Parksville, Vancouver Island, BC Accommodation - Vacation Rentals
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No matter where you go in the Oceanside region you are never far from the Beach. Dig in your toes, beach comb or swim in the warmest ocean water north of California. The views are spectacular so we provide binoculars. You can often spot sea birds, seals, sea lions, or even a pod of killer whales passing through. When it is time to start planning that family holiday there are few places better to explore than Vancouver Island’s Oceanside Region. Geographically situated just north of Nanaimo, Oceanside comprises the region from Nanoose Bay up the eastern coast of Vancouver Island to Deep Bay. The area’s population of approximately 25,000 is primarily centered in Parksville and Qualicum Beach although there are many great family attractions in the smaller communities of Coombs and Errington. It won’t take long to discover why few destinations can equal Oceanside as an all-round family getaway. 
Walk to the base of Bay Street or Rushton Ave, down the stairs and you're at Parksville Bay - a beautiful spot for a picnic, a walk and beach combing. Rathtrevor Beach (Approx. 10 min. drive): At the south end of Parksville offers over 5 km (3 miles) of fine sand and shallow water for swimming. This particular region of Vancouver Island boasts long wide stretches of sand perfect for discovering sand dollars, sea stars, crabs and the occasional jellyfish. With 19km (12mi) of beautiful sandy beaches it is hard to imagine feeling crowded even on the hottest of summer days. In Parksville, the Community Beach features a terrific beachside playground and water park. When the tide is in, it is here that the warmest waters north of California are found. Endless days could be spent playing, relaxing, digging, exploring, building and picnicking on these beaches. Travel tip: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Parksville Community Beach (Approx. 5 min. drive): - the heart of Parksville. If you are traveling with children or if your just a kid at heart, plan to spend the whole day. This is were the annual Sand Castle Competition is held. As well 150 events and festivals are held throughout the year. There is also a huge play park (open year round) and a water park in the summer. The Coombs Old Country Market isn’t just a place to buy vegetables. On the Alberni Hwy in Coombs, the Market has been around for over 30 years. While it started as a produce stand it has grown to encompass so much more. While there is still a produce section, the market is known for its unique gift items and its atmosphere. Here you will find an ever-changing supply of unique and interesting wares. Of course, the goats on the sod roof are a big part of the fun too. Travel tip: extra parking and a nice quiet café are up the road behind the Market. www.oldcountrymarket.com/ PARKSEnglishman River Falls Provincial Park (Approx. 20 min. drive): Take exit 51 from Parksville just past Errington. Picnic area, hiking and two spectaclar waterfalls. The best fresh water summer swimming. Cameron Lake (Approx. 45 min.): Take exit 51 to highway 4a. Little Qualicum Falls Park and Cathedral grove are all enroute. Swimming Canoeing, Kayaking and great trout fishing. BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES:Butterfly World and Gardens (250) 248-7026 WILDLIFE RECOVERY CENTRE: In nearby Errington is the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. The staff on this eight-acre site provide rehabilitation to ill, injured or orphaned wildlife, such as bears, owls, falcons, ferrets and eagles. A self-guided tour takes 15,000 visitors each year through a virtual outdoor museum of West Coast animals. The 43m (140ft) long eagle flight cage allows a close up look at these powerful birds. Travel tip: adopt an animal at www.niwra.org before you go, and receive a free entry pass. FARMS: Tiger Lily Farm is an Errington petting farm that has progressively grown into what it is today: a hands-on experience for kids of all ages. Aside from petting sheep, chicks, bunnies, ponies and calves, children also have the opportunity to collect freshly laid eggs. The slightly more adventurous can try their hand at milking a goat. The goat’s milk is bottled and then fed to the calves. Travel tip: a farm is a farm; bring a change of footwear. www.tigerlilyfarm.ca BUMPER BOATS/MINI GOLF: You can’t miss the castle that overlooks one of the finest mini-golf courses in the west. Bumper Boats are great fun for all ages. OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
The Oceanside Region offers a fantastic variety of exciting events year-round, all within easy access of Life's the Beach Guest House. For a calendar of these events, including information and directions for each, visit the Oceanside Tourism Association's website here. For Bird Watchers check out the Brant Wildlife Festival. The Annual Brant Wildlife Festival celebrates the return of the Black Brant Geese as they rest and feed on the beaches of Oceanside. Midway in their migration between California and Alaska upwards of 20,000 geese may visit the area. During the festival that runs from March through April, Pacific Herring spawn and attract thousands of water birds, eagles, sea lions and harbour seals. Many other events are always scheduled including, Herring spawn tours, ecotours, wetland and wineries and nature photography. |
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