37km (23 miles) N of Nanaimo

These twin resort towns near the most popular beaches on Vancouver Island now market themselves as the tourist region of Oceanside. Spending a week here is a family tradition for many residents of British Columbia. With miles of sand and six golf courses, it's the perfect base for a relaxing vacation. Parksville (pop. 10,500) and Qualicum Beach (pop. 7,500) are also good stopping-off points for travelers making the trip to or from Victoria and Tofino.