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Vancouver Island's Oceanside Gem

Where the Tide Meets Adventure

Warm sandy beaches, ancient forest caves, world-class sand sculpting, and the unhurried rhythm of coastal British Columbia.

250+
Bird Species
14k
Residents
5.5
Wks of Beachfest
∞
Miles of Coast
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About Parksville

A Coastal Paradise on Vancouver Island

Nestled along the sheltered eastern coast of Vancouver Island, Parksville is celebrated for having some of the warmest and widest beaches in all of Canada. At low tide, the ocean retreats to reveal vast, sun-warmed flats β€” a natural playground unlike anywhere else in BC.

Just 30 minutes north of Nanaimo and reachable by a scenic BC Ferries crossing, Parksville is where old-growth forests, tidal estuaries, underground cave systems, and vibrant community festivals coexist in one extraordinary destination.

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Warmest beaches in BC
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Old-growth forest trails
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250+ bird species
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Craft beer & local food
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Cave & mountain adventures
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Year-round golf
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Signature Experience Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Beach Temperature
24Β°C
Warmest in BC at low tide
Annual Event
Parksville Beachfest β€” July

Discover Parksville

From ancient limestone caves to kite festivals on golden sand β€” there's no shortage of adventures here.

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Must-Visit
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Canada's best family beach β€” tidal pools, warm flats & old-growth trails
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Downtown
Parksville Community Park Beach
Splash park, playground & waterfront walkway
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Sunset Strolls
Waterfront Walkway
Beach Club Resort to Community Park β€” accessible for all
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Wildlife
Englishman River Estuary
Pacific Brant Sea Goose habitat β€” birdwatching & short walking trails
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Award-Winning
Horne Lake Caves
Vancouver Island has more caves than the rest of Canada combined β€” explore them
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Adrenaline
Skydive Vancouver Island
The ultimate thrill above the Strait of Georgia
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Trails
Mountain Biking & Hiking
Top Bridge Trail, Rathtrevor trail network & backcountry routes
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On the Water
Whale Watching & Kayaking
Orcas, sea lions & marine wildlife in the Strait of Georgia
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Charter Fishing
Salmon Fishing
Half-day & full-day charters β€” world-class Pacific salmon runs
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Year-Round
Championship Golf
Ocean & mountain views on courses suited for every skill level
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Old Growth
Cathedral Grove β€” MacMillan Provincial Park
Ancient Douglas firs with trunks up to 30 feet in circumference
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Scenic
Englishman River Falls
Stunning canyon waterfall accessible year-round
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Pacific Flyway
Birdwatching Trail
250+ species including Trumpeter Swans & Pacific Brant Geese
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Swimming & Kayaking
Cameron Lake
Crystal-clear alpine lake β€” fishing, kayaking & the warmest summer swims
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Cultural Hub
McMillan Arts Centre
Exhibitions, workshops & performances by local and visiting artists
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History
Parksville Museum & Craig Heritage Park
Historic buildings from the late 1800s & local artifacts
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Live Theatre
Echo Players β€” Village Theatre
50 years of community theatre with 5 mainstage shows per season
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Iconic Landmark
Goats on the Roof β€” Coombs
10 mins from Parksville β€” markets, artisan shops & the famous goats
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Fun for All Ages
Paradise Mini Golf & Fun Park
Mini golf, arcade & family entertainment in the heart of town
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Farm Experience
Morningstar Farm & Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
Self-guided farm tours, cheese tastings & farm animals

Signature Events & Festivals

From sand sculpting championships to wildlife festivals β€” Parksville's calendar is always full.

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Flagship Event
Parksville Beachfest β€” 5.5 Weeks of Wonder
World-class sand sculptors transform Parksville's golden shores into living art. The 2026 theme "Circus by the Sea" features acrobatic elephants, trapeze artists, and clowns β€” all carved entirely from sand. Running July 10 through August 17.
Learn More β†’
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Automatically Synced Events
Events are pulled automatically from the regional tourism calendar and updated hourly. New events and changes from visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com appear here in real time.
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Find Your Perfect Retreat

Oceanfront resorts, cozy B&Bs, campgrounds and everything in between β€” Parksville has accommodations for every style and budget.

