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Hiking and Biking Trails:
Starting off with the trails near the resort, head north and walk along the Little Qualicum River to the Bird Sanctuary. If you are a nature lover and you want to travel further than just outside the back yard for a hike, Oceanside is home to eight BC Provincial Parks and five regional district parks including Rathtrevor Beach, Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls and Cathedral Grove, (left) with its towering 850-year-old Douglas fir trees - a MUST SEE for photographers too!
Rathtrevor Provincial Park. Beautiful golden sandy beaches covered in driftwood and shells. Rathtrevor Beach is a popular destination when the sun is out. The endless beach is ideal for families, for soul searching beach walks, throwing a frisbee, photography and relaxing.
Little Qualicum Falls Park. 440 hectre park with forested trails and waterfalls crashing down in between rock crevices. The Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park offers it's visitors some of the best controlled conditions of unobstructed views of the upper and lower waterfalls.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. Among the rain forest are some spectacular waterfalls, hiking trails and picnic areas. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park spans out over 97 hectares with a day-use area, a campground, trails leading through the lush second-growth and old-growth forests. Off the trails, the forest floor is littered with fallen timbers and branches covered with moss and comforted by ferns.
The Barclay Crescent Millennium Bridge was built in 2000 and a plaque marks the site dedicated to all the volunteers. The area is ideal for wildlife viewing and has a Salmon Spawning run every December. The trail is a route from Parksville to French Creek. A trail system suited for walkers and bikers passing over French Creek.
Cameron Lake (right). Beaches for swimming and suntanning. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing and windsurfing on the lake is common. Beautiful crystal clear waters for relaxing times. Keep an eye out for the creature in the lake. Head west to Port Alberni, the lake is on the right hand side of the road, with several different access points.
Fern Road Woods Trail. The trail is a pedestrian, cyclist and horseback trail that leads into the community of Qualicum Beach. The Fern Road Woods Trail is accessed west of Bennet Road.
 Hamilton Creek and Marsh (left) provides natural habitat for such marsh birds and is particularly active in spring and fall with migrations of ducks and geese. Woodland trails from the small parking lot lead you to and around the marsh, with a viewing platform for closer observation of marsh inhabitants. The privately-owned Hamilton Marsh (360 hectares) is surrounded by second growth forest, and is located approximately 10 minutes drive due south of Qualicum Beach, on South Hilliers Road, just off the Alberni Highway 4.
Mount Arrowsmith Regional Park. Long wilderness hikes into the backcountry offering up views of the Vancouver Island coastline for miles from Nanaimo to Qualicum Bay. Scenery is spectacular. Access from Hwy #4 west of Qualicum Beach.
Oceanside Route Scenic Drive. Experience the beautiful ocean drive from Qualicum Beach to the Denman Island Ferry Terminal outside of Deep Bay, BC along Hwy #19A, the Oceanside Route. Turn left out our parking lot, sit back and enjoy the ride!
 Spider Lake (right) just north of the Riverside Resort off Horne Lake Rd, is off limits to all motorized boats, so if you are looking to spend an afternoon in tranquility look no further. Spider Lake is stocked with small mouth bass and Rainbow trout, providing fishing opportunities year-round.
Qualicum Bay Beach. Sandy pebble beach with tidal pools and lots of driftwood. great for beachcomber and exploring for the kids. Located north of the resort off of Hwy #19A, the Oceanside Route.
Rosewall Provincial Park. Small park with a one hour hike along creek and through forests to a small waterfall and picnic area. Located north of Qualicum Beach in Deep Bay off of Hwy #19A.
Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park. Awesome network of trails for experts to novice mountain bikers. Access from Chattell Rd in Parksville.
Top Bridge Trail. 5 km trail one way connecting Rathetrevor Provincial Park and Beach with Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park. It is a rough straight forward trail great for walking and mountain bikers. Access from Industrial Road.
Because Riverside Resort is ideally located in central Vancouver Island you can take advantage of the entire Island without having to pack your suitcases around with you.
 
Within an hour of our resort you can ride to the top of Comoxs Mount Washington on a ski lift (sorry, there is a fee for this), head south and stroll and shop along the waterfront market in Nanaimos harbour. Keep going for another 20 minutes and see dozens of murals in Chemainus. To the west, Port Alberni offers 18 murals throughout the town as well as the awe inspiring Martin Mars Water Bomber.
