Slightly lesser-known (and certainly lesser-visited!) than fellow Vancouver Island cities Victoria and Tofino, Parksville as a whole is a bit of a hidden gem. Typical of island life, things are a little slower paced here, although we have every big-city amenity you could possibly want, alongside fabulous beaches, a divine farm-to-table food scene, and the top resort in Parksville, The Beach Club Resort.
As you plan your next Vancouver Island, consider including some of these hidden gems on your itinerary.
1. A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SIDE OF VANCOUVER ISLAND BEACHES
The west coast of Vancouver Island is renowned for its wild beaches. Wild in terms of being largely undeveloped and, well, wild, with world-famous waves and unpredictable weather. On the east coast near Parksville, it's a completely different story. The beaches here are sheltered from the ocean, so there's a distinct lack of big waves, and the scenery is much gentler. Beach days on the island's east side are more tranquil, ideal if you're looking for things to do in Parksville with kids or for romantic strolls any time of year.
The warm water and tide pools at Rathtrevor Beach, and the family-friendly attractions at Parksville Community Beach, make them perennial favourites. However, don't overlook some of the area's lake beaches (a couple of which we highlight down below!).
2. OLD SCHOOL HOUSE ARTS CENTRE
Whether you're an arts and culture aficionado, love wandering through museums, or you simply have a creative or curious mind, visiting the Old School House Arts Centre is one of the best things to do in Parksville.
The bright yellow building is part art gallery, part artist-in-residence studio, and part performance venue. All year long, you can catch a concert, browse the gift shop for creations from over 150 Vancouver Island artists, and check out the ever-changing exhibits. With 10 artists in residence, there's a good chance you'll catch a masterpiece being created right in front of you!
3. NORTH ISLAND WILDLIFE RECOVERY CENTRE
Just five minutes from Parksville in Errington, North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is one of the area's best-hidden gems. This amazing non-profit organization rehabilitates injured and abandoned wild animals, such as black bears, eagles, and turtles. Explore the 8-acre facility next time you're deciding which Parksville attractions to visit, where you can watch eagles in one of the country's largest flight cages, walk the nature trail, or pop into the Museum of Nature, dedicated to native Vancouver Island animals.
4. CAMERON LAKE
Beautiful Cameron Lake is just 15 minutes from downtown Parksville, between Mount Wesley to the north and Mount Arrowsmith to the south. This unique geography creates a sort of wind funnel on the lake's surface, making it an excellent spot for adventure sports, including windsurfing and sailing. The lake is also super clear, so it's a wonderful spot for diving or swimming. And bonus, since most people hang out at the beach, it's never really crowded!
5. THE GOATS ON THE ROOF
While Coombs Old Country Market is not at all a secret to locals or even seasoned visitors, it is very much a hidden gem to people unfamiliar with Vancouver Island. Arguably the market's main attraction is the goats on the roof, which is exactly what it sounds like. These friendly goats hang out on the roof, grazing on grass that was installed years ago just for them! Aside from watching them, you can also shop for wares from local artisans in one of several onsite markets, try fresh ice cream or doughnuts, or eat at one of the restaurants. Cuckoo Italian Trattoria, well-known for its homemade pasta, is a popular choice, but you can't go wrong with the Taqueria Cantina food truck.
6. THE OPEN WATER (BEYOND THE BEACHES)
Who better to help you discover new hidden gems than a local who knows the area like the back of his or her hand? Consider booking a whale-watching cruise with Ocean Ecoventures, a guided kayaking trip, or a fishing charter for a nature-filled day off land. It's a wonderful way to take advantage of the East Coast's mild weather and get a unique perspective of the gorgeous mountains-meet-the-sea scenery.
7. ROSEWELL CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK
Less than 30 minutes from The Beach Club, Visit Parksville Qualicum Beach calls this provincial park "a closely guarded secret among those who treasure the path less taken." This day trip is one of our favourite things to do in Parksville, where you can explore a quintessential coastal Vancouver Island rainforest and a small waterfall. There are also several picnic tables along the trails, and most of the hiking is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Local tip: there's truly no bad time to visit, but fall brings spectacular, colourful foliage and spawning Coho salmon.
8. SPIDER LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK
Spider Lake is another provincial park within 30 minutes of our Parksville resort. Because of the lake's unique shape (lots of spindly 'spider legs'), there are seemingly endless hidden bays and coves to explore. Power boats are not allowed on the lake, which keeps many recreational boaters away—and offers a more serene experience for paddlers. It has a lovely small sandy beach, and the water stays relatively warm year-round, providing great small-mouth bass fishing opportunities from the bank or a kayak.
9. LITTLE MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT
There's an excellent chance you'll find Little Mountain Lookout when you search for what to do in Parksville—it's one of the best sunset views on the entire East Coast, highlighting both the lush forest and the ocean. However, the vast majority of people drive up to the lookout. The relatively easy 4.2-kilometer hike is very literally the path less traveled, so consider hitting the trail instead.
10. PARKSVILLE MUSEUM
What makes the Parksville Museum a hidden gem is that it isn't a traditional museum in many regards. Instead of just one main building, it also has several preserved heritage buildings surrounding a lovely outdoor courtyard. These include a blacksmith shop (with an actual blacksmith working on summer weekends!), a historic post office, a fire hall, a school, and even an old beach cottage. Don't miss the Summer Friday Night Farmers Market in July and August!
