Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach is a town located in the Regional District of Nanaimo, British Columbia. As of the 2001 census, the town had a total population of 6,921.

Located on the Strait of Georgia on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the community has been a popular tourist destination for residents of Victoria and Vancouver, as well as a retirement community, served by the Island Highway (the main North-South highway on the Island) and by a daily train. The community is dotted with rental cottages along the coastline. It has the oldest average population in Canada.

History

Qualicum Beach, an attractive seaside town on the east coast of Vancouver Island, began as a lumberering and summer cabin area. A private boy's school was established there in the 1920's and retired British military members also settled to a peaceful seaside life. The arrival of the [E and N} Railway and the Island Highway in the Edwardian Era heralded a new age. A power station was constructed and the village expanded. Doukobors settlers moved to adjoining Hilliers farming district in the 1930's.

Qualicum Beach was officially incorporated as a village on May 5, 1942 and was changed to town status on January 7, 1983. The name "Qualicum" comes from a Coast Salish term that means "where the dog salmon run." The area is growing quickly with new suburbs and major new highway. Currently, it is a favourite retirement and golfing community. Nearby is the {{Qualicum Falls]] park,

Geography

Major highways that run through the city are British Columbia provincial highways 4, 19, and 19A.

According to Statistics Canada, the town has a total area of 12.45 km².

Demographics

As of the Canada 2001 Census, there are 6,921 people, and 3,509 households living in the town. The population density is 556.0/km².

External links

• Town of Qualicum Beach Web Site
• Vancouver Island Hiking Tours