Bubbles, Bites & The Big Blue: A Taste Of World Oceans Day In Parksville

If you know anything about Canadian chef Ned Bell, you know he’s serious about seafood—and even more passionate about protecting our oceans. As a sustainable seafood champion, Ocean Wise ambassador and all-around hospitality heavyweight, Bell has built a legacy on education, advocacy, and absolutely unforgettable meals.

So when we were invited to the inaugural World Oceans Day celebration at Parksville’s Beach Club Resort on June 8, we packed my bags without hesitation. Set against the stunning backdrop of Vancouver Island’s east coast, this beachfront resort pulled out all the stops to celebrate our planet’s blue heart—and they did it deliciously.

The event served up the perfect pairing: fresh, sustainably caught seafood and top Okanagan wines and ciders, all enjoyed with our toes in the sand and the ocean breeze in our hair. Chef Bell teamed up with the resort’s executive chef Nick Mackay-Finn and a roster of local partners to host four interactive culinary stations, each spotlighting local ingredients, innovative preparations and inspiring sustainability stories. The crowd? Sold out and completely satisfied.

But World Oceans Day was just the beginning of an unforgettable three-day stay. Our adventure began in true trailblazing fashion—aboard a flight with Iskwew Air, Canada’s first Indigenous- and woman-owned airline. Founded by Métis pilot Teara Fraser, Iskwew (pronounced iss-kway-yo, the Cree word for “woman”) is all about reclaiming space in aviation and empowering new journeys.

Once we checked into our ocean-view oasis, we headed straight to French Creek Harbour for the resort’s signature Catch & Dine experience. Truthfully, we were skeptical—fishing isn’t exactly in our comfort zone—but the sunshine, calm waters and enthusiastic guides from Western Star Charters won us over. We reeled in a dogfish (safely returned to the sea), and that night feasted on coho salmon, crab and shrimp freshly caught and prepared with flair in the resort’s heated, maritime-themed outdoor tent.

What to Do in Parksville & Qualicum Beach

Parksville and nearby Qualicum Beach are bursting with charm and natural beauty. Start your exploration with:

• Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: A dreamy, interactive farm experience where you can sample artisan cheese, pet friendly farm animals and even pour yourself a glass of fresh milk from an on-site dispenser.
• Deep Bay Marine Field Station: Dive into hands-on marine biology fun at Vancouver Island University’s facility, where guided tours explore oyster breeding programs and showcase the region’s rich marine biodiversity.
• Qualicum Beach Farmers Market: Held year-round on Saturdays, this market is a local favourite for fresh produce, handmade goods and toe-tapping live music. Bonus: you’re supporting small businesses with every bite and browse.
• Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park: With its vast beach, towering old-growth trees, scenic oceanfront trail and shaded picnic spots, this park is pure magic for walkers, wanderers and forest bathers alike.
• Englishman River Falls: A short drive away, this spectacular park boasts powerful waterfalls, lush trails and a chance to reconnect with nature in all its sensory glory.

Where to Dine

• The Beach Club Resort Restaurant & Lounge: From oceanfront patios to cozy indoor nooks, the seasonal menus here highlight the best of Vancouver Island’s bounty with a focus on local, sustainable fare.
• Fern + Cedar Brewing Co.: Located in Qualicum Beach, this trendy brewery charms with its stylish cedar-and-fern decor and satisfies with a farm-to-table menu and local small-batch brews that perfectly reflect the region’s flavours.

Mark Your Calendar

The 2nd Annual World Oceans Day celebration at the Beach Club Resort promises to be even bigger and better. Trust us—you’ll want to be there. —Michelle Hopkins