If you are visiting Vancouver Island, you will find yourself surrounded by water. Of course, there is the Pacific Ocean to the West…but do you know what body of water borders the Island to the East? It’s called the Salish Sea! Here are some fun facts about this particular aquatic setting.
- It Connects B.C. to Washington state
The Salish Sea is a waterway that touches upon Vancouver Island, the B.C. province proper, as well as the coast of Washington. There are ferries that can take you from Vancouver and/or Victoria all the way to Seattle!
- There is a preservation and learning centre dedicated to the Salish Sea.
It’s called the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea and it’s located in Sidney, B.C., on Vancouver Island. They offer tours and events, activities for kids, a lecture series, and a gift shop. It’s listed as the largest aquarium on the whole of Vancouver Island, too.
- It is also called the Georgia Strait, Puget Sound, and Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The first use of “Salish Sea” came about in 1988 by marine biologist Bert Webber. His goal was to emphasize the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems, including this one. He didn’t intend to replace the “old” names, just draw attention to the area with a new title.
- The Coast Salish Indigenous People’s territory touches both B.C. and Washington.
The Salish Sea was a very important connection for trading goods amongst other groups that share cultural and linguistic origins. The Salish share over 23 different languages and have occupied the area long before Europeans landed here.
- The Salish Sea is Home to 253 known fish species and 37 aquatic mammals.
These include hagfish, lampreys, ratfish, mackerel sharks, cusk-eels, dogfish sharks, carps, trout, sturgeons, killifishes, orca whales, and plenty more.
- You might see whale pods while taking the ferry from Vancouver City to the Island.
If you get lucky, you might get to see a whale or whale pod passing by while you are crossing the Salish Sea. The best time to spot a whale is May through October, making summertime a peak time to do so.
If you’re staying with us in Qualicum Beach or Parksville, you will get an up-close-and-personal with the Salish Sea, AKA Georgia Strait, AKA Puget Sound, AKA the Strait of Juan de Fuca. You are sure to be greeted by beautiful, expansive beaches and mild, friendly waters.
Don’t have vacation plans yet? Contact us for a list of available vacation rentals in Qualicum Beach and Parksville. We welcome the opportunity to help you book the perfect getaway!
We love farmers’ markets and local produce in B.C. and if you are visiting from near or far you will probably want to get in on this smoothie trend. We always recommend that visitors to our vacation homes and cabins checkout the community markets and U-picks (pick-your-own-produce for a fee), but what to do with all the scrumptious fruit and vegetables you come back with?
Smoothies are super easy, can incorporate many flavors, are flexible to whatever you bring home, and are a super-healthy snack or treat. Here are some in-season flavours to try for July.
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Black Cherry Smoothie
Black cherries are just one of the fruits that are in season in July. And cherries are a staple in B.C. orchards. 3 cups of yogurt and 3 cups of black cherries make the basis of this smoothie. Then, add greens of your choice (avocado, spinach, kale) and sweetener (maple syrup, honey, brown sugar).
Try it: Super Heathy Kids
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Peach Smoothie
Fresh B.C. peaches are a must-try if you are vacationing anywhere in the Okanagan or on the Island. You’ll find boxes of them at every supermarket and fruit stand—and they ripen quickly, which means you can score a good deal on “very ripe” produce sometimes. Peaches that are slightly soft to the touch are the perfect smoothie ingredient. Try blending them with sliced banana, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and/or honey.
Try it: Hungry Healthy Happy
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Raspberry Smoothie
Raspberries are a U-pick favourite in British Columbia, so you might be able to get them fresh from the bush. Raspberries are a super fruit. They contain vitamins C and E, selenium, beta carotene, and more healthy bits. Blend a handful of fresh, washed raspberries with Greek yogurt, almonds, and a sweetener of your choice.
Try it: Bawarchi
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Rhubarb Strawberry Smoothie
Rhubarb is in season mid-to-late summer but most people don’t think to put it in smoothies because it can be quite tart. The strawberries will help balance this out, though. Additionally, you can add a sweetener of your choice—we recommend fresh honey—milk, fruit juice, and additional frozen or fresh mixed berries.
