Long considered one of Vancouver Island’s most popular romantic getaway resorts, Tigh-na-Mara is perfect for romance and re-charging.  This fabulous escape located 30 minutes from Nanaimo on the water in Parksville includes two nights in a cozy Spa Bungalow Studio, a Touch of Romance Package at the Grotto Spa and one Breakfast for Two in the Cedar Room.  Subject to availability, taxes and gratuities not included.  And should you be travelling from the mainland, ferry passage for one undersized vehicle and two passengers is also included…compliments of BC Ferries!

Heading to Vancouver Island with BC Ferries!

Tigh-na-mara Seaside Resort & Spa, Parksville, BC

View the hotel at www.tigh-na-mara.com and www.bcferries.com.  Then, check out our review here.

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A relaxing, romantic soak that will wash away everyday stress.

Ah, to escape the daily grind with an autumn getaway… yes, nothing but rest and relaxation, and absolutely no household chores. If this sounds too good to be true, head over to Vancouver Island and the incredibly wonderful Tigh-na-mara Seaside Spa Resort located in Parksville with your significant other for a romantic romp. In this time of restraint, here is a budget-savvy, mini-holiday that will have you fantasizing about your return before you board the ferry for home!

The Experience

Resting on 22 acres of land, it’s all lush, green forest and peek-a-boo ocean views as you enter the Resort (see video) from the coastal highway out of Nanaimo.  Gentle walking paths weave around the quaint cabins, then open up to the modern, beachside condominiums. Towering evergreens sway in the winds, while leaves of the elegant arbutus trees seem to hardly notice.

Relax in style in an oceanfront condo with all the extras.

Truly, is there anything better for time-starved couples than a few days away in such a setting?  Perhaps warm laughter, soothing spa therapies and great food and wine?  The Resort’s Grotto Spa team delivers this and more. Visualize the two of you melting into a warm mineral water pool or standing in a cozy embrace under a two storey waterfall. From here indulge in a couples’ facial and pedicure. Or, go for my favourite … a peaceful soak à deux in one of the spa’s locally sourced, hand-tinned copper tubs – complete with champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries. Continue the experience with your personal massage therapists to release any lingering tensions and you will be relaxed beyond belief.  What arguably could be the best part? You decide as fresh from the massage table, you head over to an intimate corner dining table in the Spa’s private dining room, Tree Tops Tapas & Grill. Here you will join satisfied spa-goers decked out in fluffy bathrobes with hair askew and skin positively glowing.  You and yours will further unwind over a glass of wine while savouring an utterly delectable meal of west coast flavoured tapas. Linger and nibble for as long as you care to…then head back to your private condo.  Welcome to a decadent turn down service of rose petals, iced champagne and a glowing fire gracing that dreamy ocean view! I guarantee you will rise the next morning completely re-charged.

A loaf of bread, a jug of wine,... and Little Qualicum Cheeseworks.

Get Going

Parksville & Qualicum Beach offer fabulous touring possibilities at any time of year however this is an especially appealing region in fall. The summer crowds are gone but the beaches never close. The air is incredibly fresh, cool and crisp, so breathe deep then head out and discover fabulous eagle and bear watching.  Be extra careful with the latter, staying in your vehicle to take pictures. While the bears are very beautiful, they are very wild creatures. Another fun stop is at Little Qualicum Cheeseworks.  Sample yummy natural cheeses including Brie and Island Spice, as well as a good selection of fruit wines made on site too – buy some to enjoy back at your room too.  And if you’re in need of a bit of sport, check out the salmon fishing too. There are five species in this area alone plus bass, steelhead, cutthroat and halibut.  Parksville and Qualicum Beach lure fall fisherman to cast their luck.  Imagine…peace, quiet and fish that bite!

• Accommodations to attractions, shopping, dining and activities can be found at www.VisitParksvilleQualicumBeach.com or call 1.888.799.3222
• Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort – www.tigh-na-mara.com or call 1.800.663.7373
• Little Qualicum Cheeseworks – www.cheeseworks.ca or call 1.250.954.3931

With scenery second to-none, the picturesque beachfront communities of the Oceanside region are ideal for relaxing weekend getaways and family vacations.

