Things to do, all year.
Beaches, trails, parks, markets, galleries — the stuff that doesn't have a date on it. Hand-curated, locally cross-checked.Parksville Community Beach
The wide sandy beach at the centre of town — host to the international sandcastle festival, a kids splash park, a long pier, a sea-walk and the Lions playground. The most-walked stretch of sand on the Oceanside.
Beach · Qualicum BeachQualicum Beach Foreshore
A west-facing pebbled shore that lights up at sunset. Westwood-style benches the length of the waterfront, a heritage seawall promenade, and a bandstand that hosts free concerts on summer Sundays.
Beach · ParksvilleRathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Three kilometres of sand flats and long shallow shorelines that warm up at low tide — one of the warmest swimming beaches on Vancouver Island. Camping, picnic shelters, and one of the longest off-leash dog beaches on the coast.
Beach · Qualicum BeachColumbia Beach
A quiet sand-and-pebble stretch between Qualicum Beach and Bowser. Locals walk here when Rathtrevor is busy. Excellent for sand-castles at low tide and sunrise paddling.