Parksville

Parksville, located about 20 minutes north of Nanaimo, is one of British Columbia's favorite vacation destinations. It has a winning combination: warm salt water, white sandy beaches, Canada's best weather, boating, boutiques, golf, six provincial parks, campgrounds, fishing and birdwatching opportunities..

For art and craft lovers, this region has one of the highest concentrations of artists and artisans in Canada. Shops, galleries and boutiques feature many unique treasures and gifts and be sure to include the incredible centre at Malaspina University College, showcasing the works of local, national and international artists. The heritage of early settlers can be explored at different sites in the area including Craig Heritage Park next to the Visitor Info Centre on Highway 19.

The Lions' Venture Playground and Waterpark located on the Island Highway in Parksville, features picnic areas, a curling rink, skateboard park, beach volleyball and tennis courts and a BMX track. A well known landmark, Paradise Adventure Mini-Golf and Bumper boats will provide fun for everyone. Rathtrevor Provincial Park provides an excellent picnic, beachcombing and swimming location. The beach is also popular with non-swimmers as the water remains shallow for hundreds of feet.

Take in the Brant Wildlife Festival in April of each year, which celebrates the migration of up to 20,000 Brant geese. Viewing stations, birding competitions and many other events revolving around the Festival take place.

Golfers will enjoy Morningstar Golf Course or if you prefer aquatic activities, rent a kayak, a colourful windsurfer or charter a fishing boat and land one of the salmon that BC is famous for. Estuary fishing during late summer and early fall allows the angler the opportunity to catch salmon from beach locations. Pre-spawning Pink salmon show up mid-August with Coho salmon following them in September. If stream fishing is your forte, many productive streams flow to the sea through the region. Year round, from the estuary upstream, Cutthroat and Brown trout can be fished very effectively on the fly.

As well as all the natural attractions and activities in this area you will find excellent lodging and dining establishments to suit every taste. Parksville has something to please everyone!

A short drive north of Nanaimo is the community of Nanoose with a mix of artisans' studios, picturesque B&Bs, and home to Fairwinds oceanside resort and marina with championship golf facilities. The Nanoose peninsula is also a nature lover's paradise with fishing, kayaking, windsurfing diving and boating available. Charters are available at the marina for sightseeing tours to Jedediah Island, a provincial park ideal for hiking, wildlife watching and picnicking.

Located between Parksville and Qualicum Beach is French Creek, a marine community with a Federal Dock, a Coast Guard Station, moorage, and charter operators. There is also a passenger ferry to Lasqueti Island for a day of hiking, cycling and sightseeing.