Guidebook for Qualicum Beach
Food Scene
Located a short drive from Qualicum Landing in a quaint little house. Famous for their fish and chips!
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fish Tales Cafe
3336 Island Hwy WLocated a short drive from Qualicum Landing in a quaint little house. Famous for their fish and chips!
Another near by bar and grill - they have nightly specials. we like the 39 cents chicken wings on Wednesdays --- tastes great at a great price! There is a kid's menu and outdoor patio.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Deez Bar & Grill
3353 Island Hwy WAnother near by bar and grill - they have nightly specials. we like the 39 cents chicken wings on Wednesdays --- tastes great at a great price! There is a kid's menu and outdoor patio.
Fantastic ocean view in this iconic pub that's been around since the 1920's. They source food, wine and beer from Vancouver Island and lower mainland suppliers.
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shady Rest Hotel
3109 Island Hwy WFantastic ocean view in this iconic pub that's been around since the 1920's. They source food, wine and beer from Vancouver Island and lower mainland suppliers.
For a romantic, more formal dining experience, visit the Butlers Mansion in Qualicum Beach.
Butlers Restaurant
292 292 Crescent Rd EFor a romantic, more formal dining experience, visit the Butlers Mansion in Qualicum Beach.
While walking around Qualicum Beach, stop by Bailey's for a cappuccino!
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bailey's In The Village
670 Primrose StWhile walking around Qualicum Beach, stop by Bailey's for a cappuccino!
Our favorite restaurant at Coombs - a short drive away and a must see place. Fantastic wood fired pizza, incredible desserts, and a beautiful location. On a warm summer night, sitting outside will make you feel like you're in Tuscany. Reservations are recommended.
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria
2310 Alberni HwyOur favorite restaurant at Coombs - a short drive away and a must see place. Fantastic wood fired pizza, incredible desserts, and a beautiful location. On a warm summer night, sitting outside will make you feel like you're in Tuscany. Reservations are recommended.
Fabulous coffee and incredible breakfasts! It's located in a strip mall so don't go for the view - but definitely go for the food!!
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bread & Honey Food Co
162 Harrison AveFabulous coffee and incredible breakfasts! It's located in a strip mall so don't go for the view - but definitely go for the food!!
A trip to Tofino isn't complete without having a bite to eat at Tacofino. The food truck, located in a strip mall, cranks out authentic Mexican food and is famous in the region. Picnic tables are there, but if it's raining, have a picnic in your car!
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tacofino
1184 Pacific Rim HwyA trip to Tofino isn't complete without having a bite to eat at Tacofino. The food truck, located in a strip mall, cranks out authentic Mexican food and is famous in the region. Picnic tables are there, but if it's raining, have a picnic in your car!
The Nanaimo Harbour is one of our favourite marinas and one of the reasons is being able to eat fish and chips from Trollers! Keep a look out for the local harbour seal called Lucy!
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trollers Fish & Chips
The Nanaimo Harbour is one of our favourite marinas and one of the reasons is being able to eat fish and chips from Trollers! Keep a look out for the local harbour seal called Lucy!
Part of the "Nanaimo Bar Tour", Bocca has a wide variety of Nanaimo bars. My favorite is chili flakes! It's also located in the Old City Quarter which is definitely worth wandering around lovely boutiques.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bocca Café
427 Fitzwilliam StPart of the "Nanaimo Bar Tour", Bocca has a wide variety of Nanaimo bars. My favorite is chili flakes! It's also located in the Old City Quarter which is definitely worth wandering around lovely boutiques.
This is definitely worth the drive (or stop by while driving up or down the coast). There are often line ups --- and for good reason. Their cinnamon buns come in flavors ranging from s'mores to peanut butter to traditional. They are decadent. The bakery also has a great savoury selection, delicious coffee and....well...everything is fabulous!
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Town Bakery
510 1st AveThis is definitely worth the drive (or stop by while driving up or down the coast). There are often line ups --- and for good reason. Their cinnamon buns come in flavors ranging from s'mores to peanut butter to traditional. They are decadent. The bakery also has a great savoury selection, delicious coffee and....well...everything is fabulous!
A new discovery this year for us and it is fantastic. Situated on a great street for shopping, Hot Chocolate is a beautiful bakery that also makes sandwiches, chocolates and serves ice cream. There is something for everyone!!!
