Parks & Wildlife
EXPERIENCE THE OUTDOORS OF THE ISLAND
With an abundance of outdoor adventure to experience in the Parksville area, take time to see the local parks & wildlife. Wander through some of the community or provincial parks, check out the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, or experience some of the other nature inspired attractions.
Parksville Community Park
Featuring two ball fields and a lacrosse box with public tennis courts, a curling rink, concession stand, an BMX/Skateboard Park, two quality conditioned beach volleyball areas, and an incredible children’s playground with Vancouver Island’s greatest Water Spray.
PROVINCIAL PARKS
English River Falls & Little Qualicum River Falls
For those interested in botany and unusual plants it is often necessary to get off the beaten path and explore areas that are sometimes a little less accessible. Rhododendron Lake, just south of Parksville on Vancouver Island, British Columbia is one such destination.
Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old.
Spider Lake Provincial Park
The 65-hectare park is a great place for a family outing, with the warm water lake being noted for its excellent swimming, canoeing and kayaking potential.
Rathtrevor Beach
The beauty of majestic old-growth trees, ocean sunsets and a wide sandy beach with campsites nestled amongst Douglas-fir trees makes Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park one of the premier vacation destinations on Vancouver Island.
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is a land area of 123 hectares protecting a small portion of the Qualicum River and the Horne Lake Caves.
Rosewall Creek Provincial Park
Rosewall Creek Provincial Park is a small 63-hectare park straddling both sides of Highway (19A) between the south end of Mud Bay and Deep Bay on Vancouver Island.
OF NATURAL INTEREST
Rhododendron Lake
For those interested in botany and unusual plants it is often necessary to get off the beaten path and explore areas that are sometimes a little less accessible. Rhododendron Lake, just south of Parksville on Vancouver Island, British Columbia is one such destination.
Milner Gardens & Woodlands
A seaside garden in Qualicum beach on the east coast of Vancouver Island, BC and one of best attractions in Parksville. Experience the magic of 28 hectares (70 acres) of unspoiled natural beauty perched on the edge of an oceanside bluff overlooking the Strait of Georgia.
Hamilton Marsh
Hamilton Marsh is the largest wetland between Nanaimo, Port Alberni, and Cumberland. It’s the largest body of water in the French Creek watershed and the largest and most productive waterfowl brood marsh. The 360 hectares that surround this vital wetland is a virtual island of remaining undeveloped land and undisturbed wildlife habitat.
The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Nestled in the district of Errington on Vancouver Island, NIWRA is a park like setting with a peaceful rustic atmosphere. When visiting the centre you will be able to view eagles, several species of owls, falcons, hawks, ravens and black bears.