Central Vancouver Island Communities

Coombs British Columbia
A very popular village, Coombs is well known for the “family of goats” that graze on the grassy rooftop of the Coombs Old Country Market. Explore the local historic buildings, gift and craft shops and antique stores. The general store offers an excellent variety of local produce. Children of all ages enjoy the mini-golf and amusement rides. In Coombs there are good restaurants and coffee shops.

Errington British Columbia
A small rural village, Errington is surrounded by both hobby farms and larger commercial farms where summer produce is readily available. In Errington, there is a general store that offers postal services and also a restaurant. The community is located near the Englishman River Falls provincial campgrounds. If you are looking for clean and comfortable accommodations there are a number of B & B accommodations in the area that offer a quiet refuge from the busier centres.

French Creek and Lasqueti Island British Columbia
French Beach is a popular salt-water fishing spot with a Federal Government wharf used for moorage and unloading goods by west coast fishing vessels. Enjoy the view from the neighbourhood pub overlooking the marina. Home of St. Ann's Church and a golf course that has hosted the CPGA qualifying school. Take a day trip from French Creek to Lasqueti Island by passenger ferry and then enjoy a walk to the north end of Lasqueti Island to Scottie Bay and Spring Bay. Explore the natural caves and the eagle nests. While in Scottie Bay visit the local shipyard.

Gabriola Island British Columbia
Access to Gabriola Island is by ferry located on the Nanaimo BC waterfront. Surrounded by rural forested parks, quiet beaches and ocean views. The mild a mild temperate climate creates a relaxed lifestyle. The island is known for its variety of artisans, with a thriving cottage industry and arts and crafts. Visit the Gabriola Museum to get a sense of the Island history that tells the story of this Strait of Georgia island. There are over 50 petroglyphs carved by aboriginal inhabitants discovered at Jack Point, Lock Bay and Weldwood. Outdoor activities include golfing, wild life viewing, hiking, cycling, sea kayaking, fishing and beach combings.

Ladysmith British Columbia
Situated on the 49th parallel Ladysmith was previously one of the largest coal mining towns on Vancouver Island. Recently, the town won a provincial award for “The Most Beautiful Community On Vancouver Island”. Ladysmith was also recognized for its national “Main Street Canada Award” as one of the best revitalization community development projects in Canada. Harrowsmith Country Magazine named Ladysmith “One of the 10 Prettiest Towns in Canada”. The restored heritage buildings in the downtown area offer visitors a chance to step into the past and enjoy island living at its finest. The variety of shops, restaurants, pubs, seaside parks and antique shops make Ladysmith a favourite place to be for both locals and visitors alike.

Lantzville British Columbia
A small village situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island. A suburb of Nanaimo, Lantzville has a general store, neighbourhood pub and limited community services. Outdoor activities include golfing,

Lighthouse Country British Columbia
Along the Oceanside Route Highway 19A north of Qualicum Beach are the communities of Qualicum Bay, Deep Bay, and Bowser. This area offer an abundance of outdoor activities include: boating, fishing, hiking, trail-riding, great beachcombing and of course, golfing. While in the Lighthouse Country explore natural caves in the Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. Nearby at Spider Lake, best known for its warm clean waters, you can have fun swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The marina in protected by Deep Bay Harbour and offers moorage, boat charters and rentals. Explore a variety of ocean side accommodations, services, family restaurants.

Nanaimo British Columbia
Know as the Harbour City, Nanaimo is centrally located on Vancouver Island and it is the second largest city on the island. Nanaimo is well known for its picturesque harbour, marinas and seaside walks. Travel from Victoria by automobile to Nanaimo via the Island Highway or travel the waterways with B.C. Ferries from the mainland and Gulf Islands. Nanaimo Airport is a short fifteen minute flight to the city of Vancouver. Nanaimo offers a variety of facilities for conventions, sporting events and indoor and outdoors activities. Explore the downtown historic buildings, restaurants, museums, the theatre centre, pubs and curiosity shops. There are several large shopping centres and box stores that have proven to be popular with island residences and visitors alike. Nanaimo waters are bountiful and offer easy access to fresh and salt water fishing, scuba diving, hiking, kayaking mountain biking, bird watching, and there are poplar beaches and swimming locations along the coastline.

Oceanside British Columbia
Covering the area north from Nanoose Bay to Deep Bay and Arrowsmith in Coombs Country. Oceanside includes the communities of Parksville, Nanoose, French Creek, Qualicum, Errington, Lasqueti Island and Coombs. The Oceanside Route or Hwy 19A follows the Eastern Shoreline of Vancouver Island. Oceanside is a bird watchers paradise with over 250 bird species in the region. Winter and summer residents and visitors explore the variety of safe sandy beaches, beautiful golf courses and west coast forests parks. Oceanside is a very popular destination for family vacations. There is something for everyone in this great outdoors including: mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking to mention a few. Stroll the docks and watch local fishermen working on their boats or unloading their days catch. There are charming accommodations, restaurants, neighbourhood pubs, stores and all modern services.