Sustainable Businesses

These businesses in Parksville Qualicum Beach are doing their part to protect the environment.

Discover how sustainability and community spirit shine in Parksville Qualicum Beach, where local businesses are leading the way in eco-friendly practices. From sourcing fresh, local ingredients to protecting marine ecosystems and embracing innovative farming techniques, these establishments are redefining what it means to support both people and the planet.

Sustainable Accommodations & Spas

Sustainable Dining & Shopping

Sustainable Attractions

Sustainable Accommodations & Spas

The Beach Club Resort

181 Beachside Drive, Parksville

Prioritize sustainability during your stay at The Beach Club Resort, where more than half of operational needs are sourced from Vancouver Island and the surrounding area. Through their Support Local program the resort focuses on local partnerships for fresh ingredients, artisanal products, and resort maintenance. The Beach Club Resort also supports social and environmental initiatives in the community through Bellstar Hotels' Stay®| Green Community Grant Program.

Bayside Resort

240 Dogwood Street, Parksville

Recently Eco-Certified by Green Key Global, Bayside Resort prioritizes energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction to enhance your stay. From composting and recycling programs to low-flow water systems, efficient lighting, and energy-saving technology, every detail reflects their commitment to sustainability.

Free Spirit Spheres Inc.

420 Horne Lake Road, Qualicum Beach

Stay in harmony with nature at Free Spirit Spheres, a unique resort featuring suspended treehouses. Designed using biomimicry principles, these spherical hideaways blend seamlessly into the forest, showcasing sustainable innovation at its best.

Beach Club Resort

Credit: @tastereporter

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort

1175 Resort Drive, Parksville

Contribute to sustainability at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort, where a $1 nightly environmental fee funds initiatives to remove and reduce greenhouse gases. The resort incorporates low-flow fixtures, eco-friendly cleaning products, sustainable landscaping, and EV charging stations, while actively recycling and donating unused items to social service programs.

Tigh-Na-Mara Spa, Resort & Conference Center

1155 Resort Drive, Parksville

Relax sustainably at Tigh-Na-Mara, a resort committed to thoughtful initiatives that reduce waste, conserve energy, and support the local community. So much so that Tigh-Na-Mara was awarded Biosphere Certification in 2025, an internationally recognized distinction for sustainability in tourism.

By using renewable gas usage and energy-efficient appliances, offering numerous EV charging stations and a robust recycling and composting program, every effort is made to minimize environmental impact. Guests can enjoy locally sourced cuisine, participate in linen reuse programs and composting, and stay in rooms cleaned with biodegradable products, all while supporting the resort’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.

Natural Evolution Hair Studio

303 - 885 Island Hwy West, Parksville

Natural Evolution Hair Studio is a proud member of the Green Circle Salons, a collection of salons working under sustainable practices to decrease waste and support the depollution of clean waterways. 85% - 90% of Natural Evolutions waste is recycled or repurposed. This is achieved by using sustainable products throughout the salon, including Alcove, Davines, and SaltSpring Soapworks, and eco-friendly recycling of any waste/ scraps that are produced.

The interior pool of Tigh-Na-Mara Groot Spa is made of pale colored stone and lit by warm lights in the PQB area.

Tigh-Na-Mara Spa

Sustainable Dining & Shopping

Forest for Dinner

2715 Turnbull Road, Qualicum Beach

Learn the art of sustainable foraging with Forest for Dinner’s guided tours. These immersive experiences teach responsible harvesting techniques while deepening your connection to nature and its bounty.

Eat Fresh Urban Market

64 Bagshaw Street, Parksville

Prioritizing fresh, sustainable products from local farms, this market brings the best of our region to its shelves. Shoppers will find healthy, ethical options–like organic produce, gluten-free items, and vegan-friendly choices–that align with their values and support the local community.

Cedars Restaurant and Lounge

1155 Resort Drive, Parksville

Savour the essence of the season at Cedars Restaurant and Lounge, where every dish is crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their commitment to seasonal menus not only supports local farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint of transporting out-of-season produce.

The outdoor patio area of the Cedars Restaurant & Lounge at Tigh-Na-Mara in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area..

Cedars Restaurant and Lounge

French Creek Seafood

1097 Lee Road, Parksville

Dive into a sustainable seafood experience at French Creek Seafood, an MSC-certified facility offering fresh, locally harvested catches. Their practices ensure the long-term health of marine species through environmentally conscious fishing methods.

Happy Jack’s Restaurant

834 Island Highway W, Parksville

At the core of Happy Jack’s sustainability efforts are vertical aeroponic gardens, which grow the greens the restaurant needs while using 90% less water than traditional methods. Paired with initiatives like biodegradable straws, recyclable packaging, and partnerships with local bakers and farmers, the restaurant is setting a new standard for eco-conscious dining.

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

403 Lowrys Road, Parksville

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of Little Qualicum Cheeseworks – a dairy farm passionate about educating its visitors on sustainable practices. Cheesemaking waste is repurposed, and everything is produced on-site, minimizing transportation emissions. By partnering with Salmon-Safe and utilizing sustainable farming methods, this farm goes beyond producing award-winning cheese to protecting waterways and wildlife.

