A Visitor’s Guide to Parksville and Qualicum Beach, BC

two people walking on rathtrevor beach in parksville bc

The little oceanside communities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach, British Columbia are special. Known for their gorgeous sandy beaches, incredible golf courses, year-round camping, world-class spas and lively community, it’s no wonder Parksville and Qualicum Beach, BC are the most popular getaways for Vancouver Islanders, visitors from all over Canada and the world! So if you’re looking for a peaceful west coast holiday, look no further than the gorgeous, oceanfront EMR rentals in Parksville Qualicum Beach!

Where are Parksville and Qualicum Beach?

Located in Central Vancouver Island, just north of Nanaimo on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Parksville and Qualicum Beach are easy to get to no matter where you’re staying on the  Island. Just a two hour drive from Victoria, an hour from the Cowichan Valley, thirty minute drive from Nanaimo on the Island Highway (19), and forty-five minutes from the Comox Valley makes the Parksville area an ideal day trip when you’re visiting! 

What to Do in Parksville and Qualicum Beach

There are so many things to do in Parksville Qualicum Beach whether you’re staying for a while or only a day trip! 

Get out in nature! 

Bird Watching: Parksville is one of the top places on Vancouver Island for bird watching, especially the migratory Brant Geese that stop along the shores in Parksville to get ready for their flight up to Alaska in the summer or down to Baja in the winter! 

Beachcombing: With 18 kilometres of beaches to explore, it’s no wonder that Parksville is one of the best places to find beach treasures on the west coast! From scuttling crabs to gorgeous shells, there is no end to the treasures you can find here! 

Kayaking: Parksville has some of the warmest and calmest ocean waters on Vancouver Island, perfect for kayaking. Plus with many launching points you can really take your time and explore this coastline! 

Camping: Parksville is home to some of the best campgrounds on the Island. Nestled in the forests, on the edge of the ocean, camping in Parksville is really the best of both worlds! 

Fresh Water Swimming: On a hot day, you can find many locals taking a refreshing plunge at Top Bridge Park. With clear, cool water and interesting petroglyphs to see, this is a must in the summer! 

Golfing: With several incredible courses in the area – including the award-winning Morningstar – it’s no wonder that some of the best golfing on Vancouver Island is found in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. 

French Creek: For remarkable wildlife viewing, fishing and boating, head to the community of French Creek! From here, you can also catch a boat to the beautiful Lasqueti Island. 

Enjoy the food, drinks & culture!

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: If you love cheese as much as we do, stopping into Little Qualicum’s farm is a must! 

Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company: With both tours and a small tasting room where you can try flights, fill growlers and get a six pack of your new favourite, this is sure to be a hit for any beer lover! 

Parksville Museum: Learn about Parksville’s pioneer days by exploring the eight heritage houses on site as well as the main museum to see photos and artefacts from the early days of Parksville!

Parksville Community Park: Known as the jewel of Parksville, this oceanview park is a popular gathering place and venue for community events and festivals. Right on the edge of stunning Parksville Bay, this park is also close to downtown Parksville for shopping and dining.

Parksville Beach Festival: Every year, Parksville hosts this incredible festival that includes the always popular sand sculpting competition. So much more than your average sandcastles, these sculptures are incredibly detailed and are a can’t miss if you’re in the area in the summertime! 

Get some R&R

Grotto Spa at Tigh-na-mara: With a relaxing mineral pool and a wide variety of rejuvenating treatments and packages to choose from, the Grotto Spa is a great choice when it comes to self care! 

The Stonewater Spa: Located in The Beach Club Resort, this spa offers a selection of beautification and relaxation treatments in a relaxing setting.

Enjoy the Parks

Englishman River Falls: Enjoy walking through old-growth forest trails along the Englishman River and see two stunning waterfalls cascading along the descending riverbed into a deep canyon. 

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park: At low tides, this beach goes on for kilometres providing an excellent spot to walk, picnic on the beach and wade in the warm, shallow water.

Horne Lake Caves: If you want to have a completely unique experience, make sure to stop at Horne Lake Caves! Book an exploration package to visit the depths of these intricate cave systems!

