Natural Wonders of Oceanside

There are 12 small communities within the Oceanside area, with the most well-known being Parksville, Coombs and Qualicum Beach.

The area is defined by its beauty. There are breathtaking waterfalls that cascade into crystal clear rivers; rock-faced cliffs that balance over picturesque swimming holes; colourful gardens and trails surrounded by old-growth trees; stunning views of vast sandy beaches and beautiful bays; delicate landscapes of ancient fossils and crystal formation; and sensitive ecosystems teeming with life.

I present to you the natural wonders of Oceanside!

Top Ten Natural Wonders of Oceanside

Notch Hill

This well-loved trail in Nanoose Bay leads to incredible views of the surrounding land and waters. It's also home to an impressive Gary Oak ecosystem, as well as an Arbutus grove.

Due to it being quite a short trail, the climb of 240 meters (787 feet) to the top is quite steep. But you should be able to arrive at the top in under 30 minutes. The total hike there and back is approximately 3 km.

The Top Bridge suspension bridge is the junction that connects three parks surrounding the Englishman River. These parks include Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, City of Parksville Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park, and Englishman River Regional Park. Obviously, the suspension bridge isn't a natural wonder (although it is pretty fantastic!), the surrounding area definitely is.

There is a great network of biking and walking trails, cool fresh water pools perfect for fishing and/or swimming, and magnificent rock-faced cliffs that teeter over the beautiful Englishman River.

Getting There

Top Bridge has several access points. For easy access to the suspension bridge, head to Chattell Road. Just past the truck scales on Highway 19A, you will come to a four-way stop. Continue through this four-way stop and then turn right onto Chattell Road. You will find the large parking area at the very end.

If you are up for a bit more of a walk there are four other entry points. You can catch the trail at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park; anywhere along Resort Way; at Industrial Way and Tuan Rd (one block inland from Hwy 19A); or, from the end of Allsbrook Rd (off Bellevue Rd, off Hwy 4A).

Top Bridge Map

Rathtrevor Beach

This 2 km long stretch of sandy beach is a famous Parksville landmark. The shallow, and ultimately warm, waters make for the best swimming opportunities for young children still learning. At low tide, that same shallow water area becomes nearly a kilometre long stretch of soft sand leading out into the Strait of Georgia. Making it the absolute perfect location to build sandcastles!

Englishman River Falls

Located near Errington, Englishman River Falls features not one, but two beautiful waterfalls. A short 1.5 km loop trail will take you to both the upper and lower falls. The views are spectacular along the way, especially from the two bridges that cross the river.

If you are visiting during the summer, make use of the crystal clear pool at the base of the lower falls. It's a popular swimming hole for locals. In the Fall, the park becomes a prime viewing area for the return of spawning salmon.

Hamilton Marsh

At 3 kms long and 1/2 km wide, Hamilton Marsh is the largest wetlands on Central Vancouver Island.

The trails leading from the parking areas guide you through a beautiful privately owned forest all the way to the Marsh. The paths are narrow and full of rickety old bridges. So do be careful as you walk.

As you meander around this natural habitat, keep on the look out for marsh birds, ducks and geese. Viewing platforms at the Marsh allow for closer observation of the inhabitants and great photo ops. This area is particularly active in the Spring and Fall.

Getting There

Hamilton Marsh is located approximately 4 km north of Coombs on South Hilliers Road, just off the Alberni Highway (Highway 4) on the way to Port Alberni. There are two entrances to the Marsh on South Hilliers Road. The first one is just after you turn off of the Alberni Highway. The second is a bit further down South Hilliers Road. Watch for large rocks on your left-hand side indicating the parking area(s). The second entrance is the easiest access to the Marsh and has the most available parking space.

Marsh Map

Little Qualicum Falls

There is 6 km of walking trails throughout the Qualicum Falls area. All of them leave from either the Provincial Park campground or Little Qualicum Falls day-use area. The trails meander through old-growth and second-growth forests along the Little Qualicum River.

For a relatively easy 3km walk, leave from the day-use area and follow the loop trail to view the lower and upper waterfalls. Lookout points are located along the trail and offer spectacular views.

The loop trail takes approximately 1 hour to complete, depending on ability. Please note, there are some stairs and/or rocks to climb, so bringing a wheelchair or stroller isn't advised if you are planning on completing the entire loop.

Getting There

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park (campground and day-use area) is located 19 km west of Parksville on Hwy 4 (Alberni Hwy). Watch for signage along the highway to lead you.

