Pacific RV Ventures Parksville Guidebook
Shopping
Located in Coombs, just 10km from Parksville, Old Country Market is a must-see for lovers of the eclectic and unusual. Even their logo is firmly tongue-in-cheek. Over one million people visit the market every year to shop the dizzying variety of international merchandise (and possibly glimpse a rare goat “projectile” falling from the roof).
The market’s Scandinavian vibe comes from its founders Kris and Solveig Graaten, the Norwegian immigrant couple who founded the market in 1973 as a simple roadside fruit stand. Next to be added was a burger stand, and in 1975 the couple and their sons completed their now-famous Scandi-style sod roofed building. The fateful decision to add goats to the mix was apparently made on a whim, and was only meant to be temporary – but visitors loved them so much, the Graatens decided to keep them as a permanent fixture.
Besides admiring the farmyard friends munching grass high above you, there is plenty to keep you and your kids busy at Old Country Market. Under the sod roof itself, you’ll find a massive selection of delicious condiments and canned and packaged food from all around the world: from Mexican vanilla to Australian Tim-Tams; haggis-flavoured potato chips to saskatoon berry jam. There are also coolers, display cases and shelves full of international cheeses, various pastas, cured meats, exotic olives, locally-smoked salmon, fresh bread and much more.
Visiting children love the market for the ceiling festooned with bright kites and lanterns, the bins of unusual toys and games, the hot meals and the mouth-watering delicacies in the bakery window. Souvenir collectors will enjoy the fascinating assortment of local and imported pottery, clothing, home decor items and other giftware. Gardening aficionados can explore an outdoor courtyard full of huge pots and interesting statues. There’s truly something for everyone here!
VISITOR TIPS
At peak times it can be impossible to find parking and just as impossible to move around the market. Plan your trip for the morning, preferably on a weekday, for a less-harried browsing experience. If you hate crowds, avoid weekends – especially long weekends – at all costs.
The market is a popular tourist destination and is priced accordingly. While there are definitely some deals to be had (the huge bottle of Mexican vanilla, for example, is a bargain), plan to shop for specialty items and souvenirs rather than doing all your regular grocery shopping.
That said, the produce market next to the sod roof building has an abundance of beautiful local produce, often at very reasonable prices.
The market does not have a microwave and will not heat cold deli food – such as meat pies – for you. They do serve hot food as well, though, such as burgers, fries with gravy and fish and chips.
While you’re there, if you still have room, do yourself a favour and check out Billy Gruff Creamery & Bistro for its house-made ice cream and authentic Italian gelato. And why not pair it with a fresh donut from Billy G’s donut shop? With unique flavours like Maple Bacon and Nanaimo Bar, you might need to try more than one!
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Old Country Market - Capre sul Tetto
2326 Alberni HwyLocated in Coombs, just 10km from Parksville, Old Country Market is a must-see for lovers of the eclectic and unusual. Even their logo is firmly tongue-in-cheek. Over one million people visit the market every year to shop the dizzying variety of international merchandise (and possibly glimpse a rare goat “projectile” falling from the roof).
The market’s Scandinavian vibe comes from its founders Kris and Solveig Graaten, the Norwegian immigrant couple who founded the market in 1973 as a simple roadside fruit stand. Next to be added was a burger stand, and in 1975 the couple and their sons completed their now-famous Scandi-style sod roofed building. The fateful decision to add goats to the mix was apparently made on a whim, and was only meant to be temporary – but visitors loved them so much, the Graatens decided to keep them as a permanent fixture.
Besides admiring the farmyard friends munching grass high above you, there is plenty to keep you and your kids busy at Old Country Market. Under the sod roof itself, you’ll find a massive selection of delicious condiments and canned and packaged food from all around the world: from Mexican vanilla to Australian Tim-Tams; haggis-flavoured potato chips to saskatoon berry jam. There are also coolers, display cases and shelves full of international cheeses, various pastas, cured meats, exotic olives, locally-smoked salmon, fresh bread and much more.
Visiting children love the market for the ceiling festooned with bright kites and lanterns, the bins of unusual toys and games, the hot meals and the mouth-watering delicacies in the bakery window. Souvenir collectors will enjoy the fascinating assortment of local and imported pottery, clothing, home decor items and other giftware. Gardening aficionados can explore an outdoor courtyard full of huge pots and interesting statues. There’s truly something for everyone here!
