Vancouver Island

Summer fun on the Island

A whirlwind of activities await visitors to Vancouver Island

by Kirsten Armleder

Rich in history and replete with recreational opportunities, Vancouver Island is an exciting place to spend a summer vacation. Whether travellers are searching for outdoor adventure, a cultural experience or relaxation, Vancouver Island has something to suit everyone’s preference.

Sand, Sun and Water Fun: Parksville organizes an annual beach festival with a 23-hour sandsculpting competition; this year’s festival runs from August 8 to September 1.-photo by ChrisCheadle.com; courtesy Tourism Vancouver Island

Parksville is home to more than seven kilometres of sandy beaches and the resort town offers the chance for all kinds of water fun as well as great golfing and fishing opportunities. History buffs will enjoy Craig Heritage Park—which has a historic church, log house, fire station, schoolhouse and two post offices.

Not far from Parksville is the community of Qualicum Beach. Classic car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Seaside Cruizers Show & Shine, to be held June 13 to 15. There will be a pancake breakfast, music from the ’50s and ’60s and more than 500 cars on display. A rod run is scheduled for Friday evening, a poker run for Saturday morning and the main event—a show ’n’ shine—takes place on Sunday. For more information on the event, go to www.seasidecruizers.com.

As Vancouver Island’s second largest city, Nanaimo serves as the perfect home base while exploring this part of the Island. Nanaimo’s idyllic harbour is one of the main attractions, and the four-kilometre Harbourside Walkway provides a lovely route for a stroll and the chance to see the marine sights. With Bowen Park, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Beban Park, Nanaimo is an excellent destination for those who are looking for family-friendly attractions. In addition, visitors have access to 1,200 hectares of parkland and protected areas with plenty of paved trails waiting to be explored.

The city also boasts a thriving arts scene. More than 200 events—ranging from children’s festivals to fine arts exhibits—are held each year at the Port Theatre in downtown Nanaimo. For a list of upcoming events and performances, go to www.porttheatre.com.

Situated between Comox and Campbell River in the north central region of Vancouver Island is the rural community of Black Creek. Here, one can find minigolf, go-karts, petting zoos, country markets, a local speedway and horseback riding opportunities, making Black Creek a wonderful place to spend time with friends and family.

In celebration of B.C.’s 150th anniversary, the Comox Valley Compass Adventure Sailing School is hosting the Canadian Multi Hull Grand Prix Sailing Regatta on Comox Bay from June 4 to 8; as many as 50 sailing crews are expected to participate in the event. For more information, contact the Compass Adventure Sailing School at (250) 334-0741.

Vancouver Island key contacts

  • Living Forest Oceanside Rv Park & Campground logo

    Nanaimo, BC

    Land of the Living Forest

    For the second year in a row, RVwest readers have spoken and voted Living Forest one of their favourite privately owned and operated campgrounds in B.C. Centrally located on Vancouver Island near Nanaimo, Living Forest is close to many local attractions, such as a shopping mall, harbours, ferries and main highways. Campground features include full-service RV sites, ocean views, 30- and 50-amp sites, sewer hookups, sani-dump, cable TV, tenting areas, a laundromat, games room, lots of bicycle routes, adventure playground and a concrete basketball court—not to mention access to numerous outdoor activities. Whether you're planning a summer or winter getaway to Vancouver Island, make Living Forest Oceanside Campground your destination of choice.

    Living Forest Oceanside Rv Park & Campground
    6 Maki Rd
    Nanaimo, BC V9R 6N7, Canada
    PHONE: (250) 755-1755