Your Neighbourhood Guide
Get to know Central Vancouver Island cities, towns and neighbourhoods and what they offer to homeowners
Central Vancouver Island
Stretching along the sheltered east coast of Vancouver Island, Central Vancouver Island offers visitors glorious parks, sandy beaches, warm ocean temperatures, tranquil lakes, exceptional golf courses, and fabulous fishing. Whether you are a current resident or have just moved to our wonderful area, getting to know our amazing neighbourhoods is a must when looking at buying your next home. From where the best schools are located to where you and your family can enjoy a day at the park, our comprehensive neighbourhood guide will give you a head start on determining what neighbourhood will be the best fit for you.
Nanaimo, Surrounding Areas and Islands
Central Vancouver Island features Vancouver Island’s second largest city, Nanaimo, a fun-filled, energetic city with a lively harbour. The word “Nanaimo” is derived from the Coast Salish word “Sney-Ny-Mous” meaning “meeting place.” Famous for its varied landscapes and more than two dozen parks, Nanaimo boasts one of the most beautiful waterfronts in BC. Nanaimo is the mid-island transportation hub to and from the British Columbia mainland with BC Ferries daily sailings from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver on the Mainland) and Duke Point to Tsawwassen on the lower BC mainland. This makes Nanaimo easy to get to, and a great central location to set up base for tours of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Whilst in Nanaimo, island hoppers can enjoy Gabriola Island accessed from Nanaimo by BC Ferries. The island is partly residential but also holds large expanses of forest with abundant wildlife. Long stretches of unspoiled coastline can be explored.
Oceanside Communities
Oceanside is a name adopted for a group of communities on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is part of the Regional District of Nanaimo and includes the City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach as well as the unincorporated communities of Nanoose Bay, Coombs, Errington, French Creek, Bowser, Deep Bay, Qualicum Bay and a few other smaller centers. A collection of friendly and small communities, the Parksville Qualicum Beach area stretches along the sheltered Strait of Georgia on Vancouver Island's eastern shore from Nanoose Bay in the south to Deep Bay in the north and inland to Cathedral Grove. Horne Lake, the historic town of Coombs, and the popular harbour at French Creek, among others, make up this eclectic region.
Parksville
Parksville marks the beginning of Oceanside country with the focus on the outstanding waterfront. When the tide is low, vast stretches of sand beckon to sandcastle builders and beachcombers. As the tide comes in, the water is warmed by the hot sand and is perfect for swimming. Arts and crafts in the Parksville area are world-renowned and feature a diverse selection of paintings, pottery, and jewelry. Shop and dine its many small boutique shops, local pubs and eateries or play a round of golf at one of the many area courses.
French Creek
The popular French Creek Harbour attracts fishing enthusiasts who wish to cast a line from the breakwater or hop aboard a charter for saltwater fishing adventure. Visitors to the marina can sail on one of several vessels moored here. Take a relaxing cruise on the Lasqueti Island Ferry, which operates out of French Creek. Additional water based activities such as kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, windsurfing or kiteboarding are just some of the activities available at this outdoor lovers paradise.
Qualicum Beach
Ten minutes north of Parksville on the Oceanside Route is the friendly community of Qualicum Beach. Known for spectacular gardens, wide open skies, distant mountains, gorgeous beaches, lush forests, and an endless list of activities. Explore downtown Qualicum Beach and find unique, independent boutiques, shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants — with no big box or franchise stores in sight. The streets are lined by traditional architecture and there is always a colourful array of flowers, trees, planters and gardens found on every corner.
Nanoose Bay
Nanoose Bay has some incredible day hikes, among towering old growth fir and twisted red arbutus trees. To experience all Nanoose Bay has to offer, take the scenic route on Northwest Bay Road through Red Gap, the heart of the community. At Powder Point Road you can take a short hike up The Notch to admire Garry Oak and Arbutus meadows, and spectacular views of the Strait of Georgia and across to the mainland. Nanoose Bay is also home to the seaside communities of Beachcomber with Beachcomber Marina, Fairwinds with Schooner Cove Marina, Fairwinds Golf Club and Rec Centre. Moorecroft Regional Park, the newest regional park, has amazing trails through remote forest and along rocky shores.
Lighthouse Country
North of Qualicum Beach is the charmingly rustic Lighthouse Country, named for the lighthouses on Sisters Island and Chrome Island. The region includes the communities of Dashwood, Qualicum Bay, Dunsmuir, Bowser, and Deep Bay, and is home to Island Scallops. This peaceful stretch of coast is a sea lover’s dream where you won’t find flashy tourist sites. Nile Creek is home to a small hatchery where volunteers are responsible for restoring pink salmon to record numbers. Today it is known as a world-class fly-fishing destination. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunities to boat, fish, hike, trail ride, cave, beachcomb and golf. The marina in protected Deep Bay Harbour offers boat charters and rentals.
Arrowsmith Coombs Country
South and West of Parksville is Arrowsmith Coombs Country, named after towering Mount Arrowsmith that is partially responsible for the enviable micro-climate surrounding Parksville Qualicum Beach. Arrowsmith Coombs Country is a collection of rural communities including Coombs, Errington, Hilliers, Meadowwood and Whiskey Creek. Also known for the Coombs Country Market where you’ll find the Goats on the Roof and shops in this area can best be described as eclectic.
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Neighbourhood Guide
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