Qualicum Beach

The name "Qualicum" comes from a Pentlatch term that means "Where the dog salmon (chum salmon) run."{{Cite book |last=Francis |first=Daniel |title=Encyclopedia of British Columbia |url=http://www.knowbc.com/ |orig-year=1999 |year=2000 |publisher=Harbour Publishing |isbn=1-55017-200-X |page=585}}

Qualicum Beach is located within the traditional territory of the Qualicum First Nation.

People from all over would come to the Qualicum area to gather camas flowers in the spring and chum salmon in the fall.{{Cite web |title=History of the Qualicum First Nation {{!}} Deep Bay Marine Field Station {{!}} Vancouver Island University {{!}} Canada |url=https://research.viu.ca/deep-bay-marine-field-station/qualicum-first-nations-traditional-territory |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=research.viu.ca |language=en}} Camas bulbs are sweet tasting and were traded as a delicacy.{{Cite book |last=Campbell |first=Kenneth |title=B.C. First Nations Studies |publisher=British Columbia Ministry of Education |year=2003 |isbn=0-7726-4882-4 |pages=26}} The traditional diet of the Qualicum First Nation includes clams, including geoducks, butter clams, and horse clams. Pentlatch is the language that was spoken in this area. A large portion of the Qualicum First Nation population was lost due to small pox and war, leading to a loss of the Pentlatch language. Small pox was brought to what is now Canada by French settlers in the 17th century.{{Cite web |title=Smallpox in Canada {{!}} The Canadian Encyclopedia |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/smallpox |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca}} Additionally, the loss of the Pentlatch language may also be attributed to the residential school system.

In May 1856, Hudson's Bay Company explorer Adam Grant Horne, with a group of aboriginal guides, found a route across Vancouver Island from the Qualicum River to the Alberni Inlet.{{Cite book |last=Francis |first=Daniel |title=Encyclopedia of British Columbia|url=http://www.knowbc.com/|orig-year=1999|year=2000|publisher=Harbour Publishing|isbn=1-55017-200-X|page=346}} Horne Lake is named after him.{{Cite bcgnis|id=18353|title=Horne Lake}}

In 1864, the botanist and explorer Robert Brown led the Vancouver Island Exploring Expedition through the area. He found the area deserted as a result of the small pox epidemic of 1862.{{Cite book|last=Mackie|first=Richard Somerset|title=The Wilderness Profound, Victorian Life on the Gulf of Georgia|place=Victoria, BC|publisher=Sono Nis Press|year=1995|isbn=1-55039-058-9|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/wildernessprofou0000mack}}{{rp|47}} The first settlers arrived in the 1880s.

A road was built from Nanaimo to Parksville in 1886 and extended to Qualicum in 1894.

A school house was built in 1912. The school served as an elementary and secondary school until 1952. The school house was later converted into an arts centre.

A train station was built in 1913.{{Cite web |title=Qualicum Beach History {{!}} Qualicum Beach Museum |url=https://qbmuseum.ca/qualicum-beach-history/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=qbmuseum.ca/ |language=en-CA}} The E&N Railway reached Qualicum in 1914.

H.E. Beasley, a railway official, sponsored the creation of The Merchants Trust and Trading Company which organised the original layout of the town and built the golf links and the Qualicum Beach Hotel in 1913.[https://www.qualicumbeach.com/history-of-qualicum-beach Town of Qualicum Beach web site, Early Days in Qualicum] Retrieved June 30, 2019 The Qualicum Beach Hotel was managed by Noel Money. During World War 1 the hotel was used as a hospital, which was visited by the Prince of Wales in 1918. Visitors to the hotel included Shirley Temple, Bing Crosby, and the King of Thailand. The hotel was eventually torn down in 1969. The golf course (Memorial Golf Course) remains and is preserved by the Town of Qualicum Beach.{{Cite web |title=Historic Tour |url=https://www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com/blog/historic-tour/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism |language=en-US}}

In 1914, the residence of Noel Money, the Crown Mansion, was built.{{Cite web |title=HistoricPlaces.ca - HistoricPlaces.ca |url=https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=16069 |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.historicplaces.ca}} The Crown Mansion overlooks the town's first golf course, the Memorial Golf Course, and is built in a Georgian Revival style. The Crown Mansion is now protected by the Brown Preservation Society and operates as a hotel.{{Cite web |title=Crown Mansion - Qualicum Beach Museum |url=https://qbmuseum.ca/crown-mansion/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=qbmuseum.ca/ |language=en-CA}}

In the 1920s, Giuseppe Roat, also known as the Hermit of Qualicum Beach, moved to the area.{{Cite web |date=2011-08-06 |title=The Hermit of Qualicum Beach |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/community/the-hermit-of-qualicum-beach-1136734 |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Parksville Qualicum Beach News |language=en}} He opened the first museum in Qualicum Beach, called the Crystal Springs Museum of Nature Art. Alongside the museum, Roat also had a spring called Crystal Spring. Visitors could drink from the spring for 25 cents. Roat purchased 75 lots in the area of Qualicum Beach, totalling 44 acres. This land is now what is known as the Hermitage Park subdivision.

