Nestled on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, Parksville has something for everyone – especially in the fall. With gorgeous mild weather, some of the West Coast's warmest swimming beaches, and a vibrant blend of local markets, festivals, and outdoor adventures, there are endless Parksville fall activities to enjoy.
Whether you're a group of friends, a couple, a family, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who enjoys a quiet beach, join us as we explore all the festive things to do in Parksville this fall.
BROWSE LOCAL MARKETS
Although several markets in the Parksville area operate all summer, there's just something about fall that showcases the region's rich harvest. Plus, doesn't everything feel just a little bit cozier when it's complemented by apple- and pumpkin-flavoured everything?
The Qualicum Beach Farmers' Market is open Saturday mornings on Veterans Way year-round. Errington Farmers' Market (which just celebrated its 50th year in business in July 2023!) is also open Saturdays, but only through late September.
Coombs Old Country Market is an absolute cannot-miss, best known for its "goats on the roof." Exactly what it sounds like, goats live on the market's roof from May through October. In the market, you can browse a lovely selection of seasonal produce, local meats and cheese, artisan goods, and fun goat-themed souvenirs.
HEAD TO THE BEACH
Sure, summer may be over – but that doesn't mean beach season is. One of the best fall activities in Parksville, especially through September and the first half of October, is exploring local beaches. The beaches here are sheltered and have huge swaths of sand, which helps the water stay warm well into autumn.
At Parksville Beach and Community Park and Qualicum Beach, autumn is a fantastic time to stroll the beach looking for shells and sand dollars. Search for secret treasures that the tide brings in using metal detectors from our Stay® | Well Amenity collection. Alternatively, you can stick to the paved paths and enjoy water views.
Visiting Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is one of the most popular things to do in Parksville for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Of course, there's a wide, sandy beach, but the park's upland area also has hiking and biking trails, and its campground is extremely popular, with all 250 campsites a 5-minute walk from the beach
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Speaking of outdoor enthusiasts, Parksville offers a playground of natural wonders. Back to Rathtrevor Provincial Park, one of the favourite Parksville fall activities for cyclists is riding from the park to the Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park. This rugged route takes you by several beach resorts, popular walking paths, and the Englishman River, plus it's a great area for watching the leaves turn. Luckily, with our Stay® | Well Amenities, guests have access to adult bikes to take the trek themselves or go for a leisurely ride down the boardwalk.
Those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground can lace up their hiking boots and embark on one of the nearby trails. The relatively easy but incredibly scenic Englishman River Falls Trail is just 1.29 kilometres (0.8 miles) but offers fantastic leaf-peeping.
Spawning salmon also come here every fall, and watching the busy excitement is one of the most highly anticipated Parksville fall activities. Additionally, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is an excellent bird-watching area in the fall, as many birds make their seasonal migrations.
Just outside of Parksville, Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is widely considered one of the most beautiful parks on Vancouver Island – especially in the fall. In addition to the namesake upper and lower falls, the park has several easy and moderate trails running along the Little Qualicum River and Cameron Lake and an exciting suspension bridge. What really makes it an autumn standout, though, is the abundance of maple trees that transform into spectacular jewel tones come October.
ATTEND A FALL FESTIVAL
Many fall activities in Parksville come in the form of festivals and other lively events. Labour Day weekend brings the annual Lighthouse Country Fall Fair at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Beach.
Later in the month, there's the Knox Fall Fair at Parksville's Knox United Church and the genuinely unique Cross on the Rock cyclocross event. Cyclocross is a fast-paced type of race cycling that combines mountain biking, road racing, and steeplechase elements.
For rock hounds, many people look forward to attending the Parksville Rock & Gem Show in October.
SPOOKY HALLOWEEN ADVENTURES
As fall stretches on and Halloween approaches, Parksville becomes enchantingly spooky (think family-friendly, not horror movie spooky!). Attend any one of several long-running community events, including the annual Errington Halloween Pumpkin Trail on Halloween night. This fun family event includes a candy walk, bonfire, and complimentary hot dogs and hot cocoa.
Qualicum Beach hosts a similar event, with a pumpkin walk, bonfire, craft stations, hot dogs, and even fireworks. Another can't-miss is the indoor Coombs Candy Walk, held every year on Halloween at the Coombs Fairgrounds. This fun event adopts a new theme each year and celebrated its 53rd year in 2022!
For a classic fall festival, you can't beat the annual Fall Harvest Fest at Silver Meadows Farm. With tons of quintessential fall activities, including hay rides, a corn maze, and a U-pick pumpkin patch, it's one of the most beloved fall activities in Parksville.
INDULGE IN THE LOCAL FOOD SCENE
No fall getaway is complete without sampling some of the best local, seasonal flavors. The Restaurant & Lounge, inside The Beach Club Resort, is a great place to start, with arguably the city's best patio and some of the best views.
Our restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on sustainable, locally-sourced, and ultra-fresh ingredients. When the temperatures start to drop, enjoying happy hour at one of the outdoor fire pit tables is one of the best things to do in Parksville.
There are two other places we highly recommend for getting a sip of the local brew scene (quite literally!). First, stop into Serious Coffee. If you're a fan of classic fall harvest flavours, the pumpkin spice chai tea latte is an absolute must.
Then, indulge in a different type of brew as you check out part of the BC Ale Trail. The entire trail has over 220 craft breweries, and there are a handful in the Parksville area. Start at family-run Mount Arrowsmith Brewing, and be sure to check out other local favourites in Qualicum Beach, including Love Shack Libations and Fern + Cedar Brewing Company.
ENJOY PARKSVILLE FALL ACTIVITIES FROM THE BEACH CLUB RESORT
With so much to do in a relatively compact area, you can fit a ton into even a short weekend visit. When you stay at The Beach Club Resort, you can truly enjoy the area, knowing you have a comfortable, luxurious place to call home during your stay.
Our beachfront hotel is ideally located just steps from the Parksville Beach and boardwalk. Choose from a studio or suite with a full kitchen – either way, you'll have a private balcony and access to a fitness centre, indoor pool, restaurant, and spa. Be sure to ask about our STAY® | WELL amenities, which include bike, kayak, and SUP rentals, metal detectors for beachcombing, beach toys and games, and more.
Book your stay today and take advantage of our seasonal promotions while you enjoy this cozy season.
