As we start to enjoy more time at home, many of us are honing our skills in the kitchen, from conquering cassoulet to mastering sourdough boules. But what to drink with this abundance of homemade fare? We’re not looking any further than our own (greater) backyard, especially since April marks the return of B.C. Wine Month.
By Emma Mccormick & Marley Poniedzielnik
Emma and Marley are full-time wedding planners from Victoria BC. Together with a team of professionals, they run The Good Party — an award-winning creative planning, styling and production company that was recently named one of Canada’s Top Wedding Planners by Weddingbells Magazine.
It’s no secret that we love Vancouver Island and that planning weddings here on the island are our favourite thing. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of being involved in weddings right up and down this gorgeous piece of west coast heaven and while we are always talking about the collective “West Coast” the central east coast of our beautiful island is a real show stopper. Last year our team worked on a beautiful wedding in Qualicum Beach, and since then we’ve been on the hunt for more couples who want to share this piece of West Coast paradise with their friends and family as they tie the knot.
In the middle of January, we had the opportunity to visit our friends at The Beach Club Resort in Parksville. Parksville is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island about two hours north of Victoria and thirty minutes north of Nanaimo. Despite the cold weather and snow in the forecast, our team of lead planners and a few other members of our creative team spent 36 hours in Parksville together and we’ve been dreaming of planning the ultimate beach wedding ever since! Keep reading to learn all about The Beach Club Resort and get the scoop on why we love this resort (and The Beach Club team!) so much.
Parksville, British Columbia is known for its long sandy beaches where the tide goes so far out you can walk for a kilometre before touching water. It’s an adorable seaside town full of bustling local boutiques, fun activities for all seasons, and is also a stunning location to host a wedding! We are always on the hunt for central, easily accessible spots to suggest to our destination clients. Parksville’s easy drive from the nearby ferry terminals and quick connections to Vancouver make it a great option for clients coming from off the island, or even out of province, who are looking for a spot to get away with friends and family for an intimate weekend celebration.
Having not yet had the opportunity to plan a wedding at The Beach Club, we were eager to get the scoop from the team about what makes this property unique! They did not disappoint and instead of just telling us about everything the Beach Club has to offer, we had the opportunity to experience the property first-hand.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by their awesome team, led by General Manager, Lisa McCormick, and were toured around the property. The hotel is located right on Parksville Beach and sits above the Parksville oceanfront boardwalk, literally steps away from the endless beach and calm waters this area is known for.
There’s a heated indoor pool at beach level with floor to ceiling windows, an oceanfront restaurant with one of the most popular sun-drenched patios in the area, and a spa full of all the necessary offerings for wedding clients to be truly pampered!
The stunning guest rooms, ranging from studios to Penthouse suites with full kitchens, were full of beautiful finishings and it didn’t take us long to make ourselves at home! There’s a kitchen, laundry, and fireplace – basically everything you need to move in forever!
After Lisa and Stacey, who joined us from the Bellstar team in Calgary, gave us the rundown of the property, we had a chance to do a little exploring and checked a couple of items off our local things to-d0 bucket list suggested by the resort’s front desk team. It involved cheese, beer, and beer cheese (seriously!). We are currently working on another post featuring a few more details about great things to do in Qualicum and Parksville area because there’s just so many fun spots to check out, such as Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company and Little Qualicum Cheeseworks!
In the evening, we had the chance to enjoy signature cocktails (think fruity martinis and whiskey sours featuring Vancouver Island products) in the resort’s own Pacific Prime Restaurant. The Pacific Prime team, lead by manager, BJ, set us up with an incredible meal inspired by the Chef’s seasonal catering menu and everyone agreed that the attention to detail and delicious meal was a highlight of the trip. We loved how much thought went into the menu and our vegan and vegetarian team members were well taken care of with their own customized version of the main menu. This is always a good sign for weddings when there are many different palettes to take into consideration and usually a spreadsheet full of dietary restrictions and allergies to fulfill.