Milner Gardens

This seaside garden in Qualicum Beach offers 70 acres of unspoiled natural beauty. Stroll through the winding pathways lined with old Douglas Firs. Or meander through 10 acres of woodland gardens filled with rhododendrons and trilliums. End the afternoon with High Tea at the Historic Milner House, while ogling the panoramic ocean views.

A Bit of History

The estate was acquired by Vancouver Island University in 1996, with a goal to maintain the garden in perpetuity for education and the community's benefit. Doing so in the original owner, Ray Milner's, memory.

For a more in-depth history, head to the website of Milner Gardens.

Getting There

Milner Gardens is located in Qualicum Beach off of highway 19A (West Island Hwy). The official address is 2179 West Island Highway, Qualicum Beach.

Watch for signs along the way. There is ample parking near the entrance.

Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest

This little gem of a forest sits in the heart of Qualicum Beach. It's a quiet unassuming place to take a leisurely stroll. You will be amongst ancient Douglas Fir trees, and will probably hear and/or see a variety of birds. On your walk, you will also view Western Red Cedar, Hemlock, Grand Fir and Sitka Spruce. Use the provided benches to sit and enjoy your surroundings.

History

In 1995 the Brown Family Trust expressed an interest in selling the Brown Mansion (now called Crown Mansion) along with the immediate 5 acres and surrounding 50 acres of forested land. The Brown Property Preservation Society was then formed. Their goal was to raise funds through public donations for the purchase of the land with the intent to protect it from development.

The area was last logged in the 1870's, which is why you will find some ancient trees over 700 years old! It might be interesting to note that very little of the coastal Douglas-Fir ecosystem is protected, making this forest quite significant.

The Trails

The bark mulched trails that meander through the 50-acre property are wide, flat and easy to walk on. There is approximately 2 km of trails available for public use.

Getting There

There are a few access points and parking areas for the Heritage Forest. The main access is next to the Crown Mansion on Crescent Road (292 Crescent Road East, Qualicum Beach). There is also parking available on Chester Road, Hemsworth Road, and St. Andrews Road.

Cathedral Grove

Located in MacMillan Provincial Park, Cathedral Grove is one of the most easily accessible stands of old growth forest on Vancouver Island. Trails on either side of the highway lead visitors through paths lined with ancient Douglas Firs. Some of which are over 800 years old. These giants are the survivors of a forest fire that ravaged the area some 350 years ago.

The south side of the highway is where you will find the largest of these Douglas Firs. One of these beauties measures more than 9 metres in circumference! On the north side of the road, you'll find groves of ancient Western Red Cedar.

A Bit of History

As early as the 1920's Cathedral Grove was a well-known tourist stop. And for many years the public encouraged the Provincial Government to acquire the land. In fact, in 1929, an organization called "The Associated Boards of Trade of Vancouver Island", petitioned the government to preserve the forest forever for public benefit.

It wasn't until 1944, when H.R. MacMillan, a well-known forester, donated the 136 hectares of land solely for the perpetual enjoyment of the public. He did so in recognition of the unique stand of trees. Three years later, the area was established as a Class A Provincial Park.

Getting There

MacMillan Park (Cathedral Grove) is located on Hwy 4, on your way to Port Alberni. When you see a mass congestion of cars parked on either side of the road, you know you have arrived!

From Hwy 19 and/or Hwy 19A, take the Highway 4 exit and head west toward Port Alberni.

Horne Lake Caves

Caving offers an exploration of an amazing underground world not many people get to experience. If viewing the wonders of stalagmites, stalactites, crystal formations, underground waterfalls, and ancient fossils intrigue you, then caving might just be your thing.

And I can't think of a better place to start than Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park.

A Bit of History

The park was established in 1971 at the request of public caving groups on Vancouver Island. They were concerned about the potential damage of the caves and the fragile crystal formations contained within.

The Caves

Although you can explore a small portion of the caves at Horne Lake on your own, I highly recommend booking one of the five guided tour opportunities the park offers. You not only get to see more, but your guide will educate you along the way!

For an in-depth look at the tours available, check out our post exclusively on Horne Lake Caves.

Getting There

The park is accessed via the Horne Lake exit off of Hwy 19 or Hwy 19A. Follow the signs for 12 km to find the caves.So, have I convinced you yet why you should explore the 10 natural wonders of Oceanside?

This is a guest article by local Vancouver Island blog, VancouverIslandView.com.