In the 1930s, Alexander Duncan McRae and his wife Blaunche built an upscale family retreat, known as Eaglecrest, in Qualicum Beach. Visitors included Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1951. In the late 1960s, Eaglecrest was converted into a resort. A fire in 1969 burnt down the main house. In 1972, the new owners replicated the original house and opened a golf course. In 1981 a fire once again destroyed Eaglecrest.

File:QUALICUM COLLEGE, BRITISH COLUMN.jpg

A private boys' residential school, the Qualicum College, was established in 1935 by Robert Ivan Knight.{{Cite web |title=Qualicum College |url=https://curric.library.uvic.ca/homeroom/content/schools/private/qualicum.htm#:~:text=Qualicum%20College%20was%20the%20most,the%20finest%20preparation%20for%20life.%22 |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=curric.library.uvic.ca}} The school grew through the 1960s, however, attendance diminished with the school closing in 1970. The structure was operated as a hotel for a number of years, however, the college has now been demolished. Its playing fields have been turned into a housing subdivision.[http://curric.library.uvic.ca/homeroom/content/schools/private/qualicum.htm The Homeroom: Qualicum College] Retrieved June 30, 2019

St. Andrews Lodge, a hotel built in a Tudor style, was built in 1938 by Sam Little. The Lodge was especially popular during World War 2 with members of the Canadian armed forces.{{Cite web |title=Legacy |url=https://www.salhacs.ca/legacy.html |access-date=2023-01-02 |website=SALHACS |language=en}}

Qualicum Beach was officially incorporated as a village on May 5, 1942, and was changed to town status on January 7, 1983.

In 2002, the town's primary grocery store, Qualicum Foods, was destroyed by a fire.{{Cite web |title=Quality Foods |url=https://www.qualityfoods.com/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=QualityFoods.com}} In 2003 a new Qualicum Foods was built. In 2021, Qualicum Beach councillor Teunis Westbroek was sued for allegedly suggesting that the owners of Qualicum Foods burnt down their own store in 2002.{{Cite web |date=2021-05-04 |title=B.C. councillor sued for allegedly saying developers had 'burned down their store' - Today In BC |url=https://www.todayinbc.com/news/b-c-councillor-sued-for-allegedly-saying-developers-had-burned-down-their-store/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.todayinbc.com |language=en-US}} In 2023 Westbroek agreed to pay $130,000 to settle the defamation suit and issued a public apology in the local newspaper.{{Cite web |title=Qualicum Beach mayor apologizes, agrees to pay $130,000 to settle defamation case |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/qualicum-beach-mayor-apologizes-agrees-to-pay-130000-to-settle-defamation-case-6529062 |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=Victoria Times Colonist |language=en}} Ultimately, Westbroek only paid $2,839 personally.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-24 |title=Town of Qualicum Beach pays for mayor’s $130,000 defamation settlement - Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/news/town-of-qualicum-beach-pays-for-mayors-130000-defamation-settlement/ |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}} The rest of the settlement was covered by the Town's liability insurance and the Town paid a $10,000 deductible.

In 2007, the Gardens, a long-term care facility, was built in Qualicum Beach.{{Cite web |title=The Gardens at Qualicum Beach Long-Term Care |url=https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/long-term-care-locations/gardens-qualicum-beach-long-term-care |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.islandhealth.ca |language=en}} Another retirement home, Berwick, opened in 2019.{{Cite web |date=2019-11-13 |title=Berwick Qualicum Beach officially open - Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/business/berwick-qualicum-beach-officially-open/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}} There are currently 5 retirement homes in Qualicum Beach.

Trains stopped operating in 2011. The station is now used as an office space.

St. Andrews Lodge was purchased by the Town of Qualicum Beach in 2018 with hopes to transform the land into a waterfront park.{{Cite web |last=Sterritt |first=Spencer |title=St. Andrews Lodge in Qualicum Beach spared the wrecking ball for now |url=https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2020/11/06/st-andrews-lodge-in-qualicum-beach-spared-the-wrecking-ball-for-now/ |access-date=2023-01-02 |website=NanaimoNewsNOW {{!}} Nanaimo news, sports, weather, real estate, classifieds and more |language=en}} The Town considered demolishing the Lodge. In late 2020 The St. Andrew Lodge Cultural and Historical Society was formed by local residents, with the goal of saving the Lodge from demolition.{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.salhacs.ca/about.html |access-date=2023-01-02 |website=SALHACS |language=en}} They succeeded in this goal, and the Lodge and park is currently being renovated. Qualicum First Nation gifted the new name of "Saahtlam" for the park.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-07 |title=Qualicum First Nation gifts town with name 'Saahtlam' for former St. Andrews Park - Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/news/qualicum-beach-first-nation-gifts-town-with-name-saahtlam-for-former-st-andrews-park/ |access-date=2023-01-02 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}}

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Qualicum Beach had a population of 9,303 living in 4,435 of its 4,763 total private dwellings, a change of {{percentage|{{#expr:9303-8943}}|8943|1}} from its 2016 population of 8,943. With a land area of {{cvt|17.98|km2}}, it had a population density of {{Pop density|9303|17.98|km2|sqmi|prec=1}} in 2021.{{cite web | url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810000202&geocode=A000259 | title=Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), British Columbia | publisher=Statistics Canada | date=February 9, 2022 | access-date=February 20, 2022}}

File:Qualicum Beach Population Pyramid (2021).png

The majority (56.3% in 2021) of residents are 65 years of age or older.{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2022-02-09 |title=Profile table, Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population - Qualicum Beach, Town (T) [Census subdivision], British Columbia |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}} The median age in 2021 was 67.5 and the average age was 61.2.

