Explore Local Flavour on the Parksville Qualicum Beach Passport Tour

The first stop on the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tasting Passport Tour is the Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market, a lively year-round event that has been a community staple every Saturday since 1997. This market kicks off bright and early at 8:30 am and features a vibrant mix of local vendors who make, bake, or grow everything they sell. Grab a hot coffee or a bite from one of the food trucks as you browse the stalls filled with fresh produce, local meats, baked goods, preserves, flowers, handmade crafts, and more. With live music and a welcoming atmosphere, the market is a gathering place for both locals and visitors and a true taste of the community spirit in Qualicum Beach.

Just a short drive southeast of Qualicum Beach lies the charming community of Errington, home to the Errington Farmers’ Market, held Saturday mornings from May to September. Nestled in a forested area behind Errington Park, this market has welcomed local growers, makers, and food lovers for over 40 years. Wooden farm stalls, a permanent bandstand, and a cozy café serving hot food and drinks create a warm, rustic atmosphere. It’s a one-of-a-kind setting to shop for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, handmade crafts, and other locally made treasures.

Qualicum Beach Cafe

Nestled inside the Qualicum Beach Inn, the Qualicum Beach Café offers elevated West Coast dining with sweeping ocean views from nearly every seat. The menu blends fresh, locally sourced ingredients (especially seafood) with a touch of Italian flair and a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The café is deeply committed to supporting local in every way possible: guests will find local eggs, cheese, seafood, meat, and greens featured throughout the menu, along with seasonal feature dishes that highlight the best of what’s fresh. The wine list is proudly BC-focused and has received Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence in both 2023 and 2024. Local musicians take the stage weekly, adding to the warm, coastal ambiance. To top it off, co-founder and COO Eli Brennan was recently named to the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame in the “Local Champion” category, recognizing his ongoing efforts to uplift local partners, vendors, and the surrounding community.

Realm Food Co.

Realm Food Co. in Parksville is a vibrant, farm-to-table eatery committed to local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. It operates counter-service style, offering a fresh menu full of bowls, tacos, sandwiches, smoothies, kombucha on tap, and a daily donut special. Co‑owner Chef James Hannah collaborates with Vancouver Island farms, butchers, bakers, and coffee roasters to ensure high‑quality, nourishing meals that cater to a range of dietary needs from vegan to paleo, and many items are gluten‑free or dairy‑free by default.

De L’île Restaurant

De L’île Restaurant in downtown Qualicum Beach is a true culinary gem. By day they operate as a European-style bakery, and by night they transform into a fine-dining, tasting-menu restaurant. When the sun is shining guests delight in items like buttery croissants, sourdough loaves, and savory pastries. In the evenings, an ever‑evolving multi-course menu showcases vegetables at their peak and fresh coastal seafood to deliver a vibrant West Coast dining experience.

Open Wednesday through Saturday evenings, De L’île typically offers 3- or 6-course tasting options, each dish crafted with creativity, precision, and an artful presentation that elevates even simple ingredients into something memorable.

De L’île takes pride in sourcing locally, collaborating with several outstanding local farmers and producers:

• Fierce Love Farm (Qualicum Beach): supplying fresh roots, greens, and seasonal flowers throughout the warmer months.
• Flicker Farm: providing a wide array of produce including tomatoes, peaches, and apples that have featured in past seasonal dishes.
• Esquimalt Wine Co.: a passionate local winemaker whose selections—including Bitter Red, Bitter Orange, and Rosso vermouth—are regular favourites on the restaurant’s curated wine list.

This close partnership with small farms and artisan producers helps ensure every dish reflects the bounty of the region and supports the local food community.

By seamlessly blending creative cooking, beautiful plating, and authentic local sourcing, De L’île offers an experience that truly celebrates Vancouver Island’s rich culinary roots.

Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company

Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Co. is a family-run craft brewery nestled just off Parksville’s main street on Stanford Avenue, serving beautifully made, locally crafted beers. The cozy tasting room offers flights, growler fills, cans, bottles, and brewery swag, while the smokehouse kitchen pairs creative burgers, massive pizzas, tacos, and slow-smoked meats with fresh brews on tap. Their flagship lineup includes standout beers like the award-winning blonde ale, layered pale ale, spruce-tip brut IPA “SPRUT,” rich porter, and hazy IPA “Ridgeline,” with rotating seasonal releases and experimentals to keep things fresh.

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is a family-run farm known for its delicious, handcrafted cheeses. Visitors can explore the farm, meet the animals, and see how traditional cheese-making is done. Guided tours are available, and the Farmgate store offers a range of fresh cheeses and local products. It’s a great spot for cheese lovers and families to enjoy a fun and tasty experience.

Parksville Community Park

Parksville Community Park is a popular waterfront park in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. Known for its expansive sandy beach, the park is a favourite spot for picnics, swimming, and beachcombing. This park is packed with opportunities for outdoor recreation, with a volleyball court, skatepark, baseball diamonds and more.

Take Off Adventure Rentals

Take Off Adventure Rentals in Coombs is your go‑to for outdoor fun with quality gear for exploring the area: rent e‑bikes, mountain bikes, SUPs, inflatable kayaks, skimboards, and camping packages, all available for self-guided touring around Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

Rathtrevor Beach Park

Rathtrevor Beach Park features a stunning stretch of golden sand that retreats nearly a kilometer at low tide for endless beachcombing, tide-pooling, and warming saltwater swims, all framed by majestic Douglas fir forest, scenic trails, and inviting picnic and campground spaces.

Old Country Market – Goats on the Roof

The Old Country Market, famously known for its “Goats on the Roof,” is a quirky and beloved landmark in Coombs. This unique market draws visitors with its charming goats that graze on the grass-covered rooftop. You can find a variety of shops offering clothing, artisan goods, artworks, groceries and prepared foods, as well as cafes and restaurants. It’s a must see for anyone visiting the area.

There are many great places to stay in the Parksville Qualicum Beach Area. Find the accommodation that suits you best, from beachfront resorts, cozy cabins and rustic campsites. Find your perfect stay at VisitParksvilleQualicumBeach.com.

Get out there and enjoy the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tour! Download the BC Farmers’ Market Trail App, and earn points and rewards when you check in at farmers’ markets across the province!