In the summer months, people from all over Canada and The U.S. visit the Oceanside area, comprising, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanoose and beyond to enjoy the splendid beaches and pristine lakes of the region. Tourists and residents alike take in marvelous summer attractions such as the Parksville Beach Festival, the Craig Street Market and the ever-popular Seaside Cruizers Show and Shine. Below are some suggestions for what to do off-season in our well-known summer destination.
New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim
Tired of shoveling snow in Alberta? Why not start the year off right at one of Canada's top beaches? At the Parksville Beach on New Year's Day, costumes are not only allowed but encouraged. This year marked the 27th Annual Polar Bear Splash.
Head to Oceanside Place
Our area is blessed with a top-notch Sports and Ice Arena, Oceanside Place Arena. Head out to see an Oceanside Generals game. The Generals are a Junior B Ice Hockey team based out of Parksville. The team is coming off a strong December collecting 7 of 8 potential points! Rather play than watch? Join one of the adult senior hockey teams for some great exercise and social fun. More interested in skating? Head to the RDN website for the current skate schedule.
Take a hike eh?
There are a plethora of provincial and regional parks to explore. One could argue they are even more beautiful in the winter months. Little Qualicum Falls, Top Bridge Park, Englishman River falls or Rathtrevor Beach. Take your pick, you won’t be disappointed. Just don’t forget your camera.
Thirsty?
There are the classics including the Shady Rest Pub and the Black Goose Traditional English Pub. Looking for something new? Mount Arrowsmith Brewing will be opening its doors later this year. The company hopes to bring the great people of Oceanside together and rumor has it there will be a tasting room. Mmmm, a tasting room.
Hit the Golf Course
Mild-winters are the norm here in mid-Vancouver Island and there are 5 championship courses no further than 20 mins from one another that are open year-round. Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course is my personal favorite in the winter due to its excellent maintenance and superior drainage.
Take a day trip
The world is your oyster with the region's Central Island location. We are never too far from anywhere you want to be! (Local tip: if you are looking for oysters head about 30 mins north of Qualicum to Fanny Bay Oysters.) Vancouver is a short flight away via our local Qualicum Beach Airport. In Vancouver, visitors can catch a concert, do some shopping or check out a Vancouver Canucks game
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If you prefer to unwind, head to Tofino for some storm watching and surfing. In the mood for some fresh powder? Mount Washington affords an amazing opportunity to ski, snowboard, tube or snowshoe and is located just an hour away.
Whatever the weather, whenever the season, there is always something to do in this central Vancouver Island paradise!
-Parker McDonald
Parker is well versed in the Qualicum Beach & Parksville area and thoroughly loves being a real estate agent. Parker specializes in relocating his clients to the Parksville Qualicum area from all over Canada. Interested in making a change? Contact Parker McDonald directly by calling 250-951-5662. Find out what life in a true Canadian paradise can be like for you and your family.
Parker McDonald
460 Realty
Qualicum Beach
679 Memorial Ave. Qualicum Beach BC, V9K 1T4
