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Why You Would Want To Live in Qualicum Beach
With one of the oldest average-age populations in Canada, Qualicum Beach has become one of Canada’s top retirement destinations. If you are looking for a quaint seaside community still exuding small-town charm with a mild climate and a picturesque natural setting, Qualicum Beach may be for you. Built along a four-kilometer stretch of scenic coastline, Qualicum Beach is largely absent of chain restaurants and big-box stores which many argue helps retain the charm. Gardeners are often attracted to the area due to the fact that many properties offer larger lots than are commonly available in surrounding communities.
Area Overview
Just north of Parksville, Qualicum Beach is centrally located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Largely a retirement community, tourism also plays a factor in the local economy with a number of small resorts in the area with rental cottages dotting the shores. Downtown Qualicum Beach is a charming village featuring primarily locally-owned and operated boutique shops and restaurants, offering visitors a truly west-coast experience.
Schools
Qualicum Beach has 2 elementary schools, Arrowview Elementary School and Qualicum Beach Elementary School where students attend from Kindergarten to Grade 7.
From Grade 8-12, students will attend Kwalikum Secondary School.
Shopping
In lieu of big box and chain stores, Qualicum Beach features a good selection of locally owned, boutique-style shops, especially in the enchanting downtown core. Qualicum Foods is conveniently located downtown for all of your grocery needs. Wembley Mall just south of town features a Canadian Tire and Save-on-Foods, as well as a number of other retailers, and a half-hour drive to Nanaimo has you at Vancouver Island’s largest mall and in amongst a number of big box stores.
Recreational Opportunities
Qualicum Beach is home to three golf courses with the well-known Morningstar Golf Course just minutes south of town, and Arrowsmith, a scenic executive course just a few minutes north. Strolling along the sandy beach, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming are a few activities commonly enjoyed by locals. The Ravensong Aquatic provides year-round swimming options while the Oceanside Place arena hosts both organized hockey leagues and casual public skating. French Creek Marina provides convenient access for boating, sailing, and fishing, and nearby Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park provides a great place for a hike or a quick swim. For the more adventurous, the Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park offers an exciting day of underground exploration. Alternatively, for something a bit more relaxed, Qualicum Beach has been said to have some of North America’s best bird-watching opportunities.
Entertainment
If you are looking for nightclubs, Qualicum Beach is likely not the destination for you. Visiting an artist’s studio, watching a play at the theatre, frequenting the boutique shops or a cafe downtown are more likely to occupy your time in Qualicum Beach. Alternatively, catch the Junior B Oceanside Generals hockey time at Oceanside Place, just south of town.
Just minutes south, Parksville has a number of family-friendly entertainment options such as the Paradise Fun Park, Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf, and Sunset Bowling Lanes. A quick drive to nearby Coombs will present options such as Butterfly World, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, and go-karting at the Fast Time Grand Prix.
Restaurants
Qualicum Beach features a noticeable absence of chain restaurants and fast-food outlets, however, there is a good selection and variety of local dining options. Whether you are in the mood for seafood, sushi, Italian, or Thai, you won’t have to venture far. Local favorite Bistro 694 is always a popular choice.
On the off chance that you can’t find what you are looking for in Qualicum Beach, Parksville and Nanaimo are both located within a half-hour’s drive and offer plenty of alternative options to choose from.
Parks
Qualicum Beach has approximately 280 hectares of parkland dispersed throughout the community.
Little Qualicum River Provincial Park, Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park are all just a short drive away and offer a diverse range of activities and scenic natural beauty.
