Parksville
Parksville is known for its irresistible blend of nature, culture, and hospitality.
The Outdoors
Biking The Parksville area has 18 kilometres of beaches and the warmest water on the east coast of Vancouver Island, making it an ideal place for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and other water sports. It’s also a great place for birdwatching.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, with its tidal flats and pools, wildlife, and campgrounds, draws many visitors to the area, while Parksville Community Park serves as a friendly gathering place for both visitors and locals. Top Bridge Park & Regional Trail is another popular spot for outdoor recreation, with the locals’ favorite swimming hole, hiking and biking trails, and even some petroglyphs.
No description of Parksville outdoor recreation would be complete without mentioning a few of its "family fun zones." At Paradise Fun Park & Mini Golf, you can play with the whole family on two 18-hole mini golf courses and splash around on bumper boats. Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf also has two 18-hole mini golf courses plus and arcade and laser bumper cars.
And this is just the beginning of what Parksville has to offer!
Downtown
Parksville’s downtown is literally only a few steps from the beach. Here you can browse shops for everything from hand-crafted souvenirs and artisanal goods to books and fresh local fruits and vegetables. Feeling hungry or thirsty after a day at the beach? Make sure to stop at a Parksville restaurant, cafe, or food truck to sample some delicious local food and beverages. While exploring the town, draw creative inspiration from Parksville’s arts scene, and be sure to visit the McMillan Arts Centre (the MAC) for ongoing art exhibitions. History buffs can learn about local history at the Parksville Museum.
Lodging
Parksville has a range of lodging options, from family-run motels and hotels to modern seaside resorts. If you prefer fresh ocean breezes all night long, you can even stay in a beachfront campground.
Qualicum Beach
What a quaint town! It’s a phrase residents hear a lot. And it’s true.
Nanoose Bay
Discover a variety of exciting things to do in this seaside area, enjoying a thriving culinary scene, outdoor activities, and more.
French Creek
Located along the scenic Highway 19A — Vancouver Island’s “Oceanside Route” — French Creek is a marine community known for its central marina and ample water-based activities such as boating and charters…
Lighthouse Country
Sea and nature lovers will feel at home as they explore tranquil Lighthouse Country on Vancouver Island.
Arrowsmith Coombs Country
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of rustic adventures and scenic hikes as they explore the rural communities that make up bucolic Arrowsmith Coombs Country — Coombs, Errington, Hilliers, Meadowwood and Whiskey Creek.