One of the best things about choosing Parksville as your Vancouver Island base is just how many incredible destinations sit within a short drive. From 800-year-old rainforest giants to wild Pacific surf beaches, harbour cities to island-hopping ferries, Parksville puts you right in the middle of the Island's greatest hits. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, these day trips from Parksville will show you a side of British Columbia that stays with you long after the drive home.
Vancouver Island's ancient forests are among the most awe-inspiring on the planet.
Cathedral Grove / MacMillan Provincial Park
Distance from Parksville: 30 minutes (25 km west on Highway 4)
If you only have time for one day trip, make it Cathedral Grove. Tucked inside MacMillan Provincial Park along the Port Alberni highway, this pocket of old-growth rainforest protects some of the tallest and oldest Douglas fir trees in British Columbia. Several of these ancient giants are over 800 years old, with trunks so wide it takes five or six people linking arms to encircle them. Walking beneath their canopy feels like stepping into another era entirely.
Two easy loop trails start right from the parking area on either side of Highway 4. The south side features the largest Douglas fir specimens, with interpretive signs explaining the old-growth ecosystem. The north side follows Cameron River through a grove of towering western red cedar. Both trails are flat, accessible, and take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete, making this a perfect stop for families with children or anyone who prefers a gentler walk.
Cathedral Grove Tips
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially in summer. The light filtering through the canopy is most magical during golden hour.
Parking: The lot is small and fills quickly in July and August. Arrive before 10 AM in peak season.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, a light rain jacket (the forest creates its own micro-climate), and a camera. There are no facilities at the site, so use restrooms in Parksville before departing.
Cathedral Grove pairs beautifully with a continued drive to Port Alberni or, for hikers, a side trip to nearby Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, just 10 minutes further west along the highway.
Nanaimo: The Harbour City
Distance from Parksville: 30 minutes south (37 km via Highway 19)
Nanaimo is Vancouver Island's second-largest city and a day trip that offers a little bit of everything. Start at the historic Bastion, a wooden Hudson's Bay Company fort built in 1853 and one of the last remaining structures of its kind in North America. In summer, costumed guards fire the noon cannon daily, a tradition that has continued for over a century.
From the Bastion, stroll into the Old City Quarter, a vibrant neighbourhood of independent boutiques, bookshops, cafes, and street art that sprawls across several hilly blocks. The Nanaimo Museum provides excellent context on the city's coal-mining heritage and First Nations history. For something more adventurous, Nanaimo is home to the WildPlay Elements Park, where you can try North America's only legal bungee jump from a 150-foot bridge over the Nanaimo River canyon.
Nanaimo Highlights Not to Miss
- Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway — a scenic 5 km seaside promenade connecting Departure Bay to downtown, perfect for an afternoon stroll
- Departure Bay Beach — a sheltered swimming beach popular with families, with views of Newcastle Island and the BC Ferries terminal
- Nanaimo Bars — the city's famous no-bake dessert can be sampled at bakeries throughout town on the official Nanaimo Bar Trail
- Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park — a car-free island accessible by a 10-minute passenger ferry from Maffeo Sutton Park, with hiking trails, beaches, and picnic areas
- Protection Island — take the tiny foot-passenger ferry to visit the legendary Dinghy Dock Pub, Canada's only floating pub
"Nanaimo has transformed from a gritty resource town into one of the most exciting small cities on the West Coast. The food scene alone is worth the 30-minute drive from Parksville."
Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Distance from Parksville: 2.5 hours (195 km west via Highway 4)
Tofino is the crown jewel of Vancouver Island's wild west coast, and while the drive takes roughly two and a half hours each way, every minute of it is spectacular. Highway 4 winds through Cathedral Grove, over the Alberni Summit, past Sproat Lake, and through the old-growth forests of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve before depositing you on the shores of the open Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most scenic drives in all of Canada.
Once in Tofino, the experiences are unforgettable. Long Beach stretches for 16 unbroken kilometres of wild Pacific surf, backed by ancient rainforest and scattered with enormous drift logs. Surfing is Tofino's signature activity, and several surf schools offer beginner lessons right on the beach. Even if you never stand up on a board, watching surfers ride the winter swells is mesmerizing.
