Walking out on my balcony at The Beach Club Resort, my jaw dropped. In front of the property, the tide was out, and the sand flats rolled out half a mile.
We had just checked into the Parksville hotel on Vancouver Island and were keen to explore. But I needed a moment to soak in the magnificent view of the Pacific Coast Mountains across the Strait of Georgia.
My husband and I had picked The Beach Club Resort for its location, just a half-hour’s drive north of Nanaimo. Years ago, we had sauntered along Parksville’s oceanfront boardwalk and stumbled upon an amazing sand sculpture competition. I had forgotten about the view. But then again, we didn’t stay overnight, and the tide was in.
It was also a great stop on our way up to Campbell River, where we were hoping to stay in accommodations also featuring wellness and nature.
Rooms with Room to Spare
Our one-bedroom suite had a separate living room and a full kitchen. On the balcony, a table and four chairs were offered in an outdoor dining space with incredible views. I loved lounging in the spacious living area with picture windows. It was too warm to put on the gas fireplace, but it was nice to know it was an option for cooler seasons.
Our full-size refrigerator had an ice-cube maker, handy for cooling drinks we brought up from the car. A coffee maker, tea kettle, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV were accouterments we made good use of. Plus, there was a full-sized stove and microwave in case we wanted to make our own meals. The cupboards were filled with glassware, cookware, and dinnerware. Drawers held cutlery and tea towels.
Other accommodation choices at the resort included standard rooms, two-bedroom suites, penthouse suites, and beachfront villas. Looking at the hotel website, I saw most had a private balcony or patio, and the villas had walk-on beach access. Suites also featured washers and dryers.
Local Specialties at The Beach Club Resort
In the main dining room, Pacific Prime Restaurant & Lounge, I was delighted to find a menu packed with local specialties, including Dungeness crab, wild salmon, and cheese from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks.
It was a warm evening, so we sat out on the terrace overlooking the beach. I ordered wild salmon with parsnip puree, braised kale, roasted kabocha squash, juniper, and cranberry reduction. My husband ordered a chicken Caesar salad. The food was delicious, carefully prepared, and beautifully plated.
Recently introduced at The Beach Club Resort is the Catch & Dine program. You choose from one of the hotel’s recommended fishing charters and contact them directly to arrange a guided fishing experience. Then you contact The Beach Club Restaurant team to arrange for a custom-prepared meal with your catch of the day.
This opportunity requires 48 hours’ notice, so you need to book a few days in advance. The fishing experiences last around four hours, and the fish you might come back with include salmon, halibut, and cod.
Another fun and romantic introduction to dining at the hotel is a beach picnic with small bites and beverages. Making it our own private happy hour, my husband and I enjoyed nibbling on smoked salmon, local cheese, and charcuterie.
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As we were chatting and sipping our rosé, we noticed a lot of splashing out in the Strait of Georgia. Peering closer, we were thrilled to see the cause – spyhopping humpback whales.
Room service is available, as are customized meals you can prepare or warm up your suite’s kitchen.
Games and Beach Items for Everyone
The Beach Club Resort is built for families and active folks. There were complimentary bikes, beach chairs, and lawn/beach games, such as beanbag toss and bocce, for guests’ use. Other items you could request at the front desk were skim boards, beach wagons, umbrellas, metal detectors, and binoculars.
Pool, Spa, and Gym at The Beach Club Resort
Although the beach is a main attraction for swimming and shallow paddling in the summer, The Beach Club Resort’s indoor pool and hot tub are big hits in the shoulder season. Towels are provided in the change rooms along with showers, lockers, and toiletries.
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Another amenity is the small fitness center with treadmills, a stationary bike, an elliptical machine, and weights.
For pampering or easing sore muscles, you can make an appointment at the on-site Stonewater Spa. A full-service spa on the ground level offers massages, body treatments, facials, and nail care.
Nature, Golf, Cider, and a Dairy Nearby
Just down the road from The Beach Club Resort is another gorgeous spot. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park has hiking trails and picnicking areas as well as three miles of sandy beach. Other parks to check out in the region include Englishman River, Pacific Rainforest, Little Qualicum Falls, and Cathedral Grove.
There are six golf courses nearby, as well as farmers’ markets, places to kayak, skydive, and whale watch. Kids and adults alike enjoy the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, where injured wildlife is rehabilitated.
I am a big dairy fan and loved visiting Little Qualicum Cheeseworks. At this family dairy farm, you can walk through the milking barns, see newborn calves, interact with bunnies, and buy a variety of cheeses. Plus, locals come to fill up their bottles at the milk-on-tap dispenser with cream-top whole milk. I had never seen that before!
For a fruity tipple, one afternoon we visited the Swayne Creek Ciderhouse, located a little outside town in Errington. I ordered a flight to sample a variety of ciders, including Spruce Tip and Black Currant. Sitting outside at a picnic table beside the hand-raised barn, I had a lovely chat with owners Clare and Lance Burgener. They bought the property in 2020 after retiring from careers in the military. The bucolic environment, they told me, agrees well with them and their two young sons.
Rates at The Beach Club Resort
Rates range between $300-$600 per night, depending on the time of year and size of accommodation. Underground parking is complimentary.
Check rates for The Beach Club Resort online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. The Beach Club Resort arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
