Beach Guide
Beaches
Parksville, BC
The beaches in Parksville and the surrounding area are among the most beautiful and inviting on Vancouver Island. Known for their wide, sandy shores and warm, shallow waters, these beaches offer a perfect setting for family fun, seaside relaxation, and outdoor adventure.
Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island are renowned for their stunning coastal landscapes, boasting some of the widest sandy beaches in British Columbia.
From expansive tidal flats to rocky coves and peaceful sandy stretches, these coastal gems provide something for every beach lover.
Parksville is especially known for its wide, flat beaches that seem to stretch for miles at low tide, creating a natural playground perfect for families. The sand is soft and ideal for castle building, barefoot walks, and exploring tidal pools. In contrast, Qualicum Beach presents a more traditional beach experience with a gently sloping shoreline, a long seaside promenade, and postcard-worthy views of the ocean and mountains beyond.
Visitors to these beaches can expect warm shallows in the summer months, with tidepools teeming with marine life like tiny crabs, starfish, and sand dollars. Parksville’s main beach is located near a large community park with a waterpark, playground, and plenty of picnic space, making it a go-to spot for day-trippers and family outings. A short drive away, Rathtrevor Beach adds to the variety with a forest-backed stretch of shoreline that offers shady spots, camping, and peaceful nature trails. Over in Qualicum Beach, the calm, pebbled waterfront is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and sunset strolls.
Whether you're looking to splash in the shallows, unwind with a book by the waves, explore nature, or launch a kayak into calm waters, the beaches of Parksville and Qualicum Beach offer a welcoming mix of adventure and tranquility in every season.
Parksville
Rathtrevor Beach
One of the most notable beaches on Vancouver Island, Rathtrevor Beach is a beautiful, vibrant beach that comes alive when it’s sunny and warm out.
PARKSVILLE
Parksville Beach
If you like the beach, you’ll love Parksville with spectacular sandy beaches of Parksville Bay and picture-perfect view of the Salish Sea.
QUALICUM BEACH
Qualicum Beach
The stunning 4 kms of curved sand beach on the eastern bordr of the quaint and lovely town of Qualicum Beach, featuring a paved promenade for hikers, bikers, and sunset watchers.
QUALICUM BEACH
Yambury Beach
With its vast sandy shoreline, the quietness of Yambury Beach offers a great spot to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
PARKSVILLE
Columbia Beach
If you like the beach, you’ll love Parksville with spectacular sandy beaches of Parksville Bay and picture-perfect view of the Salish Sea.
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Things To Do
Check out all the things you can do in Parksville & the surrounding areas.
Things To Do
Attractions
The attractions in and around Parksville, BC offer a vibrant mix of natural wonders and quirky local experiences. From incredible sandcastles and rumbling falls, to a world-famous market with goats on the roof, there's no wonder why Parksville and the surrounding area is so darn "attractive" to both locals and visitors.
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
Parks
Whether you're in the mood for a scenic stroll, an afternoon of beach fun, or a tranquil forest escape, the parks in this region provide the perfect setting to unwind and connect with nature.
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.
