For a quick getaway, my significant other and I traveled from the greater Vancouver area to Vancouver Island. Parksville, known for its broad sandy beaches and soft waves; if you are planning to visit, here is a guide on how to get there, what to see, and where to stay and eat!
How to get to Parksville
Parksville is approximately 40 minutes from the ferry terminal. You will need a vehicle to get around the island and to Parksville. If you are taking public transit, here is the bus route from Richmond BC that will take you to the ferry terminal.
From Richmond BC, from Bridgeport station take the 620 bus to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, Delta, BC V4M 4G3. It comes every 34 minutes, and the bus ride is 34 minutes.
Purchasing tickets for the ferry can be done online or in person.
The route is Vancouver – Nanaimo (Tsawwassen-Duke Point)
What to see:
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
This trail has some elevation and stairs, with that it’s still suitable for all ages. The upper and lower falls are equally impressive and beautiful. Pin it Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
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MacMillan Provincial Park
Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park is a forest of douglas-fir trees. There is a warning right when you enter, as the area is full of ancient trees, old branches can potentially fall off, and it’s not safe to come if it is windy.
It’s a short, flat loop, another trail suitable for all ages. I love reading the facts about the trees how even decaying wood plays a part in the cycle of life.
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Qualicum Beach
You know that satisfying sound of stepping on a crunchy leaf during the Fall season? There’s a similar feeling of stepping on an empty shell! Of course, it was empty.
I felt fortunate that the beach was right in front of where I was staying. During the low tide, walking on the packed sand is a great way to relax.
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Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
I was surprised at how sturdy and picturesque the waterfall was! It reminded me of Athabasca Falls on a significantly smaller scale because on the bridge you can see the waterfall descend into the narrow rock canyon.
This trail also has minimal elevation and suitable for all ages.
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Where to Stay:
The Beach Club Resort
Conveniently located, our room had a spectacular view of the ocean! Qualicum Beach is right in front of the resort before the sun is up you can see avid runners jogging back and forth on the boardwalk.
I enjoyed walking along the beach first thing in the morning!
There is no nightlife surrounding the area, and the restaurant closes at 9 pm, it’s a great spot if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful place. My favourite part of our suite was in the amenities. A full kitchen and a washer and dry that I would have made use of if my stay was longer. We were able to grab groceries from Save-On-Foods and enjoy a nice homecooked meal.
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Where to Eat
Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria
We ordered the lasagna, crab cakes, gnocchi and a thin crust pizza. These are single orders, on the menu, they have family-style options. Between 4 people this was more than enough food. Before the meal, they offer a salsa with different slices of bread to start. I would recommend this place as there is ample seating space, the service was friendly and the food was good! The restaurant has many different shops surrounding it, from local grocers to dessert shops, it’s a great area to spend some time after a meal.
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With that, arriving in the afternoon and leaving the next day in the evening was enough time to explore Parksville. I would love to know about your experience if you have been! Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading,
