Things To Do
Parks Guide
From the wide, family-friendly green spaces of Parksville Community Park to the serene forest trails of Little Qualicum Falls and Englishman River Falls, the region invites visitors to connect with nature.
Whether you’re picnicking by the beach, hiking through Douglas-fir groves, or enjoying community events under shaded lawns, this region’s parks are vibrant hubs of outdoor life and natural connection.
Explore the vibrant parks that bring community and nature together.
The region offers an inspiring mix of coastal charm and natural serenity with amenities designed for visitors of all ages. From sprawling oceanfront green spaces to quiet forested trails, each park brings its own character and charm.
Parksville Community Park is a centerpiece, featuring wide sandy beaches, sports courts, a large playground, and seasonal festivals that draw families and visitors alike. Nearby Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park adds to the experience with shaded camping spots, gentle walking trails, and a tidal beach that seems to stretch for miles. These parks offer more than just scenery—they’re gathering places, fitness hubs, and peaceful retreats all in one.
Surrounding areas like Nanoose Bay, Qualicum Beach, Coombs, French Creek, and Lighthouse Country expand the outdoor possibilities. Nanoose Bay boasts hidden seaside gems with rocky points and forest-lined paths, while Qualicum Beach features elegant waterfront parks perfect for leisurely strolls and quiet reflection. Coombs and Lighthouse Country bring in a more rustic feel, with nature parks nestled among tall trees, open meadows, and wildlife corridors that invite exploration.
Whether you’re in search of a family-friendly picnic spot, a scenic hike, or a tranquil place to enjoy the ocean breeze, the parks across this region offer an unforgettable connection to the land and lifestyle of central Vancouver Island.
Parksville
Parksville City park
Parksville Community Park is the vibrant heart of the city’s outdoor life—an oceanfront green space that combines recreation & relaxation in one scenic setting. Whether you're there to splash in the water, stay active on the courts, or soak in the festive summer atmosphere, Parksville City Park delivers a lively, family-friendly backdrop against the beautiful coastal scenery that Parksville is known for.
Parksville
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial park
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is one of Vancouver Island’s most picturesque coastal retreats, stretching across broad, sandy tidal flats that glow golden at low tide and offer a magical natural playground. Towering stands of old-growth Douglas-fir and fir-mapped hardwood line the edges of the beach, providing cool dappled shade along easy walking trails and forested campsites.
Parksville
Top Bridge Regional Park
Centered around a historic wooden trestle bridge over the Englishman River, the park features a network of well-maintained forested trails and riverside paths. With towering trees, shady picnic spots, and the gentle murmur of flowing water, it's an ideal spot to unwind or explore.
Errington
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Englishman River Falls Park, a beloved natural escape just minutes from Parksville, is a magical woodland haven centered around two cascading waterfalls tumbling through a lush, moss-draped canyon.
Qualicum Beach
little Qualicum Falls Provincial park
Little Qualicum Falls is a year-round destination that blends recreation with tranquility. This lush, forested oasis just a short drive from Parksville, where visitors can chase misty spray at the canyon rim, enjoying a family lunch at the riverside, or simply soaking in the forest ambiance.
Qualicum Beach
Heritage Forest
Heritage Forest Park in Qualicum Beach is a serene haven where lush greenery and coastal charm merge into a peaceful retreat. Spread across verdant hillsides, the park features winding, rustic trails that meander through stands of ancient Douglas firs, sword ferns, and towering cedar trees.
Nanoose Bay
Moorecroft Regional park
Moorecroft Regional Park in Nanoose Bay is a peaceful oceanfront sanctuary that blends coastal beauty with ecological preservation. Once a private retreat, the park now welcomes the public to explore its rocky shores, forested trails, and open meadows. Gentle footpaths wind through stands of arbutus and Douglas fir, eventually opening to secluded coves and scenic viewpoints over the Strait of Georgia.
Nanoose Bay
Brickyard Community park
Brickyard Community Park in Nanoose Bay is a delightful fusion of forest charm and coastal appeal—nestled among trees yet steps from rocky shoreline. The park is named for its location along Brickyard Creek and features winding woodland paths, dense stands of Douglas fir and arbutus trees, and gentle creek-side glades perfect for short walks or oceanfront relaxation.
