Petting Zoos & Animal Attractions in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Top Places to See Wildlife & Farm Animals

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

Located on a working dairy farm in Parksville, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks invites visitors to explore the farm free of charge via a self-guided tour. Guests can meet cows, calves, sheep, goats, and rabbits, watch cheesemakers at work through the cheese plant windows, and visit the "Mooseum," a former milking parlour featuring vintage dairy equipment and a livestream of the robotic milker. Guided tours are also available for groups of 10 or more, offering a deeper look at farmstead dairy production, including fresh milk tasting and optional cheese samplers.

The farm and farmgate store are open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm, and closed Mondays. After exploring, visitors can pick up cheese, local products, and a coffee at the farmgate store, or pre-order a graze box for your visit.

Springford Farm

Located in Nanoose Bay, Springford Farm's Viewing Barn offers visitors a firsthand look at life on a working egg farm. Run by a family with six generations of farming history on Vancouver Island, the barn lets guests see how the farm's roughly 15,000 free-range hens are raised and cared for, and follows the journey of an egg from collection to packing. Displays also cover the local egg industry and the farm's approach to responsible, community-minded agriculture.

The Viewing Barn is open Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00–4:00pm, with guided tours running every 45 minutes. Pre-booking is recommended, as space is limited, though walk-ins are accommodated when possible.

City kids eager for a taste of country life are in for a treat...

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre

The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a red-cross service for injured or orphaned BC wildlife (eagles, owls, hawks and even the occasional bear) that opens its doors to the public.

Butterfly World Coombs

Butterfly World Coombs (seasonal) is also a popular draw for visitors eager to see denizens of the air. The creepy crawly set struts its stuff at Butterfly World's Big Bug Jungle.

Butterfly World Coombs

Deep Bay Marine Field Station

In Lighthouse Country don't miss the Deep Bay Marine Field Station (seasonal) where kids of all ages can touch shellfish and other sea creatures while observing others in aquariums.

Deep Bay Marine Field Station

Credit: Photo: Landon Sveinson

Big Qualicum Fish Hatchery

The salmon is king at the Big Qualicum Fish Hatchery, where a self-guided Vancouver Island nature tour allows one to linger and learn.

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Bird watchers will enjoy spotting a variety of species at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Make your way to this outdoor oasis, which Hawks, Eagles, Vultures, and other majestic species call home. For more wildlife-watching tips, explore our in-depth guide.

Hamilton Hobby Farm

Hamilton Hobby Farm is a family-friendly delight for all ages! Located in Coombs, this idyllic spot lets visitors pet an array of animals, from goats and horses to emus and rabbits. Additional activities include pony and hay rides.

Check out our Things to Do directory featuring a complete listing of local attractions.