Qualicum National Wildlife Area

 park, nature conservation park / area, estuary

The area is 34 hectares, 14 of which are tidal. Mudflats, marine spits, wet meadows and marshes compose the terrain, which is frequented by more than 190 different types of animals (birds comprising the biggest portion at around 131). Many of the species can be seen through out the year, but some are more abundant during winter or migration (eg. bald eagles in January). The vegetation is also spectacular, with over 200 species of plants.

Two small streams, Nanoose and Bonell Creeks run through the area and enter the bay. At low tides extensive tidal flats are exposed over which the waters of the two creeks fan into many channels. Saltwort is the most common estuarine plant at low elevations followed by sandspurry and seaside plantain. On higher ground glasswort, saltgrass, sedge, rush, and bentgrass follow. Reed canary grass is most common in the native meadow. Among riparian woody species, red alder, big-leaf maple, grand fir, and western red cedar dominate with ninebark, blackberry, salmonberry, snowberry, and Nootka rose in the understory. The surrounding area is a mix of farmland, residential, and undeveloped land.