On a sunny afternoon, spread a blanket on the edge of a white sand beach and follow the frenzied activity of sandpipers escaping the tide. Watch the kids at play in the shallow ocean waves warmed by the sun-baked sand. This is the essential spirit of Parksville: family, respite, and the great outdoors – why not make it home?

Parksville, once a seaside village, has matured into a city of more than 10,000 and is part of “Oceanside”, a string of beachfront communities on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island. Retirees, urban professionals, growing families, and those seeking a summer refuge are captivated by the area’s natural beauty, cultural opportunities, and quality of life in this welcoming community.

Parksville has found economical success in tourism, retail services, and light industry. It is also included in the United Nations’ designated Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere, one of 500 such protected marine and alpine ecosystems worldwide, proving its tradition of environmental stewardship.

Natural treasures are plentiful. East of town, the Englishman River Falls has cut waterways through canyon walls, vantage points along the trail will lead you downward to refreshing swimming holes where salmon spawn in the autumn. Top Bridge, a challenging mountain bike park along the river draws extreme athletes and their fans. To the south, sandy Rathtrevor Beach is an oasis of camping, forest hiking, and beach combing. The Beach is equally beautiful in the cooler months when Parksville celebrates the migratory stopover of thousands of Brant Geese at the Brant Wildlife Festival. Beyond the rustic pleasure of camping are Parkville’s famous resorts, spas, and gated communities – all offering the sheer luxury of living well. Parksville homes range from condominiums, to single family, to ocean front estates. We have it all.

The Parksville Beach Festival is held every august on the white sand of Parksville Beach in the centre of town. Famous for its “Sandsculpting Competition & Exhibition”, the Festival attracts sculptors from around the world and nearly 75,000 tourists annually. It is located next to the Lions Club Venture Land Playground and Water Park, Skateboard Park, and Beach Volleyball Courts – an unbelievable park for kids! Parksville and Qualicum Beach are hosts to the annual Father’s Day Show & Shine; hotrods of yesteryear cruise the drive-in, motor up to the Street Dance, and park to polish their chrome on the beach front.

Parksville and Qualicum Beach enjoy seven distinct golf courses (and three putt-putt golf courses) within minutes of each community. Think leisure! Artists are at home in Parksville and “blue artisan signs” announcing studios are scattered along roadways in the area. The century-old Parksville Train Station is known as Station Gallery and houses the Arrowsmith Potters’ Guild – watch a master at work, or learn to create your own piece of art. The Bard to Broadway theatre troupe has performed theatrical productions for more than a decade and has just moved into the Chrysler Theatre. Named in 1877 for Nelson Park, the first Postmaster, Parksville honours its history at Craig Heritage Park where homage is paid to pioneer living and where St. Anne’s Anglican Church has stood for more than 160 years, one of Vancouver Island’s oldest churches. The City is famous for its meticulous gardens; thanks to hot summers and mild winters Parksville has been awarded the elusive title of one of Canada’s National Communities in Bloom.

Parksville is a short 20 minute drive north of Nanaimo and only a ten minute excursion to its sister-city, Qualicum Beach; the new Inland Island Highway encourages residents to explore Vancouver Island in all directions. The neighbouring areas of Nanoose Bay, Errington, and Coombs are a cluster of idyllic communities nearby. Nanoose Bay, from the First Nations word “Nuas” or “to push in” (the Bay turns inward), is home to rural homesteads and upscale dwellings. Boaters, paddlers, golfers, and birdwatchers will find a peaceful haven to indulge their passions. Errington is a pastoral collection of farmland and plays host to the Errington Farmers’ Market with farm-fresh produce, cut flowers, home baking and canning, and crafts. It is also home to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, where rescued birds-of-prey find sanctuary, and down the road is the World Parrot Refuge. Coombs is most famous for its Old Country Market where goats chomp happily on the grassy rooftop and an exotic blend of international and local products, baked goods, and trinkets are available below. The Coombs Country Bluegrass Festival and Coombs Rodeo draw summertime participants and revellers from miles around. Down the road are Cameron Lake and the unforgettable old-growth forest of Cathedral Grove.