Parksville Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Parksville
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park which includes a river or creek
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park featuring a cascade
Enjoy the panoramic river and sea views, sandy beaches, scenic forest trails and lively festivals of this charming ocean-side community on Vancouver Island.

Parksville Qualicum Beach is a popular and family-friendly holiday destination, consisting of Parksville along the Englishman River and nearby village of Qualicum Beach. Together, the twin cities offer an irresistible mix of beach culture, wildlife, outdoor adventures and Canadian hospitality.

The area boasts the warmest ocean swimming on the West Coast and over 11-miles (18-kilometres) of sandy beaches, so start your holiday with sunbathing, ocean kayaking or surfing. Fly a kite or play beach volley at Parksville Community Park.

For some pampering, enjoy spa treatments at Grotto Spa in Tigh-Ma-Mara Resort. Afterwards, explore the boutique shop at West Second Avenue in Qualicum Beach.

Venture further out and join a whale-watching tour or black bear and grizzly bear excursion. Avid hikers can choose between many national parks, including the beautiful Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park and MacMillan Provincial Park with its ancient Douglas fir trees. Tour the Horne Lake Caves to see the seven-story underground waterfall. In spring, the return of the Brant geese is a birdwatcher’s highlight.

To taste the locally roasted coffee, artisan cheese and fresh seafood of British Columbia, browse the spring and summer markets. Coombs Old Country Market delights visitors with its mascot goats, grazing away on the grass-covered market rooftop. On Tuesday nights, visit the lively Parksville Summer by the Sea Street Market, with 140 artisan stalls, food and entertainment.

Qualicum Beach has a regional airport and Vancouver International Airport is 80 miles (129 kilometre) away. While there are buses, renting a car or bike is recommended, to explore at your own pace. Ferries run to Lasqueti Island.

If possible, time your visit with one of the atmospheric festivals. The most wonderful of all is the Christmas Magic light show in Milner Gardens and Woodland. The hugely popular Uncorked Food and Wine Festival in February has anything from wine tastings to wine-inspired spa treatments. In May, join the chili tastings and ice carvers at the Fire & Ice Street Festival. Sand sculptors compete during the Parksville Beach Festival in summer.

THE Beach Club Resort
THE Beach Club Resort
3.5 out of 5
181 Beachside Drive, Parksville, BC
The price is ₹12,131 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
₹12,131
₹15,352 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice location"

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2025

THE Beach Club Resort
Bayside Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
Bayside Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
3 out of 5
240 Dogwood St, Parksville, BC
The price is ₹8,759 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
₹8,759
₹10,073 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Feb - 26 Feb
Stay at this beach hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Great staff and the rooms are nice and clean"

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2025

Bayside Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
3.5 out of 5
1155 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC
The price is ₹13,385 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
₹13,385
₹15,393 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Parksville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara and Tranquil ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Temperature control-cold. No paper towels or napkins"

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2025

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
3 out of 5
1175 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Parksville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (530 reviews)
"a nice little getaway- we had a studio so not very big so for a couple days it was great, but for a longer stay I would suggest a bigger space. The property was in excellent shape with snow cleared on all the walkways. trail to beach had some snow/ice but the 3 foot drop to the beach may need attention ..."

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2025

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Ocean Trails Resort
Ocean Trails Resort
3.5 out of 5
1135 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Parksville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (303 reviews)
"Friendly staff! The property was well cared for and our unit was very clean."

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2025

Ocean Trails Resort
Riverbend Cottages & RV Resort
Riverbend Cottages & RV Resort
3 out of 5
914 Island Hwy E, Parksville, BC
Stay at this cabin in Regional District of Nanaimo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Cute cottages, close to Parksville and beaches."

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2024

Riverbend Cottages & RV Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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