Parksville and Qualicum Beach Attractions

There are many attractions in the Parksville Qualicum area besides the spectacular beaches and parks. You can visit a church built in 1894, see petroglyphs at Englishman river, visit the areas first fire hall and post office, go to Rhododendron Lake, explore the Old Power House Museum or visit with some of the artists and crafts people.

A visit to St. Anne's Anglican Church, built of logs in 1894 is well worth your time. The History Museum, with many restored buildings such as the Heritage Church, the first post office and the first fire hall, is another excellent attraction.

Just 7.2 km (4 mi) south of Parksville and 13.6 km (8 mi) down a forestry road you will find Rhododendron Lake. Wild rhododendrons dating from before the last Ice Age are found at this ecological reserve.

In Qualicum Beach you can visit the Old Power House Museum and the studios of many local artists at The Old School House Gallery. At various times throughout the year there are also live theatre presentations.

In April the area holds the three-day Brandt Festival. The festival celebrates the arrival of thousands of Brandt geese and highlights local art, photography, and carving.

There are several excellent parks in the area that offer hiking, fishing, swimming, picnic areas, and camping. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park has a trail system centered around the river pools and falls which makes hiking or a swim a delight. Other parks include Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, Macmillan Park Cathedral Grove (on the way to Alberni and Long Beach), Rathtrevor Beach Park, and Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park.

Near Errington you will find the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. This nationally famous site is home to the bald eagle flight cage and this alone makes the trip worth your time.

These are just a few of the attractions in the Parksville/Qualicum area and we will update and add attractions as time goes by.