For more information about Parksville you can visit the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism page!

Book your stay in beautiful Parksville and Qualicum Beach!

Best Spas on Vancouver Island

woman relaxing in spa room with candles

There’s no doubt that British Columbia is one of the most peaceful places in Canada – which is why it is consistently one of the top destinations in the world! With ocean views of the beautiful Salish Sea and Pacific Ocean, dense forests, majestic mountains and charming towns and cities, Vancouver Island is a tranquil destination.

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Our Favourite Vancouver Island Farmers Markets

wire basket filled with vegetables - farmers market produce

If there is one thing that most locals look forward to in the summer, it’s visiting their favourite Vancouver Island farmers market. Sure the beaches all over Vancouver Island are stunning and yes, there are endless cycling and hiking adventures to be had, but market season is special. It’s the time of year where all the local growers and makers come together to show and sell their wares. It’s where you can find incredible, fresh, high-quality foods and beautiful, unique gifts and support a local while doing it! And if that wasn’t enough, market days have a celebratory vibe to them and they’re a great way to spend a sunny afternoon getting to know the area and the locals a little better. So no matter if you’re just browsing, looking to try some locally grown foods or hoping to grab a special gift, markets are the place to go! 

Victoria

Moss Street Market

May to October 10am – 2pm, November – April 10am – 1pm every Saturday

Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park

For over three decades, the Moss Street Market has hosted vendors from all over the city and surrounding areas in the heart of Fairfield – and this year is no different. With over fifty vendor tents to peruse you can find an eclectic and delightful gathering of local artists, growers, and producers at this beloved market. With live music and great food, anyone staying in Victoria can wander down, enjoy the music, stock up on the most incredible food and produce, support a local artisan and soak up life in this lively community! For a complete list of the markets around Victoria, check out our blog post about them here!

Saanich Peninsula

The Sidney Street Market

May 8th to September 25th every Sunday 11am – 3pm

Mary Winspear Theater grounds

Sidney by the Sea is one of the best kept secrets on Vancouver Island. With its beautiful, walkable downtown core, picturesque seaside trail and marina, and incredible dining scene, it’s the perfect place to be if you’re looking for seaside tranquility and urban amenities. Every Sunday during the summer and early fall, the grounds of the Mary Winspear Theater is transformed into an outdoor pedestrian mall with vendors, music, and delicious smells floating on the fresh ocean breezes. Here, you’ll find row upon row of local farmers, food producers and artisans offering fresh produce, ethically raised meat, gorgeous art, and incredible crafts. Whether you’re a walk, drive or cycle away at one of the beautiful properties in North Saanich you’ll want to visit this incredible market – it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday!

Cowichan Valley

Duncan Farmers Market

April 2nd to TBA 9am – 2pm every Saturday and 10am – 2pm fall and winter season

In the square near Duncan City Hall 

When you’re staying in the stunning Cowichan Valley, a great way to spend a weekend is to explore the little town centers throughout the valley – especially when it’s market season! One of the best and most long-standing markets is the Duncan Farmers Market. Located in the historic downtown area, the Duncan Farmers Market is an incredible community market. Since its conception, it has grown each year and now, it has over 100 vendors selling an enormous array of produce, prepared foods, handmade goods. Plus, when you’re finished at the market, you still have the quaint downtown center to explore! 

Nanaimo

Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market

May 7th to September 10th every Saturday 10am – 2pm

Pioneer Waterfront Plaza on Front Street Downtown Nanaimo beside the Bastion

If you’re in Nanaimo and looking for a great market, the Nanaimo Farmers Market is a must! From early May to September, right next to the historic Bastion on Front Street you can find a collection of incredible growers and craftspeople offering some of the most incredible fruit, veggies, flowers, handmade homewares, beauty and wellness products, preserves, meat, seafood and so much more. Plus, for the entire season, there are so many events and activities for the entire family! This market really is the make bake or grow center of Nanaimo! 

