Your Local Guide to Parksville & Qualicum Beach

Where to Stay

Looking to rest your head? Here are some top spots:

• The Beach Club Resort – Ideal for guests who want the sand right outside their door.  
• Bayside Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection – Upscale resort style perched near the beach for couples or luxury-oriented stays.  
• Coast Parksville Hotel – Modern, value-friendly, excellent location near downtown & beach.  
• Casa Grande Inn – A choice in the heart of historic Qualicum Village, gives a heritage-town feel.
• Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort – Luxury oceanfront resort known for its spa, fine dining, and forested setting.
• Pacific Shores Resort & Spa – Stunning waterfront property with lush grounds and a relaxed coastal vibe.
• Ocean Sands Resort – Beachfront suites and condos just steps from Rathtrevor Beach, ideal for families and extended stays.
• Hotel Feng – Boutique-style comfort and great value, conveniently located for exploring both Parksville and Qualicum.

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Places to Eat

Fuel up with local flavour:

• Aioli Seafood Restaurant – A favourite for fresh Pacific seafood served close to the beach.
• The Qualicum Beach Café – West-Coast inspired dishes, strong local sourcing, ocean-view dining.  
• Salt Pizzeria – Casual and family-friendly, with well-done pizza and a relaxed vibe.‍
• Saigon Garden  – Casual Vietnamese cuisine with flavourful pho and hearty portions.
• LAN Vietnamese Restaurant  – Fresh, fast, and consistently rated one of the best local spots for pho and vermicelli.
• Thai Smile – Authentic Thai flavours in a cozy, tucked-away Coombs location.
• Village Eatery  – Homestyle comfort food and friendly service in the heart of Qualicum’s village.

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Bars & Pubs

Wind down with a drink:

• The Shady Rest Waterfront Pub & Restaurant – Classic waterfront pub, almost a century of tradition, good views, casual food and drinks.  
• Rod & Gun Pub –  Historic pub from 1898 in downtown Parksville; hearty pub fare and more of a locals’ hang-out.  
• Fern + Cedar Brewing Company – Brewery + pub style: craft beer, West Coast gastropub menu, strong local vibe.  ‍
• French Creek Marine Pub – A big local favourite, offering fresh seafood, waterfront views, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Mount Aerosmith Craft Brewery – Small-batch brewery with a rotating selection of beers and a welcoming taproom.
• Rocking Horse Pub – Classic English-style pub with live music, rustic décor, and hearty fare.

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Where to Shop

Find unique goods and island-style boutique stores:

• The Qualicum Toy Shop – Boutique toy and gift store in Qualicum Village; perfect for unique mementoes.
• Covet Boutique – Modern apparel & jewellery for both men and women.
• Monk Art Gallery & Studio – In downtown Parksville; local art and craft-rich shopping.‍
• Coombs Old Country Market (“Goats on the Roof”) – Famous roadside stop with goats grazing on the rooftop, international foods, and quirky local shopping.

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Nature & Outdoors

This region offers some serious scenery:

• Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park – One of BC’s most beloved beaches with wide sandy shores and warm, shallow waters.
• Englishman River Provincial Park – Scenic trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots surrounded by lush forest.
• Little Qualicum Hatchery – A family-friendly stop to see salmon runs and learn about local fish conservation.
• Big Qualicum Hatchery – Another great hatchery experience, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
• Oceanside Route (Highway 19A) – The scenic coastal drive linking Parksville and Qualicum Beach with spectacular ocean views.

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Events & Culture

Stay in the loop with local happenings:

• Parksville Beach Festival (aka “Beachfest”) — runs for about 5½ weeks in July/August in the Parksville area. Includes the world-class sand-sculpting competition, outdoor concerts, artisan markets, and illuminating evenings of the sculptures.  
• Summer by the Sea Street Market — every Tuesday evening from June to August in downtown Parksville (Craig Street) with 130+ vendors, street food trucks, live music, local art.  
• Qualicum Beach Farmers Market — year-round farmers market every Saturday morning in Qualicum Beach (make, bake, grow policy), perfect for visitors & locals alike.  ‍
• Coombs Fair – A long-standing community fair with live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities celebrating the region’s rural roots.

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How to Get Around

Whether you’re local or visiting, we’ve made it simple:

With Coastal Rides, you can:

• Book a ride with our app for short trips around Parksville & Qualicum Beach.
• Schedule ahead for airport transfers, ferry connections, or longer drives.
• Rely on local drivers who know the region and its unique quirks.
• Enjoy straightforward, cash-less payment and real-time tracking (via the app).

We’re there when you need a lift from the beach to dinner, from Qualicum Village to your accommodation, or from the ferry terminal back home.

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Ready to Ride?

Download the Coastal Rides app today, enter your pickup point and destination in Parksville or Qualicum Beach, and get moving. Let us make local transport stress-free so you can enjoy the coast.

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