If there’s one thing Parksville does exceptionally well, it’s green space. Between oceanfront boardwalks, peaceful forest trails, and family-friendly picnic spots, this little seaside town is absolutely packed with places to stretch your legs and soak up nature.
As someone who spends a lot of time exploring these trails myself, I can tell you there’s no shortage of beauty here. Whether you’re after a quick stroll with ocean views or a quiet moment tucked beneath towering cedars, you'll find somewhere to wander.
In this guide, I’m sharing nine of my favourite parks and trails in Parksville, plus a local bonus stop you won’t want to miss. Each has its own charm, and together they paint a beautiful picture of what makes Parksville such a joy to explore.
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1. Rathtrevor Provincial Park
Let's start our adventure with the iconic Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Known for its expansive sandy shores during low tide, this park offers a picturesque setting for beachcombing, picnics, and serene strolls. Towering trees provide shade, making it an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the coastal beauty.
Marked as one of Vancouver Island's premier vacation destinations, Rathtrevor is definitely a Parksville gem. This beachfront property has 5.5 kms of trails to meander. You'll find majestic old-growth trees, beautiful ocean views and a wide sandy beach that recedes almost a kilometre at low tide.
The Rathtrevor Beach Path is a 4.3-kilometre level out-and-back trail. You can also make a 3.5-kilometre circle route by walking back through the campground. Dogs can use this trail, but must be kept on a leash. The flat trail is accessible to wheelchairs and/or strollers of all sizes.
2. Top Bridge
Top Bridge Regional Park is a fantastic spot for those seeking a blend of adventure and tranquillity. Spanning the Englishman River, this trail combines a suspension bridge and riverside pathways, offering a dynamic experience for hikers and cyclists. The view from the bridge is nothing short of spectacular.
Top Bridge is one of my favourite areas to explore (mainly because it's so easily accessible from my house). The magnificent suspension bridge spans the beautiful Englishman River and connects many fantastic walking and biking trails of varying lengths. It's also the perfect place to sit and enjoy the view, swim in the many refreshing pools, or fish for salmon in the river.
There are so many trails at this park that, although we've been countless times, I still find something new each time we go. The park's unique topography never ceases to amaze me.
If you love geocaching, this park has a ton!
Location
Head towards the weigh scales on Highway 19A and continue past the four-way stop, which puts you onto Kaye Road. Turn right onto Chattel Road and continue to the end. You will see the suspension bridge from the large parking area.
3. Englishman River Regional Park
A trail system connects this lovely park along the beautiful Englishman River to Top Bridge (above). However, walking from the start of one park to the end of the other is approximately 10+ km. Instead, start in the middle or the end of Englishman River Park for a new vantage point!
The RDN states that access to this park is off of Allsbrook, which it is. However, this puts you very close to Top Bridge. If you start at Allsbrook and head left, you'll come to the suspension bridge. So I advise going right instead and following the river upstream.
Better yet, head into Errington and park at the end of Middlegate, where you'll find many trails surrounding the Englishman River. Again, this is a great area if you love geocaching. If this is the place you choose to park, please don't block any resident access road or driveway.
Please note: This regional park is not to be confused with Englishman River Falls (another spectacular place to visit).
4. Englishman River Estuary
The Englishman River Estuary is a quiet spot where the river meets the ocean, with flat, easy trails and plenty of room to wander. It’s a great place for a relaxed walk, some fresh air, and a bit of birdwatching without having to go far from town.
The estuary's marshy ecosystem is a haven for birdwatchers, offering a sanctuary for a variety of avian species. The park's trails offer views of the river, salt marshes, estuary, forests, and the ocean.
There are several different loops around the park, varying in length. The park can also be accessed from either side of the river, each with its own highlights.
The main access point is at the end of Shelly Road. Along these trails, you will find viewing areas, interpretive signage, mature second-growth forests, and, of course, a variety of birds. Another access point, with a viewing platform, can be found off San Malo Crescent.
5. Little Mountain
Little Mountain is one of the easiest viewpoints to reach in the Parksville area, and the payoff is huge. You can drive right to the top, or follow the short but steep trail if you’d rather earn the view on foot. From the summit, you get a fantastic look over the valley, the coastline, and the surrounding hills. It's a great place to orient yourself to the landscape.
It’s especially nice in the evening when the sun is setting, and because it’s so quick to access, it’s the kind of spot you can pop up to anytime you’re nearby. Simple, scenic, and very “local favourite” in feel.
With sweeping views like this, it's easy to see why we feel this is one of Parksville's best parks and trails.
Driving Directions:
- From Hwy 19, take the second Parksville exit (Exit 51) and turn left onto the Alberni Hwy (as if you were going to Errington/Coombs).
- Turn left onto Bellevue Road
- Take another left onto Little Mountain Road.
- Drive the winding road to the top and park (please note parking is extremely limited)
- You’ll find the view spot directly behind your parked vehicle (take a short stroll towards the clearing).