The majority (92.8% in 2021) of citizens aged 25 to 64 have obtained a high school diploma or equivalency certificate. 64% of citizens have obtained a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree.

According to the 2021 census, the most common major fields of study of citizens in Qualicum Beach included:

• Business, management, and public administration (1,130 persons or 37.6%)
• Architecture, engineering, and related trades (895 persons or 29.8%)
• Health and related fields (855 persons or 28.5%)
• Education (635 persons or 21.1%)
• Social and behavioural sciences and law (475 persons or 15.8%)

The median total income of households in 2020 was $76,500.

Of the labour force, 55% work as permanent employees and 32% are self-employed. The remaining hold casual, seasonal, temporary, short-term, or fixed (1 year or more) term positions. As of 2021, 7.7% of the population is unemployed. The majority (65.5% in 2021) of the population is not in the labour force.

According to the 2021 census, the most common occupational categories in Qualicum Beach included:

• Sales and service (705 persons or 25.5%)
• Business, finance, and administration (515 persons or 18.6%)
• Trades, transport, and equipment operators (485 persons or 17.5%)
• Education, law and social, community and government services (300 persons or 10.8%)
• Health (255 persons or 9.2%)
• Natural and applied sciences (210 persons or 7.6%)

According to the 2021 census, the ethnic or cultural origin of citizens in Qualicum Beach included:

• English (3,315 persons or 37.8%)
• Irish (1,955 persons or 22.3%)
• Scottish (2,115 persons or 24.1%)
• German (1,040 persons or 11.9%)
• French (770 persons or 8.8%)
• Canadian (735 persons or 8.4%)
• Ukrainian (515 persons or 5.9%)
• Dutch (415 persons or 4.7%)

According to the 2021 census, religious groups in Qualicum Beach included:{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2022-10-26 |title= Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Qualicum%20Beach&DGUIDlist=2021A00055921023&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0 |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}

• Irreligion (4,615 persons or 52.6%)
• Christianity (4,015 persons or 45.7%)
• Judaism (30 persons or 0.3%)
• Buddhism (20 persons or 0.2%)
• Islam (20 persons or 0.2%)
• Other (65 persons or 0.7%)

Image:Qualicum town hall 2.jpg

Municipal government of the Town of Qualicum Beach has a council-manager form of government. It is headed by a mayor (who also represents Qualicum Beach on the governing board of the Regional District of Nanaimo) and a four-member council. These positions are filled by at-large elections every four years, as provided by British Columbia law.See the Local Government Act, [http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/r15001_01 RSBC 1996, chapter 323] As of October 2022, the current mayor of Qualicum Beach is Teunis Westbroek. Voter turnout in the 2022 election was 52.53%.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-20 |title=Town of Qualicum Beach confirms Teunis Westbroek as new mayor - Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/news/town-of-qualicum-beach-confirms-teunis-westbroek-as-new-mayor/ |access-date=2022-12-28 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}}

School board trustees, for representation on School District 69 Qualicum, are also elected by residents of the town, the City of Parksville and the surrounding area. The town funds a volunteer fire department, which serves the town and nearby rural communities. The town has a local ambulance station. The nearest full hospital is Nanaimo Regional General Hospital in Nanaimo.[https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/hospitals-health-centre-locations/nanaimo-regional-general-hospital NRGH web site.] Retrieved June 30, 2019.

Qualicum Beach is part of the Parksville-Qualicum provincial electoral district. Qualicum Beach is represented by Independent Adam Walker. Walker was dismissed from his position as a parliamentary secretary and removed from the BC NDP caucus following an internal investigation.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-18 |title=Parksville-Qualicum MLA Adam Walker ousted from B.C. NDP caucus |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/parksville-qualicum-mla-adam-walker-ousted-from-bc-ndp-caucus-7560417 |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=Times Colonist |language=en}} Federally, Qualicum Beach, in the Courtenay—Alberni riding, is represented in the House of Commons of Canada by NDP Member of Parliament Gord Johns, who was first elected in 2015.

Image:Qualicum train 1.jpg

Highway 19A, runs the length of the town along the shoreline of the Strait of Georgia. Highway 19 includes a junction with Highway 4, which runs through Cathedral Grove to Port Alberni and Tofino, Ucluelet, Bamfield and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the south-west coast of the Island. Scenic, flight training and charter flights are offered by Qualicum Flight Center. The town has no marina or harbour, however, there is a boat launch for trailered boats. French Creek Harbour is {{Convert|5|km|mi}} south-east on Highway 19A.

Via Rail's Malahat service served Qualicum Beach station from 1979 until 2011.{{Cite web |title=Homepage |url=https://www.islandrail.ca/ |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Island Corridor Foundation |language=en-US}} In 2011, service was suspended indefinitely due to track replacement work.{{Cite web |date=2012-03-27 |title=E&N; rail service doomed without huge injection of government cash says operators |url=http://www.viccity.ca/v2/news/7231/E&N+rail+service+doomed+without+huge+injection+of+government+cash+says+operators/ |access-date=2022-05-10 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327182143/http://www.viccity.ca/v2/news/7231/E&N+rail+service+doomed+without+huge+injection+of+government+cash+says+operators/ |archive-date=27 March 2012 |url-status=dead}} As of 2015, service has not yet resumed.{{Cite web |title=Island's E&N rail repairs on hold during provincial review |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/islands-en-rail-repairs-on-hold-during-provincial-review-4621029 |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Victoria Times Colonist |language=en}}

The town has an approximate area of {{convert|12.45|km2}}.

