Parksville

Travel 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 which includes 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 RM573 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
RM573
RM733 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Well-located hotel for Vancouver Island trips
"We stayed here for two nights, using it as a home base to explore Vancouver Island from Nanaimo to Courtenay-Comox. While there would have been more opportunity to use all the amenities in the summer (kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, etc.), we used the pool and hot tub and enjoyed the secure underground ..."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

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 RM448 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
RM448
RM516 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Dec - 5 Dec
Book a 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"What a fantastic stay we had."

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

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 RM703 per night from 28 Nov to 29 Nov
RM703
RM809 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Nov - 29 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara and Tranquil ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"Other than semi-limited parking, the one night stay here was great. I had to leave my room to go to the front desk for assistance then again to pick up my food and I lost my spot both times. I ended up having to park by the next building over. The front desk staff were fantastic and extremely helpful. ..."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (499 reviews)
"Great place to stay."

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2024

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Riverbend Cottages & RV Resort
Riverbend Cottages & RV Resort
3 out of 5
914 Island Hwy E, Parksville, BC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf and Tranquil Moments ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
"This place is magic. The Yurt is super cool probably around 450 sq ft, small kitchen, big bathroom, comfortable bed. The property is huge. Plenty of RVs and cabins around. Lovely spot."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2024

Riverbend Cottages & RV 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. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (296 reviews)
"very helpful staff, good clean condo, nice and quiet, beautiful surroundings highly reccommend"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2024

Ocean Trails 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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