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

Credit: @littlequalicumcheeseworks

Love Shack Libations

1-4134 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach

Blending a passion for craft beer with a commitment to sustainability, Love Shack Libations demonstrates the power of small businesses working together to create meaningful change. In partnership with Deep Bay Marine Field Station, this microbrewery crafted a unique brew that raises awareness for ocean conservation, sparking thoughtful conversations and inspiring action among its patrons.

Naked Naturals

142 Alberni Hwy, Parksville & 671 Fir St, Qualicum Beach

Shop for the planet at Naked Naturals, a full-service organic market offering locally produced, eco-conscious products. With locations in Parksville and Qualicum Beach, it’s a sustainable choice for every grocery trip.

Realm Food Co.

180 Craig Street, Parksville

Plant-based dining is at the forefront of this restaurant’s mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Known for vibrant vegetarian and vegan dishes, Realm Food Co. creates meals that are both visually stunning and environmentally friendly.

Salish Sea Market

110 6996 Isld Hwy W, Bowser

Off the coast of the Salish Sea is a women-owned and operated business that sells locally crafted and sustainable products. The Salish Sea Market is a curated boutique that offers artwork created by resident female artists, from fine art to books to woodwork to ceramics and so much more. All of these goods are proudly made within sight of the Salish Sea, which reduces emissions and offers an eco-friendly alternative to artistic goods.

Realm Food Co.

Rusted Rake Brewing

3106 NW Bay Road, Nanoose Bay

Rusted Rake Brewing blends farm-to-tap craft beer with locally sourced gourmet dishes, all set against the backdrop of their working farm. By composting kitchen waste, harvesting their own barley and crops, and supplying neighbours with excess produce, this brewery is redefining sustainable dining.

Shades of Green Eco Store & Refillery

117 Craig Street, Parksville

Switch to a greener lifestyle with Shades of Green Eco Store & Refillery, your one-stop shop for biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products. Their eco-friendly solutions help you reduce waste and create a healthier home.

Mensch Kitchen & Catering

169, South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan

Though located in Cowichan, Mensch Kitchen & Catering does offer services in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. This catering company sources its produce from local farmers and operates under a regenerative practice. In order to ensure it's using the best of its organic produce, Mensch donates its scraps back to farmers for compost and works with in-season ingredients to ensure the most sustainable production of plates in their kitchen.

Alcove Homegrown Living

678 Memorial Ave, Qualicum Beach

When Alcove Homegrown Living says it's local, it means in your own backyard. The boutique shop hosts a collection of unique gifts and products that are made no further than 150kms of Qualicum Beach. The sustainable shop maintains a collection of local artisans' work without the cost to our environment through international sourcing and no mass production of goods. Search through their locally made and sustainable products without the worry of picking up harmful ingredients or supporting damaging practices.

Rusted Rake Brewing

Credit: Rusted Rake Brewing

Sustainable Attractions

Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours

Discovery Harbour Marina, Dock E, Campbell River

Join a leader in sustainable tourism on Vancouver Island, dedicated to protecting the wild places they explore. As Canada’s first Rainbow Registered wildlife tour operator and the first carbon-neutral whale-watching company on northern Vancouver Island, they are committed to inclusivity and environmental responsibility.

For every guest, they protect one square meter of BC’s old-growth rainforest. As a Biosphere Certified and BC Green Business, they ensure that every tour not only delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters but also helps preserve the coast for future generations.

Deep Bay Marine Field Station

370 Crome Point Rd, Bowser

Discover the wonders of marine science at Deep Bay Marine Field Station, a hub for research, education, and hands-on exploration. Interactive exhibits, aquariums, and touch tanks offer an up-close look at local marine life, current issues in marine science, and many other topics.

Deep Bay Marine Field Station

Ocean EcoVentures Whale Watching

1055 Lee Road, Parksville

Promoting marine conservation since 2003, this whale watching company combines education with adventure. Their tours inspire guests to become ambassadors for the Salish Sea while their vessels support vital marine research initiatives.

Fairwinds Golf Club

3730 Fairwinds Drive, Nanoose Bay

Since 2009, the Fairwinds Golf Club has been a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. This program offers members assistance with environmental planning, wildlife management, water quality management, and chemical use reduction education. Thanks to this membership, the golf course maintains an eco-friendly and sustainable series of greens and resort.

Fairwinds Golf Club

Protecting the environment and working towards a sustainable future are important for many Parksville Qualicum Beach businesses, restaurants, and hotels. For more ways to embrace sustainable practices, visit our thrift stores and farmers’ markets.

Eating 'Green' in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Sustainability is an important factor to consider for any business, including restaurants.

Grocery Stores with Local Flavour in Parksville Qualicum Beach

When you’re staying in Parksville Qualicum Beach, a region known for its exceptional local cuisine, it’s easy to pick a new place to eat out for every meal. But for those who…