Vancouver Island Events

Vancouver Island + Area Events
Jul30

Are you visiting one of Breakaway Vacation’s luxury vacation properties across Vancouver Island or the surrounding islands? Here are some Vancouver Island + area events that you can check out during the month of August. 

Parksville Qualicum Beach Events

Blue Moon Acres Camp

Mon., Aug. 16, 9:00 AM
Qualicum Beach Family History Society
180 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach, BC

Campers will spend time amongst our cows, they will learn basic cheese-making skills, bread making, fresh jam and so much more! We will spend time each day with all of the animals and learn their role on our farm. A short yoga class is a part of each day. Arts and crafts are also incorporated into the programming.

Tofino Area Events

Eco Heroes Kids’ Camp

Sat., Aug. 9-13, 9:00 a.m.
Tofino Botanical Gardens
1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC

Calling all superheroes! Grab your cape and join us for a week of non-stop adventure! With Raincoast’s new “Exploring the Edge” camps, you will fly down sand dunes, race through eco obstacle courses, hop on paddleboards to explore kelp forests and so much more! Get ready for a week of endless excitement, exploration and fun in the sun!

Gust Of Wind Concert Series

Sat., Aug. 14, 2:00 PM
380 Campbell St, Tofino, BC

Tofino Arts Council is incredibly excited to announce that the Gust Of Wind Concert Series is back in full force this year! Every Friday at 7:00 PM from now until September we will be filling the streets of Tofino with the sounds of live music. Join us at the Al Fresco Dining Tent (380 Campbell St., beside the Community Theatre) to take in the sounds of our local talent.

Pender Island Events 

Mosaic Arts & Culture Festival
Sun., Aug. 1, all day 

A week long community arts and culture festival produced by Ptarmigan Arts that celebrates the diversity of the land we live on and the people who inhabit it. Featuring performances by local and regional artists, workshops and demonstrations in various artistic disciplines, and nature-based programming.

Free Live Show: Bill Heintz

Fri., Aug. 20, 12:00
Pender Island Community Hall
4418 Bedwell Harbour Rd, Pender Island, BC

Join the community every Friday from 12-1 pm at the Pender Community Hall for free live music outside! Bring a blanket or chair and a picnic, or enjoy food from Tom’s food truck while you listen to amazing local artists. The concerts will also be live-streamed on Ptarmigan Arts’ Facebook page if you aren’t able to make it in person.

Events Around Vancouver Island
Jul20

It sure isn’t hard to find events around Vancouver Island in the summer. Some events take place on the main island and others in the surrounding islands, accessible by boat or ferry. There are festivals (both online and in-person this year), nature treks, music and shows, and even a medicine retreat.

Pasley Island & Howe Sound Kayak Tour
Fri., Jul. 2, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

The Pasley Island group is a beautiful archipelago of eight islands tucked between Bowen and the Sunshine Coast. During the tour, we weave in and out of the Paisleys, paddling among seals and watching the bald eagles soar overhead. A cafe box lunch is provided that we eat on a beach. 

Gambier Island Food Festival
Sat., Jul. 3, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

We invite you to join us at the 1st annual Gambier Island Food Festival. Hosted by the Gambier Island Farmers Market. 

SUP Shoreline Tour on Bowen Island
Sun., Jul. 4, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. 

Offered through Bowen Island Sea Kayaking, departing from Snug Cove we head either north towards Finisterre Island in view of the Coastal Range and the Lions or heads south along the rugged coastline towards Apodaca Beach, Bowen’s only Marine Park. We go at pace suitable for SUPs and the group’s abilities. This tour is suitable for adults and youth aged 14+ with some SUP experience. If you’ve never tried SUP before, please start with the 2-HOUR LESSON. 

 We start with on-land instruction to ensure that you are comfortable and confident before launching. Our guide to paddler ratio is max 1:6 ensuring your safety on and off the water. We launch directly from our docks at Bowen Island Marina. Your guide will help set up your board and safety equipment before heading out. 

 Vancouver Island Musicfest (virtual)
Fri., Jul. 9 – Sun., Jul. 11 

Vancouver Island MusicFest is an annual summer event featuring musical acts that range from bluegrass, blues, reggae, folk, rock, country, hip-hop, and more. This year, they are offering 25 hours of programming online. Purchase tickets, enter raffles, and return to their website day-of to catch the show. 

Family Camp – Gambier Island
Thu., Jul. 29, 5:00 p.m. – Mon., Aug. 2, 4:59 p.m. 

This Summer at Camp Latona join us over the weekend for a weekend away from the city. Bring the whole family for unique weekend adventures. All ages welcome. 

Earth & Soul Medicine Retreat – Bowen Island
Fri., Jul. 30, 5:00 p.m. – Mon., Aug. 2, 2:00 p.m. 

You are invited to step out of your everyday life…. immersing yourself in nature and connecting in sisterhood for 4 days and 3 nights. There will be plenty of time to heal, connect, relax, recharge and create. 

Attending one of these events around Vancouver Island and need a place to stay? Check out the wide range of vacation rentals from Breakaway Vacations.

Parksville and Qualicum Beach events
May28

Visiting Vancouver Island this spring? Be sure to check out these Parksville and Qualicum Beach events (+ some greater area stuff) for June 2021. Be sure to follow all COBID-19 safety protocols during your visit. And, as always, respect and honour the local community!

1. The 5K Foam Fest
Sat., Jun. 5, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Arbutus Meadows Event and Equestrian Centre
1515 Island Hwy E, Nanoose Bay, BC

5k Foam Fest has 22 of some of the best and most exciting Obstacles in the world including the worlds largest inflatable waterslide, slip and slides, and mucky mud pits. Combine these with 2.5 million cubic feet of foam that we pump out at each event and you are destined to have an awesome day!

