British Columbia Destinations

Vancouver Island an appealing option for winter stays

By Margo Malcolm

Photos courtesy of Oceanside Tourism Association

More than 37 years after Anne Murray sang Snowbird, the phenomenon of flying away from the cold shows no sign of waning.

Thoughts of shovelling snow, soggy mittens and sub-zero temperatures turn many a retiree’s thoughts to a cold-free winter and a carefree lifestyle. It’s estimated that between 300,000 to 700,000 people annually travel for long stays in winter.

These days many migratory travellers are opting for the soft sandy shores of Vancouver Island, in the year-round seaside destination of Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

Canadian Riviera

Until someone actually convinces the Canadian government to adopt the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean, the only homegrown snowbird beach destination is Vancouver Island. Warm winter temperatures, a lack of snow and year-round outdoor pursuits add up to an attractive alternative to travelling internationally. There are no currency, language or cultural adjustments to make either.

On Vancouver Island, the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region, commonly referred to as “Oceanside,” is gaining the reputation as Canada’s long-stay playground. With the country’s mildest climate and low annual rainfall, along with 19 kilometres of sandy beaches, it has been called the Canadian Riviera.

The 2006 census showed that the median age of Parksville is 56.4 years with 33.8 per cent of the population 65 or over. Qualicum Beach was considered the retiree capital of Canada with 41 percent of its population 65 and over. That means all the services, amenities and activities a snowbird could want – including lots of company – are already there.

A holiday camp for adults

Snowbirds enjoy a holiday camp-like atmosphere. Socializing with fellow retirees, who have ample free time and want to escape the winter storms back home, is part of the story of why Parksville-Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island is becoming such a long-stay hot spot.

Camp activities include an abundance of, and easy access to, such amenities as golfing, hiking, sightseeing, and organized bridge groups. Some take time to volunteer at their winter destinations and others expand their knowledge or take up creative endeavours such as painting or writing. The opportunity to meet active and friendly new people is what makes Snowbirding so enjoyable.

Whether you are the rugged-outdoor-adventure types or relax-in-the-spa people, you can find the accommodation that suits you best. The region has 33 resorts, hotels and motels, nearly 30 bed and breakfasts, and 32 vacation rental homes to choose from. There are also time-shares and condos for sale. And the shoulder season from October to April offers attractive rates. You’ll also find a restaurant to satisfy most culinary cravings – from casual to gourmet, from Asian to Irish.

Fore the birds

Parksville-Qualicum Beach has impressive scenery: small villages filled with restaurants, libraries, theatres and community centres; first-class resorts with spas; golf courses galore. In fact, there are six golf courses, from nine-hole to PGA calibre, in the area and seven more courses are within an hour’s drive.

Mother Nature has blessed the region and made it a natural playground. There are beaches for beachcombing, birdwatching, and boating. The protected waters of eastern Vancouver Island have been rated the #1 spot in the world “for value and healthiest marine environment” by Scuba Diving magazine. Also nearby are Horne Lake Caves, Cathedral Grove with its old-growth forest giants, and 20 provincial parks with trails, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes.

When the instinct to migrate whispers to you this autumn, remember the world is your oyster! But also remember that sometimes a westerly flight path can be as rewarding as a southerly one.

Pack the shades and golf clubs – Old Man Winter, goodbye!

If you go:

Oceanside Tourism Association
Phone: 1-888-799-3222 or 250-248-6300
Website: www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com

Margo Malcolm is a freelance writer based in Victoria, B.C. who has written travel articles on a wide range of topics from surfing in Tofino to the island of Curaçao.