Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville is one of the province's most popular family destinations.

Rathtrevor Beach is home to many resorts (along Resort Drive) and to the BC Provincial Park / Campground of the same name. The attractions in the park include:

  • Sea including five kilometers of beachfront
  • Forest complete with a circular, oceanfront trail
  • Park land with shaded picnic grounds and lots of space to knock a ball around

At low tide, the ocean recedes almost a kilometer back from Rathtrevor's shoreline, exposing tide pools that are ripe for exploration.

Reconnect with Nature

While you are exploring the park make sure you visit the Rathtrevor Beach Nature House. This interpretive centre is a hub of environmental education featuring camps, events, and the ever-popular Jerry's Rangers program. This program teaches kids:

  • How to appreciate nature
  • How to care for our planet
  • How to become more active, park-exploring kids!

Visitors should call the Rathtrevor Beach Nature House at 250-474-1336 ahead of their planned visit to ensure it is open.

@Gordontolman

Hit the Trails

The Rathtrevor Provincial Park to Top Bridge Park & Regional Trail and Mountain Bike Park is an off-road route that links the provincial park and resorts with a popular walking and swimming area on the Englishman River. The round trip distance from Rathtrevor is 10km.

Check out the BC Parks Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park page for complete amenity details!

@Spencermengual

Set Up Camp

Home to over 250 campsites surrounded by tall Douglas fir trees and serene wooded trails, including several group campsite options, Rathtrevor Provincial Park is a top camping location on Vancouver Island. Due to the park's popularity year-round, camping reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online through the BC Parks Reservation System.

For more information about camping in Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, visit the BC Parks' official website.

Go Swimming

Rathtrevor Beach is one of several provincial parks perfect for swimming in the Parksville area. While low tide provides ample opportunity for exploration of tide pools, high tide presents an enjoyable, all-ages swimming experience during the summer as the beach's hot sand warms the saltwater of the Strait of Georgia. It is worth noting there are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

@sarahkirstien_images

Accessibility

Rathtrevor Beach now features enhanced accessibility with two connected 50’ Mobi-Mats, providing 100’ of improved access from the end of the concrete ramp directly onto the sand. Installed by BC Parks each June and removed in September, these mats create a more inclusive beach experience for visitors of all abilities.

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