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 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 S$461 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
S$461
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach 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! (1,002 reviews)
"Lovely view from our ocean front room"

Reviewed on 27 Jun, 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 S$267 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
S$267
2 Jul - 3 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (147 reviews)
"it was a nice clean room"

Reviewed on 27 Jun, 2025

Hotel Feng, BW Signature Collection
Coast Parksville Hotel
Coast Parksville Hotel
2.5 out of 5
374 West Island Highway, Parksville, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$289 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$289
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Close, convenient affordabke"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 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! (583 reviews)
"Property was great and staff were very nice."

Reviewed on 17 Jun, 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! (330 reviews)
"Excellent property on the beach. We will be back."

Reviewed on 21 Jun, 2025

Ocean Trails Resort
Tanglewood Beach Homes
Tanglewood Beach Homes
3 out of 5
1059 Tanglewood Pl, Parksville, BC
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Parksville Beach and Riptide Lagoon Adventure ...
Tanglewood Beach Homes
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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