Tofino Day Trip Essentials
- Long Beach — bring layered clothing; Pacific winds can be brisk even in summer
- Storm watching — November through February, massive Pacific storms pound the coast with towering waves; best viewed from Wickaninnish Beach or Cox Bay
- Rainforest Trail — two easy 1 km boardwalk loops through spectacular old-growth temperate rainforest within Pacific Rim National Park
- Tofino village — browse galleries, sample tacos at Tacofino, and browse the independent shops along Main Street
- Whale watching — March through October, tour operators offer excursions to spot grey whales, humpbacks, orcas, bears, and sea otters
Tofino Driving Tips
The highway between Port Alberni and Tofino features steep grades, sharp switchbacks, and single-lane sections. Drive cautiously, especially in wet weather. Fuel up in Parksville or Port Alberni, as gas stations are sparse along the route.
A Pacific Rim National Park day-use pass is required if you plan to stop at any park beaches or trailheads. Passes can be purchased at the park entrance or online in advance.
Qualicum Beach Town
Distance from Parksville: 10 minutes (10 km northwest on Highway 19A)
Qualicum Beach is Parksville's charming neighbour, and its compact Old Town is one of the most walkable villages on Vancouver Island. The main strip along Memorial Avenue features independent galleries, antique shops, artisan bakeries, and locally owned restaurants. It has an unhurried, slightly bohemian feel that invites lingering over a long lunch or browsing for handmade pottery.
The beach itself is a magnificent stretch of sandy shoreline backed by low bluffs. At low tide, you can walk for what feels like kilometres across the exposed tidal flats, and the shallow waters warm beautifully in summer. The Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest, a short walk from town, offers a peaceful loop trail through second-growth forest, perfect for a post-lunch stroll.
For more adventure in the area, explore our guide to Parksville and Qualicum Beach's best beaches.
Coombs and Errington
Distance from Parksville: 10 minutes (12 km west on Highway 4A)
Coombs is famous for one thing above all else: goats on the roof. The Old Country Market, a sprawling country store and local institution since 1973, keeps a small herd of goats grazing on its sod roof all summer long. It is simultaneously absurd and utterly delightful, and it draws visitors from around the world. Beyond the goats, the market complex houses an excellent produce stand, an international food court, a gelato shop, and a quirky collection of independent retailers.
Just down the road, the village of Errington is the quieter, more artistic sibling. Errington is home to a thriving community of potters, woodworkers, painters, and other artisans. Many studios are open to visitors, particularly during the annual Errington and District Studio Tour. The Errington Farmers' Market runs on Saturdays in season and is a wonderful place to pick up locally grown produce, artisan bread, and handcrafted goods.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Distance from Parksville: 15 minutes (13 km south)
This easily accessible provincial park protects a stunning pair of waterfalls on the Englishman River. The upper falls tumble into a deep canyon carved through layers of sedimentary rock, while the lower falls spread wide across a rocky ledge into a crystal-clear swimming hole that is irresistible on hot summer days. A well-maintained trail connects both viewpoints, and the full loop takes about 45 minutes. The park is also a popular spot for hiking in the Parksville area, with trails winding through mature second-growth forest alive with birdsong.
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Distance from Parksville: 25 minutes (20 km west on Highway 4)
Often combined with a Cathedral Grove visit, Little Qualicum Falls is a dramatic series of cascades where the Little Qualicum River thunders through a narrow gorge. The main trail follows the river between the upper and lower falls, crossing footbridges with vertigo-inducing views straight down into churning pools. The full loop is about 3 km and provides a surprisingly rigorous workout thanks to the steep stairways cut into the canyon walls. It is one of the most photogenic short hikes on Vancouver Island.
Waterfalls and old-growth forest are never far from Parksville.
Port Alberni and the Alberni Inlet
Distance from Parksville: 45 minutes (48 km west on Highway 4)
Port Alberni sits at the head of the Alberni Inlet, the longest and deepest inlet on Vancouver Island. This working harbour town is the gateway to the west coast and offers several unique experiences. The MV Frances Barkley, a heritage packet freighter, departs from the harbour for day trips through the inlet to the remote village of Bamfield and the Broken Group Islands, an archipelago of over 100 islands within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Back in town, the Alberni Valley Museum and the McLean Mill National Historic Site, a restored steam-era sawmill, tell the story of Vancouver Island's forestry heritage. The town is also the salmon sport fishing capital of the Island, and several charter operators offer guided trips into the inlet.
