Vancouver Island Things To Do

Parksville Beaches

The two main beaches in the Parksville area are Parksville and Rathtrevor Beaches. Parksville Beach is located directly in front of the town of Parksville, while Rathtrevor Beach is found slightly further away, inside Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Both beaches are suitable for swimming, sunning and picnicking, with Parksville Beach replete with recreational facilities such as ball fields, tennis courts, a lacrosse box, an ice arena, beach volleyball areas, a large playground and a water park. Rathtrevor Beach lends itself to quieter outdoor activities, such as nature walking and bird watching.

Parksville is a 30-minute drive north from Nanaimo via Highway 19.

A word or two on your excursion:

• Admission fee in effect for Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

> Rathtrevor Beach Park website.

Long, Chesterman & MacKenzie Beaches

Chesterman and MacKenzie are the closest beaches to the community of Tofino. They are easily accessible from the highway and are part of a series of wide, sandy beaches along the shoreline between Tofino and Ucluelet. Long Beach, also part of this series, lies inside Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and must be accessed via the park's entrance. Long Beach is a spectacular stretch of sand -the longest on Vancouver Island's west coast- that attracts surfers and vacationers in great numbers. A series of trails lead to and along these beaches and include parts of pioneer trails that once linked the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet. The beaches and adjacent headlands also make great vantage points for viewing migrating Grey Whales in March and April.

The Pacific Rim area is a 108-km (65-mi) drive west from Port Alberni via Highway 4.

A word or two on your excursion:

• Admission fee in effect for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

A word or two on safety:

• Lifeguards on duty at Long Beach in July and August
• Surfers and swimmers at Long Beach should exercise caution - very large waves, rip currents and rolling logs can be lethal

> Pacific Rim Park website.

Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach is a popular spot for swimming and beachcombing. It offers lovely views of the Strait of Georgia, Texada and Lasqueti Islands as well as the Coast Mountain Range. In April, the beach is a prime location for observing migrating Brant Geese resting and feeding in great numbers. A festival to honour the geese and to promote conservationism in general happens at about the same time. Qualicum Beach is tranquil but not remote: a paved walkway winds alongside it, there are several grassy areas for playing Frisbee or picnicking nearby and Qualicum's charming, village-style downtown is within easy walking distance.

Qualicum Beach is a 30-40-minute drive north from Nanaimo via Highway 9A.

Willows Beach

Willows Beach is one of Victoria's most popular swimming beaches. No wonder - its shallow, protected water is suitable for young children, while views of Discovery Island and Mount Baker make basking, swimming or paddling there just that much more sublime. Willows Beach is a popular day destination for locals, so expect crowds on the sand and line-ups at the concession stand on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Willows Beach is a 15-minute drive east from downtown Victoria.

Cadboro-Gyro Park

Cadboro Bay, legendary home of the "Cadborosaurus" sea serpent, is a partially protected bay with the kind of long, sandy beaches that make for sublime summer swimming, strolling and boating. Its beaches are well-equipped for family outings with picnic facilities, public washrooms and a children's playground. Plenty of shade trees provide shelter on sizzling days. Be prepared for crowds on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the summer months as the park is popular with locals.

Cadboro-Gyro Park is a 25-minute drive northeast of downtown Victoria.

> Cadboro-Gyro Park website.