Nightlife
When the sun goes down in Parksville Qualicum Beach, the nightlife scene still has plenty to offer.
Pull up a stool at a waterfront bar, catch live music, or spend the night painting with a glass of wine in hand.
The Crown & Anchor Pub
Location: 6120 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach
Hours: Open at 12 p.m daily; closing times vary
From karaoke nights and live bands to Wing Wednesdays, there’s never a dull moment at The Crown & Anchor Pub. Regular events and an electric atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for a night out.
French Creek Pub
Location: 1025 Lee Road, Parksville
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Laughter and good times are guaranteed at French Creek Pub with their lively music bingo and comedy shows. Make the night even more unforgettable by sharing the Party Boat feast with friends or take on the epic Fisherman Challenge solo—if you dare!
Rocking Horse Pub
Location: 2038 Rocking Horse Place, Nanoose Bay
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Thursday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Raise a glass to great times at the Rocking Horse Pub! An extensive tap list featuring craft beverages from local brewers as well as European beers, wine, cocktails, and hearty British cuisine sets the stage. With live music and monthly events, there’s always a reason to gather here.
The Shady Rest
Location: 3109 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m | Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
For a century, The Shady Rest Pub has been a waterfront staple, offering a delicious seafood-centric menu and rotating local craft beers. Every Friday night, the pub hosts lively music trivia for a fun twist on your evening out.
More Nightlife Experiences
Live Music
Parksville Qualicum Beach has a year-round live music scene that moves between intimate community halls, waterfront pubs, and open-air stages. Want to spend the evening at a concert? These venues host a growing lineup of performances:
Art Classes
For a more creative night out, paint-and-sip events have become one of the most popular social options in the area. Local instructors lead beginner-friendly sessions — typically held at restaurants and community venues — where guests work toward a finished canvas with food and drinks in hand. It's a good fit for date nights, group outings, or anyone looking for something a little different.
The Old School House Arts Centre (TOSH) in Qualicum Beach and McMillan Arts Centre (The MAC) in Parksville both offer ongoing painting and art classes that extend into evening hours.
For something hands-on, try Evenflow Studio. They run beginner-friendly silversmith workshops in Qualicum Beach, where guests can try their hand at metalwork and leave with a finished piece of jewelry.
Keep an eye on the Paint & Sip events page for current scheduled sessions across participating venues in the PQB area.
Games & Entertainment
When the night calls for friendly competition, Parksville Qualicum Beach delivers. Go-karts, axe throwing, mini golf, bowling, and more make for an evening that goes well beyond a night at the bar.
Fast Time Amusements offers Vancouver Island's best go-kart track, a 1,650-foot outdoor road course with 35 turns and European-designed karts. They also offer axe throwing and archery tag. For mini golf, Paradise Fun Park has two themed 18-hole courses with bumper boats, an arcade, and oceanfront views, and regularly hosts Sip & Putt nights for guests looking to add a drink to their round. Riptide Adventure also offers two additional courses, along with laser bumper cars and an arcade.
Cap the night at Sunset Lanes with a few frames of bowling and daily happy hour in the lounge. Check the events calendar for special nights and seasonal hours across venues.
Attractions
Discover the top Vancouver Island attractions in Parksville Qualicum Beach, where family-friendly fun meets educational adventures and outdoor exploration blends with cultural discovery.
Arts & Culture
Discover countless Central Vancouver Island artists galleries and studios, over 140 annual events, and natural settings that will inspire your own creativity.
Breweries, Cideries, Distilleries & Wineries
Make Parksville Qualicum Beach your base camp as you explore the central Vancouver Island Ale Trail, wineries, distilleries, and cideries.
Pubs & Lounges
Directory of Qualicum Beach & Parksville Pubs and Lounges including the Black Goose Inn, Cedars Restaurant & Lounge, and more.
Live Music
Parksville Qualicum Beach is a vibrant community that comes alive with live music all year round.
Where to Find Alcohol-Free Cocktails & Drinks in Parksville Qualicum Beach
Indulge in refreshing alcohol-free cocktails and drinks around the Parksville Qualicum Beach area, whether you’re heading to a local bar or buying a few refreshments for the road.