Warm-weathered Fun in Parksville, BC
Sheltered on the east side of Vancouver Island, Parksville is known for its broad, sandy beaches and calm water. This charming beach town is also unique in several ways. After all, how many places can you simultaneously soak up the sun on the beach, take in sweeping snow-capped mountain views, and watch wildlife in a tidal estuary?
Parksville's geography is indeed special, making it an ideal summer destination. From the beaches and small-town charm to an abundance of parks and lively seasonal events, here are all the ways to enjoy Parksville this summer!
Things to Do In Parksville BC This Summer
Walk Rathtrevor Beach
In a town with several fantastic beaches, Rathtrevor is a standout.
About the Beach
The star attraction at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, this three-mile stretch of beach is renowned for its warm, shallow waters. At low tide, countless tide pools reveal themselves and there's a seemingly endless swath of silky-fine sand, perfect for building sandcastles or looking for shells. Other amenities include campsites, hiking trails, and the educational Rathtrevor Beach Nature House. Understandably, Rathtrevor Beach is wildly popular with families and widely considered one of the best beaches in all of Canada!
Horne Lake Caves
Fun fact: Vancouver Island is home to over 1,000 natural caves (and those are just the ones that have been surveyed and recorded!), but the Horne Lake Caves are the only ones safe to explore.
About the Caves
Part of Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, exploring the Horne Lake Caves is one of the best things to do in Parksville, BC for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Vancouver Island has one of the largest concentrations of caves in North America, but since most can't be explored, Horne Lake presents a truly unique opportunity!
The caves are divided into two sections. Visitors can explore one on their own, but the other requires a guided tour. This section is called the Riverbend Cave, a pristine wild cave that requires some rock scrambling and squeezing through narrow passages. The two-hour Riverbend Explorer tour is suitable for anyone ages five and up, and is offered year-round.
Grotto Spa Parksville at Tigh-Na-Mara
Relax and unwind in this amazing warm mineral spa in Parksville, BC before enjoying a truly unique meal!
About the Grotto Spa in Parksville
For those rare rainy days or when you just need some R&R away from the summer sun, head to the Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara. Just outside of Parksville, the Grotto Spa is a massive 20,000-square-foot mineral spa that was named the Top Spa in Canada in 2018. It's designed to look like a natural stone grotto complete with a gurgling waterfall, and the water holds soothing minerals including potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphate, and many others.
After your spa soak, don your bathrobe and head upstairs to Treetop Tapas, a unique Parksville restaurant reserved exclusively for guests of the Grotto Spa. You'll be served several rounds of tapas, small shared plates, as you enjoy the view of the lush forest down below.
Goats at Coombs Old Country Market
Just 10 minutes from Parksville, this small country store and its resident mascots have a big reputation.
About the Market
Ask anyone about the "goats on the roof," and they'll know exactly what you're referring to. Family-owned Coombs Old Country Market started out as a roadside produce stand in 1973 and has had resident goats nibbling on its grass roof ever since! Over the years, the market has become synonymous with the area and many people stop by strictly to see the goats. Don't miss all the delicious food inside, though — shop from several vendors and restaurants, all serving up local specialties. Try a Nanaimo Bar or a Billy Gruff Bomber!
Top Bridge Regional Park
Beaches are unquestionably a main destination in Parksville, but don't overlook this spectacular hidden gem!
About the Park
Technically encompassing three distinct parks (Top Bridge Community Park, Englishman River Regional Park, and City of Parksville Mountain Bike Park), Top Bridge Regional Park is one of Parksville's most treasured places. The Nature Trust of B.C. partnered with the regional park to create a natural playground that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Enjoy the park's multi-use hiking, biking, and horseback trails (you can go from the bridge over the English River all the way to Rathtrevor Beach!), take a refreshing dip in the river's natural "pot holes" (swimming holes), go fishing, search for First Nation petroglyphs along Englishman River, or pack a picnic and simply enjoy the views!
Parksville Beachfest Sand Sculpting Competition
Every summer, the Parksville Beach Festival (AKA "Beachfest") descends on Parksville, drawing over 100,000 visitors. This is one unique event you do not want to miss!
About the Competition
From mid-July to late August every year, Parksville Bay is taken over by Beachfest, a highly-anticipated festive family-friendly event. Beachfest includes free summer concerts and an artisan market, but the main draw is the sand sculpting competition. The festival's final weekend even centers around an evening lighting ceremony of the sand sculptures.
Beachfest is a long-standing event, established in 1982. Still today, it's the only event of its kind in Canada to be recognized (and celebrated!) by the World Championship of Sand Sculpting! Sculptors from all around the world come to Parksville for the event, painstakingly creating intricate designs in the allotted 30-hour timeframe. The first-place winner gets $5,000 and secures a spot in the World Championship. While you're there, don't forget to cast your vote for the People's Choice Award!
Where to Stay in Parksville, BC
It's clear that there are simply too many things to enjoy in Parksville to make it a day trip. Instead, book a stay at the Coast Parksville Hotel so you can truly immerse yourself in this charming small town and experience everything it has to offer. The pet-friendly Parksville hotel is conveniently located within a short walk of both the beach and the downtown district, as well as a pleasant drive from many of Parksville's best attractions.
Enjoy amenities including free wi-fi and parking, a lovely outdoor courtyard with BBQ grill, and a business centre, in case you need to catch up on any work while you're here. We look forward to welcoming you to Parksville, BC soon!