Parksville, Vancouver Island BC, Canada is an Oceanfront Village

Parksville is 33.3 Kms ( about a 35 minute drive ) North of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

Majestic forests surround this oceanfront community which is home to some of the most spectacular sandy beaches.
Rathrevor Park being one of the more popular tourist destinations as the beach spreads out for about 2Kms.

The United Nations recognized the region of Oceanside in April 2000 as one of only seven Biospheres in Canada.
This designation was based on the marine, alpine and meadow ecosystems coexisting within such a small geographic area.

Local wildlife that is enjoyed by all who visit and live here include: Eagles, Seagulls, Deer, Bears, Seals, and a plethora of the finest fresh seafood including crab, clams, salmon, prawns from local waters.
Parksville is also well-known for its Golf Courses which are open year-round.
Sailing, Fishing, Ocean Kayaking, Spelunking, Hiking are aming the other pastimes that really make Parksville a special place.
Despite it's small population of 10,323 (Census Data: 2003) there are excellent recreation facilities and Seasonal Festivals.

Experience the warm, friendly charm of the the local residents which provide a good mix of boutique retailers as well as the national big retail chain stores. Even Starbucks recently opened its doors here.
Beautiful nature resorts boasting world-class cuisine and accomodations provide visitors with such a lasting impression that I have lost count of the people I have met that vacationed here and then moved here because they loved it so much.

Parksville has a growing mixed community of active retirees, urban professionals, and young families, most of whom have chosen the area as their hometown due to the quality lifestyle.

Now it's your turn to experience Island life.......
Call me today, Toll-free at 1-888-954-4433

Check out the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce web site for tourism and business information.
www.chamber.parksville.bc.ca

Below is an excerpt from their community local attractions page

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS & PLACES OF INTEREST

With over 7.5 km of sandy shoreline (that's nearly 5 miles), a variety of golf courses, a mild year round climate, a great selection of parks, trails galore, an abundance of wildlife, and superb shopping opportunities on every street corner... We have it all!

PARKSVILLE COMMUNITY PARK FEATURING THE LION'S VENTURELAND PLAYGROUND AND WATERSPRAY PARK

Located right on the beach, with an endless shoreline, the Parksville community park is a dandy! Two ball fields and a lacrosse box are located at the entrance to the park (take Corfield Rd), with public tennis courts, an ice arena, concession stand (seasonal), an awesome BMX/Skateboard Park, 2 quality conditioned beach volleyball areas, and an incredible children's playground with Vancouver Island's greatest Water Spry Park completing the entertainment spectrum. Or, of course, you could just go to the beach.

RATHTREVOR BEACH PROVINCIAL PARK

Ranked as one of the top 15 beaches for active families by Outdoor Magazine, Rathtrevor Park covers 347 hectares of land and 2 km of waterfront, and has 175 drive up campsites, 50 wilderness/walk in sites, as well as group sites and picnic areas for day use sites. Famous for its safe, warm and sandy beaches, Rathtrevor Park's high tide offers the warmest ocean swimming opportunities in Canada. A popular day use park and camping area, Rathtrevor is great for afternoon strolls, picnics, Frisbee, bocce ball, beachcombing, jogging, wildlife viewing, or some time at the kids' playpark. Birders will be interested to note that more than 150 different species have been recorded in the park, and that the Brant Geese make this site their favoured feeding grounds in April/May. Bald Eagles can be heard overhead year round. Reservations are mandatory last week of June to Labour Day weekend.

To reserve camping call 1.800.689.9025 (seasonal service) or go online at www.discovercamping.ca. Other park details are available at http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks

CRAIG HERITAGE PARK

The park is located about 3 km south of Parksville on the Island Highway. Take a trip into yesteryear and see how our early settlers lived. This unique grouping of period buildings and artefacts makes Craig Heritage Park a museum with a difference. The tools, utensils, fashions and curios of an earlier time, plus an extensive archival collection chronicles the lives of Vancouver Island pioneers. On location are several local heritage buildings that you can tour, including Knox Heritage Church. Built in 1912, this church is still used as a wedding chapel on a regular basis . The Museum is open daily in the summer and on Wednesdays in the off-season. Please call 248.6966 for more information on the museum or 248.4773 for details on reserving the chapel.

GOLF, GOLF AND MORE GOLF!

The golf courses highlighted above are open to the public and offer a driving range, practise greens, pro shop, clubhouse, licensed facilities and will reserve tee times in advance for visitors (some restrictions do apply). For those of you looking to brush up on your golf skills, Morningstar and Pheasant Glen both offer a golf school. You may also want to try Eaglecrest Golf and Country Club, an 18 hole facility located in nearby Qualicum Beach.