For a full list of local activities available, please visit the Oceanside Tourism website here.
FISHING in the Qualicum Beach area:
Vancouver Island is one of the finest fishing destinations in the world Campbell River, two hours north of Qualicum Beach, is regarded as being the Salmon Fishing Capital of the World (although Port Alberni, 45 minutes west) is bound to contest that), and it is true that here is where you are likely to catch the "big one".
  The waters on and around Vancouver Island are so prolific that both the "Salmon Capital of the World" (Campbell River) and the "Fly Fishing Capital of Canada" (Cowichan River) are found here.
Vancouver Island - recognized by Conde Nast Traveller magazine as the "Top North American Island" for seven years in a row - is known worldwide for its saltwater and freshwater fishing.
From Port Hardy in the north to Victoria in the south, from the Pacific Rim communities in the west to Campbell River in the east, this region offers excellent year-round sport fishing opportunities.
Most communities on Vancouver Island lie on or near the ocean, meaning anglers have nearly unlimited fishing opportunities, tours and services.
Types of Fish on Vancouver Island
- Salmon - All five species (coho, sockeye, pink, chum and some of the largest Chinook salmon on the BC coast) swim here.
Steelhead - A highly prized, hard-fighting game fish; found in dozens of rivers and lakes in the region.
Rainbow and Cutthroat trout - Found in most lakes and rivers in the region.
Halibut - This popular game fish is easily caught and can reach a huge size
Rockcod, lingcod - Caught nearly everywhere in coastal waters off the Island
Shellfish - Crabs, prawns, shrimp, oysters and clams share space with the fish, and are truly delectable.
Whether you are fresh or saltwater fishing in the Qualicum Beach area, there are rules and regulations. Please visit the Department of Fisheries Recreational Fishing page and keep updated on the rules & regs in Area 14 (Saltwater fishing) or Area 1 (Freshwater fishing).
Where to buy a fishing license in the Oceanside area:
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' THE ERRINGTON STORE |
1544 GRAFTON AVE |
ERRINGTON BC |
V0R 1V0 |
250-248-3641 |
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' FANNY BAY SERVICE LTD |
8256 ISLAND HIGHWAY S |
FANNY BAY BC |
V0R 1W0 |
250-335-2200 |
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' FRENCH CREEK MARINA STORE |
5 - 1025 LEE ROAD |
PARKSVILLE BC |
V9P 2E1 |
250-248-8912 |
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' GOOD TIMES SALMON CHARTERS |
531 HAWTHORNE RISE |
PARKSVILLE BC |
V9P 2K3 |
250-752-4221 |
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' TIGH-NA-MARA SEASIDE SPA & RESORT |
1155 RESORT DRIVE |
PARKSVILLE BC |
V9P 2E5 |
250-248-1833 |
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' WHISKEY CREEK SAVE ON GAS |
3702 ALBERNI HWY |
QUALICUM BEACH |
V9K 1X7 |
250-752-9261 |
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' COSTA LOTTA ESTATES LTD. |
295 LARKDOWNE ROAD |
QUALICUM BEACH |
V9K 2N8 |
250-752-7047 |
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' WILLIAM A. NORMAN |
SALMON FISHING CHARTERS |
QUALICUM BEACH |
V9K 1S9 |
250-752-6266 |
OR BUY YOUR LICENSE ONLINE AT: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/licence-permis/index-eng.htm
Fishing charter companies abound on central Vancouver Island we have ve listed those within an hours drive of the resort. No matter what you are fishing for you will be onboard with some of Vancouver Island's most experienced and respected professional saltwater fishing guides who are renowned for their catch rates and dedicated to providing you with an amazing fishing adventure to add to your Riverside Resort vacation memories.
