Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
along Gordon St, west of Harbour Park Mall. Bus 2 goes to the Departure Bay ferry ter-
minal. No city buses run to Duke Point.
downtown from both ferry terminals.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Parksville & Qualicum
This popular mid-island seaside region - which also includes rustic Coombs - has been a
traditional destination for vacationing families for decades (hence the water parks and
mini-golf attractions). For more information on the area, visit
Sights & Activities
Coombs Old Country Market
MARKET
(
www.oldcountrymarket.com
; 2326 Alberni Hwy, Coombs; 9am-7pm)
The mother of all pit
stops, this sprawling food and crafts market is stuffed with bakery and produce delect-
ables. It attracts huge numbers of visitors on balmy summer days, when cameras are
pointed at the grassy roof where a herd of goats spends the season. Nip inside for giant
ice-cream cones, heaping pizzas and the deli makings of a great picnic. Save time to ex-
plore the attendant store and attractions clustered around the site.
World Parrot Refuge
WILDLIFE RESERVE
(
www.worldparrotrefuge.org
;
2116 Alberni Hwy, Coombs; adult/child $14/10; 10am-4pm)
Res-
cuing exotic birds from captivity and nursing them back to health, this excellent educa-
tional facility has as its mantra that parrots are not pets. Pick up your earplugs at recep-
tion and stroll among the enclosures, each alive with recovering (and very noisy) birds.
Don't be surprised when some screech a chirpy 'hello' as you stroll by.
Horne Lake Caves
PARK
( 250-248-7829;
www.hornelake.com
;
tours adult/child from $24/20; 10am-5pm)
Horne
Lake Caves Provincial Park is a 45-minute drive from Parksville (take Hwy 19 towards
Courtenay, then exit 75 and proceed for 12km on the gravel road), but it's worth it for
BC's best spelunking. Some caves are open to the public for self-exploring, or the excel-
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