PARKSVILLE BEACH FESTIVAL
www.parksvillebeachfest.ca

International sand sculptors work their magic, turning giant piles of sand into unbelievable works of art! Thousands of visitors will be drawn to the Parksville beach during the three week festival, to see these spectacular creations and vote for their favourites! Admission is by donation. (Sorry, only small dogs allowed within the exhibit, and they must be carried by their owner)

You won t want to miss the Save On Foods Beachfest Extravaganza Stage shows, on selected evenings, for lots of great family entertainment jazz, country, karaoke and lots more see local newspapers for the schedule of entertainers. Bring your family, friends and your lawn chair, and don t forget your camera!

BUTTERFLY WORLD & GARDENS

www.nature-world.com

Stroll among hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies and visit the Bird Aviary and Water Gardens. Butterflies from five continents compete with orchids, passionflowers and jasmine for your senses, armed with fragrant aromas and flashes of colour. In the two large outdoor ponds you can witness the Japanese Koi fish at feeding times as they boil to the surface. This tropical paradise is conveniently located in the community of Coombs on Highway 4A, only minutes from Parksville. Open April through October. Telephone 250.248.7026.

THE MILNER GARDENS AND WOODLAND
Take a step back in time to discover the unspoiled natural beauty and unique heritage home found within this 70-acre oceanfront estate deeded to Malaspina University-College. Open to the public four days a week from late April to October, its collection of rare and unusual plants from the temperate zone provides a living laboratory for the study and appreciation of nature.

Milner Gardens and Woodland is a non-profit Horticulture Society established to maintain and restore the gardens and buildings. The society provides opportunity to develop relationships with a broad cross-section of the community through horticultural courses and activities of membership. Call 752.6153.

TOP BRIDGE MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

Located along the banks of the Englishman River and connected by trail from Rathtrevor Provincial Park, this is the only park on Vancouver Island designated for mountain bikes. Its trails vary from intermediate to advanced and are maintained by a local mountain bike club, in conjunction with the City of Parksville. Top Bridge Park's location makes it a favourite not only for bike enthusiasts, but also for picnickers, hikers, anglers and swimmers. The park is located off of Chattell Road by Exit 46.

TOP BRIDGE COMMUNITY PARK

Located across the waters of the Englishman River from the Mountain Bike Park, and soon to be connected by a bridge, the Top Bridge Community Park offers a lovely 1 -2 hour walk. The trails follow the river and if you head "up" river you will find the Hatchery (take a left at the 2nd path you come to after going under the power lines). Although the "park" area is private forestry land it is open to the walking/hiking public and is accessible from the end of Allsbrook Road.

ST ANNE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH

Built in 1894 by 45 farmers with the aid of oxen to haul the logs, St Anne's is one of the oldest churches on Vancouver Island. The headstones in the cemetery surrounding the church read like an honour roll of the many pioneers and their families who first settled in this area. To visit the church, from downtown Parksville, head towards Qualicum Beach on 19A, turn left on Pym Rd, right on Humphrey's Road and right at Church Road (4 way stop). The Church office may be reached at 250.248.3114.

NORTH ISLAND WILDLIFE RECOVERY CENTRE

The Wildlife Recovery Centre is a haven for a wide variety of injured, ill and orphaned wildlife ranging from songbirds to eagles, raccoons to deer. Sick and injured wildlife receive professional medical care while they are rehabilitated for their eventual release back into the wild. Orphaned wildlife must be taught the survival skills of how to obtain food and to fear predators before they can be released. Besides working directly with wildlife, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association actively promotes public education and offers a popular Wildlife Adoption Program. The North Island Wildlife Recovery Center is open from April - October and is located approximately 10 minutes from Parksville in Errington on Leffler Road.
For more details please call 1.250.248.8534.

WORLD PARROT REFUGE

The World Parrot Refuge is a "home for life" for any parrot whose owners can no longer care for it. They do not adopt out or sell parrots. They are an educational facility designed to make the public aware of the plight of captive parrots. There are over 400 birds in the facility at present and more arriving regularly as there are few facilities like this in the world. Birds are housed in free flight enclosures filled with high branches to simulate a forest canopy, and live in a flock environment. Because virtually all were kept as pets, many of the birds talk. Entry is by donation (which is tax deductible). Currently open from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m., 7 days a week. Located on Highway 4A in Coombs.

