Large segments of central Vancouver Island's wilderness forests, pristine lakes and whitewater rivers are protected in a series of provincial and regional parks. For maps and key information about each, pick up the Regional Parks and Trail Guide at the Visitor Centre.
Horne Lake Caves
Lakeside parks abound in the foothills of the Beaufort Range. Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park (26km/16mi west of Qualicum Beach on Horne Lake Rd.) is famed for its caverns and more than 1,000 caves. Group tours ranging from easy to extreme take amateur spelunkers deep underground. The more challenging expeditions begin with a rappelling lesson and include a few tight, belly-crawling passages in the dark. Not for the claustrophobic! Camping, swimming and boating is popular at Horne Lake and nearby Spider Lake Provincial Park. The latter is regarded as one of the best picnicking sites in the region. Powerboats are prohibited on Spider Lake, creating peaceful conditions for fishermen in search of Rainbow trout and small-mouth bass.
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Stretches of both the Big and Little Qualicum rivers are buffered by protected lands. A pleasant riverside trail begins at the Big Qualicum River Salmon Hatchery (see details under Hiking). The 440 ha/1087ac Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park off Highway 4 is particularly popular with families. Within its boundaries are dozens of picnic tables, nearly 150 campsites (open from mid-March to mid-October) and a lovely trail around the river and cascading falls. A little further down the highway towards Port Alberni, the cold, deep waters of Cameron Lake tempt brave swimmers and sailboarders (who ride the gusts that swirl down from the surrounding mountainsides).
Estuary Conservation Area
The Little Qualicum River Estuary Regional Conservation Area is a few minutes west of the town of Qualicum Beach on Highway 19A. While most of the area is off-limits to all but the resident waterfowl, a boardwalk beginning at the end of Surfside Drive is great for birdwatching. Bald eagles arrive en masse in November to feed on spawning Coho, Chum and Chinook salmon.
Dog-Friendly Areas
Best off-leash dog park in the region? The generous fenced area in the Qualicum Beach Community Park, right in the heart of town and accessible from the Ravensong Aquatic Centre's parking lot.