Deep Bay

Deep Bay is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island in an area known as Lighthouse Country. Lighthouse Country is named for the two lighthouses that mark its boundaries and stretches from Qualicum Bay to Deep Bay.

Deep Bay is known for its excellent fishing. Boats launch from here heading for the rich Coho and Chinook salmon grounds in the bay near the Norris Rocks, Chrome Island, and Eagle Rock.

Rosewall Creek Provincial Park is situated along picturesque Rosewall Creek, south of Fanny Bay and north of Bowser. The wheelchair-accessible trail heads through the rainforest to a waterfall and picnic area. One of the best times to visit this park is in the fall when the color of the maple leaves makes an attractive backdrop for photographers.

Superb winter waterfowl habitats are found along the shores of Deep Bay and the adjacent Baynes Sound, guaranteeing excellent and easily accessible birdwatching. At nearby Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, you can experience the magic of the underground world in the many protected caves. The art of cave exploration is known as spelunking and Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is the perfect place to discover this unique activity. From educational family-oriented tours to deep, dark adventure, the caves protected within this park offer something for everyone.

Location

Deep Bay is located on Highway 19A, 26 km (16 mi) north of Qualicum Beach in Central Vancouver Island.

A Step Back in Time

European settlers began to arrive on the east coast of Vancouver Island in the late 1800s, searching for homesteads or working in the logging and fishing industries. In the late 1890s, a road was constructed to connect Lighthouse Country to the small villages to the south (Qualicum and Parksville) and to the north (Courtenay and Comox), making the area more accessible to settlers.

Land grants given by the E&N Railway Company (which was taken over by Canadian Pacific in 1905) gave rise to many farming and logging settlements. Each of the settlement areas eventually became Deep Bay, Bowser, and Qualicum Bay.