2. Rollin’ With It at Qualicum Museum
Thu., Jun. 10, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Qualicum Beach Museum
587 Beach Rd, Qualicum Beach, BC

For adults who want to get outside and bring your preschooler – in a stroller, carrier, or walking. Rain or shine. Book your spot here.

3. BC Shellfish And Seafood Festival 2021
Jun. 11 – 20

Vancouver Island Conference Centre
101 Gordon St, Nanaimo, BC

BC Seafood Festival is one of the largest seafood industry trade events in the pacific northwest attracting suppliers, qualified domestic and international buyers. Seafood lovers will enjoy sampling the food and even packing some up to take back home.

4. Munchkinland at Storybook Village
Fri., Jun. 11, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Qualicum Commons
744 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach, BC

Munchkinland is a free program for children birth to kindergarten age and their adult. Oceanside BLT Munchkinland in Qualicum Beach is part of the BC StrongStart program.

5. Jett Auto Auction
Sat., Jun. 12, 11:30 a.m.

JETT Auction
861 Allsbrook Rd, Parksville, BC

We are a Wholesale Auto Auction Open to the Public! Over 100 vehicles for sale each week; chances are that you will find what you are looking for!

6. Saturday Breakfast Club at Family Place
Sat., Jun. 12, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Family Place (School District 69)
494 Bay Ave, Parksville, BC

Kids can come play at Parksville Muchkinalnd and the adults are given a breakfast-themed takeaway when they leave. Be sure to book ahead to secure a spot.

7. Topless Breakfast at Ricky’s
Sat., Jun. 12, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Ricky’s All Day Grill – Parksville
1480 Huntley Rd, Parksville, BC

Meetup for Breakfast with your convertible and some good conversation! After breakfast, for those interested, maybe go for drive to Cumberland. This is a local Meet Up event!

8. Art Bites ONLINE – Oil Pastels with Deborah Nicol
Sun., Jun. 13, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

McMillan Arts Centre
133 McMillan St, Parksville, BC

Try out this fun art medium with Deborah Nicol. Deb started her artistic endeavors with pencil portraits, quickly moving into Oil Pastels and Oils and expanding into landscapes and paintings of children. Deb also teaches Art Bites Acrylics classes.

9. Cruise Night – Parksville/Qualicum Beach
Fri., Jun. 18, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Parksville Community Park
193 Beachside Dr, Parksville, BC

Kick-off  Father’s Day Weekend with a cruise; open to everyone driving a classic vehicle who wants to join 400 plus enthusiasts for a scenic cruise of the Parksville & Qualicum Beach area. Food vendors and merchandise sales on-site including T-shirts, hats, souvenirs, raffles, and lots more.

10. Poker Run
Sat., Jun. 19, 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Parksville Community Park
193 Beachside Dr, Parksville, BC

Open to 150 pre-registered vehicles only due to limited space at our host location. Merchandise sales on site including T-Shirts, hats, souvenirs, and raffle tickets. Learn more here.

Need somewhere to stay on Vancouver Island so that you can make it to these great events? Contact us at Breakaway Vacations and we’ll set you up with the luxury vacation rental of your dreams.

4 Events Parksville Qualicum
Apr30

Will you be in the Parksville or Qualicum are this May? Here are a few local events to look forward to. Events in the Parksville Qualicum area are tailored to COVID-19 safety, either being outdoors, following strict distancing and mask guidelines, or moving entertainment online.  

1) Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 

644 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach, B.C. 

The Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 8:30AM to 12PM. A variety of local vendors offer homemade souvenirs, baking, and fresh produce for your perusal. The Market is a way to support the community and the people who make it thrive. You will be able to meet various mid-Island producers of quality fruits, vegetables, berries, and other products.  We files this under “May Events in the Parksville Qualicum Area” but did you know the Market goes on all summer? Check their website for more details! 

Please note: The Market has been modified to adhere to strict health and safety guidelines set by the BCCDC in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. No pets are allowed at the Market.  

2) The Key to Organizing Your Family History by Qualicum Beach Family History Society
May 5 

Presentation on Zoom. 

Diana Elder, an Accredited Genealogist and & Author from Salt Lake City, will be hosting a Zoom presentation in partnership with the Qualicum Beach Family History Society. The presentation will focus on tips and tricks to organizing your own family history so that your legacy can be preserved for generations to come. Anyone can access the presentation so long as you have a reliable wifi connection; simply claim a spot by visiting www.qbfhs.ca 

3) The Lady With All The Answers at Village Theatre
May 7, 8, 9 

Streamed online by ECHO Players.  

ECHO Players is Oceanside’s very own community theatre troupe and after a year hiatus, they are coming back with an online presentation of The Lady With All The Answers by David Rambo. This play tells the story of writer Ann Landers, circa 1975, as she pulls an all-nighter crafting “the most difficult column of her career.” It’s a tale drawn from the historical life and preserved letters of real-life Ann Landers, who is played in this presentation by Qualicum Beach actress Karen Golden. 

Tickets are $22 for families and $15 for individuals. 

4) Oceanside Grandmothers Welcome Spring Plant Sale
May 15 

738 Gaetjen Street, Parksville, B.C. 

Oceanside Grandmothers, also known as G2G, is a group that hosts various local events around town throughout the year. They are Canadian grandmothers who raise funds on Vancouver Island to help grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa bring up their AIDS-orphaned grandchildren. On Saturday, May 15th between 8AM and 1PM, they are having a “Welcome Spring” plant sale offering varied vegetable, flower, and indoor plants. All funds go to reliable grassroots projects through the Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. 

Visit us online at Breakaway Vacations to learn more about the Parksville Qualicum area as well as other spots across Vancouver Island and within the Okanagan Valley. Planning a future vacation? We can help!  

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