Try it: She Wears Many Hats
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Radish Smoothie
Wait, RADISH smoothie?! You heard us right! Radish are in season and are incredible valuable nutrition-wise. Health nuts will love this, as radishes boast being low calorie, have anticancer properties, and are packed with fibre to aid in digestion. Radish smoothies might be new to you so follow the instructions in the below link closely until you get used to the idea.
Try it: Daisy’s Kitchen
Are “vacation smoothies” the new travel trend? We’re doing our best to make it so, which is really easy to do when you are surrounded by the orchards and gardens of British Columbia. Not sure how or when to travel B.C.? Contact us for a hook up with stunning vacation rentals in B.C.
Originally constructed as a simple fruit stand off of the Alberni Highway is 1973 to a now bustling little roadside stop for travellers commuting up and down the island Coombs Old Country Market is a must visit for anyone passing by or staying in the Qualicum area. Perhaps you have had the enjoyment of witnessing the ever so popular goats on the roof grazing atop the grass covered peaks or maybe this is something you have only ever heard of, either way the experience is always just as exciting each and every time.
Over the years Coombs Old Country Market has grown organically into what it is today, a booming seasonal town full of local produce, baked goods, shops, and so much more. Stroll through the main market and enjoy looking at the display of fun little knick-knacks or follow the trailing smell of fresh baked bread made in house daily and still warm if you get there early enough.
Treats
If it is a tasty treat you are looking for you don’t have to go far to find it. Meander a couple steps past the markets main entrance and arrive upon Billy G’s Donut Shop, enjoy classic flavours like Honey Dip and Old Fashioned. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous flavours like their Gimme S’more donut filled with marsh mellow and dipped in chocolate or the Billy Gruff Bomber, a caramel filled donut with bacon bits on top and are definite must try’s! The Billy Griff Creamery is located directly across the street and offers over 60 flavours of ice-cream and over 30 flavours of home-made gelato and sorbetto, so there will always be something for everyone.
Shops
After filling up on sweets what better way to work it off than to walk around and check out all the cute local shops along the way. Zolena Boutique is full of beautiful textiles, hand crafted soaps and décor, perfect for gifts or spicing up your home. Wabi Sabi Boardware offers a wide selection of West Coast attire. Popular among the young at heart this shop has great staple clothing items with a laid-back vibe. In addition to clothing and interior design items there are also lovely garden shops full of plants and outdoor decorations. Whether you are looking to buy or just enjoy some browsing there are lots of things that are enjoyable to look at.
Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria – Italian Restaurant
A full day at Coombs is never complete without enjoying a bite to eat at the stunning Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria. With a loaded two-page menu the options seem endless. Amazing lunch options include sandwiches like their delicious meatball sub or the Focaccia consisting of dijon mayo, lettuce, tomato & grilled chicken breast, topped with mozzarella cheese. Indulge in one of their generous servings of pasta with choices like their baked Lasagna, Salmon Fettuccine, and Gnocchi Four Cheese. If it is something light you are looking for enjoy some appetizers to share like the delicious mussels or the Honey pecan crusted brie or order a verity of their traditional Italian Pizzas. Whatever you decide to choose you will not be disappointed.
After a beautiful day at Coombs Old Country Market, what better way to relax and cook up a family BBQ than at a Qualicum Landing Beach Home! Spread along the oceanfront, Qualicum Landing Beach Homes are excellent for families to relax and enjoy the amenities such as a pool and tennis courts.
With its breathtaking beaches, laid back vibe, and charming Beach Homes, Qualicum Beach is a favourite weekend getaway among locals on Vancouver Island as well residents of the Mainland seeking a place for some much-needed rest and relaxation. From its long list of easy to moderate hiking trails, refreshing local watering holes such as Cameron and Spider Lake, and of course the kilometers of beaches to choose from the activities here are endless. To make your stay even more enjoyable and hassle-free we have made a list of our favourite places for dine-in or take-out in Qualicum Beach so you can spend more time exploring, relaxing, and not meal planning.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Brunch Options
Courtyard Cafe
Courtyard Cafe is the perfect place for a quick on-the-go early morning bite to eat. The quaint little eatery is best known for its delicious baked goods and their sweet or savoury crepes loaded with your choice of toppings. Enjoy this meal on the go or take a seat on their lovely outdoor courtyard patio before heading out for the day.
