Self Guided Mountain Bike Trails
In town and itching for a ride? Come grab one of our rental mountain bikes and hit the local trails. We are situated in a great spot to rent bikes and head to the Local trail network 10 minutes away. You can also rent for a couple days and explore great riding in Cumberland, Nanaimo, Duncan, Campbell River and Hornby Island. As always please ride respectful and consider a donation to the local trail networks.
The Hammerfest Trail network is located at the entrance to the Englishman River Provincial park and has 129 trails and 90 kms of mostly blue level fast flowing singletrack, perfect for the beginner to advanced. Take a rip down local gems Scooby Doo, Locomotion, and Jughead. Once you knock those off there are plenty of other trails to challenge even the most hardcore rider!
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 in the Oceanside area to Take Off to!
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.
Riding the rail trail from Parksville to Coombs.
Riding the rail trail from Parksville to Coombs.
Riding the rail trail from Parksville to Coombs with views of MT Arrowsmith.
Sunset cruise on the Parksville board walk.
Soaking in the sunset
Getting creative at the Parksville Beach
Cruise past farms on the easy riding back roads 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 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.
E-bike ride into Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
The Locals need haircuts.
Back road cruising
Navigate the busy tourist strip along Highway 4 to destinations including Butterfly World, Hamilton Hobby Farm and many quaint local businessess on the “Other Side”. Fuel up with coffee, ice cream, tacos or whatever you need to keep you pedaling.
E-bike ride into Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
The Locals need haircuts.
Back road cruising
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!
Qaulicum beach is a great place to frolic in the ocean.
Daddy daughter date at Qualicum Beach. Its a great place for the kids!
Peaceful out on the water.
Easy beach acess.
Sit and enjoy the sunset.
Last light at Qualicum Beach.
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.
Mount Arrowsmith looms in the distance at low tide at the Parksville board walk
Sun setting at low tide in PArksville
Across the bay in Parksville.
Low tide reveals drift wood huts.
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!
Hiking into Rathtrevor Beach.
Stunning beach location.
Which way should we go?
SUP at Rathrevor Provincial Park.
Getting ready to Sup at Rathrevor Provincial Park
Cruising at the beach
Sand for miles at Rathtrevor.
Sunset paddle
Day end, walking back to the car.
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.
Blowing up SUP's at Spider Lake Provincial Park
Snacks and drinks packed for the day adventure.
Family paddle at Spider Lake
Family cruise at Spider Lake
Mayfly hatch on Spider Lake
Kids love to ride shotgim.