SALTWATER FISHING AND BOAT LAUNCH AREAS

Beachcomber Marina
1600 Byrnmarl Road. Nanoose Bay. Offers 16-foot boats for rent. Daily moorage is offered subject to availability. 468.7222.

French Creek Marina - a public boat launch located halfway between Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Highway 19A (The Oceanside Route) at Lee Road. Facilities include charters, tackle shop, fresh seafood store, marine sales, nearby camping and condo rentals, a sports centre and Morningstar golf course. Saltwater Licenses are required and are available at the tackle shop and from most guides right at their boat! French Creek Marina is also host of the French Creek Salmon Festival held each August. Up-to-date details can be found in the Community Events Calendar. For details on the Marina Services, contact the French Creek Harbour Authority at 1.250.248.5051.

Schooner Cove Resort and Marina - 3521 Dolphin Drive, Nanoose Bay.
Fairwinds Schooner Cove Marina is the perfect place to moor your boat on an annual or seasonal basis or for those just visiting, on a daily basis. The amenities at the marina include : 30 & 50 Amp Power, Tackle Shop , Convenience Store, Cafe , Gas & Diesel, Beer & Wine Store, Laundry, Boat Ramp, Pool, Hot tub & Showers . Docking is available for vessels up to 150 ft. Visitor moorage includes garbage disposal plus complimentary use of showers, year-round heated pool, hot tub, tennis courts, and sand volleyball court. Visitors should call us on marine VHF channel 73 upon approach to the marina and you will be directed to a slip prior to registering. Advance Reservations are recommended, call 1.800.663.7060 or 1.250.468.7691

Deep Bay Marina

A private boat launch located on Burne Road in Deep Bay, Deep Bay Marina is a commercial harbour supplying berthage for both commercial and recreational vessels. Facilities include tackle shop, charters, licensed restaurant, tent & trailer camping.

FRESH WATER FISHING

This section is currently under construction - please check back with us! In the meantime, may we suggest www.islandfishermanmagazine.com for local fishing reports.

KAYAKING EXCURSIONS

The sheltered waters of the many inlets and bays offer novice and experienced kayakers many day trip options. Don't forget the shores of Spider Lake and Horne Lake, which are accessible from the designated park access areas. Rentals, instructions and guided tours are available locally. Please check the Guide Services section of our website for dealers.

TOP BRIDGE TRAIL - CONNECTING OCEAN & RIVER

The Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park , located off of Chattell Road (near the weigh scales at Exit 46) is a fabulous day use park and is connected to Rathtrevor Provincial Park by the Top Bridge Trail. The Top Bridge Trail is 10km round trip and crosses both private and public land and is perfect for walking, riding or equestrian use. Watch for the colourful and humorous rocks guiding the way!

BARD TO BROADWAY

From late June to early September, visitors and residents alike enjoy a summer season of four live 'theatre in a tent' productions in the heart of Qualicum Beach. This is entertainment for the whole family. Box office telephone 250.752.6813.

GALLERIES

This area is home to potters and painters, weavers and sculptors, carvers, glass blowers and many other artisans who welcome visitors to their studios. Organizations such as Oceanside Community Arts Council and Arrowsmith Potters Guild promote arts and culture in the community, and there's almost always an exhibition to enjoy at one of our local galleries. You'll find them listed in the Arts and Culture category of our Business Directory.

OCEANSIDE PLACE

Oceanside Place officially opened on October 6, 2003. Main features of Oceanside Place include two NHL regulation size ice sheets named after two local ice skating legends and heroes, Howie Meeker and Victor Kraatz, a Leisure Ice sheet, multipurpose rooms, a meeting room, a concession, skate shop and the main offices for the Regional District of Nanaimo Recreation and Parks Department.

The facility is attached to Wembley Mall, and has won two provincial awards since opening. j For further information on Oceanside Place, go to www.rdn.bc.ca or contact the RDN Recreation and Parks Department at 250.248.3252 or email recparks@rdn.bc.ca.

RAVENSONG AQUATIC CENTRE

The Ravensong Aquatic Centre features a 25-metre Olympic short course pool, a leisure pool and a whirlpool all utilizing a salt-water purification system as well as a Nordic dry sauna and a Finnish steam room. There are family change rooms, and a variety of programs including aqua-aerobics, senior swim, etc. The Ravensong Aquatic Centre is located in Qualicum Beach, next to the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.

