Parksville

History

Parksville was named after the area's first postmaster, Nelson Park, in 1877. It was incorporated as the Village of Parksville on June 19, 1945, and later become a Town on April 1, 1978. It was then established as a City on June 1, 1981. Parksville's population was listed as 10,993 residents in the Canada 2006 Census.

Location

Parksville is located on Vancouver Island along the scenic Highway 19A. Known as the Oceanside Route, Highway 19A runs parallel to Highway 19 and follows the coastline from Nanoose Bay to Campbell River. Visitors travelling along this road will be able to enjoy the sights of Parksville and Qualicum Beach, as well as Qualicum Bay, Bowser, Deep Bay, Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, Union Bay, Merville, Black Creek, and Oyster River.

Places to See

• Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
  
  Majestic old growth trees, beautiful ocean sunsets and an inviting, wide sandy beach with campsites nestled amongst mature Douglas fir trees makes Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in Parksville one of the premier vacation destinations on Vancouver Island.
  
  At low tide the ocean recedes almost a kilometer, providing an ideal place for visitors of all ages to play in the sand and explore the shoreline. When the tide rolls in over the sun-baked sand, the warmed water is unbeatable for swimming and salt water fun.
  
  Rathtrevor Beach is ideal for a relaxed family outing. Simply sit back and soak up the seaside atmosphere or take a walk through the wooded upland area of the park. All campsites are within a 5-minute walk to the 2 km stretch of sandy beach. The park also features a large day-use area, perfect for an afternoon picnic. For your convenience, the park has a concession managed by the Park Facility Operator.
  
  Bird watching is also a popular activity at the park, particularly in the spring when large numbers of seabirds congregate for the annual herring spawn. During March and April, Rathtrevor Beach is also one of the best spots on the Island to view the migrating Brandt Geese.
  
  
• Craig Heritage Park, Museum, and Archives
  
  This Park, started in 1983 by the District 69 Historical Society (and later changed to Parksville and District Historical Society), displays a number of heritage buildings from the time of the first settlers in the area. The artifacts which decorate these buildings illustrate the lives of these settlers.
  
  The Englishman River Building, built in 1988, houses the Museum and the Archives. The Museum contains exhibits related to the lives and activities of early settlers, residents, organizations and businesses.
  
  
• Top Bridge Park
  
  The Top Bridge Trail is approximately 5 kilometres one-way and runs from Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park at the ocean to Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park on the Englishman River. Top Bridge itself provides petroglyphs, beautiful tall trees, a river gorge with a swimming hole and specialized bike trails for mountain bikers.
  
  
• Hamilton Marsh
  
  Hamilton Marsh is a natural habitat for red-winged blackbirds, jays and swallows, and is particularly active in spring and fall with migrations of ducks and geese.
  
  
• Horne Lake Regional Park
  
  Featuring spectacular views of area mountains and cliffs, Horne Lake Regional Park is a great place to spend the day and explore the world-renowned Horne Lake Caves next door.
  
  
• Mount Arrowsmith Regional Park
  
  Mount Arrowsmith Regional Park features the historic Arrowsmith Trail. The trail offers hikers the opportunity to climb through several forest zones and experience dramatic views of the Georgia Strait. The trail requires moderate level fitness as it climbs steadily to gain elevation to the 6,000 ft summit. Allow 6-7 hours for the round trip and take drinking water.
  
  

Things to Do

• Golf
  
  The Parksville area is home to six outstanding golf courses: for adults, there's the Morningstar Golf Club and the Fairwinds Golf and Country Club in Nanoose Bay; for parents and children, there's Paradise Adventure Mini-Golf, featuring two mini-golf courses, a video arcade, a redemption games room, and an ice cream parlour.
  
  
• Windsurfing / Kayaking
  
  Easy access to the various beaches and excellent weather makes the Parksville area a great place for windsurfing and kayaking. Lessons and equipment are provided by local outfitters. There are also boat launch sites located at Beachcomber Marina and Schooner Cove Resort in Nanoose Bay, as well as a public boat launch at French Creek Marina on the Island Highway between Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
  
  
• Mountain Biking
  
  The Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park contains a network of trails maintained by the Arrowsmith Mountain Bike Club. The trail system is small but well-developed, and are generally moderately difficult.
  
  
• Shopping
  
  Head downtown and purchase local arts, crafts, and produce from a variety of stores, galleries, and gift shops.

Events

• Parksville Beach Festival
  
  You won't want to miss any of the activities on the beach during Beach Festival month - a Quality Foods Fireworks Display on August 25th and a Kidfest celebration on August 26th with entertainment and a kids' sandcastle event, beach volleyball & croquet tournaments, a bike-a-thon, and a classic car show, just to name a few.
  
  The highlight of the festival is the world-famous Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition, where artists and professional sculptors converge to create breathtaking works of art from sand. The competition lasts for 23 hours over 3 days, and the sculptures remain in place for three weeks following the competition.

Contact Information

Official Parksville and Qualicum Beach Regional Tourism Website

Oceanside Tourism Association
PO Box 239
Parksville, BC V9P 2G4
Canada

Telephone: 250.248.6300
Toll-Free: 1.888.799.3222
Fax: 250.248.6308
Website: www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com

Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce

Box 99
Parksville BC
V9P 2G3

Phone: 250.248.3613
Fax: 250.248.5210
E-mail: info@chamber.parksville.bc.ca
Website: www.chamber.parksville.bc.ca

Parksville Beach Festival Society

P.O. Box 28 Parksville, BC V9P 2G3
Phone: 250.248.4819
Email: info@parksvillebeachfest.ca
Website: www.parksvillebeachfest.ca/