Location: Qualicum Beach
Top Things to do in Qualicum Beach
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island
Qualicum Beach is a town located on Vancouver Island British Columbia, Canada. At the 2016 census, it had a population of 8,943. It is situated at the foot of Mount Arrowsmith, along the Strait of Georgia on Vancouver Island's northeastern coast.
Restaurants in Qualicum Beach
1. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park straddles the scenic Little Qualicum River, west of Parksville, where impressive waterfalls cascade and plummet down a rocky gorge in a beautiful forest setting. Perhaps the most magnificent park on Vancouver Island, Little Qualicum Falls incorporates the entire southern shore of Cameron Lake, adjacent to MacMillan Provincial Park and the awesome Cathedral Grove Rainforest. Cameron Lake is bordered by steep mountains: Mt. Wesley to the north and Mt. Arrowsmith to the south.
Reviewed By MT1 - Aurora, United States
My wife and I visited while staying at a nearby B&B. We went in the morning on a weekday and it wasn't busy at all so there was plenty of parking at the lot by the beginning of the walkway to the falls (upper and lower). There is a restroom at the parking lot and it has running water, and a nice area with picnic tables (some under a pavilion), which was nice. There is no charge to park and walk to the falls. There is a nice walkway all around the falls on both sides of the river and it is an easy walk offering nice views along the way. We spent about 90 minutes walking around and taking pictures but you could do it in half the time if you just wanted to do a quick walk around. Very nice place not far outside town and highly recommended.
2. Milner Gardens & Woodland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Vancouver Island University's Milner Gardens & Woodland is a magical seaside retreat once reserved for royalty. Sheltered on three sides by old-growth forest, this one-of-a kind woodland estate rejuvenates the soul with its gardens and magnificent coastal views. Enjoy the charming Camellia Tea Room after strolling the grounds and contemplate the history of the Gardens or fantasize about having them all to yourself.
Reviewed By sunandroses - Nanaimo, Canada
Spring time is breath taken. The buzzing of the bees around the rhododendrons, the eagles rebuilding their nest, the seals fishing for Herron - mind blowing. Then you have the rhododendrons, the daffodils, the camellias. Such a welcoming of spring. The smell of homemade soup, scones and desserts will draw you into the house. Such a wonderful day!!
3. Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 562 reviews
Explore the Hidden Gem of Vancouver Island, now open with limited daily tour departures, smaller group sizes and new health and safety protocols. Winner of BC’s Remarkable Experience Award and ranked #1 of 22 Things To Do IN Vancouver Island. Explore this park in 3D - above by hiking through the beautiful rainforest Fossil Trail or venturing underground on a guided tour. Start your journey with a short hike through the forest to reach the cave entrance. Here you’ll begin a fascinating subterranean experience. As you step away from the emerald forest and deeper into the cave, a new world of crystal formations, marbled passages and ancient fossils are revealed. Navigate ramps, ladders and slides to meander through the caverns. Feel the cool air. Listen to the sound of your guide’s voice, the steady drip of water or the rumbling of an unexpected waterfall. Turn off your headlamp to heighten your senses and absorb the power of complete darkness on this fun and educational adventure!
Reviewed By 856teraw - Duncan, Canada
Our family of four had a great time exploring the Riverbend Cave and the Play Cave with Meghan. Our guide was informative, casual, and lots of fun. She challenged us to fit through some tight spaces! I thought I would be nervous being in confined spaces, but I wasn’t at all. I really appreciated that Meghan went at a pace that all members of the group could manage. We admired the calcite formations, climbed a cave waterfall, and had a silent moment in total darkness!
4. Qualicum Beach Community Park
5. Spider Lake Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By WendyV58
Spider Lake is an excellent place for a day trip, especially if you have a canoe or kayak. It is warm in the summer and is really fun to explore, with lots of nooks and crannies. The beach is sandy with good picnic spots in the shade at tables. It can get quite busy, so best to get there early and stake your claim. Warm to swim, without the "itch" purported to be at nearby Horne Lake.
6. Beach Front Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By VancouverLil - Langley, Canada
Located on the old Island Highway, this is a beautiful spot to take a walk. The boardwalk is fairly lengthy and you can walk quite a ways. Keep your eyes on the beach because you will see Eagles, seals, and lots more sea life. Very nice attraction.
7. Heritage Forest
8. Cameron Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By orchidb2019
Cameron Lake is just stunning. The magnitude of the mountains and trees you’re surrounded by is so beautiful. It is a rocky beach and rocky lake bottom so I’d recommend water shoes. I wish I had some. Bring beach chairs or something comfy to sit on. Crystal clear water. Directly next to highway, can just pull onto side of road. Love it here
9. Little Qualicum River Fish Hatchery
10. Big Qualicum Hatchery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By 353fayek
Best seen in the fall when salmon are spawning. Incredible to see the salmon lining up for the river upstream...they are pushed to the front where you can see them about 6 feet away they then are forced into a pen where they are dipped to rid them of any sea lice etc. then conveyed up to the area where they are sorted and divided up...the Indian's lot are put aside for distributing to the different tribes/areas. There is a walking path around the pens to see the different stages the fish go through before they are released. Very well designed and informative for all ages. a must see if coming to the area in fall.
