Written by: Kim Parcher | Header image provided by Vancouver Island View
Parksville is a beautiful coastal town on Vancouver Island that offers a variety of activities and experiences to enjoy when the weather is crisp, and the foliage is stunning.
Here are some top things to do in Parksville, BC, in the fall.
1) Explore Waterfalls:
Parksville and the surrounding area have beautiful waterfalls to explore. You can visit spots like Little Qualicum Falls and Englishman River Falls, which offer stunning views of cascading water surrounded by vibrant fall foliage.
2) Beach Walks:
Don’t let the cooler weather deter you from enjoying Parksville’s beautiful beaches. Fall storms often bring unique treasures to the shoreline, and you might find shells, driftwood, and interesting rocks.
3) Fall Foliage Viewing:
The fall season brings stunning foliage to Parksville. Explore local parks and forests to admire the vibrant colours of the changing leaves. A popular local spot to do so is Springwood Park.
4) Whale Watching:
Fall is a great time for wildlife watching in the area. Parksville's central location provides an excellent opportunity to spot whales in their natural habitat. Walk to the end of the Government Dock at the French Creek Marina for a great lookout point.
5) Birdwatching:
Head to the Englishman River Estuary and watch the fall migration as birds move from their feeding grounds to their wintering areas. While spring migration is a shorter, concentrated rush, fall migration extends over several weeks to months.
6) Watch the Salmon Run:
Image provided by Vancouver Island View
From late September until early November, the rivers and channels near the local hatcheries are the best spots to view spawning salmon. Big Qualicum River Hatchery provides a 10km trail along the river, allowing you to view this amazing spectacle. The salmon run also attracts large raptors and black bears.
Image courtesy of Milner Gardens & Woodland
7) Stroll through a Garden:
Take a walk through Milner Gardens & Woodland. Featuring 28 acres of natural beauty, soak in fall’s colours from the many walking paths and witness the ancient coastal Douglas fir forest.
8) Get Lost in a Corn Maze:
Silver Meadows Farm, located a short drive from Parksville, offers hayrides, a pumpkin patch, a variety of freshly harvested produce, and a fun corn maze to get lost in.
Image courtesy of Coombs Old Country Market
9) Coombs Old Country Market:
With the summer crowds diminished, fall is the perfect time to visit the famous “Goats on the Roof” market. Shop for unique gifts, home decor and delicious food.
10) Horne Lake Caves:
Take a guided tour of this fascinating underground world. The caves maintain a consistent temperature year-round, making them an excellent option for a fall adventure.
Fall in Parksville offers a mix of outdoor adventures and opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature as the leaves change colours. Whether you prefer hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply taking leisurely walks on the beach, there's something for everyone to enjoy during the autumn season in Parksville.