Parksville & Qualicum Beach

While you’re in the Parksville and Qualicum Beach area, exploring the beaches, enjoying the incredible nature and relaxing, you must visit these two incredible markets!

Errington Farmers Market

May to September 10am – 1pm every Saturday

1550 Veterans Rd, Errington, BC V0R 1V0

This is the place for anything made, baked, grown, raised or foraged in the Parksville area! Since the early 1970s, this community market has been serving the Errington, Parksville, Coombs, Hilliers and Whiskey Creek connecting local farmers and producers with local customers. At this incredible little market you can meet friendly locals, ask the vendors questions and get help finding your perfect ingredients for a wonderful dinner, get unique gifts, fresh seafood and meat, eggs and so much more! 

Qualicum Beach Farmers Market

Year round 8:30am – 12pm every Saturday

172 Veterans Way #160, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1L8

Central Vancouver Island has a wealth of farms, both large and small and attracts artisans from all over the world who seek out the tranquility of Vancouver Island. Every weekend, all year ‘round, the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market gives you access to a small portion of the incredible wealth of the island. From beautiful, handcrafted goods, top quality produce, flowers, and other food items, there is so much to see – and buy – at this lovely local market!

Book Your Vancouver Island Rental Today!

The Best Places for a Beach Picnic on Vancouver Island

family on a striped blanket enjoying a beach picnic on vancouver island

With the return of the sun and warm weather, here on the West Coast, we don’t waste a second before we head back to the beaches! Even if there is a little nip in the air, if the sun is shining, it’s likely that we’re beach bound! We may not be in our bathing suits diving into the waves yet but there are still lots of ways to enjoy the beach before the heat of summer sets in! One of the best ways to have a great Vancouver Island picnic on the beach in the spring is to make a day of it! Bring some delicious food and your favourite book and just enjoy the warmth of the sun and the fresh ocean breezes. To ensure a super successful beach day at this time of year, you’ve gotta prepare properly – that’s where we come in. We’re going to give you the lowdown on where to go, local eats and how to prepare for a cooler, sunny beach day on Vancouver Island!

What to Bring

No matter where you go on Vancouver Island for your spring beach day, it’s important to be prepared! Here’s our handy checklist of items that are our must haves for a successful day on the beach.

  • Blankets: make sure you have one for under you and one or more for on top, that breeze can get chilly! 
  • Garbage bags: it’s always a good idea to bring two bags so you can separate your garbage from compost or recycling, but when it comes to garbage bags, they aren’t just handy for holding rubbish! Bring a few larger ones along if it’s been raining to keep your blanket dry while you’re sitting on it!
  • Extra pair of warm socks: I always love to take off my shoes and socks to go explore sandy beaches. It’s incredibly relaxing and feels great, the only thing is that it can be cold! With a pair of warm socks, you can pop them on when you’re done exploring and keep warm for the rest of the day
  • Layers: This is important because no matter what you think the weather will be like, it can always be way hotter or cooler than expected! Make sure to wear a t-shirt and bring a sweatshirt or sweater, light jacket and wooly hat to protect you from unexpected breezes! 
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses: it’s always important to protect your skin from UV rays and some spring days on Vancouver Island can be unexpectedly hot and sunny! 
  • Camera: you never know what you’ll see when your on a Vancouver Island beach
  • Towels: this one is especially important if you’re heading to the beach with little ones! They always get soaked! Even if you’re not with tots, a few towels to dry off feet is a great idea. 
  • Tupperware filled with picnic supplies: the spring breezes can be surprising so if you’re packing a picnic, be sure to pack plates, cups, napkins and utensils in a tupperware box. That way, you can pop the lid back on and nothing blows away!
  • Wet wipes: always great to have on hand and bonus points if you buy biodegradable ones!
  • Book: a must for any beach day!

Victoria

The capital city is surrounded by some of the most stunning beaches in the world. In fact, there are so many to choose from, it can be tough to know where to go to make the most of your beach day. If you’re staying at an EMR Victoria property, these are our top three beaches to enjoy on a sunny spring day in Victoria!

