Know Before You Go

Emergency Preparedness

Know before you go resources for locals and visitors.

Staying safe and informed is always a top priority. While Parksville Qualicum Beach is known for its peaceful beaches and natural beauty, we want visitors and residents to feel prepared in case of severe weather, emergencies, or natural disasters.

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

Every drop counts, and by recognizing our shared responsibility, together, we can support and protect the communities and resources that we love.

Open Fire, Prohibitions & Restrictions

Always check for open fire prohibitions and restrictions (Parksville, Qualicum Beach, regional) and follow campfire safety precautions.

When permitted, all campfires must be supervised by an adult and anyone who lights a campfire must have an adequate water supply nearby to extinguish it. Fires must never be left unattended and must be completely extinguished before leaving the site for any length of time.

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.

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

Safety First

AdventureSmart

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

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Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Trip

Whether it’s your first time visiting Parksville Qualicum Beach or you haven't been for a while, here are resources to help plan your trip.

Top Patios in Parksville Qualicum Beach

A sunny patio is always the perfect place to spend your day with a beverage, some good food, and friends.

The 52 Best Restaurants in Parksville Qualicum Beach

In Parksville Qualicum Beach, you'll find pizzerias, bustling food trucks, craft breweries, and elegant beachfront dining.

Getting Here

Parksville Qualicum Beach is conveniently situated for your Vancouver Island vacation on the island’s curving eastern flank, a half-hour north of the ferry terminus in Nanaimo and a little over two hours…

Maps

Use our maps to get the lay of the land for your upcoming visit.

Visitor Centres

The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce and Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce welcome visitors to their Destination BC approved Visitor Centres.