26 Suggestions for your Girls Getaway

Planning a girls getaway to Parksville Qualicum Beach? Here are 26 places to visit for your best trip ever.

@soaklifestyleboutique

From wellness centers to shopping excursions, Parksville Qualicum Beach provides an unforgettable escape for your girls trip.

Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara Mineral Pool in Parksville Qualicum Beach BC
Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara Mineral Pool

1. Milner Gardens & Woodland

Visit Milner Gardens & Woodland with 70 acres of forest trails and beautiful gardens. Plan your visit around one of their special events (Christmas Magic, Fairy House Surprise in June, and the Easter Bunny Trail are especially popular) or enjoy smaller crowds on a regular day. Be sure to visit the Camellia Tea Room for afternoon tea.

2. Shady Rest

Enjoy lunch or dinner at the waterfront Shady Rest in Qualicum Beach. This iconic building has been around since 1924!

3. Local Yoga Sessions

Head to one of many nearby yoga studios for an intense workout or relaxing stretch class. In the summer, you can even do yoga classes on the beach! Check our calendar for dates and times.

4. The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara

The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara has been voted the number one spa in Canada by Spas of America. Enjoy a 2hr wellness experience at The Grotto, including the detoxing mineral pool, cool splash waterfall, relaxing whirlpool, 4 cedar barrel saunas on a beautiful garden patio with fire tables and an outdoor shower and drink service. Enhance your visit with your favourite treatments and tapas dining in your robe and sandals at the Treetop Tapas & Grill.

Two cups of coffee and a slice of cheesecake on the patio of The Shady Rest overlooking the shore.
Grab a bite to eat at Shady Rest in Qualicum Beach
Credit: @Shadyrest.qb

5. Coombs Old Country Market

Explore the little village of Coombs. Here you'll find the infamous Old Country "Goats on the Roof" Market, the Coombs Emporium, and several quirky, small shops. Stop for dinner at the Cuckoo Trattoria. If weather permits, sit on the patio - a peaceful spot that feels like Tuscany!

6. Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park

Stroll gentle paths through lush old-growth forest at Cathedral Grove - MacMillan Provincial Park. The oldest trees are 800 year old giants!

7. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

Visit Little Qualicum Cheeseworks for cheese tastings, a self-guided tour of the farm, and shop the Farmgate Store.

A woman admires hanging lanterns in Coombs Old Country Market while shopping
Shop local at the Coombs Old Country Market
Credit: @glamouraspirit_

8. Farmers Market Trips

Shop fresh and local at our farmers markets! The Errington Farmers Market runs Saturdays from May to September. The Qualicum Beach Farmers Market is open year-round on Saturday mornings!

9. Downtown Qualicum Beach Shopping

Shop charming downtown Qualicum Beach. You won't find big box stores in this community. Lots of unique finds in the boutique shops here.

A child pets a goat that stands on the roof of the Old Country Market.
Old Country "Goats on the Roof" Market

10. Parksville's Waterfront Walkway

The Waterfront Walkway in Parksville runs along the shore at the Parksville Community Park. Part boardwalk, part paved pathway, it's the best place to go for a relaxing sunset stroll. Expand your leisurely walk with another scenic walkway at Qualicum Beach!

11. Spider Lake Provincial Park

Head to Spider Lake Provincial Park for kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding or a swim. This lake is an especially peaceful spot since it is off-limits to all motorized boats.

12. Cameron Lake

Cameron Lake is a local favourite for picnics and swimming. This is also where you'll find the trail head for hikes up Mount Arrowsmith.

13. Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park

For underground adventure, visit Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. This place has received a "Remarkable Experiences" award from Destination BC and has also been recognized as the "Best Natural Outdoor Site in BC". Explore the public cave on your own, challenge yourself with the 5 hour Extreme Rappel Expedition, or choose an experience somewhere in between.

14. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park has one of the best beaches in our area, a network of forest and meadow trails, and one of the best campgrounds in BC. At low tide, the ocean recedes almost a kilometer back from Rathtrevor's shoreline creating an expanse of sand ideal for heart-to-heart conversation strolls.

A woman adjusts a an art display at the Salish Sea Market.
Find local art at the Salish Sea Market
Credit: @boleyn.media

15. Art Studios & Galleries

The talent of the artists that make their homes here is remarkable. Discover something wonderful at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville, The Old School House in Qualicum Beach, or at one of numerous other studios and galleries in our area.

Sharyn Sadauskas
The talent of the artists that make their homes here is remarkable.

16. Alcove

Embrace the local spirit by discovering unique treasures at Alcove, a charming shop in downtown Qualicum Beach, and browsing the latest fashions at Soak Lifestyle Boutique, known for its welcoming atmosphere and curated collection of high-quality local and brands.

17. Pacific Shores Resort

Pass a day at Pacific Shores Resort in Nanoose Bay strolling the resort's oceanfront pathways.

18. Aqua Terre Spa & Salon EFXZ (now closed)

Expand your stroll at Pacific Shores Resort by heading to the onsite spa center. Aqua Terre Spa & Salon EFXZ boasts skincare, massage, and hair styling services. Additional features include hot tubs, a sauna, a pool, and a workout area.

19. Summer by the Sea Street Market

From June till the end of August, visit the Summer by the Sea Street Market on Tuesday evenings in Parksville. Vendors travel from all over Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands to participate in this extremely popular market. Add live music and mouth-watering offerings from food trucks to the mix and you've got yourself a fabulous mid-week outing.

The Englishman River cuts through evergreen trees in Englishman River Falls Provincial Park on Vancouver Island
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Credit: Jacalyn Beales

20. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Uncover the sweeping beauty of Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, where rambling currents and verdant greenery await. This outdoor spot offers a variety of Instagram-worthy moments, whether you're camping or hiking.

Tip: Capture a fairytale-like scene at one of the park's two bridges of this park as a towering crowd of trees surround you.

21. Stonewater Spa & Salon

Relaxation and rejuvenation are at the core of Stonewater Spa & Salon. Nestled in The Beach Club Resort, this wellness hub features the ultimate pampering packages, from seaweed body wraps to exfoliating facials.

22. Ocean EcoVentures

Embark on a nautical adventure with Ocean EcoVentures, offering whale watching and wildlife tours. Capture majestic viewings of Bigg's Killer Whales, Pacific Harbour Seals, and more.

23. Nevaeh Day Spa

Nail treatments and chemical peels are just a couple of the highlights at Nevaeh Day Spa. Prepare for an all-encompassing spa treatment that ensures dewy skin, sparkling nails, and more.

A cyclist stands with her bike by the Lighthouse trail sign.
Lighthouse Country Regional Trail

24. Lighthouse Country Regional Trail

The Lighthouse Country Regional Trail is a perfect course for bikers who are seeking a leisurely excursion. Pedal through paved paths, taking in the forested surroundings.

25. Local Craft Breweries

Delve into the Parksville Qualicum Beach craft brewery scene, where expertly made ales and inviting experiences await. Uncover sensational glasses of golden suds from spots such as Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company, LoveShack Libations, Fern + Cedar Brewing Company, and Rusted Rake Brewing.

26. Biking & Paddling

There is no shortage of ways to embrace the outdoors in Parksville Qualicum Beach! Paddle towards sea lion and seal haul-outs, where you can wave to these fascinating creatures. Elevate your seafaring trip with our guide on fishing charters. If you're more of a land explorer, we recommend renting a bike from Bark Echo eBikes or a mountain bicycle from Take Off Adventure Rentals.

Thanks to our Facebook friends and followers for helping us to compile the list! Did we miss anything? Let us know!

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Sharyn Sadauskas

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Sharyn Sadauskas

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