Holland Point Park: This waterfront park is the perfect place to find a little spot on the beach to sit, enjoy the sun, watch colourful kite surfers sail through the sky, sailboats skim over the sparkling ocean and enjoy some food and a good book while the Olympic range shimmers in the distance. 

Ross Bay Beach: This popular pebbly beach is filled with driftwood and offers lots of great spots to lay a picnic blanket down to enjoy the ocean views. On the far east side of the beach, there is a small sandy bay with large rocks and tide pools that are great for kids of all ages to explore. 

Gonzales Beach: With soft sand and gentle lapping waves, warmer shallows and surrounded by jaw-dropping homes, this little neighbourhood beach is a must visit while you’re in the area!

Eats in the Area

James Bay: 

Fairfield:  

  • Fire it Up Pizza – delicious slices hot and ready to go! 
  • Thrifty’s – local market that specializes in fresh, ready made snacks and meals.

Cook St.:

  • The Root Cellar – gourmet natural food store with fresh, healthy snacks, lunches and easy eats.
  • Big Wheel Burger – locally owned and operated classic fast food staples made with fresh, local ingredients.
  • Empire Donuts – best donuts in Victoria. Hands down. 

Sidney

This beautiful seaside town is home to one of the prettiest marinas on the South Island, an incredible outdoor art walk, cafes, eateries and boutiques. If you’re staying in, these are the two beaches we like the most on the top of the Peninsula! 

Lochside Waterfront Park: At this beautiful beach you can pull up a log or lay down a blanket and watch the boats skim along the water to and from the marina and if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll probably be able to spot the dorsal fin of an orca or see a friendly seal pop up to say hello!

Robert’s Bay: This tranquil migratory bird sanctuary is an excellent spot to have a beach picnic, especially if you’re looking for somewhere that is less populated! Make sure you have your binoculars so you can check out the marine birds as they fly and fish in the bay and keep a lookout for the sweet sea otters that are known to frequent Robert’s Bay. 

Eats in the area

  • Fish on 5th – long time local favourite fish and chip shop offering incredible options and plenty of plant based alternatives! 
  • Quince Cafe – sweet little locally owned café that serves in-house made soups, sandwiches and pastries if you’re looking for a light lunch
  • Thrifty’s –  local market with a great selection of hot and cold, ready made to-go food options

Cowichan Valley 

The verdant Cowichan Valley is known for being one of the top wine destinations in BC and has some truly incredible vineyards and if you’re looking for a great local beach to enjoy, we got you!

Cherry Point: This beautiful little beach on the edge of the valley is one of the best places for a great beach day. With a long strip of pebble and sand shore to explore, plenty of driftwood to lean against and picnic tables if you prefer, this super sunny spot is a great way to soak up the spring sunshine and listen to the wind rustling through the trees. If you bring binoculars, you can have a look for marine birds and mammals that are known to frequent the area. 

Eats in the area

  • True Grain – freshly baked pasteries made from local grains and incredible coffee in the sweet little marina village of Cowichan Bay
  • Little Corner Sandwich Shop – drool-worthy sandwiches made with fresh ingredients!
  • Moo’s Pizza – seriously delicious pies, pastas and more

Nanaimo

While you’re staying in the Nanaimo area if you’re looking for a great day on the beach, no worries!

Neck Point Park: This stunning park, just north of Naniamo provides visitors with a stunning park and beach to explore and enjoy. Take a walk over the rocky bluffs covered with grasses for an incredible view and when you’re ready for a picnic, head down to the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping the shore. 

Eats in the area

  • Tacomania – insanely good and surprisingly authentic tacos. Yum!
  • Piper’s Pub – classic pub fare and reliable staples perfect for a picnic

Parksville & Qualicum Beach

The quaint resort towns of Parksville and Qualicum Beach have many attractions, both man made and natural. People from all over the Island, BC and beyond flock to these towns in the summer months to soak up the sun and enjoy all the outdoor amenities. If you’re staying in the area and are looking for a great beach picnic spot in the area, we’ve got just the place for you!

