Ways We Enjoy Oceanside

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The official Oceanside region encompasses much more. It is the Parksville and Qualicum Beach areas that make up the majority of Oceanside, but the area also includes Nanoose Bay, French Creek, Errington, Arrowsmith Coombs Country, and Lighthouse Country. In total, over 25,000 people live in the Oceanside region, and its annual events and scenic parks make it one of the most visited areas of the Island.

Don’t’ be mistaken by those blue and white road signs alongside the east coast of Vancouver Island that read “Oceanside Route.” The official Oceanside region encompasses much more. It is the Parksville and Qualicum Beach areas that make up the majority of Oceanside, but the area also includes Nanoose Bay, French Creek, Errington, Arrowsmith Coombs Country, and Lighthouse Country. In total, over 25,000 people live in the Oceanside region, and its annual events and scenic parks make it one of the most visited areas of the Island.

As its name suggests, Oceanside is widely known for its extensive coastline, yet this Central Vancouver Island region has so much more to offer locals and visitors alike. For instance, Oceanside has the mildest climate in all of Canada.

Oceanside is a diverse area packed with natural beauty like that of beaches, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, and multiple mountain trails. Tourism has increased rapidly each year, not only due to the remarkable environment but also because of the multiple events, festivals, accommodation, and attractions that are growing in popularity. 
A few years ago, a local study revealed just how special visitors consider the Oceanside area. Since then, the amount of visitors to Oceanside area continues to increase. We suspect is has to do with the local businesses paying special attention to each of their visitors.

According to the study, in 2002, approximately 516,000 visitors spent 947,000 visitor days in Oceanside (one visitor day is one day spent by one visitor). The study also revealed that for 40 percent of local businesses, tourism spending is either their primary or their secondary source of revenue. Indeed, many goods, services, and activities would not be available to local residents without the support of tourism spending.

So what is it beyond the beauty and the great hospitality that attracts people to the area?
In the summertime, the main event that attracts thousands is the Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition, a favourite for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy watching world-class sculptors that return each year to create greater than ever sandcastles. They have 24 hours to build their masterpiece, which will be on display for one month. Sit in your lawn chair and watch the kids play in the park or build their own castles with moats and dragons and enjoy Music in the Park every weekend. This year it all begins on July 15.

What follows this competition is Parksville Beach Fest, which is held every summer for a few weeks. This year it runs from July 15 to August 14. Aside from the aforementioned Canadian Open Sand Castle Competition, other events include a classic car show, beach volleyball, croquet tournaments, and stage presentations.

But, before Beach Fest comes a vintage car show that is not to be missed. Father’s Day is special in Qualicum Beach. Each year, the Father's Day Seaside Cruizers Car Show & Shine turns out more and more of a crowd. This year the weekend event took place on June 17 to June 19. It all began at the A&W Restaurant in Parksville. Music from the 50s and 60s filled the streets and the smell of grilled food was too much to resist. Attendees were able to walk the streets and view the restored vintage cars, trucks, hot rods, and more.

While in Qualicum there is a special destination known as Milner Gardens, located at 2179 West Island Highway, which is a great spot for those with a green thumb, or those who wish they did! Take a step back in time to discover the unique heritage home and unspoiled natural beauty found within the 70-acre Milner Gardens and Woodland. Stroll through the forest to the woodland garden with its rhododendron-lined glades carpeted with cyclamen, trillium, and other indigenous plants. Experience the 10-acre artist’s garden surrounding the historic Milner House situated atop a tree framed ocean-side bluff, overlooking Georgia Strait and coastal mountains.

On July 16 and 17 at Milner Gardens, there is the chance to meet, mingle and be inspired by local artists at work during the Milner Gardens Art & Photography in the Garden Event. We’ve heard that there will be artists painting, sketching, carving, and photographing the beauty of the gardens.

Summer at Oceanside also brings Bard to Broadway from July 4 to August 6. Bard to Broadway Theatre Society presents a summer season of two high caliber live theatre productions. Music, laughter, romance and intrigue will fill their Village Theatre, in the heart of beautiful Qualicum Beach, across from Quality Foods. Season passes are available. Tickets can be purchased from the B2B box office in Qualicum Beach, and at the Visitor Information Centre in Parksville.

However, sometimes you are drawn to a quieter pursuit. Your tastes will be honoured as you view the incredible old growth forest of Cathedral Grove. Or a trail ride offered by a few different stables gives you a different approach to nature. Hiking trails abound as do bike paths. Families may also enjoy a visit Butterfly World, the World Parrot Refuge, or the goats on the roof in Coombs, and the Wildlife Recovery Center in Errington. Wildlife abounds here at Oceanside and there are several opportunities allowing us to get up close.

These are just a few of the exciting things coming up in the Oceanside this summer. We hope you enjoy your stay!

SOME MUST SEES WHILE IN THE AREA:

Visit here for more events

This article was written by Dona Naylor of Island Times Magazine.

Send your comments to comments@islandtimesmagazine.ca

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