Explore Parksville
Parksville and the surrounding towns make up the vast regional area locally coined as Oceanside. This area is made up of 12 small communities along the eastern shores of mid-Vancover Island. The most well-known towns are Parksville, Coombs, and Qualicum Beach. The area also includes the unincorporated communities of Nanoose Bay, Errington, French Creek, Bowser, Deep Bay, Qualicum Bay, and a few other smaller centres.
Exploring this region is about immersing yourself in nature, engaging in outdoor activities, and experiencing the local culture. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous outdoor escape, or a taste of local life, the Oceanside area offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and get ready to discover one of Vancouver Island’s most delightful destinations!
Click on any of the links below to find the best things to see while you explore Parksville and its surrounding towns.
Quick Facts
Parksville
Parksville is best known for its beautiful beaches, with Rathtevor and Parksville Beach being the draw. Both offer expansive sandy shores perfect for all beach day activities when the tide is out. The sun-baked sand creates an unbeatable warm-water swim when the tide rolls back in.
You can also explore Parksville's downtown for diverse shopping among retail stores, boutiques, galleries, and plenty of restaurants. It's a somewhat walkable shopping experience. While some great shops exist between Corfield Street and Moilliet Street, it's a broad area.
Qualicum Beach
Qualicum Beach is among my favourite places to meander and window shop on Vancouver Island. The town just feels good! It's charming and picturesque and has an amazing walkable downtown core. Park in the gravel parking lot across from Qualicum Foods (Memorial Avenue) and walk along Second Avenue to discover quaint shops and restaurants.
Coombs
This quaint village is well-known for the famous Goats on the Roof and quirky market shops. It's also a place to indulge in delicious ice cream, doughnuts and, believe it or not, Mexican and Italian cuisine. You can read the full article about this unique place here.
Oceanside Provincial Parks
- Rathtrevor: day-use area, camping, trails, and an amazing beach
- Englishman River Falls: day-use area, camping, trails and waterfalls
- Little Qualicum Falls: day-use area, camping, trails through old-growth, waterfalls
- Horne Lake Caves: trails, guided caving
- MacMillan: old-growth trees (Cathedral Grove), boardwalk trails, river
- Spider Lake: swimming lake, day-use area
- Rosewall Creek: day-use area, trails, access to a beautiful waterfall
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit for warm-weather activities is from mid-July to late August, with average temperatures ranging from 21-24 °C (70-75 °F). However, if you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the spring months and early fall when the weather is still pleasant but the tourist numbers are lower.
Outdoor Activities
Summer Activities
- Head to the Beach! Rathtrevor, Parksville Community Park, and Qualicum Beach are all fantastic places to spend warm summer days. Parksville Community Beach Park always has extra activities going on, including the famous Sandcastle Contest and/or beach volleyball courts. The open field is also a fantastic place to fly a kite.
- Go Swimming: Head to Top Bridge for a cool dip in the Englishman River or Spider Lake for lake swimming. Don't worry—the lake is named after its shape, not because it has an overabundance of spiders.
- Hit the Trails: The area has so many amazing trails (see below for more details). In the meantime, check out these natural wonders.
Golf Courses a Plenty!
The area is blessed with 7 picturesque golf courses to choose from.
- Fairwinds Golf Club offers a beautiful waterfront course in Nanoose Bay
- Brigadoon, located in the heart of Parksville, offers a unique 9-hole course.
- Morningstar (Parksville) offers a course layout that is both fun and challenging for all abilities.
- Eaglecrest (Qualicum Beach) was named after the eagles that sore overhead.
- Pheasant Glen (Qualicum) offers a challenging 18-hole course.
- Arrowsmith Golf Course (Qualicum) was specifically designed for year-round play.
- Qualicum Beach Memorial is said to be one of Canada’s most scenic golf courses.
- Parksville also has two great minigolf courses, Riptide Lagoon (near Rathtrevor Beach) and Paradise Fun Park (right in town).
Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing
The area has three large marinas that can cater to any size of watercraft:
- Fairwinds Marina in Nanoose Bay.
- French Creek Marina in Parksville
- Deep Bay Marina in Deep Bay
Anglers have luck catching salmon during most of the year just off French Creek Marina. This is especially so in June and July. And then in October, the annual Coho run happens in the same area.
