Self Guided Bike Tours
Country roads, farm stands, trails to beaches and rivers, Check! Whether you haven’t ridden a bike since you were a kid or you just finished the Tour de France, there is no a shortage of beauty spots to Take Off to!
Coombs to Parksville Rail Trail
Pedal to the beach using the Rail Trail! Located directly across from Take Off, this 7km, level gravel path is a pleasant ride into Parksville. Cruise through town, visit the Wetland Trails, or take an easy bike friendly route down to the famous beach and boardwalk for some fun in the sand and sun.
2-4+ Hours
Country Roads
Cruise past farms on the easy riding backroads of Coombs and Errington, taking in the pastoral views and glimpses of Mount Arrowsmith. Go a little deeper into Errington towards the popular Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. Stroll the scenic loop that crosses two bridges over the clear mountain river. Or head over for an animal encounter at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, a world class rehabilitation facility. If you time it right, you can catch the best little Farmers Market around on Saturdays from 10-1.
2-4+ Hours
Coombs Family Loop
Navigate the busy tourist strip along Highway 4 to destinations including Butterfly World, Hamilton Hobby Farm, and many quaint local businesses. Fuel up with coffee, ice cream, tacos or whatever you need to keep pedaling.
1-2 Hours
Saltwater SUP
Ocean, beaches, secluded lakes, and rivers, we got ‘em all! Whether you're a newbie or a master, there is no a shortage of beauty spots to Take Off to!
Qualicum Beach
If you want to enjoy a nice leisurely paddle and easy access, the boardwalk at Qualicum Beach is the place to Take Off to. It’s great for people-watching as vacationers strut up and down the promenade. Explore the 4km of sandy beach. When you get tired you can get some ice cream with that famous Qualicum dairy. Make sure you save some energy to pack that board back up!
Parksville Waterfront
Paddle up and down the beautiful and bustling Parksville waterfront. Hint: there’s a newly renovated water park nearby where the kids can have a blast while you enjoy a relaxing paddle in the bay. And when you’re done there’s a ton of tasty food trucks you can refuel with.
Rathtrevor Provincial Park
This is a popular place, but for good reason! It’s stunning! Majestic old growth trees border a pristine beach. Sunset, check. Sandy beach, check. The beauty of Rathtrevor lies in the warm shallow water that that goes on for miles. Hot tip: Time your Take Off with a higher tide as it can be quite the walk to the water during low tide. You gotta save those arms for paddling, and you definitely don’t want to be too tired to lift a cold one at the end of the day!
Little Qualicum Estuary
For more adventurous spirits, Take Off to the Little Qualicum Estuary. If you put in at the Hwy 4 Bridge and head down the river for a km or so, you will float past the Little Qualicum Estuary Conservation area. There you are guaranteed to be away from the hustle and bustle of busy boardwalks as you channel your inner David Suzuki and commune with Nature. Imagine paddling by salmon and flocks of geese—all the while dodging seals! This is also a great sunset cruise, and if you time it right the tides will help you get back to your vehicle. Best during high tide.
Freshwater SUP
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Spider Lake
Another spot not to be missed is Spider Lake. It’s a local favorite and less of a scene. This pretty lake has lots of secluded coves and islands to explore in the warm waters. It might even be a good place to Take Off your... well… you get the picture.
Cameron Lake
Take off to one of our many secluded lakes for some private time. Cameron Lake is on the roadside between Coombs and Port Alberni. The beach is nice, not too crowded, and the water is warm and inviting—just like the locals who head there after work for a swim.