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 cascade
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 P7,984 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
P7,984
P10,104 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"We did smell pot in parking area, couple in elevator smelled it on 6th floor, we also smelled it in 8th floor. I did talk to front desk, they also smelled it. That being said , staff was great, room was great. So many parks, beaches to walk and explore. Very nice stay."

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2025

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 P6,417 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
P6,417
P7,380 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 15 - Apr 16
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Front counter staff was fantastic"

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Bayside Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
Coast Parksville Hotel
Coast Parksville Hotel
2.5 out of 5
374 West Island Highway, Parksville, BC
The price is P5,175 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
P5,175
P5,952 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 14 - Apr 15
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! (1,001 reviews)
"The Staff were super attentive, friendly & efficient. We will definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on Apr 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! (548 reviews)
"Loved it had so much room, a real big kitchen, everything we could ever need and staff was so nice."

Reviewed on Mar 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! (312 reviews)
"Staff at front desk are very friendly. It was very safe and accomodating for our Grandchildren."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

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 Regional District of Nanaimo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Parksville Beach and Riptide Lagoon ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Cute cottages, close to Parksville and beaches."

Reviewed on Nov 22, 2024

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.

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