CENTRAL ISLANDS
Top things to do:
Scenic walks
There are many easy short scenic walks (we call them short hikes) within a few minutes of Parksville or Qualicum to Cathedral Grove, Little QualicumFalls,and Englishman River Falls. The Nanaimo Harbour walkor the trails through Beban Parkare beautiful walks in downtown Nanaimo. The Deep Bay Spit is a great short drive during spring months to watch birds in with a scenic background.
Rivers
The Big Qualicum fish hatchery has trout in a rearing pond during summer months. The Chinook salmon start coming up in late August and can be seen in holding pens until late September. Coho salmon can be seen during October here and Chum salmon during November. You are allowed to fly fish the Big Qualicum, Little Qualicum, Englishman and Nanaimo Rivers for returning salmon as well as trout during summer and fall seasons. Check with DFO for regulations.
Junior Hockey
There is Junior AA Hockey with the Nanaimo Clippers in Nanaimo and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in Port Alberni from September to March. The Junior B Oceanside Generals play in Parksville and this league is often a little tougher with more physical play. All three hockey teams are entertaining.
Nile Creek fly fishing
A private group led by Ken Kirkby decided to restore Nile creek to its original glory with Cutthroat trout and Pink and Coho salmon. Fighting through government red tape and working to get DFO approval they restored the creek bed here. Now during August, September and October good numbers of Pink and Coho salmon are caught by fly fisherman along the shores leading up to Nile Creek. More about is Nile Creek is at http://nilecreek.org/.
Beaches
Parksville and Qualicum Beaches are great places to go all year round for a stroll. During summer months the water gets warm enough to get refreshed and do a little free diving.
Small Island trips
Newcastle Island is a great place to catch a small passenger ferry from the Nanaimo Harbour or Denman Island and Hornby Island are fun to explore by car or bike leaving from Buckley Bay.
Skating
There is very inexpensive skating at any of the hockey rinks which include: Alberni Valley Multiplex, Oceanside Hockey Rinks (north Parksville), Beban Rink or Nanaimo Ice Center.
Annual Events
Parksville Sandcastle competition
Sandcastle week happens every summer bringing professionals to sculpt in a showdown for the top prize. July usually brings warm weather and it is a great time to hit the beach!