6. Shelly Creek Park
Shelly Creek is a tributary of the Englishman River and flows from the base of Little Mountain all the way to its exit point near Parksville’s Orange Bridge. The park is home to the last healthy riparian section of this 5.6 km stream.
As it's the only fish-bearing stream in the City of Parksville, a new footbridge was installed in the park to protect this key natural asset. During the summer, when the water levels are low, the few remaining trout make their home in what's left of the stream and can sometimes be seen from the footbridge.
While the park contains less than 0.7 km of trails, it does provide a beautiful forest escape. And plenty of interpretative signs explain more about the sensitive habitat and stream erosion.
If you want to extend your walk, Parksville’s now-defunct E & N Rail tracks, which are directly behind Shelly Creek Park, make a great trail.
Getting There
Shelly Creek Park is located at the very top of Corfield Street. On one side of the road, you will find a playground and a grassy area perfect for picnics, and on the other side, the forested trails.
Off Hamilton Avenue (off Corfield), there is also additional parking and an alternate access point to the park.
7. Parksville Community Park
Discover a perfect blend of recreation and relaxation at Parksville Community Park. Its sandy beach, waterfront boardwalk, and playgrounds make it an excellent spot for family outings, and the waterfront location adds a touch of serenity to this community hub.
Located in the heart of Parksville, this community park is loved by locals and visitors alike. It's a place you can spend an entire day because it offers so much. The 39-acre park hosts many great events and festivals throughout the year, including the well-loved Sandcastle Contest and Kite Festival.
The park's many recreational facilities are sure to satisfy the whole family.
For a complete list of what the Community Park offers, please visit the City of Parksville.
Location: 193 Beachside Drive
8. Springwood Park
For a serene escape within city limits, Springwood Park is a hidden gem. Its well-maintained walking paths, vibrant gardens, and open spaces create a peaceful retreat. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a quiet afternoon surrounded by nature.
Springwood Park is a 21-acre parcel home to Parksville's primary sports field. It offers facilities for everyone to enjoy. Four baseball diamonds are on the sports field, and two additional diamonds are on either side of the six tennis courts.
This park is adjacent to Springwood Elementary School, so children and youth delight in using the school's playground equipment and outdoor basketball court.
This park is also equipped with an off-leash dog area. The fenced exercise area has grass and some trees for shade. You will also find running water for thirsty dogs, waste bags, garbage cans, benches, and a shelter with picnic tables for owners. (For many more dog parks in the area, read: Off-Leash Dog Parks on Vancouver Island ).
Springwood Park is the site of a perimeter trail system that connects to the Parksville Wetlands trail system (mentioned below) and the Coombs to Parksville Rail Trail. The latter is a 7 km hard-packed gravel trail connecting Parksville to Coombs.
To access Parksville Wetlands via Springwood Park, head right at the top of the gravel road and follow the wood-chipped trail. To access the Rail Trail, follow the gravel path to your left.
Location: 450 Despard Avenue
9. Parksville Wetlands
Trails weave through and around this scenic wetland and wooded area of Parksville, which is of great importance. This location provides key migratory bird habitats and is also a watershed resource for eastern Vancouver Island.
In 2017, the City purchased the 97-acre parcel formerly owned by the Ermineskin Cree Nation. The added trails now provide visitors with a 1.14 km walking loop through the park. The Wetlands offer some of the best birding areas on Vancouver Island.
To make the walk longer, trails connect to Springwood Park along the ‘Cold Water trail' (see details about Springwood above).
Access points to the Wetland trails are at the foot of Despard Avenue (near Springwood Park), at the southern intersection of Magnolia Drive and Chestnut Street, and at the far end of Hirst Ave W. (watch for signs).
Bonus: Craig Heritage Park and Museum
Delve into Parksville's past at Craig Heritage Park and Museum. This living history site features heritage buildings and exhibits, providing a fascinating insight into the town's evolution. It's a delightful blend of education and enjoyment for history buffs and curious minds alike.
Roam the grounds and immerse yourself in the architectural charm of heritage buildings. From the Craig family home to the Englishman River Schoolhouse, each structure tells a unique story of Parksville's evolution. Wander through the rooms adorned with period-appropriate furnishings and glimpse daily life in bygone eras.
Although not your typical park or green space, this site offers beautiful gardens equipped with benches to admire the view. For a full list of attractions at this park and museum, please read Exploring the History of Parksville.
Location: 1245 Island Hwy
Why you should go
Parksville’s parks and trails are where you discover the real heart of the community. These are the places where you find the quiet corners most visitors miss when they stick to the waterfront. These green spaces give you a chance to slow down, wander like a local, and see a softer side of the region that doesn’t always make the tourist brochures.
From peaceful forest strolls to tucked-away riverbank viewpoints, each stop offers its own little slice of island life. It’s the perfect way to balance time at the beach with something a bit more immersive. It's a chance to feel rooted in the landscape rather than just passing through it.
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