Region - Errington/Coombs/Hilliers
Lazy country roads that seem to wind forever back into the deep wooded forest, the unspoiled natural beauty of the rugged forested hills and Mount Arrowsmith, and the profound peacefulness and tranquility—welcome to Errington/Coombs/Hilliers, an assortment of settlements dotting the Alberni Highway between Parksville and Cameron Lake. Collectively known as "Area F," Errington/Coombs/Hilliers is a charming residential and farming community located just minutes south of Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
Founded in 1918, the village of Errington is believed to have been named after a small village in Northumberland County, England. The heart of the district is the Errington General Store, the Errington Village Plaza with various shops and services, the Errington War Memorial Hall, and the Community Park—home to a seasonal Farmers' Market where locals sell fresh produce, preserves, and unique arts and crafts.
Numerous small businesses call the area home, including the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre and Tiger Lily Farm Equestrian Center, which offers great trail rides through the backcountry. Locals enjoy easy access to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, with its stunning waterfalls and hiking/biking trails, and the expansive Hammerfest Mountain Bike Trail System, where an annual bike race is held each May.
A short drive up the highway is the small rural community of Coombs. Established in 1910, Coombs is home to numerous small market farms producing organic fruits and vegetables, as well as the Old Country Market (where goats graze on a grass rooftop), the Coombs Emporium with its selection of small shops, and Butterfly World, which features a unique indoor tropical rainforest. Boasting the most galleries, studios, and artists per capita anywhere in BC, Coombs is also home to the Rodeo Grounds, which host various events from early spring to late fall, including the annual Coombs Bluegrass Festival.
Next along the highway is the peaceful community of Hilliers, followed by the rural Whiskey Creek area, tucked away in the rugged foothills of Mount Arrowsmith.
The Alberni Highway provides excellent access to outdoor adventures, with Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, Cameron Lake, and Cathedral Grove just a short drive away. Nearby Mount Arrowsmith is a mecca for mountain bikers and hikers in the summer and a popular skiing destination in the winter. Each summer, the Errington/Coombs/Hilliers area comes alive with various rodeos, country fairs, and a host of other events.
With its laid-back vibe and enchanting natural beauty, Errington/Coombs/Hilliers offers a mellow country lifestyle that is sure to capture your heart!