Make sure to check regulations and get a Recreational Licence before attempting to saltwater fish.
The Englishman River is popular for salmon, trout, and steelhead. Top Bridge is a great place to start. You need a freshwater licence to do so.
Wildlife Viewing
It's not uncommon to see Eagles, hawks, herons, seals, sea lions and even whales when exploring Oceanside. However, there are a few places and activities where your chances of viewing them are much higher.
- Big Qualicum River Hatchery is a fantastic place to visit when salmon are spawning in the fall. If you visit during spawning season, you'll most likely see Eagles, herons, and sometimes even black bears.
- French Creek Marina (1055 Lee Road, Parksville). In the spring, especially around the Herring Spawn, this area is populated with sea lions, seals, many seabirds and eagles.
- Rathtrevor Beach is a great area to spot eagles, wild rabbits, owls and many seabirds at any time of year. During the spring, this area is a hot spot for Brant Geese.
- Whale Watching: Head out on a whale and wildlife adventure right in Parksville. This fantastic whale-watching tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Englishman River Estuary: trails meander through and around the estuary, offering great birding opportunities.
Best of…
A few lists of the top things to see and do in the area. The lists are organized in no particular order. The top restaurants are my personal favourites and ones we go back to time and time again.
Top Attractions
- Rathtrevor Beach
- Coombs Market
- Cathedral Grove
- Horne Lake Caves
- Milner Gardens
- North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
- Butterfly World
- Fast Time Amusements
- Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
- Parksville Museum
Favourite Restaurants
- Nanoose Bay Cafe
- Rusted Rake
- Lefty's
- The Bayside
- Black Goose Inn
- The Beach Club Restaurant
- Happy Jack's
- Fern & Cedar
- Shore Restaurant
- Shady Rest
Regional & City Parks (Top 5)
- Moorecroft: offers offers great trails that meander through a wooded area and along the ocean.
- Parksville Community Park: for its array of activities, including a skate park, tennis and pickleball courts, and a fantastic playground (to name a few).
- Top Bridge: for the beautiful suspension bridge and unique topography
- Springwood Park: well-maintained walking paths and open spaces create a peaceful retreat.
- Englishman River Regional Park: for its great walking trails along the beautiful river.
Best Things to See and Do in the Oceanside Area
- Oceanside Route: A Beautiful Vancouver Island Road Trip
- Off-Leash Dog Parks Mid-Vancouver Island
- Experience the Thrills of Caving at Horne Lake
- 10 Natural Wonders of Oceanside
- Campgrounds in Parksville: A Comprehensive List for Campers
- Unique Geology in Nanoose Bay
- Self-Drive Parksville Outdoor Adventure Itinerary
- 3 Hidden Old-Growth Forests in Qualicum Beach
- Enos Lake Trail in Nanoose Bay
Featured Businesses
Recommended Parksville Hotel
Book Your Stay at the Beach Club Resort and Save
The Beach Club is a 5-star resort with guest rooms and suites featuring private balconies and indulgent soaking tubs. It offers top-tier amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, gym, and spa, ensuring a perfect balance of relaxation and luxury during your stay. Make sure to splurge and book an oceanfront room.
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More Oceanside Accommodations
The Oceanside area has a variety of accommodation options. From luxury resorts to forested campgrounds and everything in between. You can find a place to stay in and around Parksville for every budget and need.
Featured Oceanside Artisans
Featured Experiences
Helpful Links
Local Weather
Wind: 19km/h E
Humidity: 70%
Pressure: 1009.48mbar
UV index: 1
19°C
18°C
20°C / 12°C
18°C / 12°C
Plan Your Trip
Links to help you plan your trip to the Oceanside Area.
- Ferry Information (Vancouver to Vancouver Island)
- Washington State Ferry Information (Seattle to Victoria)
- Bus Services
- Car Rentals
- RV Rentals
- Local Airport
- Tide Chart
- Everything you need to know about Vancouver Island
- Optimal Times to Visit the Island
- Fun Facts about Vancouver Island (that you probably don't know)
- Wildlife on Vancouver Island (and what to do when you see one)
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