Qualicum Beach is on the Nanaimo lowlands, a narrow plain which lies between the Georgia Basin to the northeast and the Beaufort Range (one of the Vancouver Island Ranges) to the south-west. Landforms were significantly changed by the most recent advance of glacial ice about 18,000 to 19,000 years ago.

Marshall-Stevenson Wildlife Sanctuary, in the west end of Qualicum Beach, is a tidal wetlands at the mouth of the Little Qualicum River.

Wildlife include: black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, black bear, and cougar. With the presence of human population, deer, raccoons and rodents persist.

Soil types in the area, mostly classified as Orthic Dystric Brunisols and Duric Dystric Brunisols, vary from marginal to unsuitable for agriculture. They tend to be loamy sand or gravelly loamy sand. Their fertility is low and they are strongly acidic except in near-shore areas where Native American shell middens provide abundant calcium and organic matter. However, they are suitable for development.[http://www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?Province=BC%20%20&StationName=&SearchType=&LocateBy=Province&Proximity=25&ProximityFrom=City&StationNumber=&IDType=MSC&CityName=&ParkName=&LatitudeDegrees=&LatitudeMinutes=&LongitudeDegrees=&LongitudeMinutes=&NormalsClass=A&SelNormals=&StnId=208& Environment Canada, Canadian Climate Normals 1971–2000, Qualicum River][http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/bc/bc57_v2/intro.html BC Ministry of Environment: Soils Of Southeast Vancouver Island Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay, And Port Alberni Areas, Jurgen, 1989] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050316214153/http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/bc/bc57_v2/intro.html |date=2005-03-16 }} {{ISBN|0-7726-0907-1}}{{Cite web |url=http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/bc/bc57_v2/intro.html |title=The Ecology of the Coastal Douglas Fir Zone Ministry of Forests, March 1999 |access-date=2006-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050316214153/http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/bc/bc57_v2/intro.html |archive-date=2005-03-16 |url-status=dead }}

The climate is a Mediterranean Climate. The town has cool, wet winters with 80 to 85% of the year's precipitation between October and April. The average annual precipitation is {{convert|131|cm}}. Mean daily temperature ranges from {{convert|1|to|3|C|F}} in January, with cloud and rain from north Pacific air masses dominating the winter weather. High pressure ridges over the mainland can produce easterly air flows, bringing snow and freezing temperatures during winter but do not persist, as moist westerly winds bring above-freezing temperatures. North Pacific high pressure cells influence summer weather, making it warm and dry. July and August have an average precipitation of {{convert|27|mm}} and average maximum temperatures of {{convert|23|°C|°F|abbr=on}}.

With the longest freeze-free period in Canada, at 180 days per year, the Nanaimo lowlands area is favourable for agriculture. The area is within the small Coastal Douglas Fir bio-geographic zone, which is considered the mildest climate in Canada. The Vancouver Island Ranges, which includes nearby Mount Arrowsmith, shadows rainfall. This bio-geographic area can also support Garry Oak and Arbutus.

