ad
Parksville
ad

Parksville: A Hidden Gem in British Columbia

Nestled on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Parksville is a charming seaside community that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences. With its stunning beaches, lush forests, and vibrant arts scene, Parksville is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the natural wonders of British Columbia.

Attractions

Parksville is home to a wide range of attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Some of the must-see attractions in the area include:

  • Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park: This beautiful park boasts a long stretch of sandy beach, as well as a network of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest.
  • Englishman River Falls Provincial Park: Located just a short drive from Parksville, this park features a stunning waterfall, as well as a series of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Parksville Community Park: This popular park is home to a playground, a water park, and a beach volleyball court, as well as a large grassy area that is perfect for picnics and other outdoor activities.
  • Craig Heritage Park and Museum: This museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history of Parksville and the surrounding area, with exhibits on everything from logging and fishing to First Nations culture and early settler life.

Natural Wonders

In addition to its many attractions, Parksville is also home to a number of natural wonders that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Some of the most notable natural wonders in the area include:

  • Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park: This park features a series of stunning waterfalls, as well as a network of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest.
  • Cathedral Grove: Located just a short drive from Parksville, this old-growth forest is home to some of the largest and oldest trees in British Columbia.
  • Mount Arrowsmith: This towering mountain offers visitors a challenging hike, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Festivals

Parksville is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of festivals and events taking place throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals in the area include:

  • Parksville Beach Festival: This annual festival features sandcastle building competitions, live music, and a variety of other family-friendly activities.
  • Oceanside Family Health and Wellness Fair: This event showcases local health and wellness businesses, as well as offering free health screenings and other resources.
  • Parksville Uncorked Wine and Food Festival: This festival celebrates the best of local food and wine, with tastings, seminars, and other events taking place throughout the weekend.

History

Parksville was first established in the late 1800s, when a group of settlers arrived in the area and began farming the land. The community was officially incorporated in 1945, and has since grown into a thriving seaside town with a rich history and culture.

The person who started the community was Nelson Parks, who arrived in the area in 1877 and began farming the land. Over the years, more settlers arrived in the area, and the community grew into a bustling hub of activity.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking to soak up the sun on a beautiful beach, explore the natural wonders of British Columbia, or immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culture scene of Parksville, this charming seaside community has something for everyone. So why not plan your next vacation to Parksville and discover all that this hidden gem has to offer?

Sources

  • Hello BC: https://www.hellobc.com/places-to-go/vancouver-island/parksville/
  • Tourism Vancouver Island: https://www.tourismvi.ca/parksville)
  • Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association: https://www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com/
  • Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park: https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/rathtrevor/
  • Englishman River Falls Provincial Park: https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/englishman_rv_falls/
  • Parksville Community Park: https://www.parksville.ca/cms.asp?wpID=1)
  • Craig Heritage Park and Museum: https://www.parksville.ca/cms.asp?wpID=5)
  • Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park: https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/little_qualicum_falls/
  • Cathedral Grove: https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/macmillan/
  • Mount Arrowsmith: https://www.vancouverisland.com/things-to-do-and-see/parks-and-trails/mount-arrowsmith/
ad