Top 5 Rainy Day Activities

When rain is in the forecast, we’ve got you covered. Stay dry with our best rainy day recommendations.

Image- @mandi_mckay

1. Explore the Local Arts & Culture

From artefacts to fossil collections, there's a lot to explore within the museum and gallery walls of Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

Discover the local history at the Qualicum Beach Museum featuring exhibits highlighting the Indigenous peoples of the area as well as fossils that reveal our geological past. Or take a walk through the 8 heritage buildings at the Parksville Museum and transport yourself back in time with a glimpse into the life of early Parksville settlers.

Stop by The Old School House Arts Centre, locally referred to as TOSH where you'll find a vibrant array of public art exhibitions, Resident artist's studios, a learning centre and a Gallery shop with art for purchase to add to your collection. The McMillian Arts Centre (MAC), located in one of the oldest buildings in the area, showcases paintings, photography, sculptures, and performance art throughout the year. Browse artwork, jewelry, artisan crafts and more at local galleries and studios.

2. Catch a show

Watch a live performance at the Village Theatre, home to the Echo Players, a group of local creatives bringing live theatre to the Parksville Qualicum Beach for over 40 years. The seasonal theatre productions and shows vary throughout the year so be sure to check the calendar for a look at what's currently hitting the stage.

3. Lift your Spirit(s) at a Brewery or Distillery

There's certainly no shortage of options when it comes to wetting your whistle on a rainy day.

Grab a pizza and a tasting flight at Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company or sip on an award winning beer nano-brewed just north of Qualicum Beach at LoveShack Libations. Stop by Fern + Cedar Brewing Company, the newest addition to the Qualicum Beach beer scene, making small batch, locally crafted beer inspired by the natural surroundings of the island. Indulge in farm-to-tap craft beer and mouthwatering gourmet bites at Rusted Rake Brewing, elevating your culinary experience with a warm ambience.

Embrace the unique flavour profiles of artisanal spirits, learn the distilling process and sample spirits handcrafted in Errington at Misguided Spirits Craft Distillery. True North Distillery is the newest distillery in the area conveniently located right next to Fern + Cedar Brewing Company in Qualicum Beach.

Not much of a beer drinker, not to worry. There are a variety of wineries nearby as well to choose from.

4. Spend the Day Relaxing

Don't let the stress of bad weather dampen your plans. Feel calm, relaxed and rejuvenated at one of our local spas.

Grotto Spa offers a restorative experience featuring spa treatments and a mineral pool or dine comfortably in your robe and slippers at their Treetop Tapas Grill. Or enjoy a special day of pampering at Stonewater Spa with a massage, facial or body treatment. You'll leave feeling at peace without a worry in the world.

5. Visit Animal Attractions for All Ages

Looking for something for the whole family to do on a rainy day? Our wildlife and animal attractions will keep you captivated for hours.

Take the family to North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre and explore the interactive Learning Centre and learn about the work they're doing to rehabilitate injured bears, bald eagles, deers and more.

Meander through the climate controlled greenhouses at Butterfly World Coombs, as you watch butterflies fly, sip nectar, and bask in the sunlight around you. Butterfly World is a seasonal attraction so be sure to check the hours of availability before heading over.

Meet local marine life at the Deep Bay Marine Field Station when you dunk your hands in the touch takes, gaze at the aquatic happenings in the aquariums or stand in awe admiring the massive whale skeleton on display.

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks isn't just about the cheese. It's a dairy farm, home to cows, bunnies, a Mooseum and Calfe where you can eat something cheesy. Take a self guided tour and mosey around the farm's many crowd pleasing attractions.

We asked our Facebook fans about Summer activities to enjoy in the rain. Here are a few great suggestions:

“The rain won’t stop us from searching for shells on Parksville Beach” - Sasha Redmann
"Not rain - liquid sunshine. Nothing better than splashing in the tide pools at the beach on a rainy day, the ocean warmer than the air. Refreshing, exhilarating and fun with the added bonus of no crowds :-) Or stay dry & check out Horne Lake Caves." - Stephanie Scott
"The Old Country Market & neighbouring shops are good to visit rain or shine. Indoor attractions include Butterfly World also in Coombs. There's something magical about Cathedral Grove in the rain, too." - Skye Donald

Butterfly World Coombs

So grab your raincoat and boots and don’t let the weather rain on your parade. There are plenty of things to do in Parksville Qualicum Beach, even when Mother Nature makes a change to your itinerary.