Parksville

Travel Guide
Parksville
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.

Coast Parksville Hotel
Coast Parksville Hotel
2.5 out of 5
374 West Island Highway, Parksville, BC
The price is ¥12,843 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥12,843
per night
May 26 - May 27
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 convenient ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,052 reviews)
"Staff was super helpful."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Coast Parksville Hotel
THE Beach Club Resort
THE Beach Club Resort
3.5 out of 5
181 Beachside Drive, Parksville, BC
The price is ¥27,152 per night from May 20 to May 21
¥27,152
per night
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"great ocean view, friendly staff"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

THE Beach Club Resort
Bayside Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
Bayside Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
3 out of 5
240 Dogwood St, Parksville, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥22,159 per night from May 22 to May 23
¥22,159
per night
May 22 - May 23
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Wonderful view of the water from the hotel."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Bayside Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
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 aparthotel in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (444 reviews)
"Great value and amenities. Your rural oasis with all your urban needs only a few minutes drive away."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

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, an outdoor pool, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Parksville Beach and Tranquil Moments ...
9/10 Wonderful! (259 reviews)
"The unit was very clean and equipment excellent. Beach access is too difficult for most seniors or handicapped"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

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 Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf and Tranquil Moments Day ...
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Parksville

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
13
" "5 - Excellent 48.148148148148145%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 40.74074074074074%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 11.11111111111111%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 27, 2019

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
May 11, 2019

The hosts were very friendly and helpful.

4/5 - Good

Denis
May 11, 2019

Nice town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 8, 2019

Great Oceanside Community

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 8, 2019

Beautiful area. Everything convenient

Cities near Parksville