6115 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach
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Things to Do in Qualicum Beach

You’ve picked a fantastic spot here at ROAM to spend your vacation time, and as hard as it is to pull yourself away there is so much to explore! Check out these favourite local picks and day-trip options.

Wide-angle aerial view of Qualicum Beach, featuring a wide expanse of blue ocean with clear, shallow waters near the shore. A long, curved shoreline with pebbles is bordered by lush greenery and trees. A road runs parallel to the beach with houses and buildings visible.

Things To Do While You’re ROAMing

The community of Qualicum Beach is a peaceful retreat with a variety of activities to explore. Whether you’re here for a short visit or a longer stay, central Vancouver Island has something to captivate every traveller!

Breathe in the crisp beauty of our natural landscapes. Stroll along sandy shores, hike scenic trails, or simply relax while soaking in the calming ocean views. Seek tranquility and a chance to reconnect with nature. Visit local markets, art galleries, and historical sites to get a taste of the area’s culture and heritage.

From secluded beaches to charming cafes, there are plenty of surprises that add to the allure of this coastal town.

Scroll down for our list of Things To Do in Qualicum Beach.

ROAM’s List of Things To Do

  • A person wearing a yellow helmet and holding a bright light is exploring a cave. The cave walls are rugged and uneven, illuminated by the light, revealing intricate rock formations. The ground is covered with wet, smooth stones, and the atmosphere is dark and mysterious.

    Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park

    3905 Horne Lake Caves Rd, Qualicum Beach, BC

    Professionally-guided caving adventures available all year round! With options for many ages and abilities, expect a knowledgeable and friendly team to lead your group through an exciting and educational adventure.

    Visit their website
  • A whale is breaching the surface of the ocean, with its tail visible above the water. A large spray of mist rises nearby from the whale's blowhole. The sun is setting in the background, casting a warm glow over the distant mountains.

    Ocean EcoVentures Parksville

    1025 Lee Rd, Parksville, BC

    Offering daily tours that feature a variety of marine life, including Orcas, Humpback Whales, and other wildlife. Tours depart from French Creek Marina, with a guarantee of whale sightings.

    Visit their website
  • A scenic view of a golf course featuring lush green fairways and a small pond reflecting the clear blue sky. In the background, a line of evergreen trees stands before a range of snow-capped mountains.

    Pheasant Glen Golf Resort

    1025 Qualicum Rd, Qualicum Beach, BC

    FORE! Golf course and sunny patio. Great patio and open to golfers of all skill levels. It’s a premier golfing experience with beautiful views, well-maintained greens, and a welcoming atmosphere. Open to the public!

    Visit their website
  • A cozy café interior featuring a long, tufted leather bench along the wall, with wooden tables set with glassware and napkins. Comfortable upholstered chairs are arranged around the tables. The room is warmly lit.

    Qualicum Beach Cafe

    2690 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC

    The Qualicum Beach Cafe offers a unique dining experience with ocean views. Featuring West Coast cuisine infused with Italian influences, this cafe features a seasonal menu and an award-winning wine list.

    Visit their website
  • A quaint café with a rustic exterior, featuring white wooden walls and a large "Café" sign shaped like a boat with oars. The windows are adorned with flower boxes filled with colourful blooms.

    Sandbar Cafe & Art Gallery

    6087 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC

    A two minute walk from ROAM you can grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside local art! With an ocean view patio and an art gallery showcasing the creative works of talented local artists, this café is a true gem.

    Visit their website
  • Two hands holding waffle cones with scoops of colourful ice cream against a backdrop of a serene ocean view and clear blue sky.

    Cone Zone

    5970 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC

    The best ice cream, and with a view! Just a short walk from ROAM. Open seasonally.

    Visit their website
  • A small rustic taco shack with a sign reading "Tidal Tacos Qualicum Bay" situated near the beach. A few people stand in line at the order window. In the background, there’s a clear view of the ocean and blue sky.

    Tidal Taco Shack

    8256 Island Hwy S, Fanny Bay, BC

    The owner is amazing, the food is delicious, and the portions are filling! Best tacos, burritos, bowls!

    Visit their website
  • An inviting outdoor seating area of a brewery, featuring wicker chairs and tables arranged around a wooden fire pit. Large umbrellas provide shade, and potted greenery adds a touch of nature.

    Fern + Cedar Brewing Company

    680 Berwick Rd S #101, Qualicum Beach, BC

    A purpose-built brewpub in the heart of downtown Qualicum Beach, Fern + Cedar offers high-quality local craft beers and a West-Coast gastropub menu. It serves as a vibrant gathering place that reflects the essence of the local community through its food and beverages.

    Visit their website
  • A charming pub with a rustic brick exterior and a wooden shingle roof. A sign with "Pub" and "Road House" hangs near the entrance. Flower boxes beneath the windows add a touch of colour, and an old wagon wheel is displayed as decoration.

