Qualicum Beach: Vancouver Island’s Coveted Coast

On the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island, with cool neighbours like Nanaimo and Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach is designed for those prescribed to a coastal agenda. With a temperate climate and four kilometres of sandy beach along the Georgia Strait, Qualicum is an instant love affair. With a population of 8,943, there's enough space for everyone's beach towel!

Located within the traditional territory of Qualicum First Nation at the base of Mount Arrowsmith, Qualicum Beach is a distinct part of “Lighthouse Country,” a nearly 100km seaside stretch through Horne Lake, Qualicum Bay, Bowser and Deep Bay. Tidal flats and beachcombing beckon—as do the just-caught oysters and clams sold on the docks along the way.

It's no surprise then, that Qualicum’s natural beauty and easy access to both Victoria and Vancouver have made it a popular destination for tourists, with adorable rental cottages punctuating its pristine coast. Buyers of a certain age will be thrilled to learn that Qualicum is a thriving retirement community, and features the oldest average population in Canada with a median age of 65.9.

Photo courtesy of Town of Qualicum Beach, Facebook

Did you know?

• At Free Spirit Spheres, you can sleep suspended in the trees. The spherical orbs are the kind of stuff grown-up dreams are made of and are kitted out with every possible tiny-home-for-a-night need. Just add falling stars to wish upon (*oh, and there are skylights too).

•  A hotel in Bowser, just north of Qualicum Bay, made Ripley's Believe It or Not history for having a dog that not only served beer to patrons—but also collected their money and made change! “Mike” was trained to tend bar by his owners in the 1930s.

• This summer, Qualicum Beach hosted their 61st Annual Ocean Mile Swim. A family-friendly event that features–you guessed it!–a mile-long swim in the ocean!

Things to do

Vancouver Island has the highest average winter temperatures in Canada,and with 14km of maintained trails, a paved promenade along the sea, 280-acres of town-owned parks and green space, there's little reason to stay indoors. Picnic spots abound with several nearby provincial parks: Rathtrevor Beach, MacMillan's surreal Cathedral Grove and Horne Lake Caves. From sushi to schnitzel, hiking to fiddling (the local all-ages Oceanside Jammers encourage play-by-ear fiddlers), life in Qualicum Beach is what most people seek from a restorative vacation.

Photo courtesy of Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

•  At Morningstar Farm (home of Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and Mooberry Winery), you can order a genuine cow's milk latte from the cleverly named Calfé. Or, fill up a take-home bottle at, what's believed to be, Canada's first milk-on-tap dispenser.

• Just 10 minutes away in Coombs, the legendary Goats on Roof Old Country Market has taken a roadside fruit stand to the next level. Through the roof, actually! While the goats get a lot of fanfare (you can actually email the resident goats' questions), the market sells more than 60 flavours of ice cream and Billy Gruff Bomber donuts that are loaded with bacon and caramel.

Photo credit: Old Country Market –Goats on Roof, Facebook

• Looking for a touchy-feely experience? Deep Bay Marine Field Station in Baynes Sound has an interpretive centre with aquariums and touch tanks. Operated by Vancouver Island University, you can learn about local marine research projects, conservation initiatives and sign the kiddos up for a March Break Ocean Critter Camp.

•  At Milner Gardens & Woodland, marvel at the rhododendrons and 10 acres of elaborate gardens or daydream in the shadows of ancient coastal Douglas firs. This 70-acre property was visited by Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth—so, do as the royals do and enjoy an afternoon tea in the drawing room of Milner House.

Home sweet home

According to the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB), in August 2019 a single-family home in Qualicum Beach, and the greater metropolitan area of Parksville, saw its benchmark price increase by 3% from the year before to $590,000. VIREB's president Kaye Broens, reports that “…sellers now recognize that the market has changed and are pricing their homes accordingly.”

The mix of homes in Qualicum range from townhomes to detached two- and three-bedroom properties with waterfront access or located in the town's residential hub.

Work with a REALTOR® to help you find your dream home or investment property in Qualicum Beach today!

Original Article from: Realtor