VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 253

Sights and Recreation
Wide, sandy Qualicum Beach is most definitely the main attraction here. Park anywhere
along its length and join the crowd walking, running, biking, or simply relaxing in one of
the many cafes along the promenade. At low tide, the beach comes alive with people search-
ing out sand dollars.
Between Parksville and Qualicum Beach, Milner Gardens and Woodland (2179 Island
Hwy. W., 250/752-8573, 10am-4:30pm daily late April-Aug., 10am-4:30pm Thurs.-Sun.
Apr. and Sept., adult $11, student $6.50) protects a historical oceanfront estate that includes
a 24-hectare (60-acre) old-growth forest and over 500 species of rhododendrons. Through
town to the west, take Bayswater Road inland a short way to reach the government-operated
Big Qualicum Hatchery (215 Fisheries Rd., 250/757-8412, dawn to dusk daily, free),
where a wooded trail leads to an artificial spawning channel with a fish ladder and a hold-
ing pond. The best time of year to watch salmon ascending the channel ladder is October
through December.
Accommodations and Camping
Looking for a place to stay like no other you've ever experienced? Then make reservations
at Free Spirit Spheres (420 Horne Lake Rd., 250/757-9445, www.freespiritspheres.com ,
$145-235 s, $165-235 d). Accommodation consists of three perfectly round, three-meter-
wide (10-foot-wide) wooden spheres hanging from towering old-growth trees. Each com-
prises a small flat area, a shortish bed, windows, and a door that opens to a walkway con-
nected to the ground. Bathrooms are shared and also at ground level.
Across the road from the beach, Old Dutch Inn (2690 Island Hwy. W., 250/752-6914 or
800/661-0199, www.olddutchinn.com , $150-200 s or d) was completely renovated in 2013
and now features modern rooms, an indoor pool, and a large outdoor patio and lounge.
Give the central campgrounds a miss and continue 16 kilometers (10 miles) northwest
from Qualicum Beach to Qualicum Bay Resort (5970 W. Island Hwy., 250/757-2003 or
800/663-6899, www.resortbc.com , tents $19, hookups $32-34, camping cabins $44, motel
rooms $99-169 s or d). Separated from the water by a road, this family-oriented resort has
many facilities, including an artificially constructed swimming lake, a playground, a game
room, an ice cream stand, and a restaurant.
Food
Lefty's (710 Memorial Ave., 250/752-7530, 8am-8pm Sun.-Thurs., 8am-9pm Fri.-Sat.,
$13-24) is a contemporary restaurant where the menu is filled with dishes made from fresh,
locally sourced ingredients. At lunch, enjoy a mandarin chicken wrap, while at dinner,