Springtime is Swingtime

in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Take advantage of the long weekends before summer!

I t might be a good idea to get on the phone, text or Facebook your friends and families in those parts of the country that are still experiencing winter’s chill, and plan out a getaway between now and the end of May. They might just love you for it.

The greens and fairways are firmed up, flowers are blooming, and there’s more ahead as the weather continues to warm midVancouver Island and Parksville Qualicum Beach.

The area is a first choice for long-weekend getaways on Canada’s West Coast – temptingly close to home for nearly three million residents in the Pacific Northwest, yet just far enough away to rate as perfect holiday destination.

Those 72-hour weekends stack up fast as spring begins its slow shift towards summer. Mother’s Day (May 14), Victoria Day (May 22) and Memorial Day (May 29)

are all prime times for visitors here. Yet this window still rates as a “shoulder season” meaning accommodations are cheaper than they will be when school’s out and the summer crowds arrive. The happy result: a few more dollars in your pocket to spend on a memorable getaway.

Maybe you want to discover and immerse yourself in our art galleries, museums, people and settings of the area. Maybe you’re an adventurer who wants to experience the sand, the forest and the placid waters that we’re fortunate to enjoy year-round.

And it’s always a good time to bask in the hedonistic pleasures of our spas, restaurants and shops and the meticulous attention paid to such places like Milner Gardens. The Gardens begin their seven-days per week schedule at the start of May when the estate’s rhododendrons are at their most glorious.

Think deluxe condo on the beach, seaside dining, great wine and hand-pulled ales in an English pub serving authentic food alongside a crackling fire.

Variety is indeed the spice of life as you enjoy the famous and eclectic Coombs Market and the goats that inhabit its roof. Hike in majestic Cathedral Grove or get wet and wild by crawling in the caves at Horne Lake.

So pull out your smartphone, share our app, website or Facebook page and plan out a spring getaway that’s sure to fulfill a satisfying, energizing winter thaw.

You’ll feel like a new person by the time you leave.