Stretching along the sheltered east coast of
Vancouver Island, Central Island offers visitors glorious parks,
sandy beaches, warm ocean temperatures, tranquil lakes, exceptional
golf courses, and fabulous fresh and salt water fishing.
Central Island features Vancouver Island's second largest
city, Nanaimo, a fun -filled, energetic city with a lovely
harbour.
The word “Nanaimo” is derived from the Coast Salish
word “Sney-Ny-Mous” meaning “meeting place.” Famous
for its varied landscapes and more than two dozen parks, Nanaimo
boasts one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Canada.
Nanaimo is the mid-island transportation hub to and from
the British Columbia mainland with BC Ferries daily sailings
from
Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver on the Mainland)
and Duke Point to Tsawwassen on the lower BC mainland. This
makes Nanaimo is easy to get to, and a great central location
to set
up base for tours of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Other smaller passenger ferries and harbour to harbour
flights also
provide transportation between Nanaimo and Vancouver.
The new Island Highway (Highway 19) hugs the coast from Nanaimo
up to Fanny Bay, the northern most point of Central Island
and it’s always a treat to look across the Strait
of Georgia at landmarks on the mainland or enjoy the miles
and
miles of
safe, sandy beaches.
North of Nanaimo, just off Highway 19, is the protected
harbour of Nanoose Bay. The local marinas, one as large
as 400 berths,
are a destination for visitors from throughout the Pacific
Northwest and around the world. The Nanoose Bay area
is a vacationer’s
paradise, offering a wealth of activities, including
sailing, windsurfing, fishing, tennis, diving, hiking,
canoeing,
and more.
Existing off Highway 19 onto the Oceanside Route Highway
19A takes you through seaside communities with home grown
hospitality
and an abundance of activities and accommodation to choose
from. Parksville marks the beginning of Oceanside country
with the
focus on the outstanding waterfront. When the tide is
low, vast stretches of sand beckon to sandcastle builders
and
beachcombers. As the tide comes in, the water is warmed
by the hot sand and
is perfect for swimming. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial
Park just south of Parksville features a fine 2 km sandy
beach,
wooded
stands with great nature trails and bird watching. Arts
and crafts
in the Parksville area are world-renowned and feature
a diverse selection of paintings, pottery, and jewellery.
Relax in
the sun, play in the water, stroll along the shoreline,
play a
round of golf — Parksville has something to please
everyone.
From Parksville you can head west along Highways 4 and
4A through the pastoral Coombs area toward Port Alberni
(Pacific
Rim).
Coombs old-fashioned country stores are scattered around
Coombs Emporium
and Frontier Town. The small stores sell crafts and
knicknacks as well as antiques. Don’t miss the grass-covered
roof of the old market that is home to several goats!
Ten minutes north of Parksville on the Oceanside Route
(Hwy 19A) is the friendly community of Qualicum Beach.
Known for
spectacular
gardens and passionate gardeners, Qualicum Beach was
the proud winner of a Five Blooms Award in the 2001
Communities in Bloom
national competition. Wide open skies, distant mountains,
gorgeous beaches, lush forests, and an endless list
of activities
will
bring you back to Qualicum Beach time and time again.
Just north of Qualicum Beach, along the Oceanside Route
(Hwy 19A), is charming Lighthouse Country that includes
the communities
of Bowser, Deep Bay and Fanny Bay. Here you'll find
plenty of opportunities to boat, fish, hike, trail
ride, cave,
beach comb
and golf. Explore the caves at Horne Lake Caves Provincial
Park; an Amphitheatre is located at the lake. Nearby
Spider Lake is
known for its warm water, kayaking, and canoeing.
Clam and shellfish digging are popular activities in Lighthouse
Country.
The marina
in protected Deep Bay Harbour offers boat charters
and rentals.
Island hoppers can enjoy Gabriola Island accessed
from Nanaimo by BC Ferries. The island is partly
residential
but also
holds large expanses of forest with abundant wildlife.
Long stretches
of unspoiled coastline can be explored. From Descanso
Bay, the ferry terminal, take Taylor Bay road north
to the best
beaches
such as those at Gabriola Sands Provincial Park.
Drumbeg Provincial Park in the south east of Gabriola
Island
offers a short trail
through forest to a secluded bay. Communities to explore: Bowser, Cassidy, Coombs, Deep Bay,
Errington, Fanny Bay, Gabriola Island, Lantzville, Nanaimo,
Nanoose Bay, Parksville, Qualicum Beach.
Links Need a place to stay or camp while exploring
Central Vancouver Island?
Explore the Communities of Central Vancouver
Island
Discover Vancouver Island and the Gulf
Islands Sub Regions
Tourism Region Contact
Tourism Vancouver Island
Suite 203, 335 Wesley Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T5
Telephone: (250) 754-3500
Fax: (250) 754-3599
E-mail: visitor@islands.bc.ca |