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Denverlene Charters 1784 Dogwood Ave Comox BC V9M 2X3
email 250-339-5137
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- Island Sportfishing Adventures 6575 Rennie Rd. Courtenay BC V9J 1V1
email - Steve Paterson - 250-338-9413 / 703-3751
- Island Quest Tours 2051 Urquhart Ave. Courtenay, BC V9N 3K8
email - 250-898-8333 tf 1-877-616-3474
- Fishing BC Online 1838 Hawk Dr Courtenay BC, V9N 8Y8
email - Gil DiCesare - tf 1-800-577-6966 / pager 250-954-6500
- Salmon Eye Charters 3290 Welsh Rd Qualicum B.C. V9K 1Z4 (right)
email - Sam Vandervalk - 250-757-8335
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 Reel Time Charters (pictured left) Box 304 Qualicum Beach BC. V9K 1S8
email - Jay Heron - 250-752-4823
- Trendsetter Charters Box 186 Errington BC, VOR 1VO
email - Brian Robinson - 250-752-8348
- Good Times Salmon Charters 531 Hawthorne Rise, Parksville, B.C. V9P 2E1
email Don Graves - 250-752-4221
 Parksville Pro Guides 1055 Lee Rd, French Creek
- email 250-248-7510
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- Last Cast Guiding 2780 Ashcraft Road, Nanoose Bay, B.C.
email - Pat & Kathy Ahern - 250-954-8060 tf 1-866-968-4665
- No Fish, No Pay Charters 2758 Northwest Bay Rd Nanoose Bay BC, V9P 9E6
email - Rick Sansbury - 250-468 7023
- Fish-on-charters 1250 Stewart Ave. Nanaimo BC V9S 4C9
email - Alan Christensen - 250-619-7008
- IntrepidCharters 328 Harwell Rd, Nanaimo BC V9R 6V2
email - Dick Derkson - 250-754-6543 cell 739-9463
- Hook to Reel Adventures 1540 Hess Rd Gabriola Island, BC, V0R 1X0
email - Guy Parcher - 250-247-9903 cell 714-5373
- Silver Blue Charters Ltd RR1, site 7 Gabriola Island
email - Bob Meyer - 250-247 8807
- Viking Adventure Tours 211 Buttertubs Dr Nanaimo BC, V9R 3X8
email Ken Lund - 250-755-9175
- Square Tail Guide Service 4648 Howie Rd N. Duncan BC, V9L 6N2
email - Barry Alldred - 250-748-3929
- Strike One Fishing Charters 6639 McLean Rd, Box 1491, Lake Cowichan BC, V0R 2G0
email - Edward and Millie Stirling - 250-749-4964
- Luscombe Outdoors - Flyfishing Instruction - Duncan
email
- Summer Place Fishing Lodge 5245 Winchester Rd Duncan BC. V9L 6E9
email 250-715-1222 tf 1-800-731-1498
- River Quest Charters 5650 W Riverbottom Rd, Duncan BC. V9L 6H9
email - Dave Gunn - 250-748-4776
SHELLFISH HARVESTING in the Qualicum Beach Area (Oysters, Crab, Clams & Mussels)
While it is true you can find shellfish just about anywhere along the Oceanside coast, the best place in the Oceanside area to harvest shellfish is Deep Bay. 120 kms north of the Riverside Resort Deep Bay welcomes you to the sight sounds and adventure of a working harbour; Vancouver Island Universitys centre for shellfish research. Displays and tasty delicacies fresh, fresh, fresh. Take a harbour cruise on a new catamaran, visit a working oyster farm, try out a kayak in the harbour. Deep Bay recently celebrated 50 years of maritime influence.
Shellfish harvesting is a favourite pastime for all ages. While fun to hunt for and delicious to eat, raw or cooked, there are some considerations. "Red tide" is a colloquial term used to refer to a natural phenomenon known as a "harmful algal bloom" or "HAB". The term "red tide" is being phased out among researchers for the following reasons:
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Red tides are not necessarily red and many have no discolouration at all.
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They are unrelated to movements of the tides.
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A wide variety of algal species are known bloom-formers.
Myths About Red Tide
Are months with an "r" safe for eating shellfish?
No. The organism that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning can occur in any month. Although it is more common in the summer months, the toxin can remain in some tissues of the bivalve shellfish for a long time. Only scientific testing can determine if the shellfish are free of PSP.
If the water where I am harvesting is not red or discoloured, is the shellfish OK to eat?
The organism that causes PSP may not cause the water to change appearance. In addition, the bivalve shellfish may remain toxic long after the algae bloom occurs.
Can I test for PSP in shellfish by chewing a small piece of shellfish to see if I feel tingling in my lips?
