Parksville

The Outdoors

The Parksville area has 18 kilometres of beaches and the warmest water on the east coast of Vancouver Island, making it an ideal place for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and other water sports. It’s also a great place for birdwatching.

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, with its tidal flats and pools, wildlife, and campgrounds, draws many visitors to the area, while Parksville Community Park serves as a friendly gathering place for both visitors and locals. Top Bridge Park & Regional Trail is another popular spot for outdoor recreation, with the locals’ favorite swimming hole, hiking and biking trails, and even some petroglyphs.

No description of Parksville outdoor recreation would be complete without mentioning a few of its "family fun zones." At Paradise Fun Park & Mini Golf, you can play with the whole family on two 18-hole mini golf courses and splash around on bumper boats. Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf also has two 18-hole mini golf courses plus and arcade and laser bumper cars.

And this is just the beginning of what Parksville has to offer!

Downtown

Parksville’s downtown is literally only a few steps from the beach. Here you can browse shops for everything from hand-crafted souvenirs and artisanal goods to books and fresh local fruits and vegetables. Feeling hungry or thirsty after a day at the beach? Make sure to stop at a Parksville restaurant, cafe, or food truck to sample some delicious local food and beverages. While exploring the town, draw creative inspiration from Parksville’s arts scene, and be sure to visit the McMillan Arts Centre (the MAC) for ongoing art exhibitions. History buffs can learn about local history at the Parksville Museum.

Lodging

Parksville has a range of lodging options, from family-run motels and hotels to modern seaside resorts. If you prefer fresh ocean breezes all night long, you can even stay in a beachfront campground.

Events

While Parksville is a mostly peaceful place, it comes alive during the fun-filled festivals and events that happen throughout the year. The colourful Summer by the Sea Street Market happens on Tuesday evenings from June through August, featuring Parksville business owners as well as vendors from other parts of the island. Visitors can find a huge range of quality handmade and commercial goods here: children's clothing and toys; clothing and accessories; local art; home decor and furnishings; fitness, beauty, and health products; temporary tattoos; baked goods; fresh produce, plants, and flowers; teas, sauces, spices and preserves; candy, ice cream and other treats; and so much more.

Another wildly popular Parksville event is the Parksville Beach Festival – 5 ½ weeks of family-oriented summer fun that includes sand sculpting competitions, concerts, daily buskers, and an artisan market. You can find out what’s happening in the Parksville area right now by visiting the Events page.