Baileys In The Village
Baileys In The Village is another hot spot for awesome breakfast or lunch options in Qualicum Beach. A cute little restaurant in the heart of downtown Qualicum enjoyed by both locals and out of towners. Their comfort food keeps you full and happy all the way through until dinner. Choices of classic meals like bacon and eggs, breakfast sandwiches, lunch wraps, and tasty soup/salad combos.
Ohhh… So Yummy Cafe
This cafe has to be one of our absolute favourite spots for a delicious breakfast/brunch meal. Serving up all the best options like classic eggs benny, huevos rancheros, and we can’t forget about their famous happy face pancakes loaded with all kinds of fruit and topped with whipped cream. Their reasonable prices and generous portions make it a great spot for families to enjoy a great meal.
Dinner Dining Options
Deez Bar and Grill
Deez Bar and Grill offers some of the best feel-good foods in town. With a great selection of handhelds, fish and chips, pasta, salads, and large entree meals including steaks, seafood, and a massive Mediterranean platter you will always find something you like. Located only steps from the beach, this laid back bar is the perfect place to pick up a tasty meal to enjoy down by the water.
Bistro 694
Bistro 694 stands by their slogan, “Global flavours… local ingredients”. Although they are currently closed until late July, they offer amazing authentic foods to choose from. Try their hummus and warm pita or the Little Qualicum brie bruschetta for starters followed by the Kashmiri Butter Chicken, Balinese prawn curry, or their delicious seafood crepes. Bistro 694 offers a selection of foods and flavours that are truly divine.
Giovanni’s Ristorante and Lounge
Giovanni’s is the go-to place for Italian food in Qualicum Beach and an absolute must-try. With three dining experiences to choose from, fine dining, casual dining, or pizza takeout, Giovanni’s always delivers quality food with impeccable service. With so many options to choose from it is the perfect place to try new dishes because you will never be disappointed.
Finding the best place to dine-in or take-out in Qualicum Beach is now much easier! You can enjoy your Breakaway Vacation more without worrying about where to eat!
With beautiful weather approaching and BC’s direction to open provincial parks for day-use, we can’t help but to be excited to explore Qualicum Beach and Parksville. There are 8 provincial parks between Qualicum and Parksville, each with their own trail networks and beautiful natural attractions. The trails offer variety of difficulties from strolling along the side of a beautiful beach or hiking up rugged mountains to scenic views. Exploring Qualicum Beach and Parksville can mean anything between sea level and alpine. With the opening of BC provincial parks we still advise all users to practice social distancing.
Rathtrevor Provincial Park
Just across the road from the Tanglewood Beach Homes is the beautiful 347-hectare provincial park. Rathtrevor features a two-kilometer long beach, an old-growth Douglas fir tree forest, 174 vehicle-accessible and 25 walk-in camping spaces and beautiful trails to walk along. At low tide, the water retracts back almost a kilometer into the Strait of Georgia. Walking along the warm sand in your bare feet is a must!
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Little Qualicum Falls is a beautiful forested area with an easy-moderate trail system around the river and waterfalls. The park has 150 campsites (however closed all last year due to a winter storm). There is a beautiful little riverside trail that starts at the Big Qualicum River Salmon Hatchery.
Mount Arrowsmith
For those hiking enthusiasts! Mount Arrowsmith is a beautiful eight-hour roundtrip climb that delivers views of the Beaufort Mountain Range. The trailhead starts across Highway 4 from the Cameron Lake day-use area. If you are looking to summit, the Judge’s Route is the trail to take. If you want views of the Gulf Islands, the Saddle Route cuts through thick forest and wildflowers to 1476ft elevation.
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
Horne Lake Caves is 26km west of Qualicum Beach and is best known for its caverns and more than 1000 caves. You can arrange group tours ranging from easy to extreme to explore the deep underground. The tours are taking reservations starting after May 31st. To find more information on the caves and area click here.
We are excited to get back into nature to explore and experience the things we love again. Qualicum Beach and Parksville are great places to get away and explore with your family. After a great hike or beach day it is always great to fire up the BBQ at your Tanglewood Beach Home or Qualicum Landing Cottage and enjoy the evening sun with family. If you are looking for other areas for your family, check out our list of properties around Vancouver Island and the rest of BC!