On Monday, after a beautiful breakfast, complete with a Caesar Bar (note for future cocktail hours here!), we geared up for a busy day and got right down to the nitty-gritty of the resort’s offerings and how everything works for wedding clients.
For clients looking for an effortless and efficient planning experience, the resort’s in-house wedding and event manager, Linda Burley, has a handle on all the details. Even with a dusting of January snow on the ground, it was impossible not to see the potential of the ceremony spot on the lawn with Linda’s descriptions and enthusiasm. It’s hard to name many other spots on the island where couples can say their vows right above a beach like this.
It didn’t take us long to spot the potential of the Pacific Prime Restaurant’s massive stone patio and we were thrilled to learn this spot is also available for wedding groups who can meet the seasonal buy-out pricing. Anouk, Dakota, and Kara pulled out our tape measure to confirm what options we could offer clients interested in tenting. There’s lots of room for a variety of tents here, but personally, I am already dreaming of a beachfront dinner under a clear top tent. Our friends at Black & White Party Rentals are a short drive away, add in some of their harvest tables and cross back chairs, and a tented reception in this spot would be jaw-dropping.
Linda also walked us through the resort’s ballroom, complete with a spacious private patio with ocean views. This is a popular spot for cocktail hour! The resort has a well-rounded assortment of inclusions with their wedding package and when there’s something not available on-site, Linda works closely with local vendors to bring in items like chairs, lighting, draping, and linens to transform the space.
Sara, Carley, and Kody had a similar idea and their look board for the effortlessly cool west coast beach wedding we are all already planning in our heads can be found here!
Our trip finished with the ultimate winter west coast experience – water sports in the snow! We are pretty sure the staff and resort guests thought we were crazy, and that we wouldn’t actually go through with it, but they don’t know the gals of the Good Party! We wet-suited up (gotta stay warm!) and headed out on the resort’s complimentary paddleboards and kayaks.
It was so magical. The water was calm, the snow was gently falling, and everything was quiet. It was so peaceful. The only company we had were a dozen seals checking us out! We all said that if it was this enjoyable in 2-degree weather, it would be absolutely perfect in the summer months! Really whose guests wouldn’t want to hit the beach for an adventure like that the morning of the wedding!
We were so lucky to get to know the staff team and property of The Beach Club Resort. Everyone was so kind, the views were stunning, and there are activities for everyone (in or out of the water!) no matter what the season. Any couple would be lucky to get married at The Beach Club – it’s a little piece of paradise on Vancouver Island!
With today’s fast-paced lifestyles, what often gets short-changed is family time. This spring break is a great opportunity to reconnect and create some truly memorable times.
Discover amazing formations, ancient fossils and underground waterfalls at Horne Lake Caves in Parksville or the Caves in Canmore. The great thing about caves in the winter is that they are never too cold and offer easy family expeditions.
A trek through the trails at night is a must to see the spectacular winter constellations. Visitors to Kicking Horse Lodging can enjoy the use of both snowshoes and binoculars when getting out after dinner this March Break.
Ziplines are a great adventure for the whole family. Get out the kids out of their comfort zone and give them an adrenaline rush with a zipline course. Wildplay is one company with zipline and adventure courses that open in the spring close to both The Beach Club Resort and The Royal Kelowna.
Fat biking is no longer a fad and has allowed Canadians to extend their biking season. Equipped with wide tires, cyclists can float across snow-covered trails. In Canmore, both guests of the Grande Rockies Resort and Solara Resort and Spa have access to fat bikes for the family.
On a budget? Nothing is easier and maybe more fun than a visit to an authentic ice cream parlour. In Parksville, you can find the Coombs Ice Cream Parlour offering scoops for all ages and where you can also see the goats on the roof of the Coombs Old Country Market.
Your 3rd night’s on us!
Book and stay by:
March 31, 2020
Non-Refundable. Non-Cancellable. Blackout dates may apply. Minimum 3-night stay required. Subject to availability.
