Arrowsmith Coombs Country

Take a short, 5-minute drive along Alberni Highway from Parksville or Memorial Avenue from Qualicum Beach and you’ll enter Arrowsmith Coombs Country, where you’ll discover a diverse mix of activities and experiences sure to be an excellent addition to any itinerary.

Wildlife

In addition to your encounter with goats on the roof, Arrowsmith Coombs Country also presents families with multiple opportunities to observe and learn about wildlife. At Errington’s North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, a non-profit animal rehabilitation facility, view more than 60 non-releasable animals, including bears, owls and bald eagles. In Coombs, visitors to Butterfly World can admire butterflies from around the world in one of its greenhouses, view colourful koi fish in indoor and outdoor ponds, and learn about other animals throughout the property, including reptiles and birds.

More awe-inspiring natural beauty awaits at MacMillan Provincial Park along Alberni Highway, which is home to Cathedral Grove — a 157-hectare grouping of towering, magnificent Douglas-fir trees, some more than 800 years old. A network of trails allows you to walk amongst these 80-metre-tall giants, eventually leading to Cameron Lake, a prime spot for fishing and swimming.

Perfect for camping, Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park near Whiskey Creek is also home to waterfalls, old-growth forests, and a 6 km network of shaded trails that offer incredible views of the upper and lower falls.

Cameron Lake is a top choice for swimming, fishing, kayaking and even windsurfing, with the Beaufort Picnic Site serving as an excellent place to refuel and relax during or after your experience on the lake. Paddleboards, kayaks and other gear can be rented from the nearby Take Off Adventure Rentals in Coombs. While exploring the lake, keep your eyes peeled for “Cammie,” the mythical Cameron Lake cryptid rumoured to swim beneath the surface.

For more swimming (but with one less sea monster), dip into the crystal clear waters of the swimming holes formed below the lower falls in Englishman River Falls Provincial Park.

Amusements

On dry land, entertain the whole family at Fast Time Amusements between Errington and Parksville. This all-in-one entertainment complex includes archery experiences, axe throwing ranges, laser and archery tag courses, and a 1,650-foot, 35-turn outdoor karting track sure to thrill every racer.

With so much to see and do in Arrowsmith Coombs Country, it’s important to remember to set aside time to savour the region’s culinary scene. Start the morning with a locally roasted coffee or espresso from Creekmore's Coffee in Coombs. Nearby, Trees Restaurant & Bakery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an on-site bakery that produces cookies, cakes, and even the buns used on sandwiches and other menu items.

Still in Coombs, sample artisan Vancouver Island cheese and observe the cheese-making process at BoMé Cheese in Coombs, or grab a spot at a table and feast on their menu of authentic German dishes. Continue your global food tour at Thai Smile Cuisine, whose menu includes tom kha, red curry and pad Thai.

Don’t forget to return to the goat-topped Coombs Old Country Market for fine Italian dining at Cuckoo Trattoria, Mexican-inspired dishes at Taqueria Cantina and The Market Café for casual soups, sandwiches and seasonal specials. Imbibers should visit the nearby Misguided Spirits, a craft micro-distillery whose gin, vodka and other spirits are made using only British Columbia grain.

For fresh, locally sourced produce, meat and other provisions, the Errington Farmers’ Market is a must-visit.

Plan your visit to Arrowsmith Coombs Country around one of the region’s exciting events, such as the Coombs Bluegrass Festival, which is hosted each July or August and is the longest-running bluegrass festival in British Columbia. Also held annually in August, the Coombs Fair has been bringing food, vendors, animals and amusements to the Coombs Fairgrounds since 1913. In Errington, enjoy a regular line-up of live music and other performances at the Errington War Memorial Hall.