Undoubtedly, one of the best fall activities in Parksville is hiking. When the leaves start to turn, and the air gets that distinct crispness, there’s no better way to explore than hitting the trails. The Beach Club Resort is perfectly located, offering both oceanfront accommodation and convenience to many of Vancouver Island's best hikes. From waterfalls to old-growth forests, super short trails to mountain summits, there's a trail for everyone here. We’ve listed down 10 of the best.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Just a short, scenic drive from town, taking a half-day trip to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is understandably one of the most popular fall activities in Parksville. The family-friendly trail winds through a forest of cedar, Douglas fir, and maple trees that transform into a blaze of red and orange in autumn. You'll see two stunning waterfalls, the upper one cascading into a deep canyon and the lower falls tumbling into a tranquil pool that doubles as a summer swimming hole (one of the best things to do in Parksville on hot days!)
Cathedral Grove
Awe-inspiring Cathedral Grove, inside MacMillan Provincial Park, is home to an ancient coastal forest where you'll find some of the oldest and tallest trees on Vancouver Island. Some are over 800 years old, and the largest measures nine meters around (nearly 30 feet!). Two main trails meander through the trees: the north loop, Old Growth Trail, passes through a grove of Western red cedars. The southern loop actually comprises two short hikes, the Living Forest and Big Tree trails. Even if you hike all three trails, your total distance will be around two kilometres (1.3 miles)—and it's easy!
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Adjacent to MacMillan Park, the cascading waterfalls and dense forest at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park make it one of the best fall activities in Parksville. Little Qualicum Falls trail is well-marked and connects to both the upper and lower falls. Autumn brings a burst of colour to the surrounding forest, lending more drama to the already stunning views.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Loop
Vancouver Island's waterfalls and old-growth forests are incredible, but so are its beaches. The Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Loop lets you enjoy both! The easy trail takes you through towering groves of trees and along the sandy shores of Rathtrevor Beach—the best of both worlds. In the fall, the forest bursts with vibrant autumn hues, while the beach offers stunning views over the Strait of Georgia.
Bonnell Creek Falls
Another impressive Vancouver Island waterfall hike, Bonnell Creek Falls is a beautiful, multi-tiered hidden gem. Nearby Ammonite Falls is larger and more well-known, so hikers often find themselves alone on the trail following Bonnell Creek. Lush greenery perfectly frames the falls, and come September, the leaves start to turn. The hike itself is easy, but a challenging rope climb is required if you want to get down to the base of the falls.
Craig Creek Conservation Loop
This loop in the Craig Creek Conservation Area is a relatively new addition to Parksville hikes, so it's very much another local hidden gem. The trail goes through a mix of forest and wetlands, with babbling streams, wildlife galore, and mushroom foraging all available. It likely won't pop up on any of the 'best things to do in Parksville' lists, but that's the point!
Little Mountain
The Little Mountain Lookout is popular enough that we can almost group it in with Parksville attractions. While you can easily drive right to it, hiking it offers an unforgettable perspective. The trail is short but steep, perfect for a sunset date or a quick, rewarding workout. On clear fall days, the view stretches to the horizon, looking out over a patchwork blanket of red, orange, and yellow.
Big Qualicum River Regional Trail
Starting at the Big Qualicum Hatchery, this trail follows alongside the river through a tranquil forest. The gentle, flat terrain makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. In the fall, look for spawning salmon swimming upstream. The main thing to be aware of on this trail is that it's point-to-point or one-way. Unlike other Parksville hikes, you don't start and end at the same point. Because of this, turn back as soon as you're ready—the views aren't much different near the end.
Rosewell Creek Falls
Somewhat less busy among Vancouver Island hikes, Rosewell Creek Falls meanders parallel to Rosewell Creek through a dense forest of big-leaf maples and alder trees that come alive with colour as the leaves change. The trail is mostly flat until the final approach to the falls. Plus, Rosewell Creek Park is quieter than more popular spots, making it an excellent option for what to do in Parksville, away from any crowds.
Mount Arrowsmith
Looking for a more challenging hike? Mount Arrowsmith is the perfect choice. This iconic mountain, visible from just about anywhere on the southern part of the island, offers several trails to the summit, with the 'easiest' being Judges Route. The ascent is steep, but the panoramic views from the top are unparalleled, especially in fall when the trees below are ablaze with colour.
So that’s it! Whether you're chasing waterfalls, soaking in panoramic views, or wandering through vibrant forests, these hikes offer a little something for everyone. So, grab your camera, pack a cozy sweater, and get ready to experience the beauty of Parksville this fall—one breathtaking trail at a time!
