Deep Bay
Highway 19A scenic route brings you to mesmerizing place—Deep Bay. Deep Bay’s Mapleguard Point is the elbow of an arm and spit which protect the natural harbor, besides the larger Qualicum Bay.
Local Attractions
On the Hwy 19, right away west of Deep Bay, you will encounter Rosewall Creek Provincial Park, a 63-hectare park on both sides of the Highway 19A, just between the south end of Mud Bay and Deep Bay. Mud Bay and Rosewall Creek serve as winter habitats for shorebirds and waterfowl. The park is densely populated with second growth forests of Douglas fir, Grand fir, Maples and Western cedar.
Those who seek a deeper peace and a clarity of the mind should head for a coastal stretch north of Qualicum Bay. Settle into a resort or B&B in Qualicum Bay, Deep Bay, or Bowser. Stroll out for a walk to the waterfall located at Rosewall Creek Provincial Park. Walk miles on the deserted beaches and enjoy a wonderful serenity broken only by the bark of sea lions.
Vancouver Island University’s clamshell molded Deep Bay Marine Field Stations doubles as both a research station and a museum that are open to visits to acquariums. Visitors can also touch tanks and mammoth grey whale skeleton. Going further the Oceanside Route lies Fanny bay, renowed for its oysters, which can be purchased in bulk or sampled. A further drive inland leads to Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, a perfect destination for camping, watersports, caving adventures, and outdoor education.
Outdoor Activities
For kayakers and canoers, they can put in Deep Bay’s natural harbor on Qualicum bay or Rosewall Creek Provincial.
Deep Bay Split is a great stop for a swim in some clear, warm waters. You can arrive here by following Gainsberg Road off Hwb 19A, then turn right just before the harbor, then left on Deep Bay Road—this ends out on the spit.
The protected waters of Deep Bay are excellent for windsurfing. On the Hwy 19, just go directly west of Denman Island’s south end. Renting windsurfers are also available in Deep Bay.
Wildlife Viewing
Along the shores of Deep Bay and the adjacent Baynes Sound, a super winter waterfolk habitat can be found. Baynes Sound is a popular location for watching Bald Eagles that congretate in large numbers at the mouth of salmon streams.
