Parksville is a true year-round destination with activities to keep you busy in all four seasons, each one of them with its own special allure.
Spring is a quieter time of year here, allowing visitors the opportunity to get an authentic feel for the town as its natural coastal beauty awakens from winter. In addition to its tranquil beaches (keep your eyes on the water, as this is a fantastic time of year to spot whales!) and excellent hiking, Parksville hosts several festivals and events in the springtime. These events largely center around celebrating central Vancouver Island's re-awakening of nature, from wildlife migrations to the planting season and seasonal blooms.
Spring Festivals in Parksville
Brant Wildlife Festival
April 4–7, 2025
A one-of-a-kind festival, the Brant Wildlife Festival is a series of events rather than one main event. Its main focus is the migration of Brant geese but incorporates other wildlife and aspects of nature as well. The geese stop to rest on area beaches during their migration journey, and at the same time, near the very same beaches, herring spawn. This increased activity along the shores, particularly near French Creek between Parksville and Qualicum Beach, attracts other wildlife, including sea lions, bald eagles, and even whales. While the exact lineup changes from year to year, over two dozen individual events comprise the festival, with things like nature walks, demonstrations and talks from wildlife experts, art shows, a children's festival, and photography contests.
North Island Wildlife Recovery Eagle Release
If the Brant Wildlife Festival interests you, the annual eagle release is another of the Parksville seasonal events to keep on your radar. The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRA) releases rehabilitated bald eagles back into the wild each year, right around the same time as the Brant festival. The exact date varies slightly, but the centre's Facebook page is updated regularly.
Milner Gardens Bunny Trail
Easter long weekend, Thursday–Sunday
This Easter festival is arguably one of the best Parksville seasonal events with kids. Beloved Milner Gardens hosts the annual Bunny Trail, essentially a bunny-themed scavenger hunt through the gardens. Grab an activity sheet from the Welcome Centre when you enter, which provides fun clues to help you and your little ones find all the bunnies 'hidden' along the paths. Children who complete the sheet can turn them into the gift shop for prizes. The gift shop and Camellia Tea Room also host themed activities and have Easter items for sale.
Milner Gardens Rhododendron Days
Early May
Showy pink or purple rhododendron blooms fully open in early May, a spectacular but short-lived sight. Head out to Milner Gardens to witness it yourself, with the festival including many other activities including formal tea in the Camellia Tea Room, garden tours, and art and plant sales. You can buy propagated rhododendrons, and the garden gift shop also features a selection of seasonal gardening books.
Qualicum Beach Family Day
Last Sunday of May
QB Family Day marks the end of spring and kicks off the beginning of the summer season. This wildly popular family event, celebrating nearly 50 years in the community, includes a large parade, a pancake breakfast, and a jam-packed afternoon of live entertainment and outdoor activities, including field races and children's bounce houses. The event wraps up with a free community swim at free swim at Raven Song Community Centre, followed by a nighttime fireworks show.
Other Parksville Seasonal Events
Farmers Markets
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Qualicum Beach Farmers Market: Held Saturday mornings year-round, this is a true local market where all vendors grow or make their goods themselves. Between May and October, the market also hosts local musicians in a grassy outdoor courtyard.
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Errington Farmers Market: In nearby Errington, less than 10 minutes from The Beach Club Resort, this market is on Saturdays in the community park from May through the end of September.
Seedy Saturday
February 1, 2025
Celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2025, Seedy Saturday is one of the most popular Vancouver Island spring activities. The fertile land in the central parts of the island is ideal for gardening and farming, and this annual event helps you make the most of it. The seed swap and sale is the star of the show, providing access to heritage and heirloom varieties of vegetables and plants others have saved, but there are several other events and activities. Attend demonstrations or meet-and-greets with master gardeners, browse gardening vendors and exhibitors, or relax in the Seedy Cafe.
Spring Into Adventure in Parksville
Exploring our beach town's festivals and natural beauty is the best way to make the most of Vancouver Island spring activities, and The Beach Club Resort puts you in the ideal location to do exactly that. Just steps from the beach, community park, and several excellent eateries and cultural attractions, The Beach Club is convenient to literally everything in Parksville. Book your stay today, then plan your trip around your favourite community events.
