Qualicum Beach Inn: Pet-Friendly Coastal Hotel on Vancouver Island
If a hotel doesn’t welcome my dog, Lucky, well then I’m already uninterested. But when a place not only allows pets but rolls out the metaphorical red carpet for them? Now we’re talking.
That’s exactly what I found at Qualicum Beach Inn, a boutique coastal retreat on Vancouver Island, where I spent a cozy February night with my family (Lucky included, obviously). From mini-bar stocked rooms to a pet-friendly atmosphere and a restaurant good vegetarian options (a rarity in hotel dining), here’s the full scoop on our stay.
First Impressions: A Warm Welcome (for Us and the Dog)
Located just north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island the Qualicum Beach Inn, is a lovely, beachfront spot. No generic chain hotels here! The exterior has that relaxed, upscale coastal vibe—modern but with a touch of beachy charm. It’s situated right across the road from the epic, sprawling Qualicum Beach.
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The Room: Cozy, Spacious, and Dog-Approved
Our room had everything you might expect in a boutique stay: clean suite, a comfortable bed, and thoughtful touches (hello, Nespresso machine). There was plenty of space for my dog to sprawl out like she owned the place, and the floors are laminate (which is both pet-friendly and sandy beach-friendly—no delicate carpets to stress about.)The best part? The ocean view. Nothing beats waking up to the sight of waves rolling in.
Oh, and the fully stocked mini fridge and snacks box which would be perfect if you get late-night cravings. Unfortunately, those treats weren’t complementary though. You’d have to pay to enjoy them.
Bonus: The bathroom was spa-like, with a rainfall shower that I would have taken home with me if I could have.
The Hotel Vibes: Pet-Friendly, Not Just Pet-Tolerant
Some hotels say they’re pet-friendly but secretly wish you’d just leave your dog at home. Not here. Pets are truly welcome, and the relaxed atmosphere meant I never felt like we were inconveniencing anyone. That said, there were reasonable pet rules (no dogs in the pool area, which, fair enough).
There was also easy access to outdoor areas for quick dog walks, and the beach was right across the street—a major plus for getting out some zoomies before bedtime.
Dining at the Qualicum Beach Inn Cafe
Hotel restaurants can be hit or miss. I’ve had my fair share of bland, overpriced meals that make me wish I had just ordered takeout. But the restaurant at Qualicum Beach Inn? Actually delicious.
We grabbed dinner there, and it delivered on all counts. The menu is a mix of seasonal veggies, pizzas, pastas, and other fare, alongside a well-curated cocktail and dessert list. I would have liked to see more vegetarian options, but there were a handful to choose from.
I also dined there the next morning for breakfast, which had more to pick from. Breakfast was lovely!
Pet parents, take note: The restaurant’s patio is dog-friendly when the weather allows. Since we visited in February, we kept our meals inside, but it’s good to know for warmer months.
The Pool & Amenities: Relaxation Mode Activated
There’s nothing better than unwinding in a heated pool and hot tub after a long day. Qualicum Beach Inn has an indoor-outdoor pool setup, so even in winter, you can enjoy a soak with ocean views. Both times we went to the pool we had the whole space to ourselves, which was awesome!
If you’re more of a gym person, they have a small but well-equipped fitness center and sauna, too.
Exploring Qualicum Beach: Walks, Waves & Local Charm
One of the biggest perks of this hotel is its location—right across from the beach and within walking distance of cute cafes and shops. If your dog loves a good beach walk, you’re in luck.
The waterfront path is perfect for a scenic stroll, and we found plenty of pet-friendly spots along the way. The town itself has a relaxed, small-town charm with just enough going on to keep things interesting.
Final Verdict: Would We Stay Here Again? Absolutely.
A modern, genuinely pet-friendly hotel with a great restaurant, beachfront location, and relaxing amenities? Yes, please. Qualicum Beach Inn hits that perfect sweet spot of boutique charm without feeling too precious or pretentious. Whether you’re traveling with family, a partner, or just your four-legged best friend, it’s a fantastic getaway on Vancouver Island.
See more of my and Lucky’s Vancouver Island stays:
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