The nerve toxin in PSP reacts differently in the acid conditions of your stomach than in your mouth. Chewing on a piece of shellfish is not a good indicator of the safety of the shellfish.
If I cook the shellfish will this destroy the PSP toxins and make the shellfish safe to eat?
No, PSP toxins cannot be destroyed by cooking. Even when pressure cooked for 15 minutes, PSP remains toxic.
Would I have to eat a lot of shellfish to get sick or die from PSP?
It doesnt take much PSP toxin to kill you; just 738 micrograms can kill the average person. Thats equal in volume to 10 grains of table salt!
Map of Area 14 Shellfish Contamination PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU PICK! http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/contamination/sani/area-secteur-14/area-secteur-14-eng.htm
How to catch crab off the beach 
Crabbing's a fun and easy way to spend a few hours at the beach. Although patience is usually the best strategy, especially impatient beginners may even get lucky and catch a crab. What makes crabbing unique among the different kinds of fishing is how easy it is--even young children are able to do it. Follow these steps to organize your outing and get started crabbing.
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Buy some turkey or chicken parts from your local grocery store. Necks, wings and backs work best, but crabs aren't all that picky about their bait. Whatever's cheap and available will do fine.
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Tie the bait to a long strand of string or very thin rope (string works best). There's no special method for tying great crab-bait knots, so experiment and don't be afraid to start over if your knot doesn't hold.
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Wade out into the water and cast your line. If the bait doesn't seem to sink, reel it back in and tie a small fishing weight to the string's end. This will keep the bait down where the crabs can find it.
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Wait patiently for a crab to grab onto your line. If you've picked a good spot, you'll hopefully get a nibble or two in the first half-hour. If not, pull in your line and cast it out somewhere else on the beach.
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Maintain tension in the string as you pull the crab in, but don't pull too hard. Keep a dip net handy for catching the crab when it arrives.
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Scoop your dip net into the water and seize the crab. This can be tricky with rushing currents and especially waves, so it helps to have someone else nearby to work the net while you watch the string.
FISHING, GRIZZLY AND WHALE WATHING TOURS (prices vary as each tour is custom designed to suit your needs)
Grand Vista Tours
Offering sightseeing and guided land tours, event planning and sailing adventures.
Address: . | Qualicum Beach, BC [ Map ]
Tel: 1 250 752-3414
Email: Send an Email
Celista Boat Charters
Guests are welcome aboard The Celista III, a converted fishing vessel. The sightseeing tour leaves from Deep Bay Marina and offers the chance to see eagles, seals, sea otters and sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks. View the Chrome Island lighthouse and the shores of Denman & Hornby Islands.
Address: . | Qualicum Beach, BC
Tel: 1 250 752-5127
Email: Send an Email
Soul Searcher Cruises by Qualicum Beach Spa and Retreat
Cruise around the islands of the Georgia Strait on a 28-foot Bayliner, stopping for some sightseeing and hiking. End the day with a spa treatment.
Address: . | Qualicum Beach, BC
Tel: 1 250 752-1597
Email: Send an Email
Jamies Whaling Station & Adventure Centres
Whale watch, bear watch, seal lion tours, hot springs, kayaking, canoeing, harbour and specialty tours, watersports, scenic flights and more.
Tel: 1-800-667-9913
Beaches and Breezes
Sail the beautiful waters of the Qualicum Beach area on a five-hour charter. A stop is made at a local island for lunch and exploration. Beaches and Breezes Charters leave from Schooner Cove Marina.
Address: Schooner Cove Marina | Qualicum Beach, BC
Email: Send an Email
Seaside Boat Charters
Seaside Boat Charters specializes in sailing expeditions and lessons, and guests can choose from a variety of boat sizes, from 10 ft to 42 ft. They also offer fishing, kayaking and canoeing excurions.
Address: 5513 Deep Bay Drive | Deep Bay, BC
Tel: 1 250 757-2000
Email: Send an Email
Beachcomber's Excursions
Skim the waters in a Canadian 41 foot wooden vessel. Fishing and wildlife viewing charters are available.