{{Weather box

|location = Little Qualicum Hatchery

|metric first = yes

|single line = yes

|Jan record high C = 15.5

|Feb record high C = 18.5

|Mar record high C = 22.5

|Apr record high C = 25.5

|May record high C = 31.5

|Jun record high C = 32.0

|Jul record high C = 34.5

|Aug record high C = 34.0

|Sep record high C = 33.0

|Oct record high C = 23.5

|Nov record high C = 18.5

|Dec record high C = 14.5

|year record high C = 34.5

|Jan high C = 6.4

|Feb high C = 7.8

|Mar high C = 10.3

|Apr high C = 13.3

|May high C = 17.1

|Jun high C = 19.9

|Jul high C = 22.9

|Aug high C = 22.9

|Sep high C = 19.6

|Oct high C = 13.6

|Nov high C = 8.7

|Dec high C = 5.9

|year high C = 14.0

|Jan low C = 0.0

|Feb low C = -0.4

|Mar low C = 0.8

|Apr low C = 2.6

|May low C = 5.8

|Jun low C = 8.5

|Jul low C = 10.4

|Aug low C = 9.7

|Sep low C = 6.7

|Oct low C = 4.0

|Nov low C = 1.6

|Dec low C = 0.0

|year low C = 4.2

|Jan record low C = -14.0

|Feb record low C = -17.5

|Mar record low C = -9

|Apr record low C = -3.5

|May record low C = -2.0

|Jun record low C = 2.5

|Jul record low C = 4.0

|Aug record low C = 3.0

|Sep record low C = -2.5

|Oct record low C = -8.0

|Nov record low C = -18.0

|Dec record low C = -17.5

|year record low C = -18.0

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation mm = 167.1

|Feb precipitation mm = 114.0

|Mar precipitation mm = 99.1

|Apr precipitation mm = 64.2

|May precipitation mm = 49.1

|Jun precipitation mm = 42.4

|Jul precipitation mm = 22.7

|Aug precipitation mm = 31.8

|Sep precipitation mm = 40.7

|Oct precipitation mm = 113.4

|Nov precipitation mm = 182.3

|Dec precipitation mm = 156.2

|year precipitation mm = 1082.9

|rain colour = green

|Jan rain mm = 155.5

|Feb rain mm = 106.8

|Mar rain mm = 94.9

|Apr rain mm = 64.2

|May rain mm = 49.1

|Jun rain mm = 42.4

|Jul rain mm = 22.7

|Aug rain mm = 31.8

|Sep rain mm = 40.7

|Oct rain mm = 112.9

|Nov rain mm = 177.0

|Dec rain mm = 149.7

|year rain mm = 1047.8

|Jan snow cm = 11.6

|Feb snow cm = 7.1

|Mar snow cm = 4.2

|Apr snow cm = 0.0

|May snow cm = 0.0

|Jun snow cm = 0.0

|Jul snow cm = 0.0

|Aug snow cm = 0.0

|Sep snow cm = 0.0

|Oct snow cm = 0.5

|Nov snow cm = 5.2

|Dec snow cm = 6.5

|year snow cm = 35.2

|unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm

|Jan precipitation days = 20.5

|Feb precipitation days = 16.1

|Mar precipitation days = 18.3

|Apr precipitation days = 16.1

|May precipitation days = 13.8

|Jun precipitation days = 12.1

|Jul precipitation days = 7.2

|Aug precipitation days = 7.1

|Sep precipitation days = 8.8

|Oct precipitation days = 16.6

|Nov precipitation days = 21.1

|Dec precipitation days = 19.1

|year precipitation days = 176.6

|unit rain days = 0.2 mm

|Jan rain days = 19.3

|Feb rain days = 15.1

|Mar rain days = 17.9

|Apr rain days = 16.1

|May rain days = 13.8

|Jun rain days = 12.1

|Jul rain days = 7.2

|Aug rain days = 7.1

|Sep rain days = 8.8

|Oct rain days = 16.5

|Nov rain days = 20.4

|Dec rain days = 18.2

|year rain days= 172.4

|unit snow days = 0.2 cm

|Jan snow days = 2.3

|Feb snow days = 1.7

|Mar snow days = 0.96

|Apr snow days = 0.0

|May snow days = 0.0

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.0

|Sep snow days = 0.0

|Oct snow days = 0.08

|Nov snow days = 1.4

|Dec snow days = 1.5

|year snow days = 7.9

|source 1 = Environment CanadaEnvironment Canada—[http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?searchType=stnName&txtStationName=qualicum&searchMethod=contains&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=181&dispBack=0 Canadian Climate Normals 1981-2010 Station Data], accessed 7 November 2016

|date=November 2016

}}

Qualicum Beach is part of School District 69. There are two elementary schools in Qualicum Beach and one high school. Students in the district can also enroll in distance education through CEAP (Collaborative Education Alternative Program).{{Cite web |title=Programs & Services - Collaborative Education Alternative Program |url=https://www.sd69.bc.ca:443/school/CEAP/Programs/Pages/default.aspx |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=www.sd69.bc.ca |language=en-US}}

Kwalikum Secondary School (KSS) is the only high school located in Qualicum Beach. Approximately 700 students are enrolled.{{Cite web |title=B.C. Education System Performance - Kwalikum Secondary: Contextual Information |url=https://studentsuccess.gov.bc.ca/school/06969014/report/contextual-information |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=studentsuccess.gov.bc.ca}} The school offers programmes such as ROAMS, a leadership programme featuring outdoor guide training; Golf Academy, a year long training programme that covers golf swing instruction, golf etiquette, and course management; a music programme, and athletics.{{Cite web |title=Programs & Services - Kwalikum Secondary School |url=https://www.sd69.bc.ca:443/school/KSS/programs/Pages/default.aspx |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.sd69.bc.ca |language=en-US}} In the past, the school has faced potential closure due to fears of decreasing enrolment.{{Cite web |date=2011-04-12 |title=KSS closure issues gets political - Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/news/kss-closure-issues-gets-political/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}}

Qualicum Beach Elementary School is one of two elementary school in Qualicum Beach and has approximately 400 students enrolled.{{Cite web |title=About - Qualicum Beach Elementary School |url=https://www.sd69.bc.ca:443/school/QBES/About/Pages/default.aspx |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.sd69.bc.ca |language=en-US}} The school offers programmes such as the Mountain Bike Club, featuring weekly treks through woodlands; a Musical Theatre Club, putting on several performances each year; and the STREAM programme, a programme focused on technology and innovation.

