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Qualicum Beach

Oct15

Qualicum Beach Farmers Market

Blog, British Columbia, Events, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays, Sports, Travel, Vancouver Island no responses

Have you had the opportunity to indulge in local ingredients and produce? The Qualicum Beach Farmers Market is a must add to your list when looking for local, fresh ingredients. Hosted year round every Saturday from 8:30am-noon.

A few common asked questions from the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market website attached below:

  • Are Dogs Allowed? No – The friends of  Qualicum Beach Farmers Market love the fur babies but ask for them to stay at home for the market trips!
  • What is in season? Check out the in season diagram here!
  • Is there food at the market? Yes
  • Are there washrooms? Yes – located outside the Community Hall
  • Where do I park? – In the church behind the market there is parking offered during the market.
  • Where is the Market? 644 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1L8

There are so many vendors who frequently are at the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market from produce, eggs, baked goods, and crafts just to name a few. To view the entire vendor list check out the website here.

Happy Shopping and don’t forget your reusable bag!

Sep01

Catching the Surf

Blog, British Columbia, Family Activities, Holidays, Sports, Travel, Uncategorized, Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island no responses

Surfing Tips!

Have you ever gone surfing and caught the biggest wave? Whether or not you are a seasoned surfer or first time catching a wave we have a few tips for you as you set out on your way.

Here are some hot tips provided by Surfer Today!

1. Learn to Pick the Right Wave

2. Fine-Tune the Position on the Peak

3. Eye Your Target

4. Keep a Low Center of Gravity

5. Paddle With Nearly-Closed Fingers

6. Check the Time Period Between Waves

7. Adjust Your Feet While Riding the Wave

8. Set One Goal and Improve It

9. Manage the Wave Face Timing

10. Watch Wave Videos in Slow Motion

11. Analyze Your Mistakes

12. Broaden the Working Area on the Wave Face

13. Pick the Right Surfboard for the Right Wave

14. Focus on Rail-to-Rail Surfing

15. Learn How Waves Are Formed

Most importantly Breakaway Vacation reminds you, and your family to have fun!

Winter activities
Dec04

6 Winter Activities in Parksville and Qualicum Beach

Blog, Events, Food and drink, Travel, Vancouver Island, Winter no responses

You don’t need to be cooped up indoors during your stay at a Breakaway Vacation property in Parksville or Qualicum Beach from November through January. Vancouver Island, while renowned for its summertime affairs, has plenty to do even when the snow starts falling. Plus, you won’t have to fight the typical warm-weather crowds! Here are a few winter activities you can look forward to in the area.

  1. New Year’s Day Annual Polar Bear Splash

Don’t mind the chill? Want a challenge? Join the Parksville community on New Years Day as residents and visitors alike participate in the Polar Bear Splash. Dash into the winter-chilled ocean at Parkville Beach to brave the cold.

  1. Sports at Oceanside Place

Oceanside Place is a sports and ice area that is perfect for the whole family. They have an active skate schedule on their website if you want to pop by. You can also catch an Oceanside Generals game, if you want to watch the local hockey team.

  1. Winter Hiking

There are plenty of hiking areas that are open year-round, like Little Qualicum Falls, Top Bridge Park, Englishman River Falls, or Rathtrevor Beach. Most are empty during the winter months even though they are open, meaning you can have the trails and scenery all to yourselves!

  1. Take a Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tour

These are available year-round and offer trips suitable for families and seniors. You can pick the theme of your tour, ranging from nature tours to wine tours. The Salmon Spawning Tour is only available in October and November, making it a winter-exclusive activity!

  1. Horne Lake Caving, Winter Edition

We love caving year-round but winter caving tours tend to be less crowded and offer a different experience due to increased levels of moisture for the season. Horne Lake Caves offers October through January bookings with limited availability, so call ahead and save your spot.

  1. Visit Grotto Spa

The Tigh-Na-Mara Grotto Spa just outside of Parkville was named one of the top spas in Canada by Spas of America in 2018! Check out the large mineral pool, the relaxation lounge, various spa treatments, and finish your night with a meal from the attached Cedars Restaurant & Longue.

Vancouver Island has many, many things to do in the winter months. Want to hear more about where to stay to access these winter activities? Reach out to the Breakaway Vacation staff, we would be happy to help.

Halloween events
Oct23

Halloween Activities on Vancouver Island for 2020

British Columbia, Events, Okanagan, Vancouver Island no responses

If you are visiting Vancouver Island this October there are plenty of things to do as Halloween grows near. These events are compiled with our Breakaway Vacation properties in Parksville and Qualicum Beach in mind but don’t forget to explore what goes on in other areas like Victoria, as well!

  1. Halloween Party & Masquerade Ball

If you don’t mind a short drive to Nanaimo then be sure to buy tickets for the annual Halloween Part and Masquerade Ball, hosted by the Serauxmen Service Club. Enjoy dancing, live music, and a best costume prize (solo and group).

Location: Nanaimo Curling Club (106 Wall Street)

  1. Pumpkins on the Drive

Wander along Resort Drive to see an assortment of pumpkins carved and decorated for the season. If you’re lucky, you might be able to pick up some candy and hot chocolate along the way!

Location: Resort Drive in Parksville

  1. Friends of Foster Park Pumpkin Walk

More pumpkins, what a surprise! Tour through hundreds of pumpkins carved by community youth. This event takes place every year and is free to attend. The walk is family-friendly with enough rooms for strollers.

Location: Foster Park, Parksville

  1. Errington’s Pumpkin Trail and Fireworks

Visit Errington’s Community Park with the whole family in costume (child-friendly event) and check out the props hidden along the trails. Treats will be handed out at different milestone locations. There is also a market site at the end where you can stock up on treats and drinks. Plus: fireworks!

Location: Errington’s Community Park

  1. Coombs Candy Walk

This is a Halloween event held every year. Visitors can enjoy a circus-themed candy walk, concession stands, a “Little Ghouls” haunted house, and fireworks later in the night. The event is by donation, so chip in what you can.

Location: 1014 Ford Road, Coombs

  1. Halloween in the Village

Located in the heart of Qualicum Beach, Halloween in the Village includes a pumpkin trail, hotdogs and other treats, a bonfire, and some nighttime fireworks. Check online for more details, as they sometimes have a haunted house (OR a family-friendly version) set up, as well.

Location: Downtown Qualicum Beach

  1. Halloween Howl Swim

Want something totally unique? Try the Halloween Howl Swim at the Ravensong Aquatic Centre. The Centre is always decorated for the occasion. Also, there will be games and activities for kids. The event closed off with a piñata bash, so be sure to stick around.

Location: Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Qualicum Beach

Not sure what you want to do to celebrate this Halloween with your family? Ask us about our vacation rentals on Vancouver Island!

Dinner
Jul08

Dine-In or Take-Out in Qualicum Beach

Vancouver Island no responses

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!