Stretching along Highway 19A are the unique and diverse communities of Parksville, Qualicum Beach, French Creek, Nanoose Bay, Arrowsmith Coombs Country and Lighthouse Country, including Qualicum Bay, Bowser and Deep Bay. Boasting miles of sandy beaches, spectacular mountain and ocean views, lush parks and numerous attractions, this vacation playground is home to more than 140 annual events, fine dining, quaint shops, marinas, first-class accommodations and of course, great golf.

With one of Canada’s highest concentrations of artists, gallery and studio browsing is a favourite pastime, while for outdoor enthusiasts, activities include fishing, diving, kayaking, mountain biking, boating, caving, horseback riding and windsurfing. Bird-watching is also big in Oceanside, where more than 250 bird species live year-round or visit during spring migration.

Parksville, with a population of more than 10,000, is Oceanside’s largest community. Its mild climate, incredible beaches, golf courses and beautiful parks have established the beachfront resort town as “Canada’s Riviera,” ideal for romantic getaways, spa distractions and family vacations. Nearby, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park draws hikers, anglers and picnickers, while Top Bridge Regional Park is a haven for mountain bikers.

About 10 minutes north of Parksville is the charming town of Qualicum Beach, a pedestrian-friendly gardener’s paradise with more than 50 quaint boutiques, galleries, antique stores, cozy cafes and stunning panoramic views of the Strait of Georgia. Be sure to take in a summer sunset with the accompanying breathtaking vistas, and visit the town’s oldest resident: a 70,000-year-old walrus at the Qualicum Beach Museum.

Arrowsmith Coombs Country offers even more sightseeing and activity options. The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve is a unique micro-climate and ecosystem that has received a UNESCO designation, one of only 11 in Canada. Not-to-miss attractions include the new Orchid Garden with more than 800 living orchids for your enjoyment at Butterfly World and Gardens, the World Parrot Refuge, North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, Tiger Lily Farms, Blue Stone Alpaca Farm, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks (complete with farm tours) and the Old Country Market where you can watch the antics of the goats grazing on the market’s grass roof before you explore the eclectic market and neighbouring shops. Pick up a picnic lunch and stroll the pretty paths of Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Just north, Lighthouse Country is a remarkably picturesque coastal area with marinas, restaurants, art studios, shops and activities.

For information, call 1-888-799-3222 or the Qualicum Beach Visitor Centre,

752-9532 or 1-866-887-7106, on the beach in Qualicum Beach at 2711 West Island Hwy. Call the Parksville Visitor Centre at 248-3613, or visit 3km south of Parksville at 1275 East Island Hwy.

Port Alberni

West of Parksville off Highway 4, at the tip of a long saltwater channel called the Alberni Inlet, Port Alberni is the heart of Vancouver Island’s awe-inspiring Pacific Rim region. A world-renowned sport fishing destination, Port Alberni fishing charters operate year-round and saltwater rewards include halibut, cod and salmon. For freshwater anglers, productive streams abound with cutthroat, rainbow and steelhead trout. Other activities include everything from helicopter and floatplane tours, diving and golfing to kayaking, wildlife viewing and wind surfing.

At the Alberni Valley Museum, discover fascinating exhibits on pioneer history, folk art and First Nations culture – including a special exhibit honouring B.C.’s 150th anniverary this year – while at the Rollins Arts Centre and Gardens, works by local artists and summertime tea on the terrace are featured. Alberni Harbour Quay is a colourful collection of waterfront shops, galleries and eateries where you’ll also find the Maritime Discovery Centre, the clock tower, which grants panoramic views of the Alberni Inlet, and the boarding area for the MV Lady Rose, a passenger and freight vessel offering scenic journeys to Bamfield and Ucluelet.

Other historic highlights of the summer season include the 35-minute Steam Train excursion from the historic Port Alberni Railway Station to the McLean Mill National Historic Site.

