Parksville, BC

Know the town

About Parksville

Parksville is a beach city on the east coast of Vancouver Island, about half an hour north of Nanaimo. Its long sandy shoreline, warm summer water and relaxed pace have made it one of the Island’s favourite family holiday spots, and a popular place to retire, in the heart of the Parksville–Qualicum area.

The beaches

When the tide goes out at Parksville, it really goes out — hundreds of metres of sand flats are exposed, and the sun warms the shallow water as it comes back in. Parksville Community Park, right on the waterfront, has a beach, playgrounds and a boardwalk, and is a focal point for summer events. Just south of town, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park adds a large campground, forest trails and even more sand to explore.

Sandcastles and birds

Each summer, Parksville’s waterfront hosts a sand-sculpting competition where professional carvers create huge, intricate works that stay on display for weeks. In spring, the area celebrates the arrival of thousands of brant geese, which stop to rest and feed on the shoreline during their migration north. The Englishman River estuary, at the south end of town, is a protected wildlife area with walking trails.

Around town

Downtown Parksville has shops, restaurants and services along the old Island Highway, and resorts line the beachfront. Inland, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park offers forest trails and waterfalls just a short drive away.

Getting here

Parksville sits where Highway 19 meets Highway 4, the road west to Port Alberni and Tofino. Qualicum Beach is ten minutes north, and Coombs a short drive inland.

Parksville’s verified local businesses are below, with events coming up in the area.

For council, permits, garbage and recycling, parks bookings and other local services, visit City of Parksville.