Ravensong won the 1997 Facility Excellence Award from the BC Parks and Recreation Association. With its glass-enclosed, tropic-like environment, the pool is best described as a "Summer All Year" facility. For further information regarding the Ravensong Aquatic Centre call 250.248.3252 or 250.752.5014.

THE VILLAGE THEATRE

Qualicum Beach's Village Theatre presents a series of live dramas, comedies, and musicals every season and often hosts the regional drama festivals and concerts. The Village Theatre is owned and operated by ECHO Players and prides itself on providing opportunities for the development of theatrical talents in a professional theatre environment and has won many theatrical awards over the years. For details call 250.752.3522 .

ENGLISHMAN RIVER FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK

Englishman River Falls park offers a large day area, picnicking facilities, hiking trails, swimming and fishing holes, 105 campsites, toilet facilities, and gorgeous waterfalls, which have been featured in various television commercials and the family movie "Alaska". According to legend, the river acquired its name more than 120 years ago when the skeleton of a white man was discovered along the riverbanks. Englishman River Provincial Park is located at the end of Errington Road, about 5km west of Parksville off of the Alberni Highway (Highway 4A).

To reserve camping call 1.800.689.9025. (seasonal service) or go online at www.discovercamping.ca . Park details are available at http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks

HORNE LAKE CAVES PROVINCIAL PARK

Voted Tourism Canada's BEST Natural Outdoor Site for BC in 2001 - the Horne Lake Caves will thrill you! From 1- hour educational family-oriented tours to deep dark adventure, these caves offer something for everyone. Though there are two small caves you can explore on your own, a guided tour through part of the large chambers will be more enlightening and a great introductory tour is available. For the truly adventurous, there is even a 7-hour expedition that includes a rappel down a 7-storey underground waterfall!

Not interested in going under - how about going up? The Horne Lake Amphitheatre, located near the caves, is a limestone face with a number of climbing routes, including one that has been rated 5.14a - among the toughest of its kind in Canada. This challenge is not for the novice and is recommended for only the most experienced climbers. Rock climbing and rappel courses offered at the Park throughout the summer. Take note that whatever tour you choose good footwear, warm clothes, and flashlights are a must when you go 'spelunking' at Horne Lake. Call 250.757.8687 for details.

HORNE LAKE REGIONAL PARK

Over 260 acre park offers day use picnicking, swimming, hiking, boating and a boat launch, as well as overnight camping. Featuring spectacular views of area mountains and cliffs, this park is a great place to spend the day and explore the world-renowned Horne Lake Caves next door. Located within a 45-minute drive north of Parksville, this park is accessible June 1 to October 15th. Call 250.248.0902 or go online at www.rdn.bc.ca/parks_rec

LITTLE QUALICUM FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK

Another display of Mother Nature's energetic forces awaits you! There are plenty of circular hiking trails (6 km), picturesque footbridges and great picnicking areas as well as 94 camping sites. The park is open year round and camping fees are collected April - October. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is located 28 km from Parksville off of Highway 4 (also called Alberni Highway).

To reserve camping call 1.800.689.9025 (seasonal service) or go online at www.discovercamping.ca .

Other Park details are available at http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks

MacMILLIAN PROVINCIAL PARK (CATHEDRAL GROVE)

Home of the "really big trees"! This 132 hectares grove of giant trees was gifted to the province of BC in 1944 by H. R. MacMillian and is the most accessible stands of giant Douglas-fir on Vancouver Island. Some of these giants have seen over 800 summers pass and if they could talk, they would tell of a devastating fire which swept through the park about 300 years ago. "New" trees have since grown and make up the majority of the virgin forest seen today. It is definitely awe-inspiring and refreshing to stroll amongst these towering Douglas fir. Trails are located on either side of Highway 4, which divides the park. On the south side you will find the largest Douglas- firs, one measuring more than nine meters in circumference. On the northern side of the highway you will find groves of ancient Western Red Cedar. MacMillian Provincial Park is located 32 km west of Parksville on Highway#4 (Alberni Highway).

MOUNT ARROWSMITH REGIONAL PARK

The Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CPR) constructed the historic Arrowsmith Trail in 1912 and the vistas along the route are just as breathtaking today. The trail offers hikers an opportunity to climb through several forest zones and experience dramatic views of the Georgia Strait. Portions of the trail now lie within forestland privately owned by TimberWest and Weyerhaeuser. The Regional District of Nanaimo has signed agreements with the companies to keep the trail open to the public. The trail requires moderate level fitness as it climbs steadily to gain elevation to the 6,000 ft summit. Allow 6-7 hours for the round trip and take drinking water. Road Access point: Cameron Lake day-use area (BC Parks) on Highway 4.

