We hope you caught our Come Play In Parksville post last month and started thinking about how wonderful it would be to visit – or maybe even live – there. This month, we’re heading slightly up the coast and showcasing Parksville’s informally named “twin city” – the awesome little town of Qualicum Beach.
Qualicum Beach History
Hudson’s Bay Company explorer Adam Grant Horne first founded the area around Qualicum Beach in 1856. He, along with a group of aboriginal guides, formed the route from Qualicum River to the Alberni Inlet. A smallpox epidemic hit the area over the next few years and it led to almost everyone perishing or moving away.
Several other travelling explorers found this deserted area in the years following and over time, more settlers came. The E & N Railway was pushed through from Parksville and the town grew even faster. As the housing market rocketed over the decades, Qualicum Beach became a village in 1942 and was officially given town status in 1983.
What Is Qualicum Beach Known For?
Qualicum Beach is a very popular area with the golfing and retirement crowd, although, in the past decade or two, the area has become a hot spot for young families to relocate. A new highway to the area was pushed through and several residential developments have popped up recently making this housing market a popular one.
Tourism
Much like nearby Parksville, this seaside town is also very popular with tourists. With vast beaches and a quaint downtown area, it’s no wonder. Little Qualicum Falls is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who can’t get enough of its beauty. Make sure to visit Milner Gardens and Woodland along with heading to Horne Lake (named after Adam Grant Horne!) to visit the spectacular underground world of Horne Lake Caves Provincial Parks.
Activities
Qualicum Beach has a large arts and agriculture sector, and the year-round farmers market is a must to visit, socialize, and pick up food and other goods. The Qualicum Beach Flying Club is a great place to connect with other aviators of any level. The Old School House Arts Centre is an artistic paradise where you can take in art and music in all forms. Father’s Day weekend brings the area’s annual Show ‘n Shine hosted by the Seaside Cruisers Car Club. This event is so spectacular it was mentioned on the Oprah Winfrey Show as being a “Father’s Day must-do” event!
Economy
While tourism is a huge economic booster in Qualicum Beach, the town also offers a strong mix of agriculture, manufacturing and a variety of service industries. Interestingly, the service industry accounts for approximately 67% of the town’s employment, slightly higher than the provincial average of 61%. And the service industry in this area is only expected to grow in the near future.
Interested In Learning More?
If Qualicum Beach sounds like the type of town you’d like your family to live in, we can help! Pemberton Holmes has REALTORS® in the Oceanside area who can tell you more and show you the best neighbourhoods. This is a fast-growing housing market and our expert REALTORS® are knowledgeable about this town and the surrounding Parksville and Bowser areas. Contact us if you have any questions or require more information about the fabulous Qualicum Beach area.
