Start your journey by heading north along Hwy 19A from Qualicum Bay. This scenic route offers a smooth drive through lush landscapes, making your trip enjoyable from the outset. Once you pass the town of Qualicum Beach, continue for approximately 10 kilometers, watching for signs guiding you toward the hatchery.
At the intersection with Hwy 19, take the exit toward Parksville/Port Alberni. Merge onto Hwy 19 and stay on it for about 5 kilometers. As you approach the area near the Big Qualicum River, look for signs indicating the Big Qualicum River Hatchery. This hatchery is a well-known destination for visitors exploring the coast of bc and is easily accessible via this route.
Once you see the turnoff, take the exit onto Big Qualicum Road. Drive for approximately 2 kilometers along this road until you reach the entrance of the hatchery. Parking facilities are available nearby, allowing for a quick and convenient stop. Total travel time from Qualicum Bay to the hatchery typically remains under 20 minutes, making it a short and straightforward trip from Vancouver or other parts of bc.
Step-by-step driving route including key landmarks and turn-by-turn instructions
Start your drive from Qualicum Bay, heading south on Island Highway 19 toward Vancouver. Continue along the highway for approximately 20 kilometers, passing through the scenic areas of Qualicum Beach. Keep an eye out for the sign for the Big Qualicum River Hatchery, which is just past the town of Qualicum Beach. Look for the exit labeled “Big Qualicum River” and take it.
After exiting, turn left onto Mosquito Creek Road, following the signs to the hatchery. Drive along this road for about 4 kilometers, passing through a lush forested area. The hatchery will be visible on the right side of the road, marked with a sign. To access the parking lot, take the first right turn after the sign onto Hatchery Road.
If you see the entrance to the hatchery on your right, turn into the driveway, where you’ll find parking and key landmarks such as the visitor center and breeding ponds. Carefully follow the signs within the hatchery premises for specific locations or facilities you intend to visit.
Public transportation options and schedule details for reaching Big Qualicum River Hatchery from Qualicum Bay
Take the BC Ferries shuttle service from Qualicum Bay to Vancouver, BC, which operates daily with departures every hour from early morning until late evening. Check the schedule in advance on the BC Ferries website to plan your trip accurately.
Connecting from Vancouver, BC to Big Qualicum River Hatchery
From Vancouver, BC, catch the BC Transit Route 70 bus heading north towards Nanaimo, which runs several times daily. Disembark at the Parksville transfer point and transfer to the Qualicum Beach Bus Route 11, scheduled twice daily on weekdays and once on weekends. The bus from Parksville continues directly to the vicinity of Big Qualicum River Hatchery, arriving approximately 30 minutes after the transfer.
Key schedule tips
Plan your trip to align with morning ferry departures from Vancouver, BC, and check the latest schedules for BC Transit routes 70 and 11. Buses operate on a fixed timetable, with departures generally scheduled at 8:00, 12:00, and 16:00 from key points, but verify current times online or via transit apps. Allow at least 15 minutes for transfer between buses at Parksville to ensure seamless connection.