    The Crown & Anchor Pub

    6120 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC

    Sunday jam, great wings, pool and karaoke... enjoy this pub for a drink, a bite, and some local entertainment.

    Visit their website
  • A group of people seated around a long table in a community hall setting. The table is covered with glasses and pitchers, and there are colourful balloons as decorations.

    Royal Canadian Legion Branch 211

    7035 Island Hwy W, Bowser, BC

    Drinks, meat draws, food, and open mic sessions. There's always something going on at Branch 211!

    Visit their website
  • A charming farm shop with a yellow exterior and a wooden overhang supported by rustic beams. The entrance features large glass doors, inviting customers inside.

    Tusk & Feather Farm

    6130 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC

    Farm market and petting farm, right across the street from ROAM. They raise pork, poultry, beef, and lamb, grow flowers, fruits, and veggies. Open seasonally.

    Visit their website
  • An interior view of a vibrant market featuring an array of colourful hanging decorations. The wooden floors add a rustic charm, while shelves stocked with various canned goods line the sides.

    Old Country Market

    2326 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, BC

    Goats on the Roof! Plus great restaurants, shops, tacos, market... too much to list. The Old Country Market in Coombs is now open year-round, having evolved from a roadside stand into a beloved local landmark over the past 50 years.

    Visit their website
  • A vibrant scene at a farmers' market, featuring a sign that reads "FARMERS MARKET" in front of a food truck. Bright yellow flowers and greenery surround the area, adding colour to the setting. In the background, several vendor tents are visible.

    Qualicum Beach Farmer's Market

    644 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach, BC

    The Qualicum Beach Farmers Market, initiated by the Arrowsmith Agricultural Society, began in 1997. Runs year-round, every Saturday from 8:30am until noon.

    Visit their website
  • A welcoming food market featuring a large awning. The entrance is adorned with hanging flower baskets, and a sign indicates that the store is open. In front of the market, a black vehicle is parked, while a tent displays potted plants for sale.

    Tomm's Food Village

    6990 Island Hwy W, Bowser, BC

    Great selection of groceries, deli, and fresh baked bread, Tomm's Food Village is your grocer in the heart of Bowser!

    Visit their website
  • A quaint store front with a welcoming entrance featuring a sign that reads "OPEN". The building has white siding and a sloped roof, with hanging flower baskets adding charm. An ATM and a sign for a liquor store are visible to the right.

    Georgia Park Store

    6871 Island Hwy W, Bowser, BC

    All in one stop: liquor store, convenience store, post office, lottery centre, tackle and more!

    Visit their website
  • A serene view of Spider Lake, showcasing its calm waters reflecting the surrounding forested islands. The landscape features multiple small sandy beaches and clusters of trees that create a picturesque and tranquil setting.

    Spider Lake Provincial Park

    Hwy 19 (60km north of Nanaimo, BC)

    Spider Lake Park is an ideal picnic and recreational site, with a small sandy beach suitable for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The lake is stocked with fish, too!

    Visit their website
  • A picturesque view of Little Qualicum Falls, showcasing a rocky landscape with cascading water. The water flows energetically over moss-covered stones, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

    Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

    4001 Alberni Hwy, Qualicum Beach, BC

    Little Qualicum Falls Park is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, lush forest, and scenic trails. The park features opportunities for swimming, fishing, and various outdoor activities, making it a popular family destination. Visitors can explore well-maintained walking trails leading to picturesque views of the falls and access to nearby Cameron Lake.

    Visit their website
  • A tranquil scene in a forest with tall trees and dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The path winds through the greenery, surrounded by lush ferns and moss-covered logs. The majestic trunks of the trees create a natural canopy.

    Heritage Forest

    Crescent Rd E, Qualicum Beach, BC

    The Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest is a 50-acre park featuring a diverse range of old-growth trees, trails, and a salmon-bearing stream, located just five minutes from downtown. It showcases unique wildlife and plants while preserving the area's natural history.

    Visit their website
  • A winding wooden boardwalk stretches through a lush forest, surrounded by tall trees and dense greenery. The path is elevated and features railings on either side. Ferns and small plants peek through the underbrush.

    Lighthouse Country Regional Trail

    3475 Lioness Blvd, Qualicum Beach, BC

    Walk, run or bike from ROAM... Take the dog, but bring a leash. This trail offers two distinct sections: a 2-kilometre loop and a 2.5-kilometre wheelchair-accessible path adorned with benches, picnic tables, and stunning wood carvings. Whether you're biking, birdwatching, hiking, or enjoying a leisurely stroll, there's something for everyone!

    Visit their website
  • A modern playground set within Dunsmuir Community Park, featuring a wooden playhouse and a large climbing structure adorned with green and black elements.