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Oceanfront Resort
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
Beloved log cabin resort with the acclaimed Grotto Spa β€” Canada's #1 Spa β€” set among towering Douglas firs steps from the beach.
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Waterfront Resort
The Beach Club Resort
Prime beachfront location with the award-winning Pacific Prime restaurant, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner.
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Oceanfront Cottages
Beach Acres Resort
Intimate cottage resort with private beachfront access β€” perfect for families, stargazing and coastal walks.
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Provincial Campground
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Ocean-front campsites at one of BC's most loved provincial parks β€” book early through BC Parks as sites fill quickly.
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Oceanfront Hotel
Bayside Oceanfront Resort
Modern suites with ocean views, on-site dining, and easy access to Parksville's beaches and downtown shops.
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Beachfront Suites
Ocean Sands Resort
All-suite beachfront resort with full kitchens β€” ideal for families and longer stays on Parksville's golden shoreline.
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Waterfront Resort
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Spacious townhome-style suites overlooking the Strait of Georgia β€” fireplaces, hot tubs, and resort-style amenities.
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Bed & Breakfasts
Parksville B&Bs
Charming locally-run bed and breakfasts offering warm hospitality, homemade breakfasts, and insider tips from your hosts.
Browse All Stays

Local Flavours,
Ocean Fresh

Parksville's dining scene celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Ocean and the fertile farmland of central Vancouver Island. From acclaimed waterfront restaurants to craft breweries and artisan cafΓ©s β€” every meal here is an experience.

🦐 Fresh Pacific seafood β€” Ocean Wise certified partners
🍺 Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Co β€” award-winning craft beer
πŸ§€ Little Qualicum Cheeseworks β€” artisan farm cheese tastings
β˜• French Press Coffee Roasters β€” beloved local roastery
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Pacific Prime Steak & Chop
Fine Dining Β· Beachfront
The Beach Club's acclaimed restaurant with a Wine Spectator Award β€” ocean-forward seafood and a sommelier-curated wine list.
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Cedars Restaurant & Lounge
Resort Dining Β· Tigh-Na-Mara
West coast cuisine in a stunning log-cabin setting β€” locally sourced ingredients and globally inspired menus.
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Mount Arrowsmith Brewing
Craft Brewery Β· Taproom
Named after the 1,819m basalt peak above Parksville. Complex porters, fruit sours, blonde ales and an in-house pizzeria with three patios.
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Bayside Restaurant & Lounge
Oceanfront Β· Casual Fine Dining
Unbeatable water views with a menu built around local, seasonal, comforting Pacific flavours β€” a Parksville favourite.
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French Press Coffee Roasters
CafΓ© Β· Specialty Coffee
The go-to local roastery β€” expertly crafted espresso drinks, freshly baked goods and a warm community atmosphere.
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Lefty's Restaurant
Local Favourite Β· Comfort Food
A cherished Parksville staple with generous portions, a welcoming vibe and hearty west coast comfort food that keeps locals coming back.
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Everything You Need to Know

Getting here, getting around, and making the most of your Parksville adventure.

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Getting Here
Parksville sits 30 minutes north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island's sheltered east coast, easily reached by BC Ferries β€” a scenic crossing where you might even spot orcas.
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Best Time to Visit
Parksville is a year-round destination β€” peak summer for beaches and festivals, fall and winter for quieter coastal adventures and cozy dining.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Beach, Beachfest, Kite Festival
  • Spring (Apr–May): Brant Wildlife Festival, whale season
  • Fall (Sep–Oct): Harvest fairs, hiking, fewer crowds
  • Winter (Nov–Mar): Cozy dining, storms, spa days
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Insider Tips
Make the most of your Parksville visit with advice from locals β€” from tide timing to festival booking windows.

Championing Parksville's Tourism Future

Tourism Parksville is a private destination management organization dedicated to Parksville, BC. Our mission is to showcase the authentic, diverse, and extraordinary experiences that Parksville offers β€” from its world-famous beaches to its vibrant culinary and cultural scene.

We work alongside local businesses, event organizers, accommodation partners, and the broader community to drive sustainable, year-round tourism growth that benefits visitors and residents alike.

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Community First
Tourism that strengthens the local economy and supports Parksville families.
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Sustainable Growth
Responsible tourism that protects Parksville's natural coastal environment.
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Authentic Experience
Celebrating what makes Parksville genuinely unique β€” not manufactured tourism.
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Year-Round Vitality
Building Parksville's reputation beyond summer into a four-season destination.
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