Parksville is more than just a scenic beach town; it’s a gateway to incredible ocean experiences that inspire connection, curiosity and conversation. Whether you’re here to relax by the waves or dive into coastal adventure, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the ocean in and around this seaside town.
And with World Oceans Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all the sea gives us, and how we can give back.
Celebrate World Oceans Day
On Sunday, June 8th, join the Beach Club Resort for a World Oceans Day celebration like no other. From 1:00 to 5:00 pm, guests will gather just steps from the shoreline to savour sustainability-sourced seafood, sip on locally crafted drinks, and connect over stories that celebrate the deep relationship between ocean, food and community.
The highlight of the event is a series of interactive, sustainably sourced seafood stations, thoughtfully curated by celebrity Chef Ned Bell alongside the resort’s own Executive Chef Nick Mackay-Finn. Guests will also enjoy a welcome drink, an additional drink ticket, and complimentary tastings from a selection of local beverage partners.
With bold, coastal-inspired flavours and inspiring stories from leaders in ocean-friendly food practices, this event is truly a feast that nourishes both the stomach and the soul.
Explore the Many Beautiful Beaches
The Parksville area is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches on Vancouver Island, each offering a unique way to connect with the ocean.
Rathtrevor Beach
Famous for its vast sandy flats at low tide, this beach transforms into a playground for tide pool exploration. Keep your eyes peeled for crabs, sand dollars and sea stars in the shallow pools. It’s a favourite spot for families and nature lovers alike.
Parksville Beach
Situated directly in front of the Beach Club Resort, this beach is perfect for leisurely strolls, paddleboarding, and soaking up the sun. Its calm waters and expansive shoreline make it perfect for relaxing by the sea.
Qualicum Beach
Just a short drive north, this beach offers stunning mountain views and a quieter, laid-back vibe. It’s a great place to beachcomb, watch for bald eagles or enjoy a peaceful sunset over the water.
Whether you’re in the mood for wading through the tide pools, building sandcastles, or taking a tranquil walk along the shore, these beaches offer a perfect setting to appreciate the wonders of the ocean.
Coastal Parks Worth Exploring
Beyond the beaches, the Parksville region is home to several scenic parks where forest meets shoreline, offering the perfect mix of nature, wildlife, and ocean views. These coastal parks are ideal for peaceful walks, birdwatching, and quiet reflection by the sea.
Moorecroft Regional Park (Nanoose Bay)
This hidden gem offers forested trails that lead to quiet rocky beaches and secluded coves. It’s a tranquil spot for a picnic or oceanfront stroll, with occasional marine wildlife sightings offshore.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
In addition to its tidal flats, this Provincial Park features a beautiful old-growth forest with towering Douglas firs. Walk the shaded trail along the ocean and soak in the natural beauty and biodiversity of this beloved park.
Englishman River Estuary
Located near the mouth of the Englishman River, this estuary is a hotspot for migratory birds and coastal wildlife. It’s a peaceful, uncrowded place to observe the natural rhythms of the ocean’s edge.
Parksville Community Park
This waterfront park is ideal for families, offering a large playground, picnic areas, a boardwalk, and convenient beach access. During the summer, it also serves as a hub for community events and festivals, all set against a stunning ocean backdrop.
Seaside Nature Park (Qualicum Beach)
With its interpretative signs, accessible pathways, and scenic viewpoints, this small park offers a thoughtful place to connect with nature. Learn about the area’s ecology while taking in views of the Strait of Georgia and the Coastal Mountains.
These parks are living reminders of how land and sea work together to create vibrant, healthy ecosystems. And they are all easily accessible for visitors seeking a meaningful connection to the coast.
Dive into Ocean Experiences: Paddle, Watch, Fish and Discover
One of the most rewarding ways to celebrate the ocean is to get out on, or near, the water. Whether you’re paddling along the shoreline, spotting whales in the wild, reeling in your catch of the day, or exploring marine ecosystems up close, the Parksville area offers incredible ways to bring you closer to the sea.
Paddle the Coastline
Guests of The Beach Club Resort can enjoy complimentary stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Glide over the gentle waves of Parksville Bay, peer into the ocean below, and maybe even spot seals or seabirds along the way. It’s a peaceful yet energizing way to appreciate the ocean’s beauty up close.
Join a Whale Watching Tour
Ocean Ecoventures offers unforgettable marine wildlife tours that take you deep into the Salish Sea in search of orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and dolphins. Led by expert naturalists, these local tours combine awe-inspiring encounters with a strong focus on conservation and education.
Experience a Local Fishing Charter
Operating out of French Creek Harbour, Western Star Charters is the longest-standing fishing charter in the area. On these guided tours, you have the possibility of fishing for salmon, halibut, and cod, and even trapping crab and prawns (season-dependent). With a knowledgeable captain and years of experience on local waters, this is an authentic fishing adventure you won’t forget.
Visit the Deep Bay Marine Field Station
Just 40 minutes north of Parksville, this hands-on marine science centre offers interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and underwater viewing into the world of local sea life. It’s a fun, educational stop for all ages, and a great complement to your coastal explorations.
Whether paddling calm bays, spotting whales in their natural habitat, trying to catch a big one, or learning from an expert, Parksville offers ocean experiences that are as inspiring as they are unforgettable.
Your Coastal Escape Starts Here
From vibrant World Oceans Day celebrations to scenic beaches, peaceful coastal parks, and unforgettable marine adventures, the Parksville area offers endless ways to honour and enjoy the ocean.
Staying at The Beach Club Resort places you in the heart of it all. With its beachfront location, easy access to local experiences, and thoughtful StayWell amenities like kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes, your coastal getaway couldn’t be more effortless—or more inspiring.
This World Oceans Day, and all season long, come see why Parksville is one of the most extraordinary places to experience the wonders of the ocean—from sunrise strolls to sunset paddles, and everything in between.