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hot Chocolates
368 5th StA new discovery this year for us and it is fantastic. Situated on a great street for shopping, Hot Chocolate is a beautiful bakery that also makes sandwiches, chocolates and serves ice cream. There is something for everyone!!!
Fabulous Italian food in the "go to" place in Qualicum Beach.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Giovanni's Ristorante
180 W 2nd AveFabulous Italian food in the "go to" place in Qualicum Beach.
Gary's Bistro
115 W 2nd AveGreat food in a casual atmosphere!
One of the hottest new places to eat in Tofino. Make sure you call for a reservation!
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SoBo TO-GO
311 Neill StOne of the hottest new places to eat in Tofino. Make sure you call for a reservation!
Got some time before your flight or ferry out of Nanaimo? This is a great British style pub with great food.
95 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Crow and Gate
2313 Yellow Point RdGot some time before your flight or ferry out of Nanaimo? This is a great British style pub with great food.
Just a stone's throw from the Comox Marina, this is a great pub with ocean views. Take a stroll down to the marina after lunch and see what seafood is being sold on the boats.
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blackfin Pub
132 Port Augusta StJust a stone's throw from the Comox Marina, this is a great pub with ocean views. Take a stroll down to the marina after lunch and see what seafood is being sold on the boats.
We love going to this place! It's interesting seeing the fishing boats come in with their catch and having the seagulls rejoice knowing they will be fed well! The retail seafood store has fresh as well as imported fish and the staff is very knowledgeable about how to prepare what you buy.
The BBQ has a side burner which is perfect for cooking seafood outside.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
French Creek Seafood Ltd
1097 Lee RdWe love going to this place! It's interesting seeing the fishing boats come in with their catch and having the seagulls rejoice knowing they will be fed well! The retail seafood store has fresh as well as imported fish and the staff is very knowledgeable about how to prepare what you buy.
The BBQ has a side burner which is perfect for cooking seafood outside.
Known as THE Thai restaurant in the region. Reservations are recommended!
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Thai Smile Cuisine
1015 McLean RdKnown as THE Thai restaurant in the region. Reservations are recommended!
A short drive from Qualicum Landing and a great spot to eat fresh West Coast food. Kid's menu available.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
WEST COAST FOOD HOUSE
6060 Island Hwy WA short drive from Qualicum Landing and a great spot to eat fresh West Coast food. Kid's menu available.
This is a local treasure! A wonderful little restaurant at the Qualicum Beach Airport. Breakfasts are great and dinners are well known for top quality and service. It's also fun to watch the small planes take off and land! Reservations are recommended.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Final Approach Restaurant
3-1000 Ravensbourne Ln This is a local treasure! A wonderful little restaurant at the Qualicum Beach Airport. Breakfasts are great and dinners are well known for top quality and service. It's also fun to watch the small planes take off and land! Reservations are recommended.
What could be better than having an ice cream while walking along the beach? Stop by this iconic Qualicum Beach hub for hot dogs and ice cream!
The Beach Hut
2831 Island Highway WestWhat could be better than having an ice cream while walking along the beach? Stop by this iconic Qualicum Beach hub for hot dogs and ice cream!
This little cafe is only open from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Don't expect fast service, but the food is good and handy to Qualicum Landing.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sandbar Cafe & Art Gallery
6087 Island Hwy WThis little cafe is only open from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Don't expect fast service, but the food is good and handy to Qualicum Landing.
A great place to have a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. When you're done, you can browse the charming art and gift shops.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Brew coffee house
A great place to have a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. When you're done, you can browse the charming art and gift shops.
Wonderful Vietnamese food in Parksville just off the Old Island Highway.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mekong River Restaurant Vietnamese Cuisine
625 Island Hwy EWonderful Vietnamese food in Parksville just off the Old Island Highway.
Drinks & Nightlife
This pub and restaurant is located in a charming English manor overlooking the ocean in Parksville. We love sitting outside at the picnic tables in the summer, and well behaved children are welcomed. Dinner reservations are recommended.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Black Goose Inn
1051 Resort DrThis pub and restaurant is located in a charming English manor overlooking the ocean in Parksville. We love sitting outside at the picnic tables in the summer, and well behaved children are welcomed. Dinner reservations are recommended.