Near Port Alberni, Sproat Lake Provincial Park draws freshwater recreation enthusiasts and anglers. It’s also home base for the Martin Mars Flying Tankers, the world’s largest water-bomber aircraft used for fighting forest fires. Other nearby spots to visit include the Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery, the J.V. Cline Bird Sanctuary, and Paper Mill Dam and Rogers Creek parks.

For information on Port Alberni, call

724-6535. The Visitor Centre is located at 2533 Port Alberni Hwy.;

Every night of the week at 8 p.m. sharp, one of four shows will run in a white tent in Qualicum Beach.

This year, Guys and Dolls, A … My Name Is Still Alice, Lend Me A Tenor and Percy D’Angelino are the theatrical selections.

The season is being sponsored by Quality Foods. Additional sponsors include Royal LePage and media sponsors include The News, The News Daily, 99.9 The Lounge and 88.5 The Beach radio stations.

Ticket prices are $23 for adults for the Guys and Dolls or $18 for students. A … My Name Is Still Alice ranges from $20 to $15.

The remaining shows cost $18 for adults, $15 for students.

A season’s pass (one ticket to each show per pass), it’s $75 – before July 14, get the early bird price on a season’s pass, $65.

For more information call 752-6813 or go online to www.b2btheatre.bc.ca.;

At the intersection of Grafton and Errington roads is the Errington General Store and Post Office. Considered by locals as the centre of the community, this pit stop has a great pizza restaurant and the post office has some artwork by local potters, jewelers and woodworkers for sale.

As you drive down Errington Road you will find the historic Errington War Memorial Hall and the Community Park, home to the Errington Farmers Market. From May until September, the market is the place to go every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for everything from plants, produce and preserves to unique arts and crafts from local artisans. Under a canopy of fir trees the market has a laid back and friendly atmosphere and features Island musicians for your listening pleasure.

Coffee is always on at the market cafe and there are plenty of sumptuous baked goods to indulge in. Even if you’ve brought your pooch along for the day, don’t worry dogs are welcome at the market as long as they’re leashed.

For the animal lovers in your group make sure you include a visit to Tiger Lily Farm.

Located on Errington Road the petting farm has lots of friendly animals for kids to feed and pat. Admission includes a pony ride for children but if you feel the need to get in the saddle trail rides are offered for all levels of equestrians with outings ranging from half an hour to all day. The farm has 15 acres of wooded trails which are nice and cool in the summer, or you can explore the back woods on a three-hour tour that takes you up logging roads to the top of the power lines. Horse wrangler Jodie Bater highly recommends this option because of the spectacular views. She says they can accommodate groups of up to nine and provide friendly horses for riders of all shapes and sizes. She says you don’t have to be an expert rider and instructions are given.

At the end of Errington Road is Englishman River Falls Provincial Park.

Situated along the pristine Englishman river, it features two stunning waterfalls cascading along the descending riverbed into a deep canyon.

The park is abundant with lush old growth and second growth trees and has a large covered picnic area. There are several hiking trails that meander through the forest along the river. Visitors can expect spectacular views and swimmers will find several spots to take a dip in above and below the falls.

On your way back to town pick up some farm fresh eggs at one of the many hobby farms or road side stands in the area or swing into Silver Meadows Farm. During the summer you can buy fresh produce and locally grown corn at the farm’s kiosk on Errington Road near the Alberni Highway.

If you head further west down the Alberni Highway you’ll arrive in Coombs. A popular stopping point for tourists on the way to the west coast, the little village of Coombs is dotted with several heritage buildings, small gift and craft shops and antique stores. Probably the most famous landmark in these parts is the Old Country Market.

Its grass-thatched roof is home to a gaggle of goats that graze and pose for tourists throughout the summer. Inside the market you will find local produce; fresh baked goods; a deli and grocery department with specialty foods; an ice cream and coffee bar and restaurant. Shoppers will delight in the gift shop which is full of treasures from the farthest reaches of the world. New to the market this year and already a popular addition is an antique piano located by the restaurant. Built in 1899 the piano was a donation from a regular customer and for those who feel inspired to tickle the ivory an audience awaits you.

