Hiking
Two hikers admiring the views (Picture BC photo)
Parksville and region encompasses eight provincial and six regional parks, each with its own network of hiking trails, natural attractions, and scenic outlooks.
All varieties of terrain from gentle strolls to strenuous near-vertical climbs are located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that embraces five climatic zones between beach and mountain peak.
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 this slim, pocket-sized guidebook.
Alternatively, join a guided expedition with the outdoor adventure specialists at Coastal Revelations and Rainforest Nature Tours. Experienced guides lead marine, rainforest, alpine, wildlife, and bird watching outings tailored to all fitness levels.
Riverside Hiking
Public and non-profit conservation organizations (from Ducks Unlimited to the Canadian Wildlife Service), have teamed to protect 1,000ha/2,470ac of the Englishman River Estuary.
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It includes the eco-sensitive Parksville Flats wetlands at the oceanfront mouth of the river, and 17km/10mi of its length as far as Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. Take a circuit trip around the park itself, explore Top Bridge Trail, or walk along gentle forested trails as the river empties into the ocean. Trailheads for the latter route are accessible from the end of Shelly Road on the Parksville side of the Englishman River bridge or from Plummer Road on the river's south side.
Nanoose Bay Hiking
Beachcomber Regional Park at the Nanoose peninsula's northwestern edge off Marina Way is renowned for its tidal pools. Notch Hill (off Fairwinds Drive near Enos Lake) rewards those who hike a short forested trail with panoramic Vancouver Island outlooks. The Fairwinds Golf Club development invites visitors to explore its network of easy recreational trails which loop past Schooner Cove and Dolphin Lake. Nearby Brickyard Cove Water Park is a favourite hangout for local residents and their dogs.
Forest Hiking
Cathedral Grove (a half hour inland on Highway 4 towards Port Alberni) is internationally known for its towering Douglas firs. Summertime parking can be a headache at this hugely popular attraction, but the gentle walkabout in this ancient shaded refuge merits the hassle.
Mountainside Hiking
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.
Ask at the Visitor Centre for directions to the rough, poorly marked forest roads off Highway 4 that lead to other Arrowsmith trails. The volunteers there can also point the way to Little Mountain, a spectacular outlook at the end of the winding Errington Road (accessible from Bellevue Road off Highway 4A – aka: the Old Alberni Highway).
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1
910 Fern Rd E
Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
V9K 1M3
Websitehttp://www.coastalrevelations.com
Toll-free866-954-0110
Phone250-594-7002
Discover the story behind Vancouver Island's ancient rainforests of giant trees, alpine flower meadows & turquoise mountain lakes; ocean tide pools; marine & other wildlife; salmon & bird watching areas. Year-round personal nature tours with a biologist trained by Interpretation Canada. Get to the right place in less time so you can spend more time exploring, learning, exercising & experiencing. Find secret places & special moments off the beaten path & discover the hidden creatures others don't know about. Have an authentic vacation that tells the story behind the scenery through thought-provoking & interactive programs. Snowshoeing & hiking tours.
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2
3900 Horne Lake Caves Rd
Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
V9K 2L7
Websitehttp://www.hornelake.com
Toll-free888-801-WILD (9453)
Phone250-248-7829
Crystal clear water, amazing caves & spectacular scenery make Horne Lake one of the best camping & adventure destinations on Vancouver Island. Horne Lake Caves was voted the "Best Natural Outdoor Site in BC" by Attractions Canada. Explore this unique park above and below the surface. Visit Canada's only Cave Theatre and Museum. On the trails, enjoy a wide range of programs from surface geology hikes to family-oriented cavern tours or popular 3hr. Spelunking Adventure featuring ancient fossils & amazing crystal formations. For more challenge, you can self-guide two rugged caves or go vertical on the "Extreme" expeditions - rappelling down underground waterfalls!
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