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OCEANSIDE to Canada, and the ones who made it out this way showed their appreciation by naming the community after the Commish. Bowser: No, Bowser did not get its name from the community’s famous bartending dog of the 1930s. His name was Mike and he served up beer by the bottle (and gave change) at the Bowser Hotel which was located across the highway from where the Bowser Esso now stands. Bowser was named after the Premier of B.C. from 1915-1916, William John Bowser.
Fascinating Heritage Sites Between the First Nations inhabitants and the early European settlers, the history of Oceanside is as diverse as its present. Thankfully, our forefathers had the foresight to preserve many landmarks for future generations. These have been lovingly cared for, so we invite you to take a trip back into our past. Moorecroft Camp: The founder of the B.C. Camping Association, Gertrude Moore ran a girls camp on her property during the 1930s and 40s. She sold the camp to the United Church in 1955 but little has changed over the those years. Rustic cabins share the landscape with old growth forests and pristine waterfront on this 85-acre gem in Nanoose Bay. Craig Heritage Park Museum & Archives is a walk back in time to Parksville’s earliest days. Original buildings and their contents have been carefully located to this ‘hands-on’ museum that includes Parksville first post office (1886) and Knox Heritage Church (1912). Historical Walk: City hall in Parksville has brochures that will guide you as you stroll through downtown historical sites such as the Rod and Gun Hotel (Est.1898) and Memorial Avenue. Each site is commemorated with an interpretive plaque. St. Anne’s Anglican Church is one of the oldest churches on Vancouver Island. Built in 1894, this little log church is still used for Sunday services and the graveyard that surrounds it is the final resting place for many of the area’s pioneers. The train station in Parksville will be 100 years old this year and celebrations are being held July 10th. The water tower is one of only two remaining on the E&N rail line and the only one left of its design in all of Canada. The train station in Qualicum Beach is slightly younger but the grounds, which are beautifully manicured, house another one of the oldest churches in the area. Just across the street from the station is Qualicum Beach’s Museum Complex, which includes the Vancouver Island
Paleontology Museum. Here, you will find one of the finest collections of fossils in Western Canada, including 70,000 year old Ramblin Rosie. Milner Gardens and Woodland (circa 1930) is our version of Butchart Gardens, complete with beautiful seaside gardens, old-growth woodland and the finest afternoon tea this side of the Malahat. Heritage Forest of Qualicum Beach is located right in town and even the story behind preserving this marvel of nature is fascinating. 50 acres of Coastal Douglas Fir, including a significant stand of 300-year-old-trees, have been saved thanks to the efforts of many residents. Be sure to check out theheritage boutique hotel next door and, out front, Qualicum Beach Memorial, one of BC’s oldest golf courses.
An Antique Hound’s Haven At last count, Oceanside was home to 17 antique stores, the second-highest on the Island and that doesn’t even include the thrift stores and collectible shops. One reason there is an abundance of antique shops is because, like so many, antique dealers have chosen this area for their retirement and they have kept their infatuation with antiques. The huge senior population is another reason for this thriving antique business. Seniors, while generally not big buyers, will bring vast amounts of treasures with them upon their retirement move. As years go by, they downsize and the local dealers are the beneficiaries. The Oceanside Visitor’s Guide
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