Qualicum Beach Accommodation: Buena Vista by the Sea

This past week Robyn and I have been fairly busy. We were on Vancouver Island for a good 5 days, though primarily were in Victoria for our friends Wedding (by the way, it was fun and I did a good job as their photographer). Granted while in Victoria we did stay with Robyn’s brother so that saved us some money, as many people know how expensive it is to travel to and from Vancouver Island on BC Ferries.

After the wedding we drove up the west coast of Vancouver Island and did some car camping just south of Port Renfrew. Don’t worry, I’m sure I’ll be writing about the various beaches that are dotted along the coastal road on the way to Port Renfew as well as our camping adventures too.

Typically Robyn and I stay in a place for more than one day, though we decided to blaze across the island and head up to Qualicum Beach. Qualicum is a beautiful (but quiet) town about 40 minutes north of Naniamo, or 10 minutes north of Parksville. What we love about Qualicum is the massive beach front area that the old Island Highway drives alongside, especially when the tide goes out, and it goes WAY out too.

When stopped off at the Visitor Info Centre (a first for me) and we inquired about places to stay along the beach. The friendly staff highlighted a couple places for us and we headed up the road to check them out. First was a property that had small, cute and quiet cottages next to the beach, though they were booked full. The lady who ran it  recommended we headed two doors down to Buena Vista by the Sea and mention we were sent there. So we did just that.

Buena Vista by the Sea

When we pulled up to the little motel the owner came up and introduced herself to us. Claire asked if we were looking for a place to stay the night and we were in luck, she had one room available. She even took us to the suite (called the Hornby Suite of all things) and showed us around before we even paid for the room. Typically it was meant for more than 2 people as it had 2 bedrooms but came equipped with a kitchenette (full-fridge, sink, full-oven, cabinets, cookware, flatware etc), eating table,  master bedroom with a comfy queen-sized bed, two futons (surprisingly both were comfy too) one which is in the second bedroom that overlooks the water, a nice sized 3-piece bathroom and of course an LCD TV on a movable trolley.

Once we were told the price (under $90/night) we quickly said yes and followed Claire back to the office. Once we paid for the room, got the key we unloaded our baggage in the room.

Did I mention they give you fresh ground coffee for the morning? Enough to fill a regular sized coffee maker (not one of those dinky, small hotel ones either) and it was good too! Claire also gave us a small container of fresh milk when we checked in too. You have fresh ground coffee, tea, hot chocolate and even apple cider available in your room.

For those who can’t quite disconnect from the Internet or Office, Buena Vista by the Sea does offer FREE Wireless! Yup, you don’t have to log into some weird hot-spot controller, or pay any extra money to use it either. You just select the Wireless SID, enter the password (which is supplied in the room) and connect. The speed was good too. Since I didn’t have a cellular signal for 2 days prior, I was glad I could log into the Internet and check email as was Robyn.

Did I mention the view you get when you stay at the Buena Vista by the Sea? Yup, the above photo is our little patio with the beautiful view of the ocean (Georgia Straight) with parts of the mainland in the background. It’s a great thing to wake up to in the morning! We also had dinner and breakfast out on the patio. The other suites on the property also have patios or direct access to the backyard and beach.

We highly enjoyed our stay at the Buena Vista by the Sea motel. Claire and her husband were awesome and extremely friendly and helpful during out brief one night stay. We definitely will stay there again and might even might head up to our Hornby destination this August a day early just to stay here again. Hopefully they have room!

*update*

In my rush to get out a blog post I forgot to add some of the photos of the property to share with you! The backyard that backs onto the beach is great for relaxing. Two large decks with loungers, tables with umbrellas, a great looking flower garden and just a really relaxing atmosphere. Add the cool breeze from the water, and the smell of the ocean air and the property is one of the best places we’ve stayed at. There is even a gazebo to hang out in if the weather isn’t the greatest.