Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Back on the east side of the island, the Inland Island Highway north of the Highway 4
junction bypasses Oceanside, a stretch of coast that has developed as a popular holiday
area, with many beaches, resorts, and waterfront campgrounds.
Unspoiled sand fringes the coastline between Parksville (pop. 12,000) and Qualicum
Beach. Parksville Beach claims “the warmest water in the whole of Canada.” When the
tide goes out along this stretch of the coast, it leaves a strip of sand up to 1 kilometer (0.6
mile) wide exposed to the sun. When the water returns, voilà—sand-heated water.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park,
a 347-hectare (860-acre) chunk of coastline just
south of the town center, features a fine 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) sandy beach, a wooded up-
land area, nature trails, and bird-watching action that's particularly good in early spring,
when seabirds swoop in for an annual herring feast. The children will probably want to
stopat
Riptide Lagoon
(1000ResortDr.,250/248-8290,10am-10pmdaily),nearthepark
entrance. This over-the-top mini-golf complex costs $8 per game for adults, $6 for chil-
dren.
