Parksville Travel Guide

Tourist 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 NZ$155 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
NZ$155
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
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 parking ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Staff are very friendly, and very welcoming, check in took all of 1 minute to complete Room is spotless Would highly recommend"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 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 NZ$253 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$253
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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)
"Beautiful view, beautiful accommodation. Ideal location. Already looking forward to our next stay."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 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 NZ$205 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
NZ$205
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Great for an affordable getaway. Lovely beach and surrounding area to walk around. Restaurant was delicious for dinner and not so great for in room service breakfast. Pet friendly which was a bonus! Overall a really decent place to stay."

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 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! (435 reviews)
"Beautiful new townhouses with very comfortable beds. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Had an amazing stay."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 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 Tranquil Moments Day Spa and Grotto ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (247 reviews)
"It is really quite and beautiful place"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Ocean Trails Resort
Prime rates!! 3 bed 2 bath, Wifi, Cable, Pool/Hot Tub, BBQ, Mini Golf, Beach
Prime rates!! 3 bed 2 bath, Wifi, Cable, Pool/Hot Tub, BBQ, Mini Golf, Beach
Parksville
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (182 reviews)
Christmas in February
"Had a great time"

Reviewed on 1 Mar. 2024

Prime rates!! 3 bed 2 bath, Wifi, Cable, Pool/Hot Tub, BBQ, Mini Golf, 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.

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