Qualicum Beach is heaven for those eager for fresh air and exercise in glorious natural settings. The "Oceanside" area as a whole (both Parksville and Qualicum Beach) encompasses eight provincial and six regional parks, each with their own network of trails, natural attractions and scenic outlooks. All varieties of experience from gentle strolls to strenuous near-vertical climbs are served within a remarkably diverse UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that embraces five climatic zones between beach and mountain peak. Tours and Trails Plot a course with the official Regional Parks & Trails Guide, available at the Visitor Centre . Descriptions and maps of 16 parks and trails in the Regional District of Nanaimo are contained in a slim, pocket-sized guidebook. Hiking guides are also available in local bookstores. Or join a guided expedition offered by a handful of local outdoor adventure specialists. Biologist Patrick Walshe leads marine, rainforest, alpine, wildlife and birdwatching tours tailored to all fitness levels through his company Coastal Revelations . Sign up for a scheduled tour or request a customized private itinerary.
Local hiking opportunities no further than a half-hour's drive from town include:
Riverside Hiking The Big Qualicum River Trail is a level, 10km/6.2mi route that follows a gravel service road. Watch salmon battle upstream in the fall. And check out the Fisheries and Oceans Canada hatchery, which releases 100,000 steelhead and 25,000 cutthroat trout annually into the river. (Horne Lake Rd. off the West Island Highway near Qualicum Bay). Oceanfront Hikes Soak up Pacific breezes and stretch car-cramped legs on Qualicum Beach's namesake crescent of sand and surf. At high tide, join local residents and their dogs on the 3km/1.85mi round-trip boardwalk as the restless ocean thumps against the seawall. As the shallow waters recede, a rocky beach let's one ramble (with dry feet) as far as 1,000m/3,000ft to the low tide line. Learn about intertidal walking in Qualicum Beach, courtesy of Oceanside Tourism: Forest Exploration Mount Arrowsmith Hikes Serious hikers can select a variety of routes into Mount Arrowsmith Park. The historic 1912 Canadian Pacific Railways trail begins across Highway 4 from the Cameron Lake day-use area. The eight-hour roundtrip climb is hard slogging but delivers lovely views of the Beaufort Range.