Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 816

lent guided tours are recommended - from family friendly to 'extreme.' Book ahead for
these.
Sleeping & Eating
Free Spirit Spheres CABIN$$$
( 250-757-9445; www.freespiritspheres.com ; 420 Horne Lake Rd, Qualicum Beach; cabins from
$145) These unique spherical treehouses enable guests to cocoon themselves in the forest
canopy. Compact inside, Eve is small and basic, while Eryn and Melody are lined with
built-in cabins. It's all about communing with nature (TVs are replaced with books), and
guests receive a basket of tasty snacks on arrival. There's also a ground-level facilities
block with sauna, BBQ and hotel-like showers. Book early for summer.
Crown Mansion BOUTIQUE HOTEL$$$
( 250-752-5776, 800-378-6811; www.crownmansion.com ; 292 E Crescent Rd, Qualicum Beach; d
from $160; ) A sumptuous family home built in 1912, this handsome white-painted
mansion was restored to its former glory and opened as a unique hotel in 2009. Recall
past guests Bing Crosby and John Wayne as you check out the family crest in the library
fireplace, then retire to your elegant room. Rates include continental breakfast - arrive
early and snag the window table.
Fish Tales Café SEAFOOD$$$
(336 W Island Hwy, Qualicum Beach; mains $8-24) This Qualicum fixture has the look of an
old-school English teashop, but it's been reeling in visitors with its perfect fish-and-chips
for years. It's worth exploring the non-deep-fried dishes - the two-person platter of scal-
lops, shrimp, smoked salmon and mussels is recommended - and, if you arrive early
enough, you can grab a table in the lovely garden.
Getting There & Away
Greyhound Canada ( www.greyhound.ca ) services arrive in Parksville from Victoria (from
$18.50, three to four hours, five daily), Nanaimo (from $6.50, 40 minutes, five daily) and
across the island. The same buses, with similar times and rates, serve Qualicum Beach.