Arrowview Elementary School is an elementary school in Qualicum Beach. The school has approximately 300 students.{{Cite web |title=B.C. Education System Performance - Arrowview Elementary: Contextual Information |url=https://studentsuccess.gov.bc.ca/school/06969020/report/contextual-information |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=studentsuccess.gov.bc.ca}}

File:Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island (36450170760).jpg

The Farmers Market takes place every Saturday and is year round.{{Cite web |title=For Visitors - Qualicum Beach Farmers Market • Open Year-Round • Make it, Bake it, Grow it |url=https://www.qbfarmersmarket.com/about-us |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.qbfarmersmarket.com}} All products must adhere to a "Make it, Bake it, Grow it" policy, meaning that all products are locally made, grown, or baked by the vendors. The first Qualicum Beach Farmers Market took place in 1997, with approximately 20 regular vendors in its first year. The market currently takes place on Veterans Way and features approximately 100 vendors and sees approximately 2,500 visitors each Saturday.{{Cite web |date=2017-04-20 |title=Qualicum Beach Farmers Market market manager speaks on economic benefits of farmers' markets - Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/news/qualicum-beach-farmers-market-market-manager-speaks-on-economic-benefits-of-farmers-markets/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}}

Each year on July 1, the town of Qualicum Beach and the Royal Canadian Legion hold a Pancake Breakfast, parade, and activities around town. The parade usually starts at the Civic Centre goes down Second Avenue. The event was cancelled for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Family Day is an annual event taking place on the last Sunday of May in Qualicum Beach, with each year featuring a unique theme.{{Cite web |last=Beach |first=Town of Qualicum |title=Qualicum Beach Family Day |url=https://www.qualicumbeach.com/qualicum-beach-family-day |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.qualicumbeach.com}} Activities include a pancake breakfast, a parade, music and other live entertainment.

The Brant Wildlife Festival is an annual 4 week long event that celebrates nature, in particular the Brant goose.{{Cite web |title=Brant Wildlife Festival |url=https://brantfestival.bc.ca/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |language=en-US}} Activities include counting Brant geese, estuary and field station tours, and a film festival.

The Seaside Cruizers Car Club hosts an annual Father's day Show 'n Shine day, where vintage and collectible cars are featured.{{Cite web |title=Show and ShineSeaside Cruizers |url=https://seasidecruizers.com/event/show-and-shine/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |language=en-US}} Over 30,000 spectators come to Qualicum Beach per year for the event.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-03 |title=Seaside Cruizers Show 'N Shine event set to return June 19 in Qualicum Beach - Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/community/seaside-cruizers-show-n-shine-event-set-to-return-june-19-in-qualicum-beach/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}} Trophies and prizes are handed out, such as "Best Truck", "Best Import", and "People's Choice".

Seedy Saturday is an annual gardening event in Qualicum Beach run by volunteers.{{Cite web |title=Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday |url=https://www.qbseedysaturday.ca/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.qbseedysaturday.ca}} Visitors may swap or purchase seeds and plants, receive gardening advice, and socialise at the Seedy Cafe. The first Seedy Saturday in Qualicum Beach was organised by Joy Smith in 2002.{{Cite web |title=Our History – Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday |url=https://www.qbseedysaturday.ca/our-history/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.qbseedysaturday.ca}} In 2018, the event saw approximately 2700 visitors.

Moonlight Madness is an annual event that takes place in November.{{Cite web |last=Holmes |first=Ian |title=Moonlight Madness holiday kickoff takes over downtown Qualicum Beach |url=https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2022/11/24/moonlight-madness-holiday-kickoff-takes-over-downtown-qualicum-beach/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=NanaimoNewsNOW {{!}} Nanaimo news, sports, weather, real estate, classifieds and more |language=en}} The event features late-night shopping, live music, photos with Santa Claus, and carolers. The event promotes shopping local.

The Ocean Mile Swim is an annual swimming event that has taken place for over 60 years.{{Cite web |last=Beach |first=Town of Qualicum |title=Ocean Mile Swim |url=https://www.qualicumbeach.com/ocean-mile-swim |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=www.qualicumbeach.com}} Prizes are awarded under varying categories such as fastest swimmer and youngest swimmer.

The Fire and Ice Festival was an annual event that took place each year in Qualicum Beach.{{Cite web |last=Broughton |first=Dan |title=Fire & Ice Street Festival |url=http://www.chilli-festival.com/events/canada/bc/events/canada/bc/qualicum-beach.htm |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=Chilli Festival |language=en-GB}} The event featured, concurrently, a chili cook-off contest (the fire) and an ice sculpture contest (the ice). The event took place for 25 years, but was cancelled in 2018 due to a lack of volunteers.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-18 |title=Qualicum Beach Fire & Ice Festival snuffed out |publisher=Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/news/qualicum-beach-fire-ice-festival-snuffed-out/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}}

The Old School House (TOSH) is an arts centre located centrally in Qualicum Beach.{{Cite web |last=Beach |first=Town of Qualicum |title=The Old School House (TOSH) |url=https://www.qualicumbeach.com/the-old-school-house-tosh |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.qualicumbeach.com}} Originally built as a school in 1912, the school served as an elementary and secondary school until 1952.{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.theoldschoolhouse.org/our-history |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=The Old School House Arts Centre |language=en-US}} The building was then used by the Board of Education until 1985. Threatened by demolition, a group of citizens formed a non-profit cultural association to save the building. The building was restored and re-opened in February 1988 as an arts centre. The mission of TOSH Arts Centre is to "foster a vibrants arts centre that promotes and encourages the development of multi-dimensional artists and musicians for the enjoyment of all ages, residents and visitors alike, in Qualicum Beach and throughout central Vancouver Island".{{Cite web |title=The Old School House Arts Centre |url=https://www.theoldschoolhouse.org/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=The Old School House Arts Centre |language=en-US}} TOSH offers workshops, classes, and features several galleries and resident artists.{{Cite web |title=TOSH Classes & Workshops |url=https://shop.theoldschoolhouse.org/collections/tosh-classes-and-workshops-1 |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=The Old School House Arts Centre Gift Shop |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Resident Studio Artists |url=https://www.theoldschoolhouse.org/resident-artists |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=The Old School House Arts Centre |language=en-US}}File:Qualicum Beach 058.JPG

