Accessibility Guide

Beaches

Parksville Community Beach

• Mobi-mats connecting the waterfront gazebo access point 100 feet across the soft sand to the hard-pack sand during low tide. Deployed seasonally (May-October weather permitting).
• Mobi-chairs, designed to be pushed/pulled by an adult attendant along the beach; they cannot be self-propelled. The armrests and tires allow it to be a floatation device in the water so the user can enjoy the shallow warm waters of Parksville Beach. Mobi-chairs are available at the Beach Club Resort.
• Lions Ventureland Playground at the Parkville Community Park has new equipment and surfacing to meet accessibility standards appropriate for children with mobility challenges.
• Wheelchair-accessible boardwalks and pathways.
• Dedicated accessible parking spots.
• Public restrooms and change rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Qualicum Beach Waterfront Walkway

• Paved pathway stretching the length of the beach, accessible for folks who use mobility devices
• Wheelchair accessible washroom building with a change room
• Accessible parking spots

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

• Paved roads for easy access
• Wheelchair-accessible campsites, shower stalls, beach access, walking trails, and parking stalls in day-use areas
• Two connected 50’ Mobi-Mats extending 100’ from the end of the concrete ramp onto the sand, providing improved seasonal beach access (installed June, removed September) and regularly maintained to keep mats clear of sand and seaweed

Museums & Nature Centres

McMillan Arts Centre (The MAC)

• Wheelchair accessible space with a very sturdy and safe ramp to enter the facility.
• Large accessible washroom in the gallery with a universal height toilet, grab bars, and a sink designed with clearance for wheelchair users.
• Designated accessible parking spot.

Milner Gardens & Woodland

• 3 Accessible parking stalls.
• Accessible washrooms near the Welcome and Interpretive Centre.
• Shuttle cart for collapsible wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers to Milner House and Camellia Tea Room.
• Grounds have slopes of packed gravel, making accessibility challenging beyond the Milner House and Tea Room.

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre

• Gravel paths are wheelchair-friendly.
• Two wheelchairs available for visitor use at no charge.
• Free entry for a caregiver accompanying someone requiring assistance.
• Designated accessible parking spots.
• Washrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Parksville Museum

• The museum, grounds, and most of the historical buildings are largely wheelchair accessible with ramps.
• Wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Qualicum Beach Museum

• Ample room to maneuver about the museum for mobility device users.
• Barrier free bathroom with universal height toilet, grab bars, a baby change table and accessible sink on first floor.
• To reach the second floor, there is a large staircase. For those who cannot use stairs there is an electric life.

Parks & Trails

Cathedral Grove

• Pathways throughout Cathedral Grove are generally barrier-free and comprised of wooden boardwalks and hard packed gravel trail.
• Accessible pit toilets located on both sides of the highway.

Coombs to Parksville Rail Trail

• 3-metre wide, level and accessible gravel path.

Lighthouse Country Regional Trail

• 2.5 km of wheelchair accessible trails.
• Equipped with a tapping rail for individuals with visual or balance impairments.
• Accessible parking lot at South Loop (at the end of Lioness Blvd).

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

• Accessible trails with smaller elevation changes at the smaller parking area.

Many restaurants in Parksville Qualicum Beach have accessible entrances, parking, and seating. Please confirm specific features with each location.

• Bayside Restaurant & Lounge
• Camellia Tea Room at Milner Gardens & Woodland
• Cedars Restaurant and Lounge at Tigh-Na-Mara
• Deez Bar & Grill
• Eaglecrest Golf Club
• Nanoose Bay Cafe
• Q Burger
• Qualicum Beach Cafe
• Rusted Rake Brewing

In an effort to assist visitors to the Parksville Qualicum Beach region, Access Oceanside reached out to accommodation providers in the region in order to determine what services are available to guests requiring accessible accommodations. While there are many providers offering a wide range of accommodation and services in Parksville Qualicum Beach, the below providers were found to offer at least some type of accessible accommodation which may be suitable for those guests requiring them.

• Bayside Oceanside Resort - Guest Room #B215 is accessible with a low tub and grab bars.
• Coast Parksville Hotel - Guest Rooms #108 and #110 are accessible with open showers.
• Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel - Guest Rooms #209, #210, #211 have walk-in shower units.
• Oceanside Village Resort - Cottage # 209 has an open full length shower, but no roll-in access.
• Qualicum Beach Inn - Guest Room #108 is fully accessible with a roll-in shower.
• Riverbend Cottage & Resort - Cabins #5 and #8 have low tubs with grab bars.
• Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa, Resort & Conference Centre - Wide range of guest rooms and cottages with varying degrees of accessibility.
• Hotel Feng - Guest Room 118 is fully accessible with a roll-in shower.

Important - Everyone’s accessibility needs are unique, so we urge visitors to contact properties directly to determine if the required accessibility can be accommodated. Make sure the provider understands your unique needs and don’t be shy to ask for photos and/or details on room configuration, bed height, etc. Equally important is to recognize that every provider’s definition of “accessible” is different, so make sure that both sides are clear on the needs of the guest. We found during our surveys that providers are very sensitive to their guests’ needs and will do their utmost to make their stay safe and enjoyable.

(Last Update: February 20, 2025)

• BC Ferries – BC Ferries Accessibility
• Hullo Ferries – Wheelchair Information
• BC Transit (Nanaimo Region) – Accessibility Resources

• AccessNow Map - An interactive map of accessible businesses in the region.
• Access Oceanside Association - Provide detailed reports on accessible accommodations and beach access.
• Parksville Qualicum Beach Visitor Centres - Contact information for our visitor centres.