Qualicum Beach – East Beach: When it comes to picturesque West Coast beaches, Qualicum Beach might take the cake. With endless soft sandy shores to walk on and gorgeous views of the Coast Mountains on the mainland, Qualicum Beach is a truly spectacular place to spend a spring afternoon.

Eats in the area

  • Bailey’s in the Village – huge menu and delicious, casual, homemade fare that is perfect to order to-go.
  • The Knockananna Grill – upscale food truck right on the beach offering incredibly flavourful burgers and unique poutine.
  • Qualicum Beach Cafe – ok so not really the place to find to-go picnic items but the food and the view is worth a trip if you decide that picnicking isn’t your style! 
Book Your EMR Vacation Today!

Beach Picnics on Vancouver Island

With the return of the sun and warm weather, here on the West Coast, we don’t waste a second before we head back to the beaches! Even if there is a little nip in the air, if the sun is shining, it’s likely that we’re beach bound. We may not be in our bathing suits diving into the waves yet but there are still lots of ways to enjoy the beach before the heat of summer sets in! One of the best ways to experience a West Coast beach in the spring is to make a day of it! Bring some delicious food and your favourite book and just enjoy the warmth of the sun and the fresh ocean breezes. To ensure a super successful beach day at this time of year, you’ve gotta prepare properly – that’s where we come in. We’re going to give you the lowdown on where to go, local eats and how to prepare for a cooler, sunny beach day on Vancouver Island!

What to Bring

No matter where you go on Vancouver Island for your spring beach day, it’s important to be prepared! Here’s our handy checklist of items that are our must haves for a successful day on the beach.

  • Blankets: make sure you have one for under you and one or more for on top, that breeze can get chilly! 
  • Garbage bags: it’s always a good idea to bring two bags so you can separate your garbage from compost or recycling, but when it comes to garbage bags, they aren’t just handy for holding rubbish! Bring a few larger ones along if it’s been raining to keep your blanket dry while you’re sitting on it!
  • Extra pair of warm socks: I always love to take off my shoes and socks to go explore sandy beaches. It’s incredibly relaxing and feels great, the only thing is that it can be cold! With a pair of warm socks, you can pop them on when you’re done exploring and keep warm for the rest of the day
  • Layers: This is important because no matter what you think the weather will be like, it can always be way hotter or cooler than expected! Make sure to wear a t-shirt and bring a sweatshirt or sweater, light jacket and wooly hat to protect you from unexpected breezes! 
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses: it’s always important to protect your skin from UV rays and some spring days on Vancouver Island can be unexpectedly hot and sunny! 
  • Camera: you never know what you’ll see when your on a Vancouver Island beach
  • Towels: this one is especially important if you’re heading to the beach with little ones! They always get soaked! Even if you’re not with tots, a few towels to dry off feet is a great idea. 
  • Tupperware filled with picnic supplies: the spring breezes can be surprising so if you’re packing a picnic, be sure to pack plates, cups, napkins and utensils in a tupperware box. That way, you can pop the lid back on and nothing blows away!
  • Wet wipes: always great to have on hand and bonus points if you buy biodegradable ones!
  • Book: a must for any beach day!

Victoria

The capital city is surrounded by some of the most stunning beaches in the world. In fact, there are so many to choose from, it can be tough to know where to go to make the most of your beach day. If you’re staying at an EMR Victoria property, these are our top three beaches to enjoy on a sunny spring day in Victoria!

Holland Point Park: This waterfront park is the perfect place to find a little spot on the beach to sit, enjoy the sun, watch colourful kite surfers sail through the sky, sailboats skim over the sparkling ocean and enjoy some food and a good book while the Olympic range shimmers in the distance. 

Ross Bay Beach: This popular pebbly beach is filled with driftwood and offers lots of great spots to lay a picnic blanket down to enjoy the ocean views. On the far east side of the beach, there is a small sandy bay with large rocks and tide pools that are great for kids of all ages to explore. 

Gonzales Beach: With soft sand and gentle lapping waves, warmer shallows and surrounded by jaw-dropping homes, this little neighbourhood beach is a must visit while you’re in the area!

