ADDRESS
5861 West Island Hwy. ( Hwy. 19)
Qualicum Beach BC V9K 1Z5
HOURS
Vary depending on the season. Please check the website.
CONTACT
250-757-9337
Qualicum Beach First Nation
AMENITIES
Camping, Lodging, Picnic Facilities, Restrooms, Trails
Located north of Qualicum Beach, the Qualicum First Nation Campground overlooks the Strait of Georgia with a spectacular view of the coast mountains. Stop here for a great spot to camp, swim and relax while following the whale trail up Vancouver Island’s east coast. From the beach, watch for blows, flukes, and dorsal fins, as this is also a highly travelled route for many marine mammal species!
“These inhabitants of the Salish Sea have sustained us physically and spiritually since the beginning of time. We wish to do all we can to ensure they—and our people—are here forever.” – Qualicum First Nation
WHERE THE WHALES ARE
In the Strait of Georgia, see if you can spot the bushy blows of killer whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins gliding gracefully across the water’s surface, or the small triangular fin of a harbour porpoise dipping in and out of sight in shallower waters.
Elusive minke whales can travel quite close to shore; watch for their curved dorsal fins and dark bodies, as their blows can be difficult to spot.
Curious harbour seals can be seen bobbing along in the coastal waters, sometimes joined by California and Steller sea lions (especially during the annual spring herring spawning events!).