It is said that Parksville can attribute its mild climate to Mount Arrowsmith, as this tall giant breaks up the weather patterns. For details on this trail please drop by the Visitor Centre and pick up a handout. Trail access is seasonal.

BIG QUALICUM FISH HATCHERY

This project is operated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and uses both natural and artificial enhancement techniques to increase populations of Pacific salmon and steelhead trout. The Hatchery is open to the public from 7:30am - 4pm year round.

Common species to return to this river system are Coho (also called Silvers), Chinook (also called Kings) and Chum (also called Dog Salmon). Although the Hatchery is an interesting place to visit any time of the year, the best time to view adult salmon is from October to December and February to April is the best viewing time for Steelhead.

At the Hatchery you will see the salmon fighting to get up the river to lay their eggs. If you time it right, you may see the staff "milk" the eggs from the salmon. The eggs are then hatched under controlled conditions and released. The interpretive centre puts you at eye-level with the fish, and teaches you the stages of the life span of the Pacific Salmon. Most of the hatchery is wheelchair accessible. A beautiful circle trail follows the Big Qualicum River upstream, across a log bridge and back through the woods alongside the river. The hatchery is located 25.6 km north of Parksville on Scenic Highway 19A, the Oceanside Route. Telephone 250.757.8412.

RHODODENDRON LAKE

May to June, the shores of Rhododendron Lake are lined with a stunning profusion of pink rhododendrons. Growing wild, these beautiful rhododendrons are believed by botanists to belong to a strain that survived the last Ice Age. Access to the lake is by private logging road where you must register and pay an access fee - (i.e. $2/vehicle). Check signs posted at the entrance of Northwest Bay Logging Division (lighted intersection) approximately 7.2 km south of Parksville on Highway 19.

CAMERON LAKE

Cameron Lake is fed from glaciers from Mt. Arrowsmith and is a deep-water lake filled with trout and bass. Cameron Lake is very picturesque on calm days when reflections are mirrored in the water, and when there's a wind, bring out your windsurfer! Day use picnicking area is beachfront with tables. The lake is situated between Little Qualicum Falls and Cathedral Grove on Highway 4.

SPIDER LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK

Adjacent to Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, Spider Lake is a warm-water lake noted for its excellent canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Motorized boats are prohibited so the day use park is perfect for canoeing, kayaking and tubefishing. Small-mouth bass and trout have been stocked in the lake and, depending on the season, fishing can be quite good. Spider Lake, which was named for all it's "leg-like" inlets, is an ideal family picnic destination. Located approximately 25 minutes north of Parksville on Scenic Highway 19A, the Oceanside Route, or on the Inland Highway 19 to the Horne Lake exit, and then approximately 15 minutes west on gravel road. Spider Lake day use park is open from 7am-11pm

COOMBS VILLAGE

A plaque once found on a wall in Coombs read "There ain't no place like this place, near the place, so this must be the place". The plaque is now gone, but the sentiments of the message ring true still today. Coombs Village is dotted with several heritage buildings, unique galleries as well as numerous gift shops and craft outlets, many of which are open year round. There is also a mini golf, a merry-go-round, and, of course, the goats on the roof at The Coombs Old Country Market. (Yes, the goats are really are on the roof. Well, where else would you put them?)

Summer is the time for "Old West" activities: Bull-o-rama, a fiddle jamboree, a bluegrass festival and a 2-day rodeo. Coombs Village is located approximately 15 minutes west of Parksville on the Alberni Highway.

ROSEWALL CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK

Located past Deep Bay, just off Highway 19A, this pocket-size park has an attractive wheelchair-accessible trail. It also offers an invigorating one-hour hike through coastal forest, along the creek to a small waterfall. To access the park from Highway 19, take the Cook Creek exit and follow the signs.

HAMILTON MARSH

This natural habitat for red-winged blackbirds, jays and swallows, is particularly active in spring and fall with migrations of ducks and geese. Woodland trails from the small parking lot lead you to and around the marsh, with a viewing platform for closer observation of marsh inhabitants. Hamilton Marsh is located approximately 20 minutes drive west of Parksville, on South Hilliers Road, just off the Alberni Highway 4.

Jackie Wilson - Realtor
Direct Line (778) 999 6127 (call or text me)
E-mail: jackie@ecorealtyinc.com

ECO Realty Inc.
111-901 3rd Street West
North Vancouver, BC, V7P 3P9