Qualicum, BC is a lovely town offering a combination of single family homes, townhouses and some condos. The area offers newer construction homes as well as established properties , waterfront homes, ocean view homes and some rural acreages.
Everything You Need to Know About the Town of Qualicum Beach, BC
The pretty town of Qualicum Beach is nestled on the eastern shore of central Vancouver Island, BC. It is 62 kilometers from Courtenay and 11 kilometers from Parksville. It is approximately seven square miles (18 km2) of land area.
Life-style
Qualicum Beach town is a desirable place to live, study, work, and relax. Unique stores, galleries, eateries, and services make this Town a dream village. There are Five banks, five churches, several elementary, middle, and high schools nearby—including one of the Vancouver Island University Campus’. A big ski mountain (Mt. Washington), the famous spelunking caves, /Horne Lake Caves and miles of beautiful coastline including the pretty Qualicum Beach are all attractions in the area.
Demographic data
The Town had 8,943 residents in 2016, the latest official census data. In the shadow of Mt. Arrowsmith, on the North East coast of Vancouver Island, the area has been a renowned retirement and tourism, and leisure destination for many. Rental apartments and cottages dot the entire coast.
The Town's average age is the oldest in Canada. The most common age group in Qualicum Beach town is 65-69, and the fewest are those between 25-29. 15.88% of the inhabitants are between 15 and 64 years old, with 14.88% entering the workforce in less than two decades.
Transportation facilities
- The area is accessible by air, ferry, highway, and rail.
- With a 3,565'x75' asphalt runway, the magnificent Qualicum Beach Airport offers nonstop flights to Vancouver. There is plenty of space at the airport terminal, with a restaurant and ample parking.
Beaches
Qualicum Beach has some of the best summer weather on Vancouver Island. The Town's calm, mild waters are ideal for paddling or splashing. At low tide, the Town's beaches broaden and grow, allowing for exploration. Year-round, guests can enjoy sunset walks, excellent birding, kayaking, and fishing. The main beaches are:
- Parksville Beach
- Rathtrevor Beach
- Qualicum Beach
Art and Culture
Qualicum Beach is currently recognized for its exciting local festivals, arts, and cultural celebrations. Across the year, large events, craft exhibitions and fairs, and floral displays draw enormous audiences.
The Old School House is a historic edifice with a learning center and a public art gallery. You will find magnificent watercolor and acrylic artworks in the unique Raintree Studio and Gallery, pottery and stoneware, wooden goods, floral designs, sparkling jewelry, and glass pieces.
Some of the famous events in Qualicum Beach include Beach Day, Airport Appreciation Day, Farmers Market, Ocean Mile Swim, Seedy Saturday, Brant Festival, and Family Day.
Nature Parks
Explore incredible waterfalls and discover the Town of Qualicum Beach's unique marine and wildlife.
The Town of Qualicum Beach's strategic location offers several parks, gardens, waterways, and other routes to explore the region's nature. Parks and natural places are easily accessible from uptown and the beaches. Spectacular parks and open areas in and around Town include:
- Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Park
- Englishman River Falls and Provincial Park
- Horne Lake Caves Park
- Park of Little Qualicum Falls
- Milner Gardens & Woodland Spider Lake
- Rosewall Creek Park
- Arrowsmith CPR Trail
- Quasi-Forest
- Big Qualicum River Regional Trail
The Town's economy
Qualicum Beach's economy is still a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The service industry employs the most people in the region, accounting for 67 percent of total employment. This is slightly higher than the provincial percentage of 61 percent. Employment is expected to grow by approximately 55% by the end of 2021.
Due to Qualicum Beach's older population, job prospects in social services and health will likely increase. Employment in these two sub-sectors is predicted to nearly double in the next 25 years.