Spring is the perfect time to reconnect, recharge, and experience the beauty and adventure of Vancouver Island. From thrilling activities like go-karting and mini-golf to peaceful walks along the beaches and waterfalls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Staying at the Beach Club Resort puts all of these incredible experiences right on your doorstep, ensuring your getaway is as memorable as it is convenient. Whether it's your first visit to Parksville or one of many, this Spring promises to be one you will cherish forever.
Parksville Spring Adventures
Welcome to the Beach Club Resort, your home away from home on the stunning shores of Parksville Beach.
Whether you’re visiting for a family getaway or looking to create unforgettable Spring memories, our resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and breathtaking natural beauty.
As our guest, you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations, an indoor pool for family fun, and unparalleled beachfront access. But that’s just the beginning. The Parksville area is brimming with exciting activities and incredible sights, all just a short drive or walk from the resort.
From exploring thundering waterfalls to watching butterflies flutter around you, there’s no shortage of adventures to fill your days. Let us help you make the most of your Spring Break with our curated list of nearby family-friendly activities.
Enjoy our Incredible Beaches
Parksville Beach (right in front of the Beach Club Resort): This family-friendly gem is known for its vast stretches of sand and shallow waters. During low tide, the beach transforms into a sprawling playground, ideal for beachcombing, building sandcastles, or simply enjoying a stroll while taking in the coastal views.
Rathtrevor Beach (a short drive away): This beautiful beach offers wide-open spaces, lush forested trails, and fascinating tide pools - look for sand dollars while there. Kids will also love the many wild rabbits hopping around the grounds. It’s a must-visit spot for exploring, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.
Have Fun Mini-Golfing
Within a 10-minute walk from the Beach Club Resort, Paradise Fun Park offers two fun mini-golf courses: one themed around a pirate ship and the other with unique features, such as a waterwheel and a Victorian mansion. A bumper boat lagoon, an arcade room, and an onsite cafe and bakery make it a one-stop spot for kid-friendly fun.
Just a short drive from the Resort, Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf is another fun mini-golf destination. It offers two exciting mini golf courses, each with its own unique terrain. The courses include waterfalls, caves, and creative obstacles, making every hole an adventure.
In addition to mini-golf, this attraction offers an arcade and laser bumper cars, providing even more entertainment for families. It’s the perfect spot to spend a few hours laughing, connecting and competing with loved ones.
Visit the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Take the kids to this incredible wildlife rehabilitation centre, where they can learn about the care and conservation of injured animals. It’s home to more than sixty resident and non-releasable animals, including bears and various birds of prey, plus many who will eventually return to the wild once rehabilitated.
Staff often walk around the centre, showing guests an up-close view of the raptors and are available to answer any questions you have. It’s truly a memorable experience that inspires a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the vital work of conservation.
View our Stunning Waterfalls
Spring is the perfect time to visit the incredible waterfalls in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area, as the snowmelt feeds the local rivers, creating rushing falls.
At Little Qualicum Falls, marvel at the powerful cascades surrounded by a lush old-growth forest. As you wander the easy walking trails, you can view a series of cascading waterfalls along the Little Qualicum River. The park features bridges and viewing platforms, giving you the perfect vantage points. Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the park’s designated areas.
Englishman River Falls features two beautiful waterfalls, one upstream and one downstream, connected by a scenic loop trail. The path winds through a dense forest of cedar, fir and maple trees, with a bridge offering incredible views of the upper falls as it dramatically plunges into a narrow canyon. This park is ideal for an afternoon family hike.
Check out the Parksville Museum
The Parksville Museum is a fascinating destination that brings the area's history to life. This open-air museum features a collection of beautifully preserved heritage buildings, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of early settlers on Vancouver Island.
You can explore historic homes, a schoolhouse, a church and two post offices, each furnished with authentic artifacts.
During Spring Break and other special occasions, the museum often organizes family-friendly activities such as scavenger hunts, guided tours and interactive demonstrations, making history engaging and fun for kids.
Visit Butterfly World
Opening March 13th for the season, Butterfly World, located in Coombs, is an indoor tropical garden perfect for visitors of all ages. Step into this lush, climate-controlled environment and immerse yourself in a world filled with vibrant, free-flying butterflies from around the globe. Watch as these delicate creatures flutter around exotic plants, flowers and water features. And don’t be surprised if one or two lands on you - they especially like bright-coloured clothing!
In addition to butterflies, the facility is home to various other fascinating creatures, such as turtles, koi fish and even tropical birds, giving kids and adults alike the opportunity to get up close to some unique wildlife.
Explore Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
Located on Morningstar Farm, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is a delightful family destination. Kids can roam the working farm, meet friendly animals like goats, cows, and pigs, and discover the cheesemaking process up close. The self-guided farm tour includes interactive educational displays, making it both fun and informative.
Don’t forget to stop by the Farmgate Store, where you can sample and purchase a variety of artisanal cheeses made right on-site, as well as other local foods, farm toys and gifts.
Race into Fun at Fast Time Amusements
Also opening in March, if you are looking for a high-energy activity, Fast Time Amusements is the perfect spot. This thrilling go-kart experience offers fun for all ages. Children ages 8-11 can ride as passengers, and kids 11-14 can drive their own kid-sized kart. The professionally designed track ensures the whole family can enjoy a safe yet exciting experience.
This Parskville attraction also offers archery tag, a unique game that’s a cross between paintball and dodgeball - without the mess or bruises. It’s an action-packed way to add some friendly competition and laughter to your Spring Break adventures.
Experience the Charm of Coombs Market
A trip to the famous Old Country Market in Coombs is a must for families. Known for its iconic “Goats on the Roof,” the market offers an eclectic mix of shops selling everything from handmade crafts to international foods.
Kids will love watching the goats while enjoying a delicious gourmet ice cream or, better yet, a freshly baked donut from Billy G’s. Insider tip: if the goats aren’t on the grass roof, you can find them in their enclosure behind Cuckoo’s Restaurant.
The surrounding area has additional equally unique shops, including a Dutch Import store, which offers a wide variety of candies, licorice, and other confections typical of Dutch cuisine.
Take a Trip to Cathedral Grove
Just a short drive from Parksville, Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is one of Vancouver Island’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The easy walking trails lead through an ancient forest of towering Douglas fir and cedar trees, some over 800 years old.
Families will be amazed by the sheer size of these giants, and kids will enjoy discovering hidden nooks and natural curiosities along the paths - make sure to find the root ball you can sit in for a great photo opp! It’s the perfect place to connect with nature and experience the island’s old-growth forests.