Cozy lounge in Parksville
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre
1155 Resort DrCozy lounge in Parksville
Have a drink while looking out onto Craig Bay. They often have happy hour specials as well as music.
Pacific Shores Resort & Spa
1600 Stroulger RdHave a drink while looking out onto Craig Bay. They often have happy hour specials as well as music.
Friendly and cozy near by pub.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Crown and Anchor Beer and Wine Store
6120 Island Hwy WFriendly and cozy near by pub.
Parks & Nature
Located 1/2 hour from the cottage this is a must do activity for those with an adventurous spirit.
Whether you take a guided or self guided tour, explore caves and breathtaking scenery. More info on their website. https://hornelake.com
102 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
3905 Horne Lake Caves RdLocated 1/2 hour from the cottage this is a must do activity for those with an adventurous spirit.
Whether you take a guided or self guided tour, explore caves and breathtaking scenery. More info on their website. https://hornelake.com
Part of Vancouver Island University, Milner Gardens is a great place to wander through gardens and forest and stop by for afternoon tea and scones!
Special note:
In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland was recently selected as an official Canada 150 Garden Experience at the North American Garden Tourism Conference in Toronto.
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Milner Gardens & Woodland
2179 W Island Hwy WPart of Vancouver Island University, Milner Gardens is a great place to wander through gardens and forest and stop by for afternoon tea and scones!
Special note:
In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland was recently selected as an official Canada 150 Garden Experience at the North American Garden Tourism Conference in Toronto.
Vancouver Island University has a marine station here. The public is welcome to visit and there are activities suited for children. https://www2.viu.ca/deepbay/about/Mission.asp
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Deep Bay Marine Field Station
370 Crome Point RdVancouver Island University has a marine station here. The public is welcome to visit and there are activities suited for children. https://www2.viu.ca/deepbay/about/Mission.asp
Go whether it is sunny or rainy as the towering trees shelter you from the elements (however, don't go during windy conditions). It's an easy walk for children and one of our favorite ways to spend an hour. There are two sections to the park - one on either side of the highway.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Provincial de MacMillan
452 Alberni HighwayGo whether it is sunny or rainy as the towering trees shelter you from the elements (however, don't go during windy conditions). It's an easy walk for children and one of our favorite ways to spend an hour. There are two sections to the park - one on either side of the highway.
Admittedly, we haven't done this, but guests went snorkeling with salmon and said it was a blast! Sounds like a west coast adventure!
Destiny River Adventures
1995 Island HwyAdmittedly, we haven't done this, but guests went snorkeling with salmon and said it was a blast! Sounds like a west coast adventure!
Well respected company to go whale watching out of Cowichan Bay. "Cow Bay" is a charming little seaside village with a fabulous bakery -- well worth a visit after your boat trip!
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ocean Ecoventures Whale Watching
1721 Cowichan Bay RdWell respected company to go whale watching out of Cowichan Bay. "Cow Bay" is a charming little seaside village with a fabulous bakery -- well worth a visit after your boat trip!
This is a perfect trail for families with kids. Pathways are excellent, and there are fun wooden sculptures along the way. The trail is in the woods so is cool in the summer, and if it's raining softly, the canopy serves as a big umbrella!
Beautiful forested trail -- 8,000 steps to the trail head (where there is a port-a-potty) back to the parking lot.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lighthouse Country Regional Trail
3475 Lioness BlvdThis is a perfect trail for families with kids. Pathways are excellent, and there are fun wooden sculptures along the way. The trail is in the woods so is cool in the summer, and if it's raining softly, the canopy serves as a big umbrella!
Beautiful forested trail -- 8,000 steps to the trail head (where there is a port-a-potty) back to the parking lot.
Entertainment & Activities
Chemainus is a beautiful seaside village famous for their murals depicting the region's history and the theatre that presents entertaining productions. Tickets sell our fast so give them a call!
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chemainus Theatre Festival
9574 Bare Point RdChemainus is a beautiful seaside village famous for their murals depicting the region's history and the theatre that presents entertaining productions. Tickets sell our fast so give them a call!
Want to take the kids some place fun? This place has bumper boats and mini golf!