Take a walk down memory lane in the Coombs General Store. Established in 1912 the store has the original wood floors and shelves of memorabilia and old photos that add to its historic charm and just like the good old days there is a huge selection of penny candy. The Coombs Emporium and Frontier Town offers something for shoppers and souvenir hunters of all ages. Located just behind the western themed building is Captain Billy’s Adventure Golf. The 18-hole mini golf course has some water features including a riverboat and is open during the summer season. Also worth exploring are the Frontiersman Pub and a host of restaurants and shops all within walking distance of the market.

On the weekend of Aug. 11 and 12 is the Coombs Fair. Located on the fairgrounds behind the Coombs General Store, this old fashioned country fair has been going strong since 1913.

It has one of the largest 4-H exhibits on Vancouver Island with over 200 competitors. You can wander through the animal barns, learn about 4-H skills and enjoy a display of submissions vying for top honor in the categories of arts and crafts, photography, home canning and baking, horticulture and more. There is a pancake breakfast both days as well as a horse show, bingo under the tent and a live stage with local talent.

Within walking distance to all the shops is the Coombs Country Campground and R.V. Park. This family oriented campground has lots of things to keep the kids busy including a two-and-a-half acre, man-made lake with pedal boat rentals and U-Catch Trout. Manager Nancy Stewart says they provide the fishing gear and guests can catch trout, some of them up to three pounds.

If you hook a trout it’s yours for $7 dollars a pound. Stewart says they started the U-Catch last summer and needless to say there were a lot of family fish frys.

On Sundays a portion of the lake is buzzing with nautical maneuvers as members of the local remote control boat club play with their toys. The campsite also has a swimming pool, hot tub and peaceful nature trails.

For more information log onto ww.coombscampground.com.;

With the highest average age in the country, Qualicum Beach has a relaxed, easy pace.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t much to do – far from it. Residents and visitors don’t have to go far to enjoy boating, caving, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, lawn bowling, mountain biking, skiing, swimming, skating, curling diving or tennis. And of course, there’s the golf, probably one of the more popular pastimes in Qualicum Beach.

Golf is an important part of life here, with several courses in the immediate vicinity and even one of the main roads through town is bisected by the municipal course.

Opened in 1913, the Memorial Golf Course is one of the oldest in British Columbia, and certainly one of the most scenic. The envy of most of Canada, golfers are able to tee up for a game 12 months of the year, thanks to the area’s mild climate.

Word gets out about good things, and that has certainly been the case with Qualicum Beach, which welcomes increasing numbers of tourists during the summer months who want to enjoy everything the community has to offer.

That’s actually quite a lot. A thriving live theatre scene draws audiences from around Vancouver Island and beyond, while the number and quality of the area’s visual artists is a secret that’s long been out. Combine this strong arts scene with the small town village atmosphere, relaxed pace and mild climate, a top-flight aquatic centre, mix in a few special events and adventure possibilities and Qualicum Beach pretty much has it all.;

A temperate beachfront community, Parksville can be great place to visit year round -

This year, every Tuesday evening in July and August from 6 to 9 p.m., Craig Street, in the heart of Parksville’s downtown, is closed to traffic and open only to pedestrians.

Visitors can take a look at street side vendors while being entertained by a bevy of local performers. Local merchants and non-profit organizations also make it a great place to spend an evening.

For more information, visit www.chamber.parksville.bc.ca.;

The event is sponsored by many local organizations including The News and Oceanside’s Quality Foods, which has a chain of fine grocery stores on the Island.

After a weekend of sculpting (this year, Aug. 10 to 12) the finished pieces are left standing for weeks so visitors can see the amazing work.

The entire Beach Festival runs Aug. 10 to Sept. 3 in 2007.

Each year, in the range of more than a quarter-million people take advantage of the opportunity to come to Parksville to the BeachFest.

Once here, visitors enjoy the sand sculptures, children’s events and musical entertainment which occur as separate events, but over the length of the Beach Festival run.

For more information on Parksville’s Beach Festival, visit www.parksvillebeachfest.ca.;