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Vancouver Island View

A Hidden Gem Reopens + Spring Blooms Are Calling 🌸

Published about 11 hours ago • 2 min read

Vancouver Island View

🌸 Chasing Spring Blooms

While we wait for the weather to learn it's supposed to be spring, the blooms are already starting to appear.

From wildflowers tucked along quiet trails to vibrant gardens bursting back to life, there are so many beautiful places to explore at this time of year.

I’ve rounded up my favourite spots across the island to help you plan your next outing.

Whether you’re after a short stroll or a full day of wandering, there is something on this list for you.

🌲 A Gem Worth Revisiting

Fossli Provincial Park in Port Alberni has always been a favourite of mine. It's a bit off the beaten-path and oh, so beautiful.

However, for most of 2025, it was closed due to the suspension bridge being out of order.

But I just learned from a reputable source that it's finally back in working order!!

If you have been meaning to go, do it! If you've gone before but think you'd like to go again, now you can. My article on this stunning Provincial Park has just been fully updated, with all the details you need.

Spring Blooms

I've rounded up all my favourite spots to find vibrant blooms across the island.

A Hidden Provincial Park

This off-the-beaten-path park is more than worth the little extra effort it takes to get to it. And now that it's open once again a great time to go!

Local Spotlight

From March 29th through May 31st, 2026, Oceanside Music Association celebrates its 60th Anniversary with a special Spring Concert Series featuring all of the Association's musical groups.

Audiences can look forward to memorable performances of repertoire from the past six decades, including works arranged by current and former Musical Directors, along with guest musicians and outstanding solos by the Association’s own singers and instrumentalists.

Unless otherwise noted, all performances take place at Knox United Church at 345 Pym Street in Parksville.

Upcoming Performances

2:30 pm Sunday, March 29th, Favourites Old and New

Oceanside Concert Choir featuring solos from members of the choir and guest cellist, Ken Mann.

2:30 pm Sunday, April 12th, Growing Together (Jensen Centre, 132 Jensen Avenue East, Parksville).

Oceanside Adult Beginner and Intermediate Concert Bands come together for their inaugural performance to debut what these budding musicians have learned this year.

2 pm Saturday, April 18th, Songs From the Heart

Oceanside Consort A Cappella Singers perform an eclectic mix of songs from the early madrigals by Thomas Morley and John Farmer (c. 1600), folk songs of the British Isles and Canada, popular music and philosophy, and songs arranged by former conductor, Joan Gosseline.

2:30 pm Sunday, April 26th, Of Castles and Kings

Oceanside Concert Band promises an afternoon filled with grand songs inspired by the castles of the United Kingdom. Enjoy the highlights of armoured battles and a flowing piece that conjures up images of Maid Marion. An upbeat piece by Karl King has the frogs of the moat making an appearance, too!

2:30 pm Saturday, May 9th, Pop of Ages!

Oceanside Pops Choir performs a musical wave of songs from the 1950s through to the 2000s with their special guest, The Classical Jazz Trio, featuring Grant Freeman, Dave Mitchell and Wayne Finucan.

2:30 pm Sunday, May 31st Spotlight on the Big Band

Oceanside Big Band performs an energetic mix of swing and jazz, featuring solos by the band’s musicians and special guests Jon Roper and Koralee Tonack.

To learn more about these performances and to purchase tickets, visit www.oceanside-music.ca.

Have a great weekend!

~ Kim

​Vancouver Island View​

Vancouver Island View

Kim Parcher

Hi, I’m Kim, the driving force behind Vancouver Island View. I write about firsthand experiences while living and travelling on Vancouver Island.My passion for immersion travel fuels my love for active engagement on this stunning island. From hikes to cultural exploration to finding the best places to eat and stay, I’m your guide to finding meaningful experiences while exploring Vancouver Island and beyond. Subscribe to our newsletters to stay up to date with what's happening on Vancouver Island!

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