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Paradise Mini Golf y Fun Park
375 Island Hwy WWant to take the kids some place fun? This place has bumper boats and mini golf!
If it's rainy and the kids want to swim, head a short drive to Qualicum Beach to the pool (which also features a kiddie pool). Best to check when public swimming hours are held as they change periodically.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ravensong Aquatic Centre
737 Jones StIf it's rainy and the kids want to swim, head a short drive to Qualicum Beach to the pool (which also features a kiddie pool). Best to check when public swimming hours are held as they change periodically.
Check out what is happening at the Port Theatre during your visit. It's a beautiful theatre that hosts great entertainers and events --- right down by the waterfront.
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Port Theatre
125 Front StCheck out what is happening at the Port Theatre during your visit. It's a beautiful theatre that hosts great entertainers and events --- right down by the waterfront.
Just a stone's throw from Qualicum Landing, Arrowsmith is an executive 18 hole course. Micky J's Bar and Grill are renowned for their great food.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arrowsmith Golf & Micky J's Bar & Grill
2250 Fowler RdJust a stone's throw from Qualicum Landing, Arrowsmith is an executive 18 hole course. Micky J's Bar and Grill are renowned for their great food.
Known as a walkable golf course in a beautiful setting.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pheasant Glen Golf Resort
1025 Qualicum RdKnown as a walkable golf course in a beautiful setting.
Challenging course at affordable prices.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Eaglecrest Golf Club
2035 Island Hwy WChallenging course at affordable prices.
This 9 hole golf course opened in 1913 and has spectacular views. Check out their specials http://golfqualicum.ca/rates.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course
469 Memorial AveThis 9 hole golf course opened in 1913 and has spectacular views. Check out their specials http://golfqualicum.ca/rates.
Essentials
Save-On has an excellent wine shop with an in-house sommelier who is very knowledgeable about BC wines.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Save-On-Foods
818 Island Hwy W Save-On has an excellent wine shop with an in-house sommelier who is very knowledgeable about BC wines.
Thrifty Foods
280 Island Hwy EExcellent grocery store nearby. Stop by on your way to the cottage to pick up supplies. They have a fabulous deli, bakery, and butcher. They have an really good cafeteria upstairs -- try their chicken Thai soup!
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Qualicum Foods - Quality Foods
705 Memorial AveExcellent grocery store nearby. Stop by on your way to the cottage to pick up supplies. They have a fabulous deli, bakery, and butcher. They have an really good cafeteria upstairs -- try their chicken Thai soup!
Canadian Tire
822 Island Hwy WNanaimo Regional General Hospital
1200 Dufferin CrescentJust north of Qualicum Landing this is a handy little grocery store.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tomm's Food Village
6990 Island Hwy WJust north of Qualicum Landing this is a handy little grocery store.
BC Liquor Stores
706 Primrose StGreat selection of beers, wine and spirits.
About the same distance as to Nanaimo General. Fortunately we haven't had to use it, but it's been recommended.
St Joseph's General Hospital
2137 Comox AveAbout the same distance as to Nanaimo General. Fortunately we haven't had to use it, but it's been recommended.
Oceanside Health Centre
489 Alberni HwyCenter has X-Ray and lab services and a walk in clinic.
Shopping
Fabulous store that has everything from furniture to clothes to decor and souvenirs.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Smithford's
164 W 2nd AveFabulous store that has everything from furniture to clothes to decor and souvenirs.
Beautiful hand blown glass decor made right on site. Not the best place to bring the kids, but definitely worth a trip!
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Robert Held Art Glass
708 Island Hwy EBeautiful hand blown glass decor made right on site. Not the best place to bring the kids, but definitely worth a trip!
I love going here! Visit this market every Saturday year round from 8:30 - 12 noon. Local produce, eggs, and many other items available.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Qualicum Beach Farmer's Market
172 Veterans WayI love going here! Visit this market every Saturday year round from 8:30 - 12 noon. Local produce, eggs, and many other items available.
6996 Island Highway West
Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Great vendors - fun family event.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Magnolia Court
6996 Island Highway West
Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Great vendors - fun family event.
Arts & Culture
This little gem in Qualicum Beach has a gallery, hosts music events and has a wonderful gift shop with local artists. Stop by for a visit!
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Old Schoolhouse Arts Centre
122 Fern Rd WThis little gem in Qualicum Beach has a gallery, hosts music events and has a wonderful gift shop with local artists. Stop by for a visit!