 250-248-6612

www.paradisefunpark.net

375 West island Highway, Parksville, B.C. 30 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

Four! No, make that seven golf courses have established Oceanside as a golfer’s dream.

Our year-round golfing weather, coupled with WestJet’s service from Comox Valley Airport (only 45 minutes away), makes it easy and affordable for golfers from colder climates to tee off.

All golf courses in Oceanside are less than 30 minutes away and they are often open 365 days a year.

With so many courses, getting a tee time is almost never a problem and you won’t have to mortgage the farm to pay for green fees. In fact, the only problem with golfing in Oceanside is stealing your gaze from the jaw-dropping beauty that surrounds our courses long enough to focus on the next hole.

Swingers of all skill levels will find a course to match their ability, even if that ability only extends to the mini-putt; we have three of those, too. We even have a Disc Golf Course for something completely different. So, pack your bags, practice your swing and dust off those shoes — we’re going golfing!

Arrowsmith Golf and Country Club is the most northern club in our region and boasts the best 18-hole golf value on Vancouver Island. Full practice facilities and a full-service clubhouse are enhanced by spectacular views of Mount Arrowsmith.

Brigadoon Golf Course is the newest nine-hole course on Central Vancouver Island and it is conveniently located right outside downtown Parksville. This course was designed and constructed

GOLF RESORT 18 hole green fee $69 Group rates from $55 /person Nine and Dine $40 /person includes golf, cart and dinner

BOOK ONLINE AT

www.pheasantglen.com

250-752-8786 877-407-4653

Qualicum Beach, BC

“The three toughest finishing holes in B.C.” Kris Jonasen BCGA Executive Director

OCEANSIDE

Golf

to minimize the impact on local habitats and, through responsible management, continues to practice environmental stewardship.

Eaglecrest Golf Club is one of the one of the oldest courses in our region. Ocean views and lush fairways lined with towering evergreens make this course a favourite with locals.

Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay is designed by renowned course architect Les Furber. Often referred to as the ‘thinking golfers’ course, the natural beauty that surrounds Fairwinds is bound to be a distraction.

Morningstar Golf Course is also designed by Les Furber and is conveniently situated just outside of Parksville. The site of numerous

GOLF VANCOUVER ISLAND

VANCOUVER ISLAND’S BEST KEPT SECRET! OPEN DAILY, YEAR-ROUND WITH 24 HOUR BOOKING (up to 5 days in advance)

IImpressive mpressive i Practice Practi tice Facilities Facili iliti ties

• Large driving range with grass tees • Large, undulating practice green • Lessons available year-round

MICKY J’S LOUNGE FOOD & BEVERAGE SERVICE Our large clubhouse caters to everyday meals as well as Tournaments, Banquets, Weddings, Anniversaries etc.

Tel: 250-PLAY-PAR or 250-752-9727 2250 Fowler Road, Qualicum, B.C.

Midway between Bowser & Qualicum Beach on Hwy. 19A

www.golfarrowsmith.com The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

31

Experience Vancouver Island’s

Premier Adventure Golf!

Golf

OCEANSIDE

RIPTIDE R IPTIDE LAG LAGOON OFFERS TWO CHALLENGING 18 HOLE THEMED COURSES.

Play through “Wandering Willie’s” snug little harbour, have your picture taken with the “Catch of the Day”, and enjoy an ice cream on the patio.

Bring the whole family and experience mini golf at its nest.

BRAND NEW BUMPER CARS!

RIPTIDE LAGOON’S NEWEST FEATURE

laser tag Bumper Cars! Come test your skills on our brand new laser firing Orbiters. If you are hit by the laser, you will spin over 360 degrees beforee es! you can resume play! Its guaranteed fun for all ages!

Group Rates & Birthday Packages Available Open 7 D O Days a W Weekk M Marchh tto O October t b

250-248-8290

1000 Resort Drive, Parksville BC

CPGA events, Morningstar is considered to be one of B.C.’s most challenging courses.

Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, located in Qualicum Beach is just beautiful. Majestic Mount Arrowsmith towers over little lakes and expansive valleys that surround this course. Pheasant

Adjacent to Rathtrevor Provincial Park

1

$ 00 Off GOLF Expires: June 21, 2011

www.riptidelagoon.com

32 The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide

250.248.2244 1.800.567.1320 FOR A TEE TIME

www.morningstargolf.com

Glen is said to have three of the toughest finishing holes in B.C. Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club has the distinction of being the fourth-oldest course in B.C. and its second hole is one of the most photographed. Enjoy gorgeous ocean views from the nine-hole course and the new clubhouse.

Oceanside also has two great mini-golf courses. Check out the adventure mini-golf at Riptide Lagoon on Resort Drive next to the entrance to Rathtrevor Provincial Park, then try their Orbiter laser-tag bumper cars!

Paradise Adventure Mini Golf, on the Island Highway in downtown Parksville, has two cool courses and bumper boats. And their Big Shoe is one of the Seven Wonders of Parksville!

How to get here‌ A uni unique ique 9 h hole course with two par 4 holes and seven par 3 holes, Brigadoon plays to 1513 yards from the black tees and 1360 yards from the white tees. Water hazards affect 4 holes of play. Golfers of all ages and playing ability will enjoy the course, but those expecting an easy par 3 will be surprised.

FROM NANAIMO

Mid-Island’s newest course boasts contoured fairways carved out of mature Western Red Cedar and Maples, allowing for wildlife corridors through-out the course making accuracy important.

FROM UP ISLAND

Take the Parksville Exit onto Highway 19A. Travel approximately 3 km. and take the first left after the orange bridge onto Martindale Road. The golf course is on the right.

Exit into Parksville and turn left onto the Alberni Highway. Travel approximately 2 km. and turn onto Martindale Road just before the orange bridge. The golf course is on the right.

eer C

res.

Orange Bridge

r.

Pion

od D

o rew

Sho

PARKSVILLE

Stanford Ave

Englishman River

MARTINDALE RD.

TO NANAIMO

3

2 4 5

1

7 6

9

8

The atmosphere at Brigadoon is friendly and welcoming, with the course open to the public 7 days a week, teeing off is first come first serve.

We hope to see you soon!

Tel: 250-954-0644 www.brigadoongolfcourse.com

Course design by: Ross Rivers - Vista Golf Designs Ltd.

359 Martindale Road, Parksville, B.C. V9P 1P9

Parksville’s Premiere Event on the Beach!

July 16th to August 14th 2011

Sculpting: July 16 & 17 • Gates Open: July 16 at 2pm Exhibition: July 18 to August 14 - Open 9 am until 9 pm VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE SCULPTURE Check our website during the month of Beach Fest for up to date entertainment information at Parksville’s Community Park

Visit ParksvilleBeachFest.ca for more information ENTRANCE BY DONATION • Proceeds supporting local charities