Nestled on the east coast of Vancouver Island, the Parksville and Qualicum Beach area (PQB) is a treasure trove of natural beauty and culinary delights. Known for its expansive beaches and vibrant beach culture, this region offers more than just sun and sand. It’s also home to a burgeoning food scene where many restaurants pair their delectable dishes with breathtaking views. Whether you’re a local or a visitor staying at The Beach Club Resort, you’ll find plenty of patios that offer both great food and stunning sights.
Savour the Scenery: Patios in Parksville with Beautiful Views
Here’s a look at some of the best patios in the area—including Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and beyond—where you can enjoy tasty bites and brews alongside gorgeous scenery.
Pacific Prime Restaurant and Lounge at The Beach Club - Parksville
First on our list is Pacific Prime Restaurant and Lounge, conveniently located on the grounds of The Beach Club, the top resort in Parksville. This elegant yet warm and welcoming spot has a patio that opens directly onto the beach, offering unobstructed waterfront views. Its menu has a strong local focus, with everything from local seafood and beer, wine, and spirits to spices and herbs from around Vancouver Island and cheese from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks.
In addition, Pacific Prime is one of the best restaurants in town for happy hour. From 3-5:00 pm every day, come in to enjoy 10 fresh shucked oysters for $20 and toast the ocean view with $5 glasses of Prosecco. And don't miss Prime Rib night every Thursday!
Black Goose Inn - Parksville
If an authentic British pub is more your vibe, look no further than Black Goose Inn. Situated in a converted 1921 home mere steps from the water, this hotspot oozes charm...not to mention beautiful views. Its outdoor space is one of the most unique patios in Parksville, set up almost like a beer garden, with shaded picnic tables arranged over a few grassy areas. Locals often say it feels like they're having a beer at a friend's house! It's the perfect setting for enjoying Black Goose's traditional British fare, including dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a Scotch egg. Of course, there's also a large variety of craft beers. Stop in for live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and feel free to bring your pup—Black Goose Inn is dog-friendly.
French Creek Pub - Parksville
Tucked away near the French Creek Marina, French Creek Pub, also referred to as French Creek Social Hall, is a local go-to known for its casual atmosphere, great seafood, and waterfront views. The patio offers views of the marina, where you can watch boats come and go as you sample West Coast classics like clam chowder, fish tacos, and a selection of local brews.
The Shady Rest - Qualicum Beach
Celebrating its 100th year in 2024, The Shady Rest has been one of the best restaurants in the PQB area for a long time. Located right on the water, the outdoor patio offers an unbeatable vantage point for watching the tides change and enjoying the salty air with a beverage in hand. The menu has a little of everything, but local favourites include clam chowder and poutine. If at all possible, time your visit for sunset, when the golden hour glow lights up the sky and mountains in soft, lovely layers of colour. Friday nights are arguably the most popular when locals come to compete in music trivia.
Shore Restaurant - Qualicum Beach
Shore is a casual eatery with a beach hut vibe sitting on the main boardwalk in Qualicum Beach, right at the end of East Beach. Like most Parksville attractions in this specific area, Shore is seasonal, open in the summer and early fall. The restaurant serves favourites like burgers and fish tacos, and combined with the bustling boardwalk scene and proximity to the beach, this is the perfect spot for family fun. On especially hot summer days, treat yourself to a Dole Whip or homemade milkshake!
Qualicum Beach Cafe - Qualicum Beach
This cozy cafe is family-owned and has "a dash of Italian flair," making it a beloved local restaurant for both its food and its waterfront views. The bright, dog-friendly patio has a Mediterranean feel and offers both covered and open-air seating.
Pro tip: if you want to sit indoors but still want to enjoy the beautiful views, call ahead to make a reservation and request a window seat. The menu at Qualicum Beach Cafe is expansive, offering everything from breakfast and brunch to happy hour and desserts. You can't go wrong with the seafood tower or tuna crudo, but lots of people come in for a casual cup of coffee alongside a piece of housemade tiramisu, too.
Nanoose Bay Cafe
A scenic 20-minute drive from The Beach Club Resort, Nanoose Bay Cafe overlooks tranquil Nanoose Bay itself. The tucked-away location and spectacular water views makes this easily one of the best patios in Parksville. In addition to the all-day menus and coffee shop selections, a summer highlight is the Waterfront Music Series. Bring your own lawn chair and head down to the marina to enjoy live concerts alongside great food from the cafe.
Ship and Shore Restaurant - Deep Bay
Fan of fish and chips? Ship and Shore has been voted the best on the island numerous times (choose from halibut, cod, or salmon!). That's probably enough reason to take the 30-minute drive from The Beach Club to Deep Bay, but if you still need some convincing, the waterfront views should do the trick. Enjoy your meal, cooked fresh by a husband-and-wife team, looking out over the Deep Bay Marina.
