Parksville

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Parksville
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park showing a river or creek
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park showing a waterfall

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 vacation 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-kilometers) 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 kilometer) 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 ¥44,040 per night from Jul 4 to Jul 5
¥44,040
¥53,064 total
Jul 4 - Jul 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"The staff were wonderful. I was there for two weeks and everyone from the restaurant, front desk, spa, and housekeeping were extremely accommodating."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

THE Beach Club Resort
Hotel Feng, BW Signature Collection
Hotel Feng, BW Signature Collection
2 out of 5
424 West Island Highway, Parksville, BC
The price is ¥28,660 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥28,660
¥32,959 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (155 reviews)
Love this place
"Wonderful place"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Hotel Feng, BW Signature Collection
Coast Parksville Hotel
Coast Parksville Hotel
2.5 out of 5
374 West Island Highway, Parksville, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥28,443 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥28,443
¥32,709 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,009 reviews)
"Our room smelt of dirty feet or wet dog, besides that we enjoyed our quick stay"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Coast Parksville Hotel
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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (585 reviews)
"Beautiful place"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 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 WiFi, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (330 reviews)
"Excellent property on the beach. We will be back."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Ocean Trails Resort
So close to the Beach
So close to the Beach
Parksville
Enjoy a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Parksville Beach and Parksville Community Park are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Review
"Wonderful holiday weekend for the intended destination. Really enjoyed and appreciated the home."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

So close to the Beach
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Parksville

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
13
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Relaxed, lots to do within a short drive. City Street signage could be better. You can’t read the smaller (non-highway signs) until you’re passing them. Need larger signs with better contrast between letters and background.

5/5 - Excellent

SN

The hosts were very friendly and helpful.

4/5 - Good

Denis

Nice town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great Oceanside Community

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful area. Everything convenient