Hornby and Denman Islands
Distance from Parksville: 1 hour to Buckley Bay ferry terminal (70 km north on Highway 19)
Hornby and Denman Islands are a pair of Gulf Islands accessible by BC Ferries from Buckley Bay, about an hour's drive north of Parksville. You take one short ferry to Denman Island, drive across, and then take a second short ferry to Hornby Island. The two-ferry adventure is part of the charm.
Denman Island is the quieter of the two, with a general store, art galleries, and the stunning Sandy Island Marine Park accessible by kayak or low-tide walk. Hornby Island is famous for Tribune Bay Provincial Park, whose white-sand crescent beach and turquoise waters have earned it the nickname "Little Hawaii." The island also draws divers from around the world for encounters with resident sixgill sharks and fields of white plumose anemones. Both islands have a strong arts community and a laid-back, off-grid energy that makes the modern world feel very far away.
Comox Valley and Courtenay
Distance from Parksville: 1 hour north (100 km via Highway 19)
The Comox Valley, anchored by the towns of Courtenay and Comox, is a thriving food-and-farm region overlooked by the dramatic peaks of Strathcona Provincial Park and the Comox Glacier. The valley is home to a growing craft brewery and distillery scene, excellent farm-to-table restaurants, and the fascinating Comox Air Force Museum at CFB Comox.
In winter, Mount Washington Alpine Resort (about 30 minutes above Courtenay) offers the best downhill skiing on Vancouver Island, with an average annual snowfall of over 11 metres. In summer, the mountain's trails open for hiking and mountain biking with panoramic views stretching from the Strait of Georgia to the rugged interior peaks. Seal Bay Nature Park, just outside Comox, is a beautiful coastal forest trail network that feels a world away from civilization.
Planning Your Day Trips: Practical Tips
Driving Tips for Vancouver Island
- Highway 19 (the Island Highway) is a divided four-lane road between Parksville and Nanaimo, making that drive easy and fast
- Highway 4 toward Port Alberni and Tofino is a two-lane highway with steep grades and winding sections — allow extra time and drive to conditions
- Watch for wildlife on all Island roads, especially at dawn and dusk; deer, elk, and bears are common
- Gas stations can be sparse in rural areas — fill up in Parksville before heading west
- Cell phone coverage is spotty to nonexistent between Port Alberni and Tofino; download offline maps before you go
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer (June–September): The best weather for all day trips, but expect crowds at Cathedral Grove and Tofino. Plan early starts to beat the rush.
- Spring (March–May): Wildflowers, waterfalls at peak flow, and migrating grey whales off Tofino. The Brant Wildlife Festival in Parksville and Qualicum Beach draws birdwatchers from across the continent.
- Fall (September–November): Salmon runs in local rivers, quieter roads, dramatic autumn colours. An ideal time for wildlife watching near Parksville.
- Winter (December–February): Storm watching in Tofino at its dramatic best, skiing at Mount Washington, and uncrowded trails everywhere. Some seasonal businesses may be closed.
What to Pack for Island Day Trips
- Layered clothing — coastal weather changes quickly
- Rain jacket or shell — even in summer, you may encounter a passing shower
- Comfortable walking shoes with good tread
- Water bottle and snacks, especially for longer drives to Tofino or the Comox Valley
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Camera with a fully charged battery
- Cash for small-town shops and farm stands that may not accept cards
- A paper map or downloaded offline map as a backup to GPS
Make It a Weekend Getaway
While all of these destinations work as day trips, Tofino and the Gulf Islands are even better with an overnight stay. Consider splitting your Parksville vacation between a few nights in town and one or two nights exploring further afield. Check our complete Parksville travel guide for help planning a longer itinerary.
Day Trip Distance Quick Reference
- Qualicum Beach: 10 min / 10 km
- Coombs & Errington: 10 min / 12 km
- Englishman River Falls: 15 min / 13 km
- Little Qualicum Falls: 25 min / 20 km
- Cathedral Grove: 30 min / 25 km
- Nanaimo: 30 min / 37 km
- Port Alberni: 45 min / 48 km
- Hornby & Denman Islands: 1 hr to ferry / 70 km
- Comox Valley & Courtenay: 1 hr / 100 km
- Tofino & Pacific Rim: 2.5 hr / 195 km
Parksville's central location on Vancouver Island is one of its greatest advantages. With beaches, forests, waterfalls, harbour cities, and wild Pacific surf all within easy reach, every day of your holiday can bring a completely different adventure. Plan one major day trip and a couple of shorter excursions, and you will see a remarkable breadth of what makes this island one of the most beautiful places in the world.
