Pacific Shores Parksville Blog

By Robin Schroffel

Early this season, Mount Washington was on top of the world.

Enjoying the best ski conditions on the entire planet, travellers holed up in chateaus on its slopes were literally digging themselves out the door to glide down the winter wonderland runs, while staff down at the mountain’s base were forced to turn cars away because the place was running at capacity.

By LaVonne Reddicopp

If you're in the mood for a little adventure while visiting the Oceanside area, a day trip to Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is in order.

Located approximately 15 minutes north of Qualicum Beach along the Qualicum River, Horne Lake Caves is the perfect place to spend the day with your family and friends—especially if you're looking for something a little more exciting than just a day at the beach.

Originally discovered in 1856, the lake is named after Adam Horne, the Hudson's Bay storekeeper that discovered it. The caves were discovered in 1964 by a husband and wife team from Nanaimo, Jim and Delores Johnson, along with their spelunking team. 

Incorporated into a provincial park in 1971, the area is a must see for those wanting an Oceanside experience outside of the norm.

By LaVonne Reddicopp

If the sight of boats bobbing in the harbour as seagulls swoop overhead has you longing to set sail for open waters, then an afternoon spent at French Creek Harbour might be just what your salty soul needs.

Located just off Highway 19A between Parksville and Qualicum Beach, French Creek Harbour is a perfect spot to get away for a lazy afternoon of people watching and sightseeing.

By Robin Schroffel

Drizzly days can be a fact of life during Vancouver Island’s mild winter, and solo travellers often take advantage of them to indulge in spa treatments or simply curl up in their cozy rooms and relax.

But when you’ve got kids in tow, their cabin fever can inevitably cause everyone to go crazy.

By LaVonne Reddicopp

A secluded space. Rushing water. Cool spray against your skin in the early morning sun. A soaring eagle overhead. Sunbeams playing in the trees.

No, you’re not dreaming. You are experiencing one of the many treasures that await you in Oceanside.

For a day trip off the beaten path, consider a stroll through Errington’s Englishman River Falls Park. With its two breathtaking waterfalls, this provincial park is a photographer’s dream.

Set against the backdrop of both old growth and second growth trees, the roaring falls make it near impossible for tourists and locals to take anything other than gorgeous photos.

By Robin Schroffel

There’s a certain stretch of the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk that is quite literally for the birds.

It's the Courtenay River Estuary, and it is to shorebirds and waterfowl what Florida is to well-off retirees: the perfect wintering grounds.

By LaVonne Reddicopp

Parksville isn’t just sun, sand and silver hair.

That was definitely apparent at the 21st Annual Parksville Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day.

Insanity was on tap as chill challengers of every age shed their parkas and plunged into the freezing waters of Parksville Bay.

looking for something to do next weekend?

Get outside in this beautiful fall weather we're having and explore the Winchelsea Islands Archipelago off Nanoose Bay—by kayak!

Watch sea lions bask in the sun against a beautiful snow-capped mountain backdrop as you paddle in the calm waters of Craig Bay.

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend?

Then head south to Nanaimo for The Nanaimo Pumpkin Festival on October 17, 2010 from 12-4 at the Vancouver Island Exhibition grounds at Beban Park.

See 1000-pound pumpkins on display at the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off as you snack on popcorn, cotton candy and hotdogs from the concession stand. Other activities include hay rides, a children's costume contest, pumpkin carving, face painting, colouring and more.

And the best part: admission is free!

Just a 45-minute drive from Pacific Shores, Horn Lake is the perfect place to spend the day with your family and friends—especially if you're looking for adventure!

With an adventure camp and activities like canoeing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, rock climbing and spelunking, Horn Lake is a mecca for outdoor lovers.