Lighth0use country
Spider Lake Provincial Park
Spider Lake Provincial Park is a tranquil lakeside escape nestled within the lush forest of Vancouver Island’s mid-region. Surrounded by towering Douglas firs and peaceful tree-lined shores, the park offers a quiet haven for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike. A small sandy beach gently slopes into calm, clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and canoeing on warm summer days.
nanoose Bay
Beachcomber Regional park
Tucked away at the tip of the Beachcomber Peninsula, this intimate oceanfront park is a hidden treasure along the Nanoose Bay coastline. With just a small cove of rocky shore and tide pools, it's the kind of place where you can spend hours exploring the nooks and crannies of intertidal life—tiny barnacles, colorful seaweeds, starfish, and crabs tucked between rocks. The park’s entry trail weaves through moss-draped Douglas fir and arbutus, offering shaded respite before opening up to a peaceful view of the Strait of Georgia and distant mountain ridges.
Nanoose Bay
Blueback Community park
Tucked just off the waterfront in Nanoose Bay, Blueback Community Park is a small but charming local gem that perfectly blends shaded forest trails with seaside vistas. A gentle footpath winds through a mix of tall Douglas firs and vibrant salal bushes, leading to a peaceful overlook of gentle waves lapping at a rocky shoreline.
25km West of Qualicum beach
MacMillan Provincal Park / Cathedral Grove
MacMillan Provincial Park, commonly known as Cathedral Grove, is a breathtaking old-growth forest nestled near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. The park showcases towering Douglas fir and red cedar trees, some more than 800 years old, forming a majestic natural cathedral of lush greenery and filtered sunlight.
Nanoose Bay
Es-hw Sme~nts Community Park
Es-Hw Sme’nts Community Park is a beloved local gathering place where the rich cultural history of Nanoose Bay blends seamlessly with natural beauty and recreational charm. Nestled among verdant stands of fir and cedar, the park features winding walking paths, interpretive signage highlighting Indigenous heritage, and peaceful benches.
Lighthouse Country
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park invites explorers beneath the surface to discover a fascinating underground world just off Highway 19A in Lighthouse Country. This karst landscape features an extensive network of winding limestone caves. Above ground, the park is equally welcoming, offering forested trails leading to cave entry points through coastal woodland teeming with Douglas-fir and moss-covered logs.
Coombs
Mount Arrowsmith Massif Regional Park
Perched above Coombs on central Vancouver Island, Mount Arrowsmith Provincial Park is a breathtaking mountain sanctuary that calls hikers and nature lovers to its rugged limestone slopes. Trails begin in lush old-growth forests before ascending through sub-alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, offering panoramic views across the Strait of Georgia and the Coastal Mountains.
Join Us
Showcase Your Space
Engage your customers with a beautiful custom landing page, professional photos & an immersive 360° virtual tour. Go Parksville has a full suite of digital goods to help you showcase your space!
Things To Do
Check out all the things you can do in Parksville & the surrounding areas.
Things To Do
Beaches
Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island are renowned for their stunning coastal landscapes, boasting some of the widest sandy beaches in British Columbia.
Things To Do
Outdoor Activities
Parksville is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities set against the backdrop of ocean, forest, and mountains. From beachcombing along expansive sandy shores to hiking lush forest trails and swimming in crystal-clear rivers, there's something for every pace and interest.
Things To Do
Golfing
A golfer’s paradise, the region offers a diverse selection of golf courses set amid breathtaking coastal, forest, and mountain views. Whether you're seeking a championship-level challenge, a leisurely 9-hole round, or family-friendly fun, you'll find a course to suit your style
Things To Do
Attractions
From natural wonders like cascading waterfalls and serene beaches to family-friendly festivals, eclectic markets, and quirky roadside stops, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
Things To Do
Arts & Entertainment
Parksville boasts a creative and vibrant arts scene that complements its laid-back coastal charm. Throughout the year, the community comes alive with live music performances at local venues, outdoor concerts on the beach in summer, and theatre productions featuring regional talent.
Photo Creds
Coombs Market goats – Coombs Market
