Parksville Beach Community Park is one of the most popular family beaches on Vancouver Island, known for its long stretch of sand, warm shallow water and easy access right in the heart of Parksville. With a paved and wooden boardwalk, treed picnic areas and plenty of space to spread out at low tide, it is an easy choice for a classic beach day on the central east coast.
The kilometre-long shoreline and 445 metre boardwalk make this a favourite spot for strollers, wheelchairs and anyone who wants an easy seaside walk. In summer, the park comes alive with food trucks, Beachfest events and families rotating between the sand, the playground and the splash park, while the shoulder seasons are ideal for quieter walks and storm watching over Parksville Bay.
What to expect at Parksville Beach
- Best for: Families with kids, multi-generational trips, relaxed beach days and easy seaside walks.
- Beach style: Long, gently sloping sand with some pebbles and driftwood at high tide and a wide expanse of sand exposed at low tide.
- Water and swimming: Some of the warmest ocean water on Canada’s west coast, with shallow areas that are ideal for wading and play during summer. There are no lifeguards on duty, so always keep a close eye on children and check conditions before swimming.
- Amenities: Renovated washrooms with running water and flush toilets, a large playground and splash park, picnic tables, shaded grass areas, sports fields, a skate park and seasonal food trucks and ice cream stands.
- Accessibility: A paved oceanside trail and wooden boardwalk make this an easy, mostly flat walk that works well for strollers, wheelchairs and all ages and abilities.
- Time needed: Plan at least a few hours, but it is very easy to spend a half or full day between the beach, play areas and nearby cafes.
- Seasonal notes: Summer weekends and Beachfest dates are very busy, and parking fills quickly. Spring brings migratory birds and changing tides, while fall and winter are calmer and better for walks and photography.
- Parking: Free parking in multiple lots around the park, including a large gravel lot by the sports fields and behind the curling rink. Arrive early on hot summer days or during festivals.
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Situated along the east coast of central Vancouver Island, in the oceanside community of Parksville, this kilometre-long beach features paths that run along the shore and are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.
Parksville Community Park Features
- Sand beach
- Boardwalk
- Food trucks
- Play park with a splash park
- Treed picnic areas
- Sports fields, including a skate park, basketball and beach volleyball
Parksville Beach
At high tide, the shoreline is scattered with driftwood and pebbles. However, as the tide recedes, it quickly reveals almost a full kilometre of sandy beach. You can check the tide schedules on this page.
A wooden boardwalk and a paved trail stretch along the shore, providing easy access for everyone and offering a pleasant way to enjoy the beach. Venture off the boardwalk into the sandy area, and be sure to bring your beach gear. Set up your camping chair in the shallow water, dip your feet into the warm sea, and gaze out at the Salish Sea while the kids build sandcastles and hunt for sand dollars.
Tips: It is alive if a sand dollar is black or dark purple. It is no longer living if it is beige, tan, or grey. Please avoid removing sand dollars or any other marine life from the beaches.
Amenities
Renovated washrooms next to the playground with running water and flush toilets. Food trucks are set up throughout the summer months. Water fountains, free parking and picnic tables.
Parking
The main parking lot is located next to the curling club as you enter the park. Additional parking is available further up the road, but these spots fill up quickly. On busy days, a large gravel parking lot behind the curling rink can accommodate many vehicles.
Getting Here
The city of Parksville is located on the East Coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The closest airport and BC ferry are in Nanaimo, 30 minutes south of Highway 19.
For the Kids
This beach is considered one of the best on Vancouver Island for many reasons, but the abundance of fun activities for kids makes it a top summer spot for families in Western Canada.
- Shallow water & Sand for the kids to play in
- Re-designed play park
- Spray Park
- Ice cream and food trucks
- Skateboard park
Beachfest – Parksville Beach Festival
This 5.5-week-long family-oriented festival, known locally as Beachfest, runs from mid-July to the third week of August. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including the Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, which kicks off the festival and showcases incredible sand sculptures from master sculptors around the world. The exhibition continues for the full duration of the event.
Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition
This isn’t your typical bucket-and-spade sandcastles. The Parksville Beach Festival’s Sand Sculpting Competition attracts master sculptors from around the globe. These artists have three days to create their masterpieces. The competition kicks off with a “pound up” on the first day, where sculptors build and fill their forms before starting the intricate carving process.
Visitors can watch the live sculpting, with judging on the final day. The sculptures remain on display for the 5-week event, allowing visitors ample time to admire the works and vote for their favourite to win the People’s Choice Award. This exhibition is open daily, with a suggested donation of $5 supporting local non-profits.
Buskers
Throughout Beachfest, you can enjoy live music performed by city buskers from around Vancouver Island. These performances take place at the beachfront gazebo, adjacent to the sand sculpting exhibition, from 11 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM.
Things to do
Parksville Community Park offers activities that cater to all families, making it a prime destination for a fun and relaxing day out. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll along the scenic boardwalk or a refreshing dip in the shallow waters.
It has various sports facilities, a playground and splash park for kids, and plenty of shaded areas perfect for a picnic. If you visit in July, don’t miss the vibrant Beachfest, featuring impressive sand sculptures and live music.
Here’s our list of things to do around Parksville Beach:
- Walk the boardwalk and out to the point – find the legacy labyrinth
- Grab some food from the main street or one of the food trucks along the beach and enjoy the shade in the treed area
- Take part in one of the many sports facilities set up
- Enjoy the playground and splash park for kids
- Check out the festival when visiting in July and August
Enjoy a day filled with activities and scenic beauty at Parksville Beach, making it a perfect spot for families and individuals alike.
Tips and Suggestions
Beach Time: Experience the full beach with the most exposed sand during low tide, but the beach is wonderful to visit at any time of day.
Weekends and Summer: Parksville Beach is one of the most popular spots on Vancouver Island during a hot weekend, so arrive early to enjoy a full day at the beach.
Parking: Parking fills up fast, but there is a large gravel lot behind the curling rink, with room for trailers and motor homes during the slower times.
Where to Stay
Beachclub Resort – Located right on the beach with easy oceanfront access and has an indoor pool – more…
Tides Inn – Located on West Island Highway, features a garden, BBQ facilities and outdoor seating – more…
Bayside Resort -Beautiful views of Parksville beach, outdoor swimming pool with spa and wellness centre – more…
Sea Edge – Each room boasts a balcony with ocean views. A kitchenette with a dining area is featured in all rooms – more..
More Family-Friendly Places Around Parksville
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park – Provincial Park Beach with expansive sand during low tide
Top Bridge – A fun, quick stop for the family
Animal Sanctuary – Rescued bears, birds and other animals in a family-friendly environment.
Englishman River Waterfall – Year-round waterfall and a forest hike
Coombs – Who doesn’t like to see goats on a roof
Helpful links
Directions – Google Maps
Parksville Beach Festival
Vancouver Island Beaches
Tide Information
Parksville Hotels | Parksville Activities & Tours | Parksville Things to Do
History
The Parksville area has been home to the Coast Salish people for countless generations. The Coast Salish consist of eighteen First Nations spread throughout the Salish Sea, each possessing unique cultures and languages.
Parksville got its name after the Englishman River Post Office changed its name to Parksville Post Office after the postmaster Nelson Parks.
Logging was a major industry in Parksville. In 1901, the arrival of the railway marked the beginning of a tourism boom. This new accessibility allowed many Vancouver Islanders to travel to Parksville and enjoy its stunning beaches. Parksville was incorporated as a village in 1945, became a town in 1978, and achieved city status in 1986.
In 1925, a group of residents purchased the land comprising the Community Park for $3,000. The funds were raised through community events such as barn dances and sports days. The original park was constructed primarily with volunteer labour and donated materials.
In 1985, the Parksville Lions Club took on the responsibility for the children’s playground and added the water spray park in 1991.
Throughout 2022-2024, the park saw a long list of additions and upgrades to the playground, washroom facility, sports fields and courts, outdoor theatre, and accessibility improvements.
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