Eats in the Area

James Bay: 

Fairfield:  

  • Fire it Up Pizza – delicious slices hot and ready to go! 
  • Thrifty’s – local market that specializes in fresh, ready made snacks and meals.

Cook St.:

  • The Root Cellar – gourmet natural food store with fresh, healthy snacks, lunches and easy eats.
  • Big Wheel Burger – locally owned and operated classic fast food staples made with fresh, local ingredients.
  • Empire Donuts – best donuts in Victoria. Hands down. 

Sidney

This beautiful seaside town is home to one of the prettiest marinas on the South Island, an incredible outdoor art walk, cafes, eateries and boutiques. If you’re staying in, these are the two beaches we like the most on the top of the Peninsula! 

Lochside Waterfront Park: At this beautiful beach you can pull up a log or lay down a blanket and watch the boats skim along the water to and from the marina and if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll probably be able to spot the dorsal fin of an orca or see a friendly seal pop up to say hello!

Robert’s Bay: This tranquil migratory bird sanctuary is an excellent spot to have a beach picnic, especially if you’re looking for somewhere that is less populated! Make sure you have your binoculars so you can check out the marine birds as they fly and fish in the bay and keep a lookout for the sweet sea otters that are known to frequent Robert’s Bay. 

Eats in the area

  • Fish on 5th – long time local favourite fish and chip shop offering incredible options and plenty of plant based alternatives! 
  • Quince Cafe – sweet little locally owned café that serves in-house made soups, sandwiches and pastries if you’re looking for a light lunch
  • Thrifty’s –  local market with a great selection of hot and cold, ready made to-go food options

Cowichan Valley 

The verdant Cowichan Valley is known for being one of the top wine destinations in BC and has some truly incredible vineyards and if you’re looking for a great local beach to enjoy, we got you!

Cherry Point: This beautiful little beach on the edge of the valley is one of the best places for a great beach day. With a long strip of pebble and sand shore to explore, plenty of driftwood to lean against and picnic tables if you prefer, this super sunny spot is a great way to soak up the spring sunshine and listen to the wind rustling through the trees. If you bring binoculars, you can have a look for marine birds and mammals that are known to frequent the area. 

Eats in the area

  • True Grain – freshly baked pasteries made from local grains and incredible coffee in the sweet little marina village of Cowichan Bay
  • Little Corner Sandwich Shop – drool-worthy sandwiches made with fresh ingredients!
  • Moo’s Pizza – seriously delicious pies, pastas and more

Nanaimo

While you’re staying in the Nanaimo area if you’re looking for a great day on the beach, no worries!

Neck Point Park: This stunning park, just north of Naniamo provides visitors with a stunning park and beach to explore and enjoy. Take a walk over the rocky bluffs covered with grasses for an incredible view and when you’re ready for a picnic, head down to the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping the shore. 

Eats in the area

  • Tacomania – insanely good and surprisingly authentic tacos. Yum!
  • Piper’s Pub – classic pub fare and reliable staples perfect for a picnic

Parksville & Qualicum Beach

The quaint resort towns of Parksville and Qualicum Beach have many attractions, both man made and natural. People from all over the Island, BC and beyond flock to these towns in the summer months to soak up the sun and enjoy all the outdoor amenities. If you’re staying in the area and are looking for a great beach picnic spot in the area, we’ve got just the place for you!

Qualicum Beach – East Beach: When it comes to picturesque West Coast beaches, Qualicum Beach might take the cake. With endless soft sandy shores to walk on and gorgeous views of the Coast Mountains on the mainland, Qualicum Beach is a truly spectacular place to spend a spring afternoon.

Eats in the area

  • Bailey’s in the Village – huge menu and delicious, casual, homemade fare that is perfect to order to-go.
  • The Knockananna Grill – upscale food truck right on the beach offering incredibly flavourful burgers and unique poutine.
  • Qualicum Beach Cafe – ok so not really the place to find to-go picnic items but the food and the view is worth a trip if you decide that picnicking isn’t your style! 
Book Your EMR Vacation Today!