Know Before You Go

Be Water Wise

The tourism industry in Parksville Qualicum Beach continues to undertake responsible business practices to help conserve water, and we’re asking our guests to do the same by following these simple tips that can make a big difference:

• Take a shorter shower
• Reuse towels and linens
• Flush the toilet only when necessary
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
• Where possible, keep a jug of cool water in the fridge instead of running the tap
• When dining out, consider ordering water by the glass, instead of carafe, to avoid waste

Open Fire, Prohibitions & Restrictions

Effective June 8, 2023, all open burning, including campfires are prohibited. The ban applies to open fires of any size, campfires, fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, tiki torches, burning barrels and binary exploding targets.

This prohibition does not include the use of outdoor stoves. As per the Wildfire Regulation, an outdoor stove is a CSA-rated or ULC-rated device used outdoors for cooking, heat or ambiance that burns charcoal briquettes, liquid fuel or gaseous fuel, and has a flame height that is less than 15 cm tall.

Parksville Fire also wishes to remind visitors and residents that beach fires in the Parksville Qualicum Wildlife Management Area are always prohibited by provincial legislation; this includes all beaches from Rathtrevor Beach to just west of the Little Qualicum River estuary.

Always follow campfire safety precautions.

Plan Ahead

Take more time to plan your visit. Many businesses and services across BC are encountering staffing shortages forcing them to operate at a reduced capacity, with limited hours, or require advanced bookings. Remember, everything may take longer than usual, or places may be closed if you don't check in advance. Have a Plan B researched and ready in case your first choice isn’t possible. We ask everyone to be patient as we address staffing shortages and train new staff.

Be AdventureSmart

No matter what outdoor activity you are planning, you must be prepared. Remember to follow the three Ts—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials. AdventureSmart is a great resource to get informed before heading outdoors.

Practice Leave No Trace

When exploring BC’s outdoors, always leave it in a better state than when you arrived.

Learn about the key principles of Leave No Trace, a set of seven guidelines for enjoying the outdoors responsibly while minimizing your impact on the landscape. Tip: Visit LeaveNoTrace.ca to learn more about responsible outdoor recreation.

Catch Up on the Camper's Code

The British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association has created a great resource for camping etiquette, here: CampersCode.com. The Camper's Code has 9 rules that are really easy to follow. When all campers follow them, these good things happen:

• Camping continues to be enjoyable for all
• Nature remains pristine and beautiful
• People camping in the same area become friends
• Animals stay wild and free