Coast Parksville Getaway by the Sea
byParksville has been one of my favourite local getaways for the last three decades and it’s always fun, refreshing, and relaxing, to visit the seaside region for good eats and good times. The Coast Parksville Hotel was our home base for our most recent getaway (specifically to visit the Fairy Houses at Milner Gardens), and they went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. We’re sharing all of this with you in a new giveaway!
Coast Parksville Getaway by the Sea
A few of my favourite things to do in the area:
- Rathtrevor Provincial Park is a stunning park (and campground) with sand flats at low tide and sky-high evergreens. Walk out to the water’s edge, fly a kite, go for a dip, and enjoy the serenity of this coastal gem.
- Cathedral Grove is everyone’s favourite natural roadside attraction along the Alberni Highway with 800 year old cedar, Douglas Fir and Hemlock trees! It has walking loops on either side of the highway, with the tallest tree in the whole park being on the southern loops and a boardwalk surrounded by a sea of lush green sword-ferns on the other side.
- Coombs Old Country Market with its Goats On The Roof is our top shopping destination for everything from smoked salmon and pastries to toys and olive oil – whatever you need!
- Little Qualicum Cheeseworks at Morningstar Farm is where we get John his favourite squeaky cheese curds and you can pick up charcuterie boards or ice cream, and tour the facility to say hello to the farm’s fluffy and furry residents.
- North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a new favourite on my list. They care for ill, injured, and orphaned wildlife and to educate the public on wildlife and environmental issues.
- Milner Gardens is a dreamy 70 acre oceanfront estate on Vancouver Island home to an ancient forest, beautiful gardens, and a tea room above the beach. The Fairy Houses event happens annual on the summer solstice.
- Little Qualicum Falls Park is always a staple since the cascading levels of multiple waterfalls change so much every time you go. In the fall it’s rushing and crashing down its canyon and in the summer it’s a shower leading softly from pool to pool in the forest.
- Paradise Fun Park of course! Fun for all ages, and you’ll definitely feel like a kid again when you’re playing mini golf or riding the bumper boats.
- For dining options, a new-to-me place we checked out on this trip is the Black Bird Schnitzel Haus. They have a delicious vegetarian schnitzel consisting of a deep-fried eggplant that’s extra crispy even under a blanket of sauce.
- Sunsets. Even though Parksville is on the east coast of Vancouver Island, its sunsets are often the most dreamy. At dusk, the coastal mountains across the Salish Sea bathe in a pink and orange glow, creating a perfect canvas as seen from Parkville’s kilometers of sandy beaches.
The Coast Parksville Hotel was a great hub not only because of its location and friendly staff, but because we could plan meals in the room, or easily dine out, and we could also walk to the beach or to mini golf (really, it’s right across the street). They even printed me a tip sheet with events happening around town, dining suggestions, and information about the tides – which I love. I check the tides all the time on my daily walks in Vancouver.
Enter to Win
You can win your own Parksville getaway thanks to Coast Hotels and their partners. Here’s how:
Win a Getaway to Parksville with Coast HotelsIf you’re already following all of us on Instagram, share this reel to your stories tagging us and you’ll get a bonus entry:
Based on availability, some blackout dates apply (including Labour Day Long Weekend). Offer valid until May 14, 2025. Note: Paradise Fun Park is closed from November 11 to Family Day 2025.