Parksville Travel Guide

Tourist 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 featuring 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 holiday 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-kilometres) 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 kilometre) 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 £274 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£274
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"It was great. Staff lovely. Beach amazing. Paddle boards, kayaks, boogie boards etc for activities. Only things that keep me from a 5* are the following : the view from our room was on a bunch of AC units. Beautiful room but couldn’t eat outside because so noisy (and ugly). Beautiful room - kitchen ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 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 £148 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
£148
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (183 reviews)
"best breakfast"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Hotel Feng, BW Signature Collection
Coast Parksville Hotel

Coast Parksville Hotel

2.5 out of 5
374 West Island Highway, Parksville, BC
The price is £143 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£143
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,009 reviews)
"Super friendly staff and really cute outdoor area."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (592 reviews)
"Great house, spacious and well set-up. Easy access to the beach. Nice pool."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (335 reviews)
"Ocean Trails is nothing short of amazing!! Our condo was beautiful! Everything appeared to be new and was absolutely spotless! There was so much to do on the grounds, between the pool, sports court, and beach, we couldn’t get enough! The location is so nice and quiet! This was a real hidden gem! ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Ocean Trails Resort
3 bed 2 bath, Wifi, Cable, Pool/Hot Tub, BBQ, Mini Golf, Beach, license#00005785

3 bed 2 bath, Wifi, Cable, Pool/Hot Tub, BBQ, Mini Golf, Beach, license#00005785

Parksville, BC
Stay at this cottage in Parksville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a water park. Popular attractions Parksville Beach and Tranquil Moments Day Spa are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (226 reviews)
"The place was spacious and clean, and close the beach and grocery stores. The kitchen was well stocked. We enjoyed our stay there very much."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

3 bed 2 bath, Wifi, Cable, Pool/Hot Tub, BBQ, Mini Golf, Beach, license#00005785
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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