A Sweet Expedition

Road trips are fun, but most of the time they also bring to mind stressful packing and long days. Sometimes we just don’t have the time to invest in a week-long adventure. But have you ever gone on a local, themed “road trip”? It’s the perfect way to spend a day with friends or family without the stress of a classic trip. The various communities within Parksville Qualicum Beach provide the perfect opportunity for a scenic drive by ocean beaches, verdant forests and quaint communities.

As for the theme, it could be anything—from breweries to desserts or farm stands and patios. For a particularly “sweet” trip, gather the gang in the car and head to some of the many popular bakeries and treat shops and collect an assortment of indulgences to fuel your memories.

Begin in Qualicum Beach, where you can pop into two places with just one stop.

Swell Sweets

Swell Sweets makes the perfect start, because nothing says indulgence like chocolate. They carry a variety of B.C.-made chocolate and other confections, including the famous Roger’s Chocolates from Victoria.

Qualicum Beach Bakery and Cafe

Then just a few steps away from Swell Sweets, you’ll find Qualicum Beach Bakery and Cafe. Having recently changed ownership, the bakery offers European specialties as well as an ever-growing menu of Indian dishes and treats.

Bailey's in the Village

Make your way to this cozy eatery in Qualicum Beach, where a delectable assortment of baked goods await. Here, muffins and cookies are baked to a golden perfection.

L'îlette Boulangerie

Embark on another quick stroll to L'îlette Boulangerie for exceptional French pastries. The maple and walnut croissant is simply divine, oozing with a syrupy sweetness. If you're craving a savoury bite, the ham and gruyere is a stunning balance between sharpy nutty flavors and pillowy soft layers of flakiness.

Wild Culture Artisan Bakery

Continue your sweet journey in Qualicum Beach with Wild Culture Artisan Bakery (only open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12pm to 5pm). They offer a variety of sweet baked delights—and if you want to keep from overdoing it purely on sweets, this would be a great place to try a savoury scone or a sausage roll.

Trees Restaurant and Bakery

Make your way to Trees Restaurant and Bakery in Errington and uncover an array of indulgent treats. There’s a whole lot of sweet variety here—choose between brownies, pies, croissants, cinnamon buns, cupcakes, Nanaimo bars and so much more—including a wide selection of gluten-free options.

Billy G's Donuts

Along with goats on the roof, the Coombs Old Country Market features Billy G's Donuts! Take in the aroma of sugar and spices while choosing from a plethora of creative doughnuts and familiar classics. Must-try flavors include a bacon-topped maple doughnut and a chocolate-dipped bear claw.

Sweet Spot Bake Shop

The next stop on our list is Sweet Spot Bake Shop in Parksville. This is a cookie-lover’s paradise, with melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter, shortbread, and stuffed cookie options.

Brazen Poppy Bakery Cafe

After your cookie-filled experience, it might feel good to stretch your legs and move a little, so consider walking to your next stop, less than a kilometer away—Brazen Poppy Bakery Cafe, where turnovers, muffins and cinnamon buns, and amazing poppy seed buns await you.

Realm Food Co.

This local restaurant will transform you into an instant regular with vegan and gluten-free sweets. Bite into an assortment of treats at Realm Food Co. and relish a decadent delight like the chickpea brownie with salted caramel.

Purebread Bakery & Cafe

Along with rounds of mini golf and bumper boats, Paradise Fun Park is home to Purebread Bakery & Cafe—a charming eatery that offers a variety of pastries, coffee, and ice cream. We recommend trying the buckwheat sour cherry cone!

The Pie Factory

Finally, pile into the car one last time and continue your scenic journey to Nanoose Bay. Find The Pie Factory, and if your sweet tooth still demands it, take a fruit pie home to bake fresh. But just in case you’ve had your fill of sweets, the other reason to end your sweet trip here is because they also make a bunch of savoury pies perfect for dinner later—like roasted chicken, pork and mushroom, and spinach and feta.