Premier Listings for Central Vancouver Island

As you drive the Island Highway, it’s always a treat to look across the Strait of Georgia at landmarks on the mainland as spires of the Coast Mountains rise on the eastern horizon. One such scenic view is the profile of Howe Sound Crest as revealed when you look back towards the city of Vancouver from Parksville. The farther north you head towards Courtenay and Campbell river, however, the more the peaks and glaciers of Vancouver Island’s ranges, principally the imposing Comox Glacier, Forbidden Plateau, and Mount Washington, rise in the west and vie for equal attention.

As the highway winds past well-kept farms, this is a serenely rural part of the journey. Flowers abound in the gardens that front many of the homes along the way. Small rivers such as the Little Qualicum and the Englishman, as well as the mightier ones such as the Puntledge and the Campbell, empty into the strait. From the highway you catch glimpses of quiet green forest settings on the banks that line each river’s course. Come late summer, these streams teem with spawning salmon.

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For much of the way between Courtenay and Campbell River the Island Highway runs beside Qualicum Bay, an area rich in seafood. Pullouts beside the road give easy access to the bay’s sand and pebble beaches. At several places you can buy fresh seafood, brought to the docks daily from local waters.

The mountains and islands of central Vancouver Island have a mysterious sense about them, as if they’re always trying to hide some secret. It’s true: you do have to travel farther afield here in order to penetrate its cloud-laced valleys and coastal rain forest. Take your time as you meander through this laid-back region. Its rhythms are subtle, but with gentle probing they reveal themselves, showing greater complexity than first meets the eye.

The following regions and towns are located in or around Central Vancouver Island:

Location: The new Island Highway (Highway 19) has superseded the old Island highway (Highway 19A) as the way to move quickly between Nanaimo and Campbell River. Parksville, 37 km north of Nanaimo’s Departure Bay ferry, lies just east of the new Island Highway. For those wishing to make time, the new four-lane route is a blessing. For those wishing to take their time, this will mean fewer cars tailgating along the scenic ocean drive.

Highways 19 and 19A link Parksville with southern Vancouver Island. Highway 4 links Parksville with Port Alberni, and with Tofino and Ucluelet on the west side of the island. Approaching from the north, Highway 19 links Campbell River with the northern half of Vancouver Island. Campbell River may also be reached by BC Ferries from Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island. Highway 28 originates from Highway 19 just north of Campbell river, and leads west for 92 km to Gold River.

View maps of the area

Premier Local Businesses in Central Island, BC – North Central Vancouver Island Small Business

Fresh Start | Health Restoration & Lifestyle Transformation Retreat

7-28 Day Healing Retreats 4384 South Island Highway Campbell River BC V9H 1E8 Work Phone: 1-888-658-3324Website: Visit WebsiteWebsite: Inquire Now
Photo of Fresh Start | Health Restoration & Lifestyle Transformation Retreat

Biographical Info

Fresh Start is a true healing place for people who are looking for natural health solutions and would like to seriously improve their physical health, emotional wellness and re-pattern unhealthy habits. And also it is for those who are healthy yet would like to take their wellbeing to the next level and desire to rejuvenate, detoxify their body and need assistance in achieving effective yet doable long-term healthy lifestyle change.

We are unique and virtually the only natural health retreat in Canada that specializes in advanced, comprehensive, professionally guided, safe and individualized 7-28-day healing retreats for individuals with mild to moderate health conditions. We have hosted over 145 retreats serving close to 1,500 clients since 2005.

Guests have come here to quit smoking, lose weight, shake off depression, start healing GI from IBS, colitis, severe constipation or bloating; deal with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or various types of arthritis; those going through post-divorce recovery, loss of the loved ones, trauma, and dealing with various other health and life challenges. We have been working with each guest individually on assisting them with reaching their unique health goals, and over the years have developed effective and safe programs, including Professional Assessments and Guidance, carefully developed Individualized Healing Path™, consisting of One-on-One Treatments with experienced natural health specialists and body workers, as well as Custom Healing Protocols™ formulas to help you heal at a deeper level.

In addition to individual work on your health, every day you’ll be learning how to sustain the results when back home through informative health lectures, food-preparation classes, workshops and videos, as well as establishing new self-care routines through participating in guided meditations, yoga, fitness classes and, of course, nature walks and excursions in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The retreat is located on the gorgeous ocean side with bald eagles, mountains, deer and nearby Oyster River…

Looking for help? Do take the time to learn how you or your loved ones can benefit from immersing yourself into a True Healing Place. Watch how others took the time to gradually heal, learn new habits, and regain vibrancy. If you are looking to transform your health and lifestyle, please visit Fresh Start website to learn more.

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