Explore Qualicum Beach & Beyond

Beaches, Parks & Trails

The beach is a 600 m walk from Five Gables, and some of Vancouver Island’s best-loved nature is an easy day trip, from Little Qualicum Falls to the old-growth giants of Cathedral Grove. These are the walks, parks and viewpoints we keep going back to.

• Yambury Public Beach Access

  0.6 km away · Qualicum Beach

  The closest public beach access to Five Gables.

  Map: Yambury Public Beach Access on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Heritage Forest

  3.2 km away · Qualicum Beach

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  Sun shining through tall firs over a dirt trail and ferns in the Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest1 / 3

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  A great forest escape right in town, with some old-growth trees.

  Read our guide: Heritage ForestMap: Heritage Forest on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Hamilton Marsh Nature Trail

  6.3 km away · Qualicum Beach

  Read our Hamilton Marsh Loop guide for trail details, conditions and photos.

  Read our guide: Hamilton Marsh Nature TrailMap: Hamilton Marsh Nature Trail on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre

  6.6 km away · Errington

  A great one-hour stop to see a black bear, a white raven, a bald eagle and other local wildlife, plus plenty of educational exhibits. Every time we visit with our daughter, we learn something new. The tiny white ducks across from the rabbits look cute, but they may skip the grass you offer and go for your fingers.

  More: North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
  Map: North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

  9.2 km away · Parksville

  A popular summer spot for beach days and camping. The beach is very shallow, so it’s great for children.

  Map: Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

  12.6 km away · Qualicum Beach

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  Little Qualicum Falls seen from above, framed by the forested walls of the gorge1 / 4

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  A must-stop in the area: a small park with astonishing waterfalls and easy hiking.

  Read our guide: Little Qualicum Falls Provincial ParkMap: Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Moorecroft Regional Park

  16.0 km away · Nanoose Bay

  A nice forest park by the ocean, with beautiful views of the small islands offshore. Great for families with strollers.

  Map: Moorecroft Regional Park on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Cathedral Grove

  20.9 km away · Port Alberni

  A must-stop on the way to Port Alberni, Ucluelet or Tofino. The trail on the left (heading toward Port Alberni) is the most impressive, with old-growth trees including one estimated at over 800 years old. Parking is very limited: take the first spot you find, and in summer, especially on weekends, set off early.

  More: Cathedral Grove
  Map: Cathedral Grove on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Hole In The Wall Cascade

  27.9 km away · Port Alberni

  A quick, interesting stop just outside Port Alberni. The “hole” is a tunnel drilled through the rock many years ago to carry a pipeline to the town. Park at the side of the Alberni Highway, cross it and follow a short trail down to the creek. Please take great care crossing and on the way down.

  More: Hole In The Wall Cascade
  Map: Hole In The Wall Cascade on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Restaurants & Food

Where we eat in Qualicum Beach and Parksville: our go-to sushi spot, the local brewpub, sunset patios and a few places worth the short drive. Most are within 10 km of the suite.

• Final Approach Restaurant

  1.2 km away · Qualicum Beach

  The restaurant at the local airport. Over your meal, watch recreational planes take off and land, along with Iskwew Air’s scheduled flights between Qualicum Beach and Vancouver.

  Map: Final Approach Restaurant on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Fern + Cedar Brewing Company

  3.7 km away · Qualicum Beach

  The local brewpub. Try the Oceanside Lager or the Four Poles Ale.

  Map: Fern + Cedar Brewing Company on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Qualicum Beach Cafe

  3.7 km away · Qualicum Beach

  A well-regarded local restaurant, known for consistent quality and an inviting atmosphere. After your meal, take a relaxing stroll along the oceanfront nearby.

  Map: Qualicum Beach Cafe on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Off The Hook Qualicum

  3.9 km away · Qualicum Beach

  A newer restaurant at the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course. We especially love it in summer: from the outdoor seating you can enjoy great food while watching the golfers and the ocean, with the sunset behind them.

  Map: Off The Hook Qualicum on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Sushi Hama

  4.0 km away · Qualicum Beach

  Our favourite sushi spot in the Oceanside area. We’re regulars and have never been disappointed. Take-out is available, but there’s no delivery.

  Map: Sushi Hama on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Shore Restaurant

  4.4 km away · Qualicum Beach

  A nice spot to watch the sunset over a drink. Closed in the winter months.

  Map: Shore Restaurant on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• POKÉ PAGE 3

  5.9 km away · Parksville

  A great local spot for fresh, good-quality poké. Especially nice in summer, as they also serve gelato, and pistachio is often on the list.

  Map: POKÉ PAGE 3 on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Black Bird Schnitzel Haus

  6.2 km away · Qualicum Beach

  If you enjoy schnitzel and German beer on tap, this is the place. We recommend the Vienna-style schnitzel with spaetzle and a pint of Warsteiner Pilsner. Best for dinner, as lunch portions can feel a bit small.

  Map: Black Bird Schnitzel Haus on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Farm To Fire Pizza

  6.4 km away · Parksville

  

  Wood-fired Margherita pizza from Farm To Fire Pizza, enjoyed on the beach at low tide

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  A food truck baking by far the best pizza in the area. We highly recommend the Margherita. It’s usually parked at Parksville Community Park; check their Instagram for this week’s location.

  Map: Farm To Fire Pizza on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Coastal Cones

  3.7 km away · Qualicum Beach

  The best ice cream in the area, from a beachfront ice cream truck. In summer 2026 they were on the Qualicum Beach oceanfront walk. It’s run by Hannah and Gavin, who are great people.