Address: Beachcomber Marina, Northwest Bay Road | Nanoose Bay, BC | V9P 1S9
Tel: 1 250 248-8538
M.V. Lasqueti Star - Nature's Best Pacific Wilderness Tours
Board the the M.V. Lasqueti Star, a fifty foot steel-hulled vessel, and embark on an adventure like no other. With over 35 years experience navigating the waters of B.C.'s coast, this company has the experience and the know-how to make each trip not only informative, but safe. Choose from grizzly tours, whale watching, storm watching, fly-fishing trips, first nations tours or customized adventures.
Address: R.R. 1, Site 43, C-17 | Fanny Bay, BC | V0R 1W0 Email: Send an Email
KAYAKING, CANOEING AND WIND SURFING & KITE BOARDING
Within the Qualicum Beach area you will find many opportunities to enjoy some of the world's most spectacular marine environments. Kayak the calm waters of Georgia Strait or nearby Horne, Spider or Cameron Lakes. Local companies offer kayak rentals, instruction and guided tours.
Adventuress Sea Kayaking
Located in Parksville, 15 min from Riverside Resort. Open year around.
Tel: 1-250-755-6702 (Nanaimo). 1-250-248-4334 (Parksville). 1-866-955-6702 (Toll Free)
E-mail: Jan@adventuress.ca
Seaside Charters & Rentals
Located in Deep Bay, 20 minutes north of the Riverside Resort and away from the bustle of the cities and off the beaten path of the "tourist destinations" offering tranquil rest and relaxation or wild adventure. From Seaside Charters you can comb the white sandy beaches, go canoeing, fishing, kayaking or sailing, relax on our beach or visit one of our many local attractions.
Address: 5513 Deep Bay Drive, | Deep Bay, Vancouver Island, Canada
Tel: 1-250-757-2000
Email: Send an Email
Dragon's Whim Classic Charters
Sail on a 47' traditional gaff rigged schooner, custom cruises to suit your needs. Mothership kayaking adventures and gourmet dining on request. Tel: (250) 468-1747
The newest addition to water-sports is Kite Boarding. Head south on West Island Highway to Columbia Beach. There you can enjoy the salt air, take a stroll, have a picnic or watch the kite and sail oarders. If you want to see what's going on right now, click the Beach-Cam. Often you can watch eagles, osprey and herons going about their business ... and if you are lucky, an orca or two.
Best Place to Wind Surf & Kite Board in the Oceanside Area is Columbia Beach.
- Overview: The classic winter storm sailing spot on the island. Can sometimes deliver down-the-line frontside wave sailing. User friendly launch and rigging. Much more reliable wind than Victoria spots on a winter SouthEasterly.
- Launch Area: Columbia Beach parking lot
- Conditions: Chop, big swell, sideshore wind. Very little beach break.
- Seasons: October-April
- Wind Direction: Southeast (best), Northwest also sailable.
- Typical Winds and # Sailing Days: From Sailing log avg 5 days/month from Oct-Apr > 20kts, ranges from 3-8 sailing days/month. Typical winds SE 20-30.
- General Hazards: Sealions, some boat traffic, strong currents near shore, dog poop.
- Kiteboarding Hazards: potentially dangerous launch:
Mattdog: Launching at Columbia in high winds can be very dangerous. There can be 3 times as much wind at zenith than at the beach. It's a tricky spot at high tide because there are drift logs between you and the water, if you choose to launch with your kite on the water side (which I dont because of the drift logs). No easy answers there unless the launcher can wade quite far out into the waves. Definitely an advanced launch spot in winter.
- What to Wear: mostly winter sailing = 5/4mm or drysuit. Booties recommended since low tide makes for a long walk over barnacles.
- Skill Level: Windsurfing 4 -> 5; Kiteboarding 5
- Tide: Mid to high is best but any tide works.
- Quirks: On a cold day (<4 degC) the wind can sometime be more southerly which creates a wind shadow near the shore. More observations are needed to see if this is a repeating trend.
- Other Notes: the wind at the waters edge is usually stronger than at the parking lot. Walk to the water before deciding what to rig. Typically it is sailable before you think it is. There are no outhouses here so plan ahead.
Whatever outdoor activity you participate in, Qualicum Beach guarantees world-class recreation that has a broad, universal appeal to all interests. Our friendly helpful staff would be pleased to help you with additional information. |
