Parksville

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Parksville
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park featuring a river or creek
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park showing a waterfall

Enjoy the panoramic river and sea views, sandy beaches, scenic forest trails and lively festivals of this charming ocean-side community on Vancouver Island.

Parksville Qualicum Beach is a popular and family-friendly vacation destination, consisting of Parksville along the Englishman River and nearby village of Qualicum Beach. Together, the twin cities offer an irresistible mix of beach culture, wildlife, outdoor adventures and Canadian hospitality.

The area boasts the warmest ocean swimming on the West Coast and over 11-miles (18-kilometres) of sandy beaches, so start your holiday with sunbathing, ocean kayaking or surfing. Fly a kite or play beach volley at Parksville Community Park.

For some pampering, enjoy spa treatments at Grotto Spa in Tigh-Ma-Mara Resort. Afterwards, explore the boutique shop at West Second Avenue in Qualicum Beach.

Venture further out and join a whale-watching tour or black bear and grizzly bear excursion. Avid hikers can choose between many national parks, including the beautiful Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park and MacMillan Provincial Park with its ancient Douglas fir trees. Tour the Horne Lake Caves to see the seven-story underground waterfall. In spring, the return of the Brant geese is a birdwatcher’s highlight.

To taste the locally roasted coffee, artisan cheese and fresh seafood of British Columbia, browse the spring and summer markets. Coombs Old Country Market delights visitors with its mascot goats, grazing away on the grass-covered market rooftop. On Tuesday nights, visit the lively Parksville Summer by the Sea Street Market, with 140 artisan stalls, food and entertainment.

Qualicum Beach has a regional airport and Vancouver International Airport is 80 miles (129 kilometre) away. While there are buses, renting a car or bike is recommended, to explore at your own pace. Ferries run to Lasqueti Island.

If possible, time your visit with one of the atmospheric festivals. The most wonderful of all is the Christmas Magic light show in Milner Gardens and Woodland. The hugely popular Uncorked Food and Wine Festival in February has anything from wine tastings to wine-inspired spa treatments. In May, join the chili tastings and ice carvers at the Fire & Ice Street Festival. Sand sculptors compete during the Parksville Beach Festival in summer.

THE Beach Club Resort

THE Beach Club Resort

3.5 out of 5
181 Beachside Drive, Parksville, BC
The price is CA $269 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $269
CA $332 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent stay. Very clean and comfortable. Everything was convenient from the amenities in the room and on the property. The staff were amazing and very friendly. I would definitely stay at the Beach Club Resort again"

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

THE Beach Club Resort
Hotel Feng, BW Signature Collection

Hotel Feng, BW Signature Collection

2 out of 5
424 West Island Highway, Parksville, BC
The price is CA $161 per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
CA $161
CA $185 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (244 reviews)
Close to the beach
"Close to the beach (~8 min walk). Decent breakfast. Service was friendly. Rooms had tile floors, which was likely because we all brought sand in from our beach adventures. Would have been nice to have a broom to sweep that up. Pool (indoors) has a nice outdoor sitting area, big sliding doors to view ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

Hotel Feng, BW Signature Collection
Coast Parksville Hotel

Coast Parksville Hotel

2.5 out of 5
374 West Island Highway, Parksville, BC
The price is CA $179 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $179
CA $206 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"A"

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Coast Parksville Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort

3 out of 5
1175 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (601 reviews)
"Family of 4 had an amazing trip kitchen was all you need and the pool was a massive hit for the kids. Walk to the beach was super easy and at low tide endless fun at the beachnin the tide pools. We will be back"

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 2025

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Ocean Trails Resort

Ocean Trails Resort

3.5 out of 5
1135 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (337 reviews)
"My kids love the place."

Reviewed on Aug. 2, 2025

Ocean Trails Resort
3 bed 2 bath, Wifi, Cable, Pool/Hot Tub, BBQ, Mini Golf, Beach, license#00005785

3 bed 2 bath, Wifi, Cable, Pool/Hot Tub, BBQ, Mini Golf, Beach, license#00005785

Parksville
Stay at this cottage in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Parksville Beach and Tranquil Moments Day Spa are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (230 reviews)
"Clean location with lots of space for 5 people. Good proximity to sight seeing locations, restaurants, and beaches. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Aug. 5, 2025

3 bed 2 bath, Wifi, Cable, Pool/Hot Tub, BBQ, Mini Golf, Beach, license#00005785
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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