  Map: Coastal Cones on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Black Goose Inn

  9.8 km away · Parksville

  

  Sunny garden patio with picnic tables in front of the Black Goose Inn

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  Hearty British comfort food inside Beach Acres Resort, with favourites like beef Wellington and shepherd’s pie and an impressive lineup of imported beers on tap, such as Guinness and Paulaner Weissbier. The warm, charming interior is styled like an old English cottage, and in the warmer months there’s a lovely outdoor patio.

  More: Black Goose Inn
  Map: Black Goose Inn on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Nanoose Bay Cafe

  19.7 km away · Nanoose Bay

  A modern restaurant (opened in 2023) with a stunning harbour view and a great selection of seafood and gyoza dumplings, if you don’t mind the 25-minute drive to Nanoose.

  Map: Nanoose Bay Cafe on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• L’îlette Café & Bakery

  4.0 km away · Qualicum Beach

  Our favourite spot for a morning coffee and a freshly baked croissant. The coffee is excellent.

  Map: L’îlette Café & Bakery on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Cafés & Coffee

Good coffee is part of a slow morning. These are the cafés, roasters and coffee trucks we recommend in Qualicum Beach village and Parksville.

• Courtyard Coffee

  3.9 km away · Qualicum Beach

  A great spot for excellent coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.

  Map: Courtyard Coffee on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Flyte Cafe

  3.9 km away · Qualicum Beach

  

  Rustic wooden menu board beside the Flyte Cafe coffee truck

  Close

  A coffee truck, so please check their website for its current location.

  Map: Flyte Cafe on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• L’îlette Café & Bakery

  4.0 km away · Qualicum Beach

  Our favourite spot for a morning coffee and a freshly baked croissant. The coffee is excellent.

  Map: L’îlette Café & Bakery on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• French Press Coffee Roasters

  4.1 km away · Qualicum Beach

  If L’îlette is closed, this is where we grab a coffee or avocado toast.

  Map: French Press Coffee Roasters on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market

  3.8 km away · Qualicum Beach

  Every Saturday, all year round, from 8:30 am to 12 pm.

  Map: Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

With Children

Travelling with little ones? Children up to 12 are welcome at Five Gables. These are the playgrounds, family beaches and animal visits we enjoy with our own daughter.

• North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre

  6.6 km away · Errington

  A great one-hour stop to see a black bear, a white raven, a bald eagle and other local wildlife, plus plenty of educational exhibits. Every time we visit with our daughter, we learn something new. The tiny white ducks across from the rabbits look cute, but they may skip the grass you offer and go for your fingers.

  More: North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
  Map: North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Coastal Cones

  3.7 km away · Qualicum Beach

  The best ice cream in the area, from a beachfront ice cream truck. In summer 2026 they were on the Qualicum Beach oceanfront walk. It’s run by Hannah and Gavin, who are great people.

  Map: Coastal Cones on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Boultbee Community Park

  0.8 km away · Qualicum Beach

  A newer local playground.

  Map: Boultbee Community Park on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Adventure World Playground

  6.3 km away · Parksville

  A nice shallow beach and a large playground make this a perfect place for families with small children.

  Map: Adventure World Playground on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Shops & Markets

Independent bookstores, a kitchenware shop with a story, the year-round Saturday farmers’ market and the famous goats on the roof in Coombs.

• Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market

  3.8 km away · Qualicum Beach

  Every Saturday, all year round, from 8:30 am to 12 pm.

  Map: Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• The Mulberry Bush Book Store

  4.0 km away · Qualicum Beach

  A charming local bookstore with friendly owners and a long-standing tradition in the community.

  Map: The Mulberry Bush Book Store on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• What's Cooking

  4.2 km away · Qualicum Beach

  A charming, traditional kitchenware shop with plenty of unique finds. Be sure to ask the owner how he met Pierre Trudeau: it’s a great story.

  Map: What's Cooking on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Cozy Corner Books

  5.6 km away · Coombs

  For lovers of used books.

  Map: Cozy Corner Books on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Old Country Market (Goats on the Roof)

  5.6 km away · Coombs

  Everyone has heard of the famous goats on the roof.

  Map: Old Country Market (Goats on the Roof) on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Bouquet Getaway

  8.8 km away · Errington

  A lovely farm that belongs to our gardener. Come to make your own bouquet or to say hello to the animals.

  Map: Bouquet Getaway on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Golf

Four golf courses within about 4 km of the suite, including Eaglecrest Golf Club right in our neighbourhood.

• Eaglecrest Golf Club

  1.3 km away · Qualicum Beach

  Our neighbourhood golf club. Eight holes west of Eaglecrest Drive are in play. The other eight, east of the drive, are not operated, and that area has become a popular place to walk.

  Map: Eaglecrest Golf Club on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course

  3.9 km away · Qualicum Beach

  A golf course between downtown and the beach.

  Map: Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Sports & Recreation

Rainy-day and active options nearby: a warm indoor pool, free tennis courts, pickleball, curling, lawn bowling and bowling lanes.

• Arrowsmith Tennis Club

  3.7 km away · Qualicum Beach

  Tennis courts that are free to use.

  Map: Arrowsmith Tennis Club on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

• Ravensong Aquatic Centre

  4.5 km away · Qualicum Beach

  They keep the water a bit warmer than other public indoor pools, so it’s very comfortable for casual swimmers.

  Map: Ravensong Aquatic Centre on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Local History

The museums in Qualicum Beach and Parksville and the heritage train station tell the story of the area.