    Dunsmuir Community Park

    326 Horne Lake Rd, Qualicum Beach, BC

    Dunsmuir Community Park, also known as Centennial Park, is a 2.0-hectare facility located in Dunsmuir, near Qualicum Bay. The park has recently been updated with new sports courts and facilities, with further improvements planned. Grab the kids and g!

    Visit their website
  • A scenic view of Arrowsmith Golf and Country Club, showcasing a lush green golf course surrounded by tall trees and rolling hills. In the background, mountains rise against a clear blue sky, creating a picturesque setting.

    Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club

    2250 Fowler Rd, Qualicum Beach, BC

    FORE! Calling all golf enthusiasts. Golf with an ocean view.

    Visit their website
  • A view of Big Qualicum Hatchery, featuring a series of walkways and platforms situated over flowing water. Lush greenery surrounds the area, with trees and shrubs adding to the natural setting.

    Big Qualicum Hatchery

    215 Fisheries Rd, Qualicum Beach, BC

    The Big Qualicum Hatchery, established in 1963, focuses on enhancing Pacific salmon populations through various techniques and research initiatives. It serves recreational and Indigenous anglers, offering educational opportunities and community involvement. The hatchery welcomes visitors for self-guided tours and has specific viewing times for adult and juvenile salmon.

    Visit their website
  • A tranquil scene at Nile Creek Trailhead, featuring a wooden bridge made from planks leading over a stream. A large fallen log lies across the water, surrounded by lush greenery, including ferns and moss-covered rocks.

    Nile Creek Trailhead

    3844 Charlton Dr, Qualicum Beach, BC

    Nile Creek Trail is a beautiful woodland path featuring old growth trees and multiple waterfalls. The trail offers great views of the creek, particularly near the west of inland highway, but can be muddy during wetter seasons. Finding the trailhead can be challenging!

    Visit their website
  • An inviting interior of Cumberland Brewing Co., showcasing a wooden bar with various beer taps and a selection of growlers displayed on the shelves behind. Chalkboards hang above listing the different beers available.

    Cumberland Brewing Co.

    2732 Dunsmuir Ave, Cumberland, BC

    Cumberland Brewery, nestled in the heart of Cumberland, proudly provides good beer, good food, and a place to relax.

    Visit their website
  • A stunning view of Tribune Bay, featuring clear turquoise water under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds. The shoreline is lined with lush green trees, creating a picturesque backdrop.

    Tribune Bay Provincial Park

    St Johns Point Rd, Hornby Island, BC

    Hawaiian beaches in BC! Tribune Bay on Hornby Island, often referred to as "Little Hawaii," is a stunning beach destination featuring nearly 1 km of fine white sand and warm aquamarine waters. It offers scenic beauty throughout the seasons, with wildflowers in spring and berries in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the charming community of Hornby Island and enjoy hiking at Helliwell Park.

    Visit their website
  • A serene path winding through Cathedral Grove, surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery. The trail is bordered by wooden railings. Ferns and underbrush fill the forest floor, while dappled sunlight filters through the canopy.

    Cathedral Grove

    BC-4, Port Alberni, BC

    Breathe in the fresh air and experience the unforgettable sight of some the oldest and tallest trees in Canada. Cathedral Grove - MacMillan Provincial park is a BC Provincial Park preserving a section of lush old-growth forest unique to Vancouver Island. The park’s name will make perfect sense when you see sunlight filtering through the soaring 80-meter-high canopy. Plan to spend a few hours wandering Cathedral Grove's trail system and gazing up at 800-year-old giant Douglas Fir, Grand Firs, Western Hemlocks, and Western Red Cedar trees.

    Visit their website
  • A detailed information board for Nymph Falls Nature Park, displaying a map of the park's trails and key features. Surrounding the sign are tall trees and lush vegetation, creating a natural and inviting atmosphere.

    Nymph Falls Nature Park

    4481 Forbidden Plateau Rd, Comox-Strathcona, BC

    Nymph Falls Nature Park protects 61 hectares (151 acres) of second-growth forest located on the north side of the Puntledge River. The river and falls rage over series of exposed bedrock ledges, from fall to spring, to the delight of white water enthusiasts. In summer, the glacial waters run calm, clear and cool, making the park and nearby Barber’s Hole popular spots for a refreshing dip on hot days.

    Visit their website
  • A charming building at Coombs Country Farms featuring a unique green roof adorned with grass and plants. The structure has rustic wooden beams and large windows framed in blue, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

    Coombs Country Farms

    2062 Alberni Hwy, Errington, BC

    There's something for everyone at Coombs! Clothing, jewelry, art, plants, fresh produce, toys, books, donuts, baked goods, restaurants... give yourself time to enjoy it all.

    Visit their website
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