The Village Theatre was originally built in 1948 as a movie house, but is currently used for live theatre performances.{{Cite web |title=The Village Theatre - Qualicum Beach Museum |url=https://qbmuseum.ca/the-village-theatre/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=qbmuseum.ca/ |language=en-CA}} ECHO Players is a non-profit society that was founded in 1934 and has been active for over 45 years in the Village Theatre.{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.echoplayers.ca/about |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=ECHO Players |language=en-US}} ECHO Players is composed of more than 240 members and produces four main stage shows per season.File:Village Theatre Qualicum Beach.jpg

The Qualicum Beach Museum was founded in 1982 by Elizabeth Little and is located in a former power generating station. The museum features both permanent as well as temporary exhibits, documenting the history of the town of Qualicum Beach. File:Qualicum Beach Museum.jpg

Milner Gardens is a 70-acre estate that was previously owned by H.R. Milner.{{Cite web |title=Milner Story {{!}} Milner Gardens {{!}} Vancouver Island University {{!}} Canada |url=https://milnergardens.viu.ca/milner-story |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=milnergardens.viu.ca}} Member of the royal family have visited twice; Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited the gardens in 1986. Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth stayed in 1987. Vancouver Island University acquired the estate in 1996 and converted the private gardens to a public garden. The gardens feature old growth Douglas firs, cedar trees, and rare rhododendrons.{{Cite web |title=Vancouver Island University, Degree Programs Canada – Master & Bachelor Education Degrees Canada {{!}} VIU |url=https://milnergardens.viu.ca/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=milnergardens.viu.ca}}

Memorial Golf Course is a public golf course that was opened in 1913.{{Cite web |last=Beach |first=Town of Qualicum |title=Memorial Golf Course |url=https://www.qualicumbeach.com/memorial-golf-course |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.qualicumbeach.com}} It is the fourth oldest golf course in British Columbia. The course is open year-round.

Little Qualicum Falls is a provincial park and campground near Qualicum Beach.{{Cite web |title=Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park |url=https://www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com/things-to-do/parks-nature/little-qualicum-falls/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism |language=en-US}} The falls are surrounded by old growth forests. Visitors can walk the trails, swim, and camp at this provincial park.File:Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park (36676050912).jpg

Qualicum Beach has 280 hectares (15% of the town) of Town-owned green spaces and parks:{{Cite web |title=Qualicum Beach Recreation & Parks Guide 2016 by Blain Sepos - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/parksvillequalicum/docs/recreation_and_parks_guide_2016 |access-date=2023-01-02 |website=issuu.com |language=en}}

The park is located along Island Highway 19A and is popular for walking and sunbathing. The park has picnic tables, benches, shade trees, public washrooms, a public boat ramp, and a concession stand.

The park is located along Island Highway 19A, in the west end of Qualicum Beach. There is a viewing platform that is popular with birdwatchers and photographers. The park has picnic tables and benches.

The park is located in the Qualicum Woods neighbourhood. The park has mature native trees, benches, and a children's playground.

The park is located in the west side of downtown Qualicum Beach, by the Ravensong Aquatic Centre and the Civic Centre. The park is over 38 hectares and has a skateboard park, 7 baseball diamonds, a cricket pitch, a children's playground, a BMX track, soccer pitches, an off-leash dog park, walking trails, and public washrooms.

The trail is located inside Eagle Ridge Place. There are benches and a nature trail.

The park is located between Harlech Road and Sunningdale Road West. The Qualicum Beach Train Station is located within the park, as well as a church and steam locomotive. There are benches, flower gardens, a community garden, and fruit trees.

The square is located centrally in the town, next to the Public Library and Town Hall. The square features an artisan sculpted marble fountain, benches, and an information kiosk.File:Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island (36012102584).jpg

The park is located in the west part of Qualicum Beach. The park is heavily forested and features a ravine with fish ladders. There are nature trails and benches. The Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers count smolt annually in Grandon Creek and work to improve the habitat.{{Cite web |title=Grandon Creek |url=https://www.qbstreamkeepers.ca/projects_grandon.html |access-date=2023-01-02 |website=www.qbstreamkeepers.ca}}

File:Grandon Creek foot bridge.jpg

Heritage Forest is a 50-acre forest in Qualicum Beach that features pockets of old growth coastal Douglas fir, western red cedar, grand fir, Sitka spruce, and hemlock.{{Cite web |title=Heritage Forest Management - Heritage Forest |url=https://heritageforest.ca/heritage-forest-management-2/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=heritageforest.ca/ |language=en-US}} Heritage Forest is situated within the Coastal Douglas fir biogeoclimatic zone.{{Cite web |title=Heritage Forest |url=https://heritageforest.ca/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=heritageforest.ca/ |language=en-US}} This zone is the most biologically diverse forest type in British Columbia. The land was previously owned by General Noel Money and later the Brown Family Trust.

