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The Parksville Qualicum Beach Tasting Passport Tour takes you on a trip through several coastal communities on Vancouver Island’s east shore. Stop by the Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market and Errington Farmers’ Market where you can find locally grown produce and artisan goods. Plus, explore local farms like the Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, embark on a caving adventure at Horne Lake Caves, check out the iconic Old Country Market, and enjoy farm fresh meals at local restaurants. Keep reading to find out all there is to Taste and Do in Parksville Qualicum Beach.
Don’t forget to download the BC Farmers’ Market Trail app and start exploring this tour yourself! You’ll earn points for every stop you check-in at, level up, and earn rewards!
The first stop on the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tasting Passport Tour is the Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market. This year-round market has been serving the community of Qualicum every Saturday since 1997!
Get an early start at this market, with a start time of 8:30 am. Enjoy a hot coffee or snack from one of the food trucks at the market as you peruse the local food producer’s offerings. Stock up on locally grown fruit and veggies, meats, baked goods, artisan goods, preserves, crafts and more.
Just a short drive southeast of Qualicum is the community of Errington, where you can find the Errington Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings from May to September.
Located in the wooded area behind Errington Park, local artisans and food producers have been gathering on Saturday mornings for over 40 years! Over the years wooden farm stalls have been built specifically for the market, along with a permanent bandstand and café serving hot food and drinks. Check out this unique market in a picturesque setting for locally grown goodies, meats, cheeses, baked goods, artisan goods, crafts and more.
Qualicum Beach Cafe
Qualicum Beach Café offers an elevated dining experience on the waterfront. It’s known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and stunning ocean views. Their menu is inspired by West Coast cuisine and features fresh and local ingredients, like fresh-caught seafood and local wines. Stop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, happy hour or dinner!
Nanoose Bay Cafe
Check out this family-run restaurant and cafe for specialty coffee, elevated dining and locally sourced provisions. With stunning views of the bay, Nanoose Bay Cafe specializes in locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, with a menu focused on fresh seafood, farm-to-table dishes, and West Coast-inspired flavours.
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.
Arbutus Meadows Farm
Arbutus Meadows Farm is a picturesque farm where visitors can experience a bit of rural life. One of the main attractions is the Happy Animals Village, where guests can meet and interact with friendly farm animals. The farm also hosts special events throughout the year, such as the Springtime Market and Afternoon High Tea. Be sure to check out the Lavender Shop for a great selection of lavender-infused items.
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.
Englishman River Falls Park
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a natural gem known for its two stunning waterfalls. This park is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, swimming and picnicking. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is also home to more than 100 campsites open from May-September.
Horne Lake Caves
Looking for some adventure? Horne Lake Caves offers guided caving expeditions with a mix of excitement and education suitable for various ages and abilities. With a focus on safety and fun, their knowledgeable guides lead you through caves rich with crystal formations and fossils.
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!