First, I opted to hotel it in Parksville as my mother had already left for the UK. I choose Pacific Shores when I can as it has an indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, beachfront, grassy fields, and family friendly rooms. There is a spa and restaurant on site, with close access to the highway. The kids love it there and even the sofa bed is comfortable. It was awesome.
In the area, you are two hours away from Victoria and 15 minutes from Coombs and Qualicum. This trip, we only had three days to visit friends and family. The main goal was to spend time with my Dad. In order to do this with the girls, I have to find interesting and unique opportunities as my family doesn't have a place that is welcoming to congregate. So, off we went. First, I took the girls to Oceanside Village Spa called Tranquil Moments. Massages and pretty nails were accomplished and then it was time to meet up with the family.
I chose Tiger Lily Farms as we had been there before and I knew it was great for kids. There the girls giggled ecstatically over the baby goats, bottle feeding them and thoroughly engaging with them. 4 day old chicks were cuddled, calves were petted and ponies were ridden. We hunted eggs and decorated Easter baskets. The girls couldn't have had a better experience. From there, we visited the Vancouver Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, which is just down the road. We explored the gift shop and then saw the flight practice cage. What I love is that the goal is to rehabilitate wildlife to the wilderness. The birds that are caged are not ever going to be well enough to fly so they are given beautiful spaces to live. The grounds are spacious and we met Oliver the owl. He was lovely.
Time was still on our side so we wandered back up the road to Englishman River Falls. There is a gorgeous walking trail that meanders around both sides of the Falls. It is just long enough for a good stretch and there are plenty of picture opportunities. After that, we were hungry or at least the girls were. That mean ice creams at Coombs Country Market. I have always said that they had the best ice cream cones on the Island and they did not disappoint.
In the evening, the grandparents decided to wend their way home. The girls and I went back to Pacific Shores and wallowed in the hot tub on the point. The waves rolled bay and the soothing sounds of the birds kept us company. Hot tubs are the best invention ever after a day of being outdoors. All in all, if you are looking for fun on the Island - Parksville might just have the best of all worlds.
I chose Tiger Lily Farms as we had been there before and I knew it was great for kids. There the girls giggled ecstatically over the baby goats, bottle feeding them and thoroughly engaging with them. 4 day old chicks were cuddled, calves were petted and ponies were ridden. We hunted eggs and decorated Easter baskets. The girls couldn't have had a better experience. From there, we visited the Vancouver Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, which is just down the road. We explored the gift shop and then saw the flight practice cage. What I love is that the goal is to rehabilitate wildlife to the wilderness. The birds that are caged are not ever going to be well enough to fly so they are given beautiful spaces to live. The grounds are spacious and we met Oliver the owl. He was lovely.
Time was still on our side so we wandered back up the road to Englishman River Falls. There is a gorgeous walking trail that meanders around both sides of the Falls. It is just long enough for a good stretch and there are plenty of picture opportunities. After that, we were hungry or at least the girls were. That mean ice creams at Coombs Country Market. I have always said that they had the best ice cream cones on the Island and they did not disappoint.
In the evening, the grandparents decided to wend their way home. The girls and I went back to Pacific Shores and wallowed in the hot tub on the point. The waves rolled bay and the soothing sounds of the birds kept us company. Hot tubs are the best invention ever after a day of being outdoors. All in all, if you are looking for fun on the Island - Parksville might just have the best of all worlds.
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| Craig's Bay from Pacific Shores |
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| Oliver |
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