Vacationing in Qualicum Beach
I’m fortunate to visit Qualicum Beach at least a few times a year as my in-laws live there and graciously open their home to us. This summer we visited in July when the weather was warm and glorious, farmers markets in full swing, and beaches sunny and sandy, and we recently returned from a December visit where the snow had dusted the landscape and winter jackets and scarves replaced sunhats and swimsuits. No matter what the season, we’ve always found something new to explore.
Fortunately, both trips were made in the 2021 Acura TLX, equally great for summer travel and wintry roads, giving us a wide range of experiences with the vehicle. In the summer we could test the acceleration out mode out safely with dry roads, and in December, despite the snowy roads, we were able to travel safely in this road-hugging sport sedan that is far more than just a smart-looking vehicle. Scroll down for more about why we choose to tour in this vehicle.
In the summer, the Saturday Qualicum Beach Farmers Market is a delight, with baked goods, locally made pickles and jams and, if you are lucky, the Up Beet Inc. Food Truck with their breakfast sandwiches. We’ve yet to visit in the winter, but they are open year-round.
This past year the folks from Vancouver’s Water Street Cafe opened Qualicum Beach Cafe at the Qualicum Beach Hotel and we dined there each visit, enjoying their seafood platter, salads, burrata and Prosciutto, crab cakes and an insanely decadent dessert. Many BC wines, beers and weekly specials have made this a popular spot for the locals too.
I’m always up for a food shop wherever we go, we usually grab some oysters at the French Creek Fresh Seafood and this time the Kushi’s were particularly sweet, having just come in when we pulled up. Michael used to shuck in the ’90s at Umberto’s Circolo, so I left that to him, although I can do a decent job if necessary.
If you’re up for some shopping, Weinberg’s Good Food in the village always has superb espresso, a delightful selection of condiments, cheese, charcuterie, and kitchen things such as unique cups and cookbooks. They also have a location at Buckley Bay.
Faire Living is another gorgeous homeware spot around the corner from Weinberg’s. They stock beautiful aprons, napkins, mixing bowls and rolling pins and have an online presence as well.
A few new spots have popped up in the past few years and my favourite is De L’ile Restaurant where the husband-and-wife team bakes fresh bread, and pastries daily and has a plant-forward dinner menu focusing on locally grown products paired with the Island’s wines and spirits.
Black Bird Schnitzel House is a welcome dining spot for hungry dinners and their schnitzel is top-notch! Forgive the picture as it had travelled home and was roughly plated as we were eager to eat!
Another spot to grab a bite in the summer months is the Knockananna Grill, a food truck at the beach – the burgers are epic.
For the best coffee in town and stellar pastries, brunches and carrot cake visit the French Press Coffee Roasters.
Recently opened Fern + Cedar Brewing had some great brews on tap in December and we had some great clam chowder there.
Sneaking in one non-food item here, there’s a great spot for self-care. From April until October do yourself a favour and book into Avacena for a Seaweed Soak. Exceptionally relaxing!
More about the Acura TLX – Another snowy photo at the Fanny Bay Inn where we tested out the highway driving.
The 2021 version of the Acura TLX has Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, a technology that takes handling to the next level with stability and precision on corners, even when the roads are icy. A turbocharged auto with a quick-shifting 10-speed engine, and 280 lb.-ft of torque, which slides into the Sport+ mode. Here you’ll get a powerful ride, but you’ll feel super safe with the electro-servo brake system that provides precision braking.
The remote commands to start the engine and unlock the doors from a phone are conveniently fun and the 10.2-inch infotainment system controlled through a touchpad on the console and steering-wheel buttons make navigation and cabin heat control super easy.
Other smart technology means your TLX can be a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot* for up to seven devices at once for streaming, browsing, and staying connected. The Studio® 3D Premium Audio System delivers the ultimate in sound quality from ta 17-speaker surround system, including 4 ultra-slim Highline™ overhead speakers.
Safety is not sacrificed in this sports sedan, as Acura’s standard driver safety and assistive technologies, such as AcuraWatch™, Adaptive Cruise Control* and the Collision Mitigation Braking System™*, help improve awareness of your surroundings and support you on the road. The body is even engineered with added collision protection.
Safety and style are all wrapped up into one.
