Accessibility Guide

Parksville Qualicum Beach is dedicated to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. From wheelchair-friendly trails and boardwalks to accessible dining and accommodations, this guide highlights essential locations that support your journey. Explore detailed accessibility features for attractions, transportation, dining, and lodging to help you plan your visit with ease.

This page is regularly updated as new accessible options become available and local businesses continue to enhance their offerings. We welcome your suggestions and updates to help us keep this guide accurate and comprehensive.

Things to Do | Restaurants | Where to Stay | Transportation | Additional Resources


Things to Do

Beaches

Parksville Community Beach

  • Mobi-mats connecting the waterfront gazebo access point 100 feet across the soft sand to the hard-pack sand during low tide. Deployed seasonally (May-October weather permitting).
  • Mobi-chairs, designed to be pushed/pulled by an adult attendant along the beach; they cannot be self-propelled. The armrests and tires allow it to be a floatation device in the water so the user can enjoy the shallow warm waters of Parksville Beach. Mobi-chairs are available at the Beach Club Resort.
  • Lions Ventureland Playground at the Parkville Community Park has new equipment and surfacing to meet accessibility standards appropriate for children with mobility challenges.
  • Wheelchair-accessible boardwalks and pathways.
  • Dedicated accessible parking spots.
  • Public restrooms and change rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Qualicum Beach Waterfront Walkway

  • Paved pathway stretching the length of the beach, accessible for folks who use mobility devices
  • Wheelchair accessible washroom building with a change room
  • Accessible parking spots

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

  • Paved roads for easy access
  • Wheelchair-accessible campsites, shower stalls, beach access, walking trails, and parking stalls in day-use areas

Museums & Nature Centres

McMillan Arts Centre (The MAC)

  • Wheelchair accessible space with a very sturdy and safe ramp to enter the facility.
  • Large accessible washroom in the gallery with a universal height toilet, grab bars, and a sink designed with clearance for wheelchair users.
  • Designated accessible parking spot.

Milner Gardens & Woodland

  • 3 Accessible parking stalls.
  • Accessible washrooms near the Welcome and Interpretive Centre.
  • Shuttle cart for collapsible wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers to Milner House and Camellia Tea Room.
  • Grounds have slopes of packed gravel, making accessibility challenging beyond the Milner House and Tea Room.

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre

  • Gravel paths are wheelchair-friendly.
  • Two wheelchairs available for visitor use at no charge.
  • Free entry for a caregiver accompanying someone requiring assistance.
  • Designated accessible parking spots.
  • Washrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Parksville Museum

  • The museum, grounds, and most of the historical buildings are largely wheelchair accessible with ramps.
  • Wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Qualicum Beach Museum

  • Ample room to maneuver about the museum for mobility device users.
  • Barrier free bathroom with universal height toilet, grab bars, a baby change table and accessible sink on first floor.
  • To reach the second floor, there is a large staircase. For those who cannot use stairs there is an electric life.

Parks & Trails

Cathedral Grove

  • Pathways throughout Cathedral Grove are generally barrier-free and comprised of wooden boardwalks and hard packed gravel trail.
  • Accessible pit toilets located on both sides of the highway.

Coombs to Parksville Rail Trail

  • 3-metre wide, level and accessible gravel path.

Lighthouse Country Regional Trail

  • 2.5 km of wheelchair accessible trails.
  • Equipped with a tapping rail for individuals with visual or balance impairments.
  • Accessible parking lot at South Loop (at the end of Lioness Blvd).

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

  • Accessible trails with smaller elevation changes at the smaller parking area.

Restaurants

Many restaurants in Parksville Qualicum Beach have accessible entrances, parking, and seating. Please confirm specific features with each location.

Where to Stay

In an effort to assist visitors to the Parksville Qualicum Beach region, Access Oceanside reached out to accommodation providers in the region in order to determine what services are available to guests requiring accessible accommodations. While there are many providers offering a wide range of accommodation and services in Parksville Qualicum Beach, the below providers were found to offer at least some type of accessible accommodation which may be suitable for those guests requiring them.

Important - Everyone’s accessibility needs are unique, so we urge visitors to contact properties directly to determine if the required accessibility can be accommodated. Make sure the provider understands your unique needs and don’t be shy to ask for photos and/or details on room configuration, bed height, etc. Equally important is to recognize that every provider’s definition of “accessible” is different, so make sure that both sides are clear on the needs of the guest. We found during our surveys that providers are very sensitive to their guests’ needs and will do their utmost to make their stay safe and enjoyable.

(Last Update: February 20, 2025)

Transportation

Additional Resources