Spring is in full swing on Vancouver Island as forests come to life with verdant greenery, waterfalls roar at peak flow, and wildlife emerges from their winter slumber. While some may be wielding mops, brooms, and gloves for their annual spring cleaning ritual, here at The Beach Club Resort in Parksville, we propose a radically different agenda this season.
Leave the chores behind, pack your bags, and head to the beach for a fun getaway—even if it's just a quick weekend. With an unbeatable location literally steps from the ocean, city boardwalk, and some of the area's best beaches, we're confident there's no better place to welcome the warmer weather and longer days of springtime.
Another benefit of visiting during the spring is fewer crowds (and usually, slightly lower prices on just about everything!).
So what are you waiting for? Join us as we highlight some local favourite spring activities...but then, it's time to pack those bags and pick a weekend!
1. HIT THE BEACH (& EXPLORE RATHTREVOR BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK)
With its seaside location, it comes as no surprise that the beach is one of the most popular Parksville activities year-round. While the water may still be on the chilly side for swimming for a bit longer, spring ushers in warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine without the summer crowds. Soak up some rays and settle into a good book, explore the shore searching for shells and tide pools (especially at Rathtrevor Provincial Park, where the tide recedes substantially during low tide), or try out a new watersport. The park is a 7-minute drive from The Beach Club Resort and offers stunning beaches, forested trails, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Part of The Beach Club's Stay® | Well amenities program, resort guests enjoy complimentary kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as umbrellas, beach games, and metal detectors for those who prefer to hang out on land.
2. VISIT THE NORTH ISLAND WILDLIFE RECOVERY CENTRE
An 8-minute drive from The Beach Club Resort, visit this amazing rehabilitation center to learn about local wildlife in their natural habitat and their conservation efforts. The facility cares for injured and orphaned animals, such as eagles, owls, hawks, turtles, ravens, black bears, turkey vultures, and more. They also offer group tours for 15 to 45 people, so if you’re travelling as a large group, this is a great place to visit.
3. WHALE-WATCHING
One of the best things to do in spring in Parksville, particularly for adventure lovers, is go whale-watching. Late in the season and transitioning to early summer is an especially great time to see humpback whales as they embark on their seasonal migration to Alaska. You may catch a glimpse of whales from just about anywhere in Parksville, but for a more sure thing, we recommend booking a tour with Ocean EcoVentures. Based right here in Parksville, the company offers half-day, sunset, and even private whale-watching tours.
4. TAKE A HIKE
Being an outdoor enthusiast is practically a way of life on Vancouver Island, and hiking is far and away one of the most popular things to do in Parksville. You can hike in Parksville in all four seasons, but spring is an especially magical time. The area's waterfalls really shine during this season, absolutely bursting with snowmelt from the surrounding mountains.
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is a popular springtime option, as is Englishman River Falls, a family-friendly 1.5-kilometer trail leading to not one but two waterfalls.
5. SHOP LOCAL AT FARMERS' MARKETS
Parksville has a vibrant farm-to-table culture, and one of the best ways to experience it firsthand is by visiting the local farmers' markets that come to life every spring. Start at the iconic Coombs Old Country Market, home of the famous goats on the roof (which is exactly what it sounds like!), which re-opens for the season sometime in the springtime.
In addition to the market itself—and, of course, the goats—there's an ice cream shop, doughnut parlor, and two popular restaurants onsite, Cuckoo's Italian Restaurant and Taqueria Cantina. Even if you simply drive out to see the friendly farm animals, this is one of the best places to visit in spring!
A few other farmers' markets start up in May and run throughout the summer, including the Errington Farmers Market and Qualicum Beach Farmers Market, held on Saturdays. At both of these, you'll find an array of fresh produce, baked goodies, artisan crafts, and, often, live music.
6. GOLF
Unlike much of the rest of Canada, Parksville's warm climate means spring arrives a little earlier in the year. That's great news for golf enthusiasts who get to enjoy a longer-than-average golf season.
Parksville, part of Vancouver Island's Oceanside area, is a popular golf destination, with six golf courses nearby, each offering a variety of terrain and challenges set against gorgeous natural backdrops. Tee off at Fairwinds Golf Club or Morningstar Golf Course, both just a short drive from The Beach Club. And if you're travelling to Parksville with kids but still want to hit the fairway in some capacity, don't miss the chance to enjoy a round of mini-golf at Paradise Mini Golf and Fun Park. Best of all, it's an easy walk from The Beach Club!
7. TREAT YOURSELF TO A SPA DAY
Whether you need an indoor option for the occasional rainy spring day or a way to soothe sore muscles after action-packed days filled with hiking and paddling, pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment at our onsite Stonewater Spa. Treatment options include everything from massages to facials, manicures, pedicures, body scrubs, and wraps. You can book right here.
THE BEACH CLUB RESORT IS THE PERFECT BASECAMP FOR SPRING GETAWAYS
With its prime oceanfront location, Stay® | Well amenities, an upscale, local-focused onsite restaurant, and a wide array of activities, The Beach Club Resort is the top resort in Parksville for your spring escape.
Check out our current offers and packages, and book your stay to start planning your ultimate Vancouver Island beach adventure today!
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