Parksville

“A year-round Canadian Riviera”

Location
The city of Parksville is located on the sheltered eastern shores of Vancouver Island, 20 minutes north of Nanaimo and just south of Qualicum Beach.

About Parksville
Parksville is the start of the scenic Oceanside Route. The Oceanside Route winds along the coast and through several coastal communities situated in a unique geographical and temperate zone.  As a result of this unique geography the area receives more than 2,000 hours of sunshine every year and boasts a climate having “more in common with the Californian coast than the Canadian north”.

Known for its warm waters, sandcastles and spectacular beaches, Parksville is a popular vacation destination. Smaller and less “prettified” than nearby Qualicum, Parksville has a permanent population of 11,000. Tourism is the town’s major industry and more than 800 accommodations are located in or near Parksville including resorts, hotels and motels, cottages, B&B's, and campsites.

Recreation
The highlight of Parksville is, without a doubt, beach life! Hours of entertainment can be had here without ever leaving its sandy shores.

The infamous Rathtrevor Beach has such shallow waters that it is possible for children and adults alike to wade out for amazingly long distances—a truly remarkable experience.  Low tide reveals miles of wide open sand flats scattered with sanddollars, shellfish, sea creatures and tidal pools. As the tide ebbs in and out over the sun-warmed sands, the shallow water is always the perfect temperature for swimming, wading, bodyboarding, or a fun and safe splash about for little ones or the family pet. 

Parksville hosts a variety of recreational events each summer, including the highly popular Canadian Open Sand Sculpture Competition and a month long Beach Festival. Rresidents also enjoy the services and amenities common to a larger town, including a seaside playground, waterpark, curling rink, skateboard park, beach volleyball courts, BMX track, tennis courts and five golf courses.