Nestled on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, Parksville and Qualicum Beach offer a serene escape for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and coastal charm. A mere two-hour BC Ferries ride from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo, this idyllic region is easily accessible, making it the ideal destination for a romantic autumn weekend getaway.
Join us as we explore the perfect itinerary for your visit to Parksville and Qualicum Beach!
The Beach Club Resort
Upon our arrival, The Beach Club Resort welcomed us with open arms. This luxurious resort, situated on the historic Island Hall Resort site, boasts private balconies, stunning ocean and mountain views, and thoughtfully appointed West Coast décor. The seaside pool, hot tub, Stonewater Spa, and Pacific Prime Restaurant and Lounge make for a perfect introduction to any getaway. The rooms are also spacious and equipped with kitchens, so if you’re looking for a cozy homemade meal, that’s always an option too!
Unsworth Vineyards Winemaker’s Dinner at Pacific Prime Restaurant
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience at Pacific Prime Restaurant. Overlooking the beach boardwalk, this restaurant offers a unique West Coast-style cuisine influenced by its talented Chef. During this specific Winemaker’s Dinner event, at the Pacific Prime Restaurant, we were able to try wine pairings with one of Vancouver Island’s beloved wineries — Unsworth Vineyards. These wines paired perfectly with all of the dishes the resort’s talented chef whipped together. My favourite dish of the night was this giant drool-worthy short rib!
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Start one of your days with a visit to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre facility, where you can witness their mission to care for and rehabilitate injured wildlife. Explore the Museum of Nature, and the Learning Centre, plus, meet their resident education birds and bears. It’s incredible to learn how many animals this centre has helped over the years. As for the ones that were deemed unfit to be released back in the wild — they now live on the property (like this Eagle, “Casey” and Raven, “Blizzard”)!
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
Don’t miss a visit to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, where you can taste world-class artisan cheeses and even fill up on fresh, non-homogenized milk from their dispenser. This modern farm makes for the perfect date day and in the fall, prepare to see lots of photo-worthy pumpkin displays on site.
Fern + Cedar Brewing Company
Savour a delectable lunch at Fern + Cedar Brewing Company, where you can relish quality craft beer and a fresh, local food menu. With an open-air interior and lots of stunning Fern plants above, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal. We ordered some of the featured menu items like Gyoza, Wings and Brussels sprouts to snack on while enjoying a flight of tasty beer!
Dip in the Grotto followed by Massages at Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort
Indulge in relaxation at the renowned Grotto Spa. As the #1 Spa in Canada, it offers a range of treatments, facials, massages, and warm water pools. Unwind in the Relaxation Lounge, sipping on complimentary fresh fruit and tea. Specifically, we tried the relaxation massage which comes with the option of Lavender or Eucalyptus essential oils (I actually opted for both!). The Grotto Spa pool gives off serious little mermaid vibes so this is THE place to be — if you’ve ever wanted to feel like a real-life Disney princess. Our charcuterie platter was the cherry on top of it all. It came with a delicious house-made salad and I am now wishing that I had asked for the recipe!
Qualicum Beach Cafe
For a farewell brunch, head to the Qualicum Beach Cafe, where you can relish well-crafted food made from local, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the warm hospitality and take in the breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. I tried the smoked salmon benedict, paired with a latte and a mimosa (of course). The restaurant makes their very own fresh biscuits every single morning — I got to try them with my benny and they were HEAVENLY!
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