A Date for Every Desire

Do you have nervous butterflies around planning your first date? Are you looking for the perfect place to celebrate an anniversary? Or are you just trying to get out of the house with your significant other and mix it up a bit? If you’re looking for a fun and romantic outing, consider these picture-perfect date ideas in Parksville Qualicum Beach!

Where to Begin

Planning the perfect date can be a challenge, but in Parksville Qualicum Beach, you'll find an array of options to suit every personality and occasion. To help you plan your perfect date, we’ve broken down a few ideas based on your preferences—do you love the outdoors? Do you like learning? Do you go with the flow? Do you have kids with you? Check out these awesome pre-planned date ideas according to what suits you!

Adventure Seeker Date

For the adventurous couple, Parksville Qualicum Beach offers an abundance of adrenaline-pumping activities. Explore the Horne Lake Caves, where you can embark on cave exploration adventures, from relaxed experiences to rappelling deep underground. Alternatively, book a whale-watching boat tour with Ocean EcoVentures for an intimate and unforgettable wildlife encounter. If hiking is more your style, venture out on one of the region's beautiful trails. Englishman River Falls offers a romantic 1.3km walk with stunning waterfall views.

After an exhilarating outdoor experience, unwind and enjoy a pint at a local brewery. Mount Arrowsmith Brewing and Fern + Cedar Brewing Company offer craft beer and delicious food, while Rusted Rake in Nanoose Bay provides a unique island experience by brewing beer from their own seaside farm-grown barley.

Culture Centred Dates

If you prefer a date centered around culture, Parksville Qualicum Beach has plenty to offer. Immerse yourself in the region's history at the Parksville Museum or the Qualicum Beach Museum. Visit The Old School House Arts Centre, a public art gallery showcasing vibrant island talent. Don't miss the Salish Sea Market, where you can discover art and gifts created by over 195 local artists.

After a day of exploring museums and art galleries, indulge in a classy dinner. Qualicum Beach Cafe, known for its West Coast/Italian cuisine, is a great option, especially on Saturdays when live music enhances the ambiance.

Go With the Flow Dates

For the free-spirited couple, a fun and relaxed first date awaits in Parksville Qualicum Beach. Start by picking up some locally crafted chocolates or unique candies from Swell Sweets in Qualicum Beach. Then, explore the world of literature together at one of the local bookstores, such as The Mulberry Bush Bookstore or The Bookcase. Discuss your favourite reads and find a cookbook that combines your tastes for future cooking adventures.

Work up an appetite with a shared activity. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from Adventuress Sea Kayaking or Take Off Adventure Rentals and enjoy the coastline views from the water. Alternatively, rent e-bikes and cruise around town together, discovering new vistas.

Before the evening comes to an end, grab dessert to-go and head to one of the picturesque beaches to watch the sunset. Find a comfortable spot on the soft sand, lean against a piece of driftwood, and enjoy your sweet treat as you take in the breathtaking ocean views.

Family Friendly Dates

Whether it’s a father-daughter date, a mother-son excursion, or the whole family just needs to spend some quality time together outside the home, make your family date a memorable one by doing activities that everyone will enjoy. And who doesn’t enjoy a rousing game of miniature golf?

At Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf, you can enjoy two unique mini golf courses—one which features water obstacles, and the other with some elevation challenges. And of course, the best way to finish up an afternoon of mini golf is with some ice cream; the mini golf clubhouse serves 24 refreshing flavours (and mini donuts, if you prefer!). Meanwhile, Paradise Fun Park provides a classic mini golf course originally built in 1988, as well as a pirate-themed course. They’ve also got ice cream to make the whole family happy.

But if you want to experience a little more of the area, after you’ve mini golfed, hop in the car and head to one of many other ice cream locations in the region. Ice Cream Dreams on the Qualicum Beach Boardwalk will please every member of the family by providing the toppings of your choice to each cone, while Little Qualicum Cheeseworks offers the opportunity to not just indulge in their own vanilla or chocolate soft serve, but wander the grounds on a self-guided tour and stop by the petting farm. And if the kids love animals, another great stop would be the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, where the whole family can enjoy meeting eagles, owls, bears, turtles, ravens and more.

Anniversary Celebrations

Celebrate your anniversary with a romantic getaway in Parksville Qualicum Beach. Stay in one of the waterfront resorts like Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort or The Beach Club Resort where you can enjoy luxurious accommodations with stunning ocean vistas. Treat yourselves to spa experiences at Stonewater Spa or Tigh-Na-Mara, indulging in rejuvenating treatments like seaweed body wraps and couples massages.

For a unique and enchanting stay, book a weekend at Free Spirit Spheres, where you can experience cozy treetop resort rooms nestled in the beautiful forest region. Dine in style at the Treetop Tapas & Grill or opt for the intimate ambiance of Beachside Dome Dining at The Beach Club Resort, where you can enjoy a gourmet three-course dinner in a heated dome (seasonal).

Toast to your love and happily-ever-after as you relax in your room, savouring a glass of wine and cherishing the memories you've created together.

No matter the occasion or your preferences, Parksville Qualicum Beach offers the perfect setting for a memorable date. From thrilling adventures to cultural explorations and free-spirited outings, this Vancouver Island destination has it all. Plan your next romantic escapade and make lasting memories in Parksville Qualicum Beach.