Visitors flock to Vancouver Island and the Victoria area over the summer, from May through August. The summertime is a great time to take in the beach and the natural attractions in and around Parksville. This region experiences some of Canada's driest summers and mildest weather all year-round. This is the busiest time of year in the Parksville, British Columbia, area.
That being said, the shoulder season — from March to May, and from September to November — is also a great time to visit. Spring and fall typically come with comfortable temperatures. These times of year often feature great deals and relative solitude on hikes in the area. The autumn foliage is particularly spectacular.
November through March typically brings snowy weather, so this is a great time of year to go skiing and enjoy winter sports in the larger Vancouver area.
There are a number of discount options in the Parksville, British Columbia, area that will offer you even more for your stay. The Best Western Northgate Inn in nearby Nanaimo, British Columbia, features discounts for AAA members. Guest rooms include LCD TVs with cable programming, refrigerators, coffee and tea makers, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and shower/tub combinations. Guests also have access to the complimentary fitness center. Save even more on your stay with a complimentary continental breakfast that is served each morning.
The Ramada by Wyndham Nanaimo in Nanaimo, British Columbia, also offers discounts to AAA members. A stay at the Ramada by Wyndham Nanaimo will put you within a three-minute drive of the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and six minutes from Vancouver Island University. Guest rooms include flat-screen televisions with cable programming, complimentary Wi-Fi access to stay connected, microwaves, refrigerators, safes, desks, and telephones with free local calls. Guests can access the fitness center and save money on a complimentary continental breakfast that is served daily.
Value options in the Parksville, British Columbia, area offer great amenities and a comfortable stay alongside additional savings.
The Tigh Na Mara Seaside Spa Resort in Parksville provides a setting with rustic charm in the heart of a natural environment. Unique, handcrafted log accommodations are found on a 22-acre property that is next to the ocean. The Tigh Na Mara Seaside Spa Resort also provides more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space for both large and small groups, which makes it a great destination for an event or a business retreat.
Guest rooms at the Tigh Na Mara Seaside Spa Resort feature Wi-Fi and wired internet access, a kitchenette, and coffee and tea-making facilities. The hotel property also features a jogging path, a bar, a restaurant, and an indoor swimming pool. A spa offers luxurious recreational options. Pets are welcome to stay with guests in the stand-alone one or two-bedroom log cottages for a $30 fee, so you can bring your furry friends with you on your trip.
The Pacific Shores Resort & Spa in nearby Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, is another great family getaway or corporate retreat location in the peaceful surroundings of the Pacific Shores. The hotel's property features 13 acres of gardens and trails, an indoor and an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and outdoor spaces for barbecuing.
Guest rooms at the Pacific Shores Resort & Spa include a kitchenette with a microwave and refrigerator. Grab a drink at the hotel's bar, or enjoy the recreational facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and of course, the spa.
There is plenty of family-friendly fun to be had in Parksville, British Columbia. Whether you're here on a beach vacation or looking for activities to keep kids occupied for hours, there is a lot to do and see.
Bring the entire family to the Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf center, which includes an exciting miniature golf course, as well as laser bumper cars and an arcade that kids will love.
Parksville's Rathtrevor Beach is one of British Columbia's most popular family-friendly destinations, and features several resorts that can be found along Resort Drive, as well as the BC Provincial Park and Campground for a unique experience in nature. Take in 3 miles of gorgeous seafront, as well as a forest with a circular trail and parkland with shaded picnic grounds.
Kids will have a great time visiting Tiger Lily Farm, a family farm with opportunities for taking horseback trail rides and visiting the barnyard to feed and pet the animals. Morningstar Farm is also a great local destination featuring self-guided tours, trails, and a petting farm. Foodies will love the local food options, including a farmgate store and a fresh milk-on-tap dispenser. Taste flavorful local wines created with high-quality fruits by vintner Phil Charlebois alongside farmstead artisan cheese that is created with the farm's own cows' milk right on Vancouver Island.
Whether you're visiting Parksville on a family vacation or for a business trip, there are plenty of great accommodation options.
Below are reviews of the city of Parksville, BC from an actual visitor's perspective.
Beach location and nice restaurants
We loved the beach and how safe the town felt!
We were visiting a friend who lived in Parksville, so she was able to take us to see the sites. Particularly enjoyed the butterfly habitat and the Market at Coombs.
The waterside boardwalk was beautiful and peaceful—a perfect spot to unwind. I loved the diversity of restaurants, from pizza to Aioli seafood to Pho and more. The whole town had a calm, relaxed vibe that made the experience really enjoyable.
Lots there and really central to get to exciting places close by.
The ocean and tides!
The beach and the food!
The beaches, even with sudden storms are breathtaking and cleansing!
The ocean, beach and boardwalk access is great.