Winter in Parksville may not be synonymous with snow-capped mountains and freezing temperatures like other parts of Canada, but that doesn't mean you can't embrace the season's unique beauty. Here, winter is quiet and stunningly beautiful, with mild weather, a vibrant dining scene, and endless outdoor activities—one of the perks of that mild weather!
In particular, Parksville and the surrounding areas offer a network of stunning hiking trails for those seeking a different kind of winter wonderland.
Within an hour's drive, you can explore the coast, old-growth forests, and mountains...all at once! If you've never spent time on the coast here in the winter, you're in for a real treat. So lace up your boots, bundle up, and come with us to explore the untamed beauty of Vancouver Island's winter hiking trails.
1. LITTLE MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT
Just 10 minutes from downtown Parksville and The Beach Club Resort, the Little Mountain Lookout hike offers an ideal winter hiking experience. The trailhead starts at the top of Little Mountain, then takes you up and down its front, treating hikers to incredible views of the mountains, forest, and ocean. While it's not particularly technical, there are some stretches that involve a steep incline. There are also several trails (and even false trails!) that cross at points, so staying on the correct path can be a bit of a challenge. Still, this trail is manageable for most folks even with minimal hiking experience.
If you're a bit short on time or simply aren't up for hiking, you can also drive right up to Little Mountain Lookout. Either way, the panoramic views from the top are a must while you're in Parksville. And if you can time it right, whether you hike or drive, catch the sunrise from the lookout.
2. ENGLISHMAN RIVER FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK
Home to some of the best hikes in Parksville in any season, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a true gem in the winter months. The two cascading waterfalls roar year-round, and the surrounding evergreen forest takes on an enchanting quality when the air turns crisp, creating a real-life winter wonderland.
The park has a network of interconnected trails, totaling about four kilometers. All of them are well-marked, traversing across postcard-worthy bridges and through dense groves of trees, with the waterfalls serving as the gorgeous, dramatic centerpieces. The most popular trail, Englishman River Falls Trail, also makes for one of the best winter hikes in Parksville. It offers excellent views of both the upper and lower falls, and it's well-signed, so it's easy to follow even if snow covers the trail (which is actually somewhat rare in this park). The trail is also short and sweet, and has minimal elevation gain, so it's manageable for everyone in your party. Note that the upper bridge can sometimes be icy, so take your time on that section in particular.
Local tip: in the summer, the pool below the lower falls is a popular swimming hole, and in the fall, you can often see spawning salmon from the bridges.
3. RATHTREVOR BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK
Strolling the beach on a quiet, crisp day is one of the best winter activities in Parksville, and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park offers an ideal setting for it. Like Parksville as a whole, Rathtrevor Beach is a popular summer destination, but the off-season offers a unique charm in its own right. The park's oceanfront trails provide a refreshing seaside experience, with foamy winter waves crashing against the shoreline. Best of all, the lack of summer crowds allows you to have a more intimate connection with the natural surroundings.
Three trails totaling over five kilometers offer a wide range of hikes, with something for everyone. The loop trail is among the park's best hikes, taking you through dense forest, through the main campground, and along the shore. The beach here is even dog-friendly, so bring Fido—just make sure your pup stays on a leash.
4. BIG QUALICUM RIVER REGIONAL TRAIL
About 20 minutes up the coast from Parksville, you'll find the Big Qualicum Hatchery. Not only does the hatchery provide an important source of fish for a variety of bodies of water and fisheries, but it's also the start of the Big Qualicum River Regional Trail.
The trail, a wide gravel road, follows the river for about 10 kilometers before coming to an end. It passes under thick canopies of forest, even in the winter, providing beautiful tranquil scenery. It's a very gentle grade, making this hike suitable for all ages and abilities. Because of its gentle grade, this trail is also quite popular with cyclists.
The hatchery itself is also open year-round, and makes one of the best winter activities in Parksville for days when you want to get outside. Couple it with this easy-going hike, and you have a lovely outing!
5. CATHEDRAL GROVE
Also a 20-or-so-minute drive from town but in the opposite direction, another excellent Parksville-area hike to explore in the winter is Cathedral Grove. The trail is nestled inside beautiful MacMillan Park, best known for having one of the most accessible groves of giant Douglas firs and Western red cedar trees on all of Vancouver Island. Winter's chill transforms the park into a serene, almost magical, sanctuary, and year-round access means it's suitable for exploring even in the dead of winter.
A loop trail in a figure eight lets hikers explore both the Douglas firs, on the south side of Highway 4, and the Western red cedars, on the north side. Look for the biggest Douglas fir in the park, measuring a staggering nine kilometers in circumference! Meander through the forest and be sure to stop at the raised platform for an overview, as well.
MAKE THE BEACH CLUB RESORT HOME BASE FOR WINTER ADVENTURE
After a day of exploring the best hiking in and near Parksville, The Beach Club Resort makes the perfect cozy, comfortable retreat. Located on the water in the center of town, you'll be able to unwind in the resort's luxurious accommodations, complete with breathtaking ocean views, shortly after hopping off the trail.
Relax aching muscles in the hot tub or sauna, enjoy a glass of wine on your private balcony, or indulge in a meal at the onsite Pacific Prime Restaurant. In the winter months, we offer exclusive beachside dome dining in private heated igloos for lunch and dinner.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual explorer, the area's winter hikes offer a unique perspective on Vancouver Island's natural beauty. Book your stay at The Beach Club today, and embrace our crisp air, serene landscapes, and cozy amenities.
