Qualicum Beach

On the eastern coast of Vancouver Island a cluster of seaside towns are strung along a sandy shore, they are collectively known as Oceanside. At the heart of Oceanside the town of Qualicum Beach appears; a storybook village abloom with old-world charm.

The town is a collection of cafes, boutiques, antiques dealers, and art galleries. The town's folk are famous for their friendly nature; newcomers are always at home. The Island passenger train stops daily at the foot of town, where hanging baskets and manicured gardens are meticulously preened. Qualicum Beach is a perennial winner in the provincial and national Communities in Bloom competition (pun intended). The Mid-Island Master Gardeners organize Seedy Saturday and the Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Society directs the ever-popular Mother's Day Garden Tour.

Qualicum Beach's waterfront stretches along a shaded roadway and roaming deer are often seen foraging the seashore. Golden sand beckons children with pails, paddlers, and swimmers alike. Qualicum Beach has long been a resort town of cottagers and vacationers, but its refined style includes stately homes with seascape gardens. Residents are retirees, commuting professionals, or families who delight in a return to small-town traditions. Qualicum Beach is also a recreation leader with lawn bowling, a curling club, the Ravensong Aquatic Centre, and seven world-class golf courses in close proximity. In fact, the fourth oldest golf course in BC is located at the centre of town - the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course is a dramatic masterpiece linking the Village to the Beach.

The warm summers and mild winters are due to the moderating affect of the ocean and rain-shadow of Mount Arrowsmith. Qualicum Beach earned its name from the Coast Salish word meaning "where chum salmon run", a valued food source for the First Nations who have lived in the area for centuries. The town site was first scouted in 1856 when Adam Horne sought a trail to the west coast along the Qualicum River; he happened upon the stretch of sandy beach, crowded with old-growth forests, Garry Oak, and Arbutus and knew it was something special. By 1894 a wagon trail had been blazed from Parksville and pioneers began to arrive, the E&N Railway followed in 1914.

Arts are celebrated at The Old School House (TOSH), a Victorian-era building that nurtures artistic endeavours with fine arts programs and professional demonstrations in mediums such as pottery, sculpture, and glass blowing. In July artists fill the streets to compete in the Grand Prix d'Art Painting Race, a three hour al fresco painting challenge. The Village Theatre has showcased the ECHO Players since 1950, reminiscent of times-gone-by. Just as the annual Father's Day Show & Shine celebrates cruising hotrods of yesteryear with a Saturday night street dance. In May, thousands of revellers descend upon the outdoor Fire and Ice Street Festival, a chili championship cook-off combined with an ice carving spectacle.

The Power House Museum honours the influential legacies of the E&N Railway, logging, pioneer families, and hydro power. Across General Money Square the 70,000 year old "Rambling Rosie", the most intact Ice Age walrus in North America, keeps company with an array of preserved Mesozoic fossils. On the edge of town Milner Gardens and Woodland Horticulture Society, in unison with Vancouver Island University, maintains a 70 acre heritage estate of rare flora and mature forest gardens overlooking Georgia Straight.

The culture of Qualicum Beach is matched in the accessibility of its surrounding environment. The Big Qualicum Fish Hatchery hosts a salmon enhancement program and visitors are free to tour the grounds, including an underwater viewing platform. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is a favourite destination for hikers ascending the falls amid the rainforest. Bird lovers are in their element with a variety of sanctuaries including Hamilton Marsh, a wetland home to 130 species of birds, as well as Coho Salmon, Stickleback, tree frogs, and scads of dragonflies. Big Day Birding, in conjunction with Parksville's Brant Wildlife Festival, is a contest wherein teams compete to spot the most species.

Along the Oceanside route (which follows the sea from Nanoose Bay to Campbell River) and beyond, Qualicum Beach real estate properties are available in Lighthouse Country. Qualicum Bay, Bowser, and Deep Bay provide residents with a rare variety of secluded peace. Homeowners on this stretch of lovely coastline are neighbours to nature and spend their time paddling, clam digging, fishing, or hiking. Meet the fishing boats at Deep Bay or select your own cow from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks at Morningstar Farm - gourmet cheese and fruit wines are staples. The Rosewall Creek Provincial Park is a coveted wheelchair-accessible location where broad-leaf maples burn red in the autumn season. Spider Lake and Horne Lake offer freshwater boating, fishing, and camping. Not to be missed, the Horne Lake Caves, an extreme rite of passage. Invent your own life.

The economy of Qualicum Beach and Oceanside is a combination of agriculture, tourism, small businesses, and service industries. It is important to note that Qualicum Beach does not have big box stores; residents enthusiastically support local shop owners. The area is, in large part, a retirement community and many are employed in related industries. Qualicum Beach is a town of neighbours and friends who, like Coast Realty Group (Qualicum Beach), put People. Above all.