17 Things to Do in Lighthouse Country

North of Qualicum Beach is the charmingly rustic Lighthouse Country, named for the lighthouses on Sisters Island and Chrome Island.

Deep Bay Marine Field Station
A working research station designed with sustainability in mind.

The region includes the communities of Dashwood, Qualicum Bay, Dunsmuir, Bowser and Deep Bay. This region of Parksville Qualicum Beach is not to be missed! Here are SEVENTEEN things to do while you're there:

1. Travel down a road of crushed seashells to the Deep Bay Marine Field Station where Vancouver Island University conducts shellfish research.

2. Gather the family around a beach fire for a clam bake and oysters picked fresh from the shore.

3. Explore tidal pools to discover starfish and sand dollars. These pools are Mother Nature's aquariums!

Starfish in Parksville Qualicum Beach
"Beautiful purple starfish visible at low tide." - Lorene Kimura

4. Swim or kayak in tranquil ocean waters.

5. Fish from shore alongside bald eagles and herons.

6. Head out fishing from Deep Bay Marina.

Eagle on the water
"Off to check out the fishing over there." - Lorene Kimura

7. Watch seals and sea lions swimming off-shore, especially in the Spring when the Salish Sea comes alive with wildlife.

8. Shop the Magnolia Court Summer Market in Bowser.

9. Visit the Salish Sea Market for a selection of artisan work in a variety of mediums.

Sea Lion in Parksville Qualicum Beach
"I can spend hours talking to people about sea lions and taking pictures. I guess it is all my years of being a zoo docent coming back." - Lorene Kimura

10. Have a drink and enjoy live music at the Crown & Anchor Roadhouse Pub. Or taste Vancouver Island's best fish & chips at Ship & Shore.

11. Discover the Lighthouse Country Regional Trail.

12. Find the path less taken at Rosewall Creek Provincial Park.

13. Visit the Big Qualicum Hatchery when the salmon spawn in the Fall.

Floating in Spider Lake
Photo by Carina Vause

14. Catch sight of a variety of birds on riverbanks and at the shoreline - Dippers, Geese, Gulls, and Swans are just a few of the types you can see.

15. Enjoy a hot summer day at Spider Lake Provincial Park.

16. Go underground at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park.

17. Lay your head down at oceanfront accommodations. Check out Qualicum Bay Resort, and Sea Flame Beach Resort.

A group touring Horne Lake Caves on Vancouver Island.
Photo by Landon Sveinson

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About the Author

Sharyn Sadauskas

Sea Flame Beach Resort

Sea Flame Beach Resort offers oceanside cottages, oceanfront log house rentals, and 4 full serve RV spaces all in a...