Within 30-minutes of Madrona Beach Resort, you'll discover some very special places that you won't find anywhere else in Canada. Travel west along Hwy 4 (Alberni Hwy), or head north or south along scenic Hwy 19A (Oceanside Route) - excitement and spectacular scenery await no matter which direction you choose!
To get you started, here are some of our favourite Parksville/Qualicum must-see sites, sure to please both adults and children alike:
- Craig Heritage Museum - Located just south of Madrona Beach Resort (MBR) in Craig Heritage Park, this museum tells the story of Oceanside's first European settlers and their rugged life. Just a few minutes from MBR - walking distance, even!
- Oceanside Community Arts Council - A complex of galleries, teaching studios, and gift shop, all located within an old wooden schoolhouse in downtown Parksville. 5 minutes from MBR
- Arrowsmith Potters' Guild - Located in Parkville's 101-year old train station - the oldest station left on the historic E&N Railway Line - members of the Arrowsmith Potters' Guild showcase their unique work at the Train Station Pottery Shop. Check their website for classes, workshops, special events and pottery shop hours. 5 minutes from MBR
- Tiger Lily Farms - This farm is a special place for kids to visit with its petting zoo and horseback trail rides through the forest. Located in the district of Errington, on the way to Englishman River Falls. Approx. 10 minutes from MBR
- Coombs Old Country Market - A favourite local haunt, no visit to Vancouver Island is complete without a trip to Coombs Market on Hwy 4, famous for their "goats on the roof". The market offers a vast array of international foods, fresh produce and meats, gifts and treasures, in-store baked goods and ice cream. A number of other gift and specialty shops are also located at this site. Approx. 15 minutes from MBR on Hwy 4A
- Morningstar Farm - Nestled in the shadow of Mt. Arrowsmith and home to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and MooBerry Winery, is a favourite family road-trip destination. Take a wagon ride, tour the farm, pet the animals, and taste a selection of world-class wine and cheeses. Approx. 15 minutes from MBR
- North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre - This recovery centre is renowned for its success in rehabilitating injured and orphaned bald eagles, ravens, owls and bears. Their interactive interpretive centre includes hands-on exhibits for an exciting learning experience. Approx. 15 min. from MBR
- The World Parrot Refuge - This refuge houses more than 800 birds and has the world's largest free flight refuge for parrots whose owners could no longer take care of them. Approx. 15 minutes from MBR on Hwy 4A
- Butterfly World and Gardens - Stroll through tropical gardens filled with trees, plants, flowers and, of course, thousands of butterflies from around the world. Also located here is Canada's largest exhibit of orchids and the "Big Bug Jungle". Approx. 20 minutes from MBR on Hwy 4A
- Milner Gardens and Woodland - Rated by Canadian Geographic as one of the top 10 gardens in Canada and visited by members of the Royal Family, Milner Gardens offer 60 acres of winding pathways, gardens and woodland. Enjoy traditional English tea served inside the exquisite heritage house located in the centre of it all. Approx. 20 minutes from MBR on Hwy 19A
- Big Qualicum Fish Hatchery - This hatchery plays a critical role in increasing the populations of chum, coho and chinook salmon as well as steelhead and cutthroat trout. In the fall, you can walk along the hatchery's shoreline trails and watch the salmon spawn. Approx. 25 min. north on Hwy 19A
Need directions? Contact us or drop by the Madrona Beach Resort Office for advice on the best routes to take, travel times and distances.