By Emma Yardley
Emma Yardley is an award-winning travel journalist who lives on a tiny island off the west coast of British Columbia (although most of her time is spent in transit). She's written for The Globe & Mail, The Toronto Star, Metro News, FASHION Magazine, CAA Magazine, Refinery29 and Fodors.com. Soft adventure, unusual experiences and anything to do with water — be it at the spa or on a sailboat — are her jam.
Vancouver Island is renowned for its spectacular beaches, thick temperate rainforests, and wild untouched wilderness. While most visitors flock to its shores during summer, wintertime holds its own enigmatic allure. The Beach Club Resort in Parksville not only offers amazing winter rates and spectacular oceanfront views, it also provides a cozy, luxurious basecamp from which to explore the island during the cooler, misty months.
Storm Watching
Discover what locals of Tofino and Ucluelet have long known — winter’s when the island’s west coast really gets wild. As harsh weather systems blow in off the Pacific Ocean, they crash along the rugged rocky shoreline, sending spectacular 10-metre waves up into massive fans of spray and foam. Storm-watching season runs from October to March and is best witnessed from the beaches and beachside restaurants and resorts along the coast from Tofino to Ucluelet. About 2.5 hours from Parksville, you could make a day of it, heading along Highway BC-4 W up through the spectacular Vancouver Island Mountains. After an afternoon of this seaside spectacle, head back to The Beach Club Resort for a delicious west-coast inspired dinner at Pacific Prime Restaurant & Lounge.
TIP: Vancouver Island’s west coast gets up to four metres of annual rainfall, so be sure to pack waterproof gear!
Historic Mail Flight
With over 40,000 islands stretched along B.C.’s west coast, seaplanes are a transportation staple for moving goods and people. Corilair began flying its Havilland Beavers or Cessna floatplanes around the northern tip of Georgia Strait and the Discovery Islands 30 years ago. Today, you can ride along on the Historic Mail Flight as the pilot loads their seaplane with mail bags in Campbell River (an hour’s drive north of Parksville) and delivers them to Canada Post outlets in tiny working communities, such as Surge Narrows and Refuge Cove, sprinkled throughout this network of channels and craggy islands. Getting a bird’s eye view and then actually landing on the ocean below is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Bonus: join this flight tour in winter and you’ll likely get the pick of the best seats for optimal views.
TIP: Pack a pair of earplugs, as the small engines of these versatile planes can be quite loud.
Horne Lake Caves
Among Vancouver Island’s 1,000+ caves, Horne Lake Caverns at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park are some of the most breathtaking — and are just a 40-minute drive from Parksville. Join one of the many different subterranean tours (tailored to your comfort level) and explore this underground wonderland with a professional guide. Get up close and personal with otherworldly rock formations, underground waterfalls and the dark silence that only comes from being nearly 60 metres below the earth’s surface. Once above ground, head back to The Beach Club Resort for an afternoon treatment at Stonewater Spa, followed by a good book and a cup of tea in front of your cozy in-room fireplace.
TIP: No matter what time of year you visit, the caves remain a steadily 8 degrees Celsius, so dress appropriately. During the winter months, a number of the caves have flowing underground streams — be sure to bring solid, waterproof footwear.
By Megan Niccolls
West coast visitors have so many options when it comes to exploring Vancouver Island's beautiful lakes, rivers and the ocean. From finding treasured sand dollars on the beach to epic kiteboarding, there is a little something for visitors of all ages.
For those who have dreamed of witnessing a killer whale breaching out of the water, sea lions sunning on the rocks or pods of orcas swimming the Pacific Ocean shoreline, Nanaimo is the place to come. Nanaimo waters are home to transient orca, humpback whales, sea lions, harbour seals, porpoises, eagles, and more. Tours are available seven days a week.
Beachcombing
Parksville Beach is known as Canada's riviera, with light sandy beaches stretching out for kilometres at low tide. The pockets of salt water left behind are perfect for finding seashells of every kind, fossils, sea glass and many other treasures. When the tide comes in, consider renting a kayak or paddle board to explore all Parksville Beach has to offer.
