The warm waters of the Strait of Georgia meet with long stretches of sandy beach at the remarkable Oceanside Region of Vancouver Island. Located north of Nanaimo, south of Courtenay and east of Port Alberni, the area is comprised of several communities, including Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Deep Bay, French Creek, Nanoose Bay and Coombs. The Milner Gardens and Woodlands, located in Qualicum Beach, is a popular attraction among tourists of all walks of life — even Queen Elizabeth has paid a visit. The renowned Rathrevor Beach and Provincial Park boasts a sandy beach, a wooded camping area and an extensive network of wheelchair-accessible walking trails. The inland town of Coombs offers Butterfly World & Gardens, where visitors can stroll amongst thousands of free-flying exotic butterflies and relax near the scenic water garden. The region's most prominent festival, the Parksville Beachfest, runs the entire month of August and features a world-class sand-sculpting competition.