Pacific Shores Parksville Blog

By Ross Collicutt

Running gets the endorphins flowing, but it can also get a bit monotonous. Luckily for us, Vancouver Island is a particularly great place for runners because it combines varied, challenging terrain and gorgeous scenery.  

That said, maintaining a running routine can still be difficult on the Island. Training for races is a great way to stay on track. I've been on a new training plan since January as I work my way up to participating in the Comox Valley Half Marathon. I already feel more confident because the plan has removed some of the guesswork out of training. Still, successfully running a half marathon does not start and end with following a personal training regime.

In August, we had the pleasure of hosting Jacquie and Patrick as they shared their vows with family and friends.

With help from Erin Wallis Photography, Petal & Kettle, and The Landing West Coast Grill, this West Coast wedding was absolutely beautiful. Erin's photographs even attracted the attention of Style Me Pretty Canada, which recently released a feature. 

In the Style Me Pretty piece, Jacquie says: "I was never one to dream about my wedding day growing up, but once the time came to start planning our big day, we knew right away that Pacific Shores would be the perfect place, with the natural beauty of the property and the stunning views overlooking the Strait of Georgia. We had family and friends coming from near and far, including Patrick’s Ouma from Cape Town, South Africa, and Pacific Shores allowed our guests to enjoy the true beauty of Vancouver Island."         

By Ross Collicutt

Vancouver Island and BC's Lower Mainland are chock full of all forms of outdoor racing. There are mountain bike races, road bike races, road running races, kayak races, sailing races, and even trail running races ominously called the Gutbusters. But these are more warm weather events. What happens when the ground is covered in snow?

You put on some snowshoes and go for a run, of course!

Since 2001, The Yeti Snowshoe Series has brought snowshoe racing to Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland at locations like Mount Washington, Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain and Whistler/Blackcomb. 2012 marks the first year organizers have expanded beyond BC with a new venue at Scenic Caves, Blue Mountain in Ontario.

So what exactly is snowshoe racing?

>> Read full article on A-Life

Visiting the Parksville/Qualicum Beach area this weekend?

Make sure you head to Coombs and check out the annual Coombs Fair, held on August 13 and 14 from 8am to 6pm on Saturday and 8am - 5pm on Sunday.

As one of the largest 4-H fairs on Vancouver Island, there is bound to be something interesting for everyone to see and do. 

Imagine being surrounded by lush botanical gardens and the tranquil waters of Craig Bay. Let us help plan your special day, family reunion or small conference at Pacific Shores Resort & Spa! See our Events page for more information.

Join us at Pacific Shores on Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 2 - 4 pm for Splash 2011, a fundraiser for Moorecroft Regional Park.

We'll be hosting a garden party that will feature wine tasting, gourmet appetizers, local artists, live music, a silent auction and "fun-raising" games! Funds raised will go towards the purchase price of Moorecroft Regional Park and restoration work of important facilities and nature trails.

By Oceanside Blogs     

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If you are lucky enough to be in the Oceanside area on July 1st, you are in for a real treat.

Once again this year Parksville is hosting its annual Canada Day festivities. The Rotary Club of Parksville has all sorts of terrific events planned for this year’s celebrations. 

Be sure to bring your appetite as the day starts off with the famous Shriner’s pancake breakfast in the Parksville Community Park. After your tummy is full of pancakes and syrup you can waddle on up the hill and stake out your spot to watch the Canada Day parade.

Once you have finished enjoying the fabulous floats and parade partiers, you can roll on back down the hill to the Community Park to enjoy all of the activities that are planned for the remainder of the day.

By LaVonne Reddicopp

You know it’s officially summer in Oceanside when the Seaside Cruizers host their annual Father’s Day Show ‘n Shine.

While this fantastic family friendly event is a must-do for the locals, it also draws crowds from all over Vancouver Island.

Families and car enthusiasts come together to enjoy everything from dancing in the streets to spectacular show-stopping vehicles that will have you running out of adjectives to describe just how gorgeous they are.

By LaVonne Reddicopp

For Oceanside visitors looking for something a little different to do while they are in the area, a visit to the Qualicum Beach Airport is definitely worth the drive.

Tucked in between Qualicum and Parksville, the Qualicum Beach Airport is a favorite spot for a Sunday afternoon stopover—and some of the best pie you will ever treat your taste buds to can be found on-site at the Final Approach restaurant. Pilots from all over the Pacific Northwest make the flight over just to touch down and savor the sweet samplings that the crew at the Final Approach offer.

By LaVonne Reddicopp

Oceanside locals have long known a small secret that they have kept pretty much to themselves—the Errington Farmer’s Market and all of its wonderful wares.

Well, the secret is officially getting out: the market is reopening for its 38th year of business and the locals couldn’t be happier.

> Read more on the A-Life Blog!