In 1996, plans were in place to subdivide the land into 110 building lots. Anne and Leo Klees and others formed the Brown Property Preservation Society to raise funds to purchase the land and save it from development. In 2004, the group was able to purchase the forest with help from the town of Qualicum Beach. The Heritage Forest represents 20% of all coastal Douglas fir protected forest in British Columbia.File:Everyday walk in Heritage Forest , saved from greed in QB ^^ Promenade quotidienne - panoramio.jpg

The park is located on Island Highway 19A, along the waterfront. The park features benches and picnic tables.

The park is located on Bennett Road. The park is a third of a hectare and features nature trails.

The park is located on Seacrest Place. It functions as a beach access and has benches.

The square is located on Memorial Avenue. The square is next to the Community Hall and has sitting areas. The square is often used for events.

The park is located on Yambury Road. The park is partially forested and has nature trails. It is a popular spot for dog walking.

Qualicum Beach has a number of places on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.{{Cite web |last=Beach |first=Town of Qualicum |title=Heritage Buildings |url=https://www.qualicumbeach.com/heritage-buildings |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.qualicumbeach.com}}

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File:Qualicum history monuments.jpg|1992 History Monuments, 50th anniversary of Qualicum Beach

File:Qualicumbeachsummer2010kjfmartin.jpg|Qualicum Beach

File:Qualicum history 1.jpg|From the beginning to 1913

File:Qualicum history 2.jpg|From 1913 to 1930

File:Qualicum history 3.jpg|From 1930 to 1992

File:Grandon Creek Nature Sign.jpg|Grandon Creek trail

File:Grandon Creek foot bridge.jpg|Grandon Creek trail

File:Qualicum Beach 008.jpg|Second Avenue

File:Qualicum Beach 028.jpg|Town Hall and the Library

File:Qualicum Beach 010.jpg

The Hallmark TV series Chesapeake Shores was primarily filmed in Qualicum Beach.{{Cite web |title=Filming Location Matching "Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada" (Sorted by Popularity Ascending) |url=http://www.imdb.com/search/title/?locations=Qualicum+Beach,+British+Columbia,+Canada |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=IMDb}} The Thrall Residence (also known as the Leigh House) was used as Sally's Café, a frequent filming location throughout the series.

• Noel Ernest Money, a British Canadian brigadier-general.
• Coral Eswyn (née Ellinor) Lyster, a British Canadian war bride author who lived in Qualicum Beach.
• Alexander Duncan McRae, a Canadian Politician.
• Horatio Ray Milner, Canadian lawyer and businessman.
• Herbert John Welch, former mayor and politician.
• Harrison Houde, Canadian singer and actor.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-07 |title=Former Kwalikum Secondary student makes his mark in Hollywood - Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/entertainment/former-kwalikum-secondary-student-makes-his-mark-in-hollywood/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}}

The following people and military units have received the Freedom of the Town of Qualicum Beach.

• Margaret Little in 1998
• James Robert Storey in 2006
• Anna Maria Klees in 2011
• Arthur Norman Skipsey in 2011
• John E. Collins in 2011
• Leo Klees in 2011

• 19 Mission Support Squadron, RCAF: 7 May 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/community/snowbirds-fly-over-to-highlight-qualicum-beach-freedom-of-the-town-event/ |title=Snowbirds fly over to highlight Qualicum Beach Freedom of the Town event |last=Briones |first=Michael |date=8 May 2022 |website=The Parksville Qualicum Beach News |access-date=14 May 2022 }}

HMS Qualicum was a ship in the Royal Navy named for the community.http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/explore/online/d_day/big/big_16_minesweeper.aspx Image of HMS Qualicum in Ontario Archives

On October 2, 2022, a pair of Servals escaped from a private residence in Qualicum Beach. A neighbour's pet cat was killed by one of the escaped servals. The first serval was found on October 3, while the second roamed free, killing several ducks, until it was captured on October 9.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-11 |title=Second escaped serval cat recovered near Qualicum Beach after killing several ducks - Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/news/second-escaped-serval-cat-recovered-near-qualicum-beach-after-killing-several-ducks/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}} The incident, among others, prompted the BC SPCA to request a provincial ban on serval cats as pets.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-17 |title=BC SPCA wants provincial ban on serval cats - Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/news/bc-spca-wants-provincial-ban-on-serval-cats/ |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}}

Since 1999, the town's official Town crier is Leonard Mustard.{{Cite web |title=Parksville Qualicum Beach News, June 05, 2012 by Black Press Media Group - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/blackpress/docs/i20120605070555366 |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=issuu.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2011-02-18 |title=Town crying out in support of Rotarians - Parksville Qualicum Beach News |url=https://www.pqbnews.com/community/town-crying-out-in-support-of-rotarians/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=www.pqbnews.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Beach |first=Town of Qualicum |title=Events |url=https://www.qualicumbeach.com/events-2019-8-1-wk24/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=www.qualicumbeach.com}}

• General A.D. McRae, who built Eaglecrest.
• Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park.
• Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park.
• List of former mayors.
• Parksville, British Columbia.
• MacMillan Provincial Park Cathedral Grove
• Qualicum First Nation
• Eswyn Lyster - warbride author
• Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
• Noel Money

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