QUALICUM BEACH

Travel reviews

3.4 / 5 - 52 reviews

Sunset at Qualicum Beach (Destination BC)

Little Qualicum Falls (iStockPhoto, CarrieColePhotography)

What to do

Noteworthy
Worth the detour
Must see

Qualicum Beach, Bc, Canada Qualicum Beach is a small town situated at the base of Mount Arrowsmith, along the Strait of Georgia, on the north-east coast of Vancouver Island. Its proximity to Vancouver and Victoria make it a popular tourist destination.

The Qualicum area is known for its scenic beauty, mild climate, long sandy beach and quaint village atmosphere.

Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach at sunset With more than 19 kilometres of beach, it should come as no surprise that Qualicum Beach is the region's most popular attraction.

Families enjoy building sandcastles and playing in the water, while the more romantic at heart come to admire the sunset.

Qualicum Beach Historical and Museum Society

The history of this small, tightly-knit community is well documented in this history museum. Learn all about pioneer living and the town's early days, as well as the First Nations peoples who occupied the local area.

NEARBY

Cathedral Grove

Cathedral Grove is a majestic stand of giant Douglas fir trees in MacMillan Provincial Park. On your way to you next destination, be sure to stop and take a stroll under the shadow of these towering pillars untouched by the modern world.

The park is 25 km west of Qualicum Beach and 16km east of Port Alberni, on Highway 4.

ENGLISHMAN RIVER FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK

This provincial park is set amidst a lush forest along the Englishman River, which features two stunning waterfalls cascading into a deep canyon. You can walk along the 3 km of trails that meander through the forest and along the river. The lower falls end in a deep crystal-clear pool – an ideal swimming hole in the summer when river levels are low.

The park is just a few kilometres from Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.

OLD COUNTRY MARKET

The Old Country Market started out as a roadside fruit stand. Over the years, it has evolved into a local landmark. It's a great place to pick up some unique gifts and souvenirs, gourmet food items, local fruits and vegetables, and look at the goats on the roof of the building! You can also eat at one of the three restaurants on site.

NYMPH FALLS NATURE PARK

The park protects a large forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock and red cedar trees through which flows a river with a lovely waterfall. In the summer, the waters are calm, clear and cool, making it a very popular place for swimming. In mid-October, a trail allows you to observe the salmon jumping up the waterfall.

Where to eat

$ Inexpensive
$$ Moderate
$$$ Upscale
$$$$ Fine dining

The Shady Rest ($$)

A local favourite since 1924, the Shady Rest offers unpretentious cuisine, a casual relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking ocean views. The menu features soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta and seafood, with vegetarian options and kid's menu.

Bistro 694 ($$-$$$)

Bistro 694 is an intimate, casual fine dining restaurant with a sophisticated, urban flair. The menu is based on the chef's favourite recipes from around the world, re-created with a Vancouver Island touch using locally-sourced ingredients.

QUALICUM BAY

Tidal Taco Shack ($)

This tiny shack by the water serves up the best tacos and burritos, which are more than worth the trip. Don't miss it!

FANNY BAY

FANNY BAY OYSTERS SEAFOOD SHOP ($$)

This seafood shop is said to offer the best selection of seafood products in all of British Columbia. It's the perfect place to find fresh clams, mussels, oysters and crab. Stop here for a delicious snack of seafood, candied salmon or house-made sushi.