From beginner to experienced, we've found every surfer's paradise. Ucluelet, located near Tofino, is 25 km of pristine, sandy beached shoreline and offers some of the West Coast's best surfing. Here surfing is not only a summer activity - the ocean stays at around 10°c all year around. This is another great family activity, with lessons being offered for all ages.
Bring your kayak or rent some gear and be ready to explore! Take a relaxing day on the calm waters of Comox Lake or venture out to Courtenay River or even the ocean. Canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddle boards are some of the locals' favourite ways to enjoy this beautiful valley.
Kiteboarding
For the more adventurous, kiteboarding is something you are going to want to check out. Nitinat Lake is surrounded by ruggedly lush forest and home to one of the most consistent thermal-generated winds in BC, attracting kiteboarders and windsurfers from around the world. The windy season runs from May to September.
The Beach Club Resort is the perfect home base for Vancouver Island Adventures. Located in Parksville, the resort is a short drive to all our top five water destinations.
Head out for the day and come back to relax in a luxury suite with a view of the ocean.
The soothing mountain and ocean views from your private balcony at The Beach Club Resort in Parksville are exactly what you need to start the perfect romantic getaway in Vancouver Island and discover Canada’s unknown wine destination.
Choose from our expert tips to plan for your memorable trip to the Pacific Coast and find out why Vancouver Island was number one island in Continental US & Canada in the 2015 World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure magazine.
The sun-kissed Parksville Beach Boardwalk and the lulling waves of the Pacific Ocean are the perfect backdrop for an energizing morning run or a long evening walk at The Beach Club Resort.
The hotel is located in the heart of Parksville which means you have easy access to a variety of outdoor activities for two. Call ahead and rent a kayak for two at Adventuress to explore the West Coast waters. Or discover the stunning views of water falls while hiking the trails at Little Qualicum Falls, 15 minutes away from Parksville.
You won't need to go too far from The Beach Club Resort to explore some of the top-rated Vancouver Island wineries, making them the perfect destination for a day trip.
The Millstone Estate Winery, a small, family-owned maker of handcrafted wines, is just a half-an-hour drive from the hotel. Visit for some of the finest wines aged in oak, the breathtaking views of the Millstone River Valley, and the organic eggs produced by free range chickens roaming around the vineyard, rated by locals as some of the best they've tried.
For award-winning wines, the Beaufort Vineyard and Estate Winery is the right place to visit. Committed to innovating and producing outstanding wines, the estate has won, so far, over 78 international and national awards, including two double gold medals for their white wine 2014 Beaudacious and their red wine 2015 Foch Cab. Take a bottle home with you or become a Beaufort Case Club member for exclusive events.
Wickaninnish Inn is not the only Wine Spectator award-winning restaurant in Vancouver Island. At The Beach Club Resort, savor the finest of the West Coast cuisine mastered by Executive Chef Rick Davidson at the Pacific Prime Restaurant & Lounge, paired with local and international wines, handpicked by the resident sommelier. The epic ocean and mountain views from the beachfront patio complement the ideal dining experience.
Realm Food Co., a restaurant focusing on sustainability and locally-sourced ingredients within walking distance from the hotel, and Bistro694, combining international recipes with local ingredients in Qualicum Beach, are also part of the list of top-recommended restaurants in the area.
Coombs Old Country Market started off as a stall on the side of the road selling fruit to travellers on their way to the West Coast in 1973, run by an immigrant couple from Norway. It's not just for the great food that people visit the market. The goats on the Norwegian-style grass-covered roof are one of Coombs' most famous tourist attractions. Enjoy lunch on the terrace as the goats mind their own business on the green roof above you.
At Canada's unknown wine destination, no trip is complete without sampling some local cheese. At Morningstar Farm, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks has been crafting the best artisanal cheeses for over 15 years. Take a self-guided tour or book a guided one in advance to learn all about this local family-owned company.
