Qualicum Beach

What a quaint town! It’s a phrase residents hear a lot. And it’s true.

Explore downtown Qualicum Beach and find unique, independent boutiques, shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants — with no big box or franchise stores in sight.

Downtown
Arts & Culture
History
Outdoor Recreation
Beach
Nature
Annual Events

Downtown

The streets are lined with traditional architecture, and there is always a colourful array of flowers, trees, planters, and gardens at every corner. The charm of our downtown feels like a storybook come to life, so take the time to wander our storied, pedestrian-friendly streets and pop into local shops!

The incredible walkable downtown makes it easy to explore, and West 2nd Avenue's unique shops will have you strolling all afternoon. Head to Mulberry Bush Bookstore to browse their shelves, find your latest thrift at ReVived Vintage, and don't forget to eat your way through the delicious culinary collection of restaurants and outdoor cafes, like the popular Q Burger.

Unwind with a glass of freshly brewed craft beer from Fern + Cedar Brewing Company, or sample whiskey, rum, gin, and other spirits at neighbouring True North Distillery.

Park your car and stroll the Village. Qualicum Beach downtown is pleasantly walkable.
Image: Boomer Jerritt

Arts & Culture

Qualicum Beach isn't short of artistic talent with stunning art galleries all within walking distance. And, in the heart of it all, discover art at The Old School House (TOSH). This historic, hundred-year-old building is filled with local art and artists, some working while you browse. TOSH also hosts arts and culture events throughout the year.

For live theatre and entertainment, look no further than the ECHO Players Society. The not-for-profit group has been presenting live community theater productions on the stage of the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach for more than 45 years, with four main stage shows each season and a Vancouver Island Juried One-Act Play festival each November.

Qualicum Beach's Old School House Art Centre a traditional architectural style you can expect to see throughout the Village.

History

Learn local history with a visit to the Qualicum Beach Museum, featuring an extensive and renowned paleontology exhibit as well as the social history of the town of Qualicum Beach and area. New oral history videos let visitors discover what Qualicum Beach was like when it was a retreat for the rich and famous, such as Bob Hope and the King of Siam.

Qualicum First Nations exhibit at the Qualicum Beach Museum
Qualicum Beach Museum
Credit: Justin Parent

Outdoor Recreation

Just steps from downtown Qualicum Beach is the town’s playground, swimming pool, skate park, BMX track, sports fields, and off-leash dog walking trails. Join the locals and walk the waterfront promenade lined with picnic tables, shade trees, a wash/change room, and lots of parking. Kayak and standup paddleboard rentals are available during the summer months.

Qualicum Beach offers three golf courses! Players are sure to be thrilled and amazed by the stunning views, manicured greens, and sprawling facilities of the links in QB! Marvel at the ocean views at the 9-hole Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course that was established in 1913, or embrace the challenge of the 18-hole Pheasant Glen Golf Resort that has hosted both Provincial and National Championships.

Grab your clubs and be the first to golf the new greens at Eaglecrest, QB's third golf course, in 2027 when the popular club reopens as a 9-hole course.

Pheasant Glen Golf Course

The Beach

Who doesn't love a dip in the ocean water? The spectacular beach is where you'll find most of the town's accommodations and some great seaside restaurants, where you can enjoy the view. Our handy Qualicum Beach page offers a list of available amenities nearby and the best activities to partake in on the coastline.

People enjoying an event in Parksville Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.

And Even More Nature!

The beautiful nature in Qualicum Beach extends way beyond the beach! Garden lovers must experience the magic of Milner Gardens and Woodland — 28 hectares (70 acres) of unspoiled natural beauty steeped in royal history perched on the edge of an oceanfront bluff overlooking the Strait of Georgia.

Located only five minutes from downtown, the 50-acre Heritage Forest of Qualicum Beach offers a diverse mix of plant and animal life for nature lovers to observe as they navigate the winding trails of this old-growth forest.

For more outdoor fun in nature at your own pace, explore the stunning sites and views of Hamilton Marsh. The nature reserve is the largest wetland between Nanaimo, Cumberland, and Port Alberni and offers hikes throughout its grassy acres.

Annual Events in QB

We keep ourselves busy with events that keep our community thriving and our calendars fun-filled. Every June we host the Seaside Cruizers Father's Day Show n Shine, a car show that brings antique and unique automobiles to QB's downtown area and draws crowds as big as 20,000 people.

Also in the summer season, the Thursday Night Market opens, which runs from July to August. This local event pops up every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Walk the lineup of vendors, artisans, and creatives that bring their handcrafted goods to the neighbourhood market.

Our Ocean Mile Swim competition brings swimmers to the waterfront for some friendly competition. For over 60 years, this event has challenged athletes to swim just over a mile in the ocean, striving for the award-winning status.

Our events happen throughout the year. Stay up to date on the latest and greatest through our annual events page.

Events in Qualicum Beach

  • Aug 5

    Live Music Wednesdays

    Live Music Wednesdays at the Nanoose Bay Cafe!Complimentary live music for guests at Nanoose Bay Cafe on The Stage at NBC Every Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Visit the "Upcoming Events" section of our What's…
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