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OVERVIEW
Drive 30 minutes north from Nanaimo to visit Parksville, offering long sandy beaches, lots of water sports, and plenty of arts and crafts to suit all tastes. Known as Canada's Riviera, Parksville is the perfect destination for romantic getaways and family fun.
Top things to do
Credit: Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism
Hike or bike
Hike or bike local trails, birdwatch in Hamilton Marsh, or visit Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, Top Bridge Park or Parksville Community Park.
Credit: Destination BC/Graeme Owsianski
Enjoy beach activities
Beachcomb, sunbathe, swim and relax at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park and Parksville Bay. And check out the Parksville Beach Festival’s Sand Sculpting contest, held every July and August
Credit: Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism
Play a round of golf
Golf at your choice of local golf courses, or test your skills at one of the mini-golf courses.
Credit: Vancouver Island Expeditions
Explore caves
Try cave spelunking at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park in nearby Qualicum Beach.
Credit: Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism
Visit Coombs Old Country Market
Visit nearby Coombs Old Country Market where goats graze on the roof while you shop for fresh fruits, vegetables and sweet treats in the market below.
Explore activities
Ocean Ecoventures - Whales, Whales & Wildlife Adventure Tour Parksville
Cruise the Salish Sea for chance encounters with BC’s most celebrated marine mammals. Venture slowly up the glacial fjords to view the wondrous waterfalls in Jervis Inlet, sightseeing the Malibu Rapids and beyond to Chatterbox Falls. Once docked, voyage deep into the coastal rainforest to watch the magical falls tumble onto the rocky shoreline below.
Highlights:
- 7 – 8 hour Waterfall, Wildlife and Whale-Watching guided tour of the Salish Sea and Jervis Inlet with an experienced guide
- Small personalized tour of 12 guests or less
Ocean Ecoventures - Half Day Whale & Wildlife Adventures Parksville
Escape to the secluded waters of the Salish Sea on a 4 hour expedition and exWatch whales migrate to the coast of Vancouver Island with an experience guide on this 4-hour whale watching tour. Explore the edges of Lasqueti Island and sail deep into the Salish Sea in search for orcas, humpback whales, grey whales, minke whales and more.
Tour highlights
- See orcas, humpback whales, grey whales, and more hunt and feed in their natural habitat.
- Depart from the picturesque beach town of Parksville and see marine birds, harbour seals, and porpoises during your sailing.
- Travel in the comfort of an open air vessel with an expert naturalist and learn about the area's ecosystem.
- Guaranteed whale sightings so you can sail with confidence.
Nearby cities
Nanaimo
Take the ferry from Vancouver to visit Nanaimo—the second-largest city on Vancouver Island, with plenty of outdoor activities and adventures for everyone, situated along one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Canada.
Courtenay
Drive 90 minutes from Nanaimo to the heart of beautiful farming landscapes on Vancouver Island to visit Courtenay—the urban centre of the Comox Valley. Downtown Courtenay boasts charming streets filled with art galleries, theatres, shops, artists’ studios, boutiques and gardens, and out of town there are sandy beaches, forests, mountains, parks and lakes. Plus, drive just 15 minutes to the local ski hill.
Comox
Located on the East Coast, Comox is rich in agricultural land, forests and mountains. Relax on a beach in summer, or go skiing in winter at Mount Washington, but whenever you visit, head to Fisherman’s Wharf to buy fresh fish right off the boat.
Port Alberni
Drive to Port Alberni for a variety of activities and attractions. Close to Barkley Sound, Clayoquot Sound and the Pacific Rim National Park, Port Alberni is the perfect base for exploring the west coast of Vancouver Island.
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