Hiking

Access the trail systems of some of British Columbia's most revered Provincial Parks.

A Family-Friendly Option Nearby

For family-friendly hiking close to Parksville Qualicum Beach, visit Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. Three kilometres of trails weave through the old-growth trees and offer payoff views of the upper and lower falls. In the summertime, locals like to cool off in the clear, deep waters of the swimming hole below the lower falls.

A Bucket-List Hike

The historic Arrowsmith CPR Regional Trail is about a one-hour drive from Parksville Qualicum Beach and a must-see for hikers. This trail was created in 1912 by the Canadian Pacific Railway and winds its way up Mount Arrowsmith for 10 kilometres.

Hikers can take the four-to-five hour loop hike called Judge's Route to reach lush meadows and alpine ponds with spectacular views of the island. With the proper equipment and expertise, more adventurous climbers can continue to ascend the summit at 1,819 meters.

Learn more about all the inspiring parks and hiking trails you can explore here.

A wide shot view of trees and the horizon from Arrowsmith trail.
The views from Arrowsmith CPR Regional Trail.

Start Exploring Today

Hike the historic Arrowsmith CPR Trail for an endless and inspiring view.
Arrowsmith CPR Regional Trail
Water cascading down large rocks at Englishman River Falls near Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
One of the most beautiful parks on Vancouver Island, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is truly a sight to behold.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
horses by Mount Arrowsmith
Here are 4 things you might not have known about Mount Arrowsmith.
4 Things You Might Not Know about Mount Arrowsmith
Walk the trails through the 50-acre Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest.
Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest
Group walking on trail through Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park
Breathe in the fresh air and experience the unforgettable sight of some the oldest and tallest trees in Canada.
Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park
CRP trail
The mountains have long held an attraction for man.
CPR (Old Arrowsmith) Trail
Landscape scenery of waterfall cascading in Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park in Parksville Qualicum Beach BC Canada
Don’t miss one of the most beautiful parks for camping on Vancouver Island, featuring cascading waterfalls in a mountainside forest setting.
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Hamilton Marsh is the largest wetland between Nanaimo, Cumberland, and Port Alberni - located just minutes from the Town of Qualicum Beach.
Hamilton Marsh
Rosewell Creek Provincial Park is a closely guarded secret among those who treasure the path less taken.
Rosewall Creek Provincial Park
Explore the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Big Qualicum Hatchery complex and walk the trails along the river.
Big Qualicum River Regional Trail
A group touring Horne Lake Caves on Vancouver Island.
Horne Lake Lake Caves Provincial Park is a unique Vancouver Island cave experience where you can tour caves to view fossils, crystal formations, and wildlife.
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
A pickup truck with camper attachment is parked behind a picnic table in Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in British Columbia
Reconnect with nature when you go camping in Parksville Qualicum Beach.
A Guide to Camping in Parksville Qualicum Beach

AdventureSmart

Safety First

No matter what outdoor activity you are planning, be prepared. Follow the three Ts—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials. AdventureSmart is a great resource to help you get informed before heading outdoors.

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Family Fun

Young At Heart

Run and play your way through Parksville Qualicum Beach. Find out about all the family-friendly things to do here year-round!

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