VISITOR TIPS
At peak times it can be impossible to find parking and just as impossible to move around the market. Plan your trip for the morning, preferably on a weekday, for a less-harried browsing experience. If you hate crowds, avoid weekends – especially long weekends – at all costs.
The market is a popular tourist destination and is priced accordingly. While there are definitely some deals to be had (the huge bottle of Mexican vanilla, for example, is a bargain), plan to shop for specialty items and souvenirs rather than doing all your regular grocery shopping.
That said, the produce market next to the sod roof building has an abundance of beautiful local produce, often at very reasonable prices.
The market does not have a microwave and will not heat cold deli food – such as meat pies – for you. They do serve hot food as well, though, such as burgers, fries with gravy and fish and chips.
While you’re there, if you still have room, do yourself a favour and check out Billy Gruff Creamery & Bistro for its house-made ice cream and authentic Italian gelato. And why not pair it with a fresh donut from Billy G’s donut shop? With unique flavours like Maple Bacon and Nanaimo Bar, you might need to try more than one!
Located in a historic railroad station on Parksville's railway tracks, the Arrowsmith Potters Guild was founded by like-minded potters in need of studio space and a place to retail their craft.
The guild's Train Station Pottery Shop has a diverse collection of functional and artistic pottery from local artisans and is an excellent place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir or gift to take home. The shop is open from 10 am - 4 pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Sunday hours are noon - 4 pm.
Arrowsmith Potters' Guild
600 Alberni HwyLocated in a historic railroad station on Parksville's railway tracks, the Arrowsmith Potters Guild was founded by like-minded potters in need of studio space and a place to retail their craft.
The guild's Train Station Pottery Shop has a diverse collection of functional and artistic pottery from local artisans and is an excellent place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir or gift to take home. The shop is open from 10 am - 4 pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Sunday hours are noon - 4 pm.
Entertainment
Even though it’s close to the highway, this well-maintained and sheltered mini golf centre is surrounded by trees and feels well off the beaten track. The mini golf course itself has two separate courses to choose from, each with its own theme (lagoon or mountain) and terrain. The architecture and design of the course is whimsical, fun and very kid-friendly. After a round or two of golf, you can try out the bumper cars and arcade, or relax in the shade with some mini-donuts and ice cream from the clubhouse.
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Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf
1000 Resort DrEven though it’s close to the highway, this well-maintained and sheltered mini golf centre is surrounded by trees and feels well off the beaten track. The mini golf course itself has two separate courses to choose from, each with its own theme (lagoon or mountain) and terrain. The architecture and design of the course is whimsical, fun and very kid-friendly. After a round or two of golf, you can try out the bumper cars and arcade, or relax in the shade with some mini-donuts and ice cream from the clubhouse.
Driving through Parksville, kids always get excited when they see the Paradise Fun Park castle and giant shoe-house by the side of the road. This course is a bit older than Riptide Lagoon but has a ton of classic fairy-tale charm, and is just an all-around fun game of golf. Depending on which course you choose you could find yourself putting through a pirate ship, a watermill, a clock tower, under a waterfall or into a treasure cave. If you’re up for it, try both courses and get a discount. Afterwards, the kids (and kids at heart) will have a blast driving the bumper boats.
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Paradise Mini Golf e Parco Divertimenti
375 Island Hwy WDriving through Parksville, kids always get excited when they see the Paradise Fun Park castle and giant shoe-house by the side of the road. This course is a bit older than Riptide Lagoon but has a ton of classic fairy-tale charm, and is just an all-around fun game of golf. Depending on which course you choose you could find yourself putting through a pirate ship, a watermill, a clock tower, under a waterfall or into a treasure cave. If you’re up for it, try both courses and get a discount. Afterwards, the kids (and kids at heart) will have a blast driving the bumper boats.
Food scene
This small, family-run cheesemaking facility is located on picturesque Morningstar Farm in Parksville. If your kids love animals and you love cheese, this is a win-win experience for your whole family. Take the self-guided tour and meet the cows, sheep, goats and other farm animals; catch the “milking robot” in action, and peek into the cheese plant where the magic happens. You can also visit the farm store for coffee, gifts, toys, and of course lots and lots of cheese for your hungry little munchkins!
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Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
403 Lowrys RdThis small, family-run cheesemaking facility is located on picturesque Morningstar Farm in Parksville. If your kids love animals and you love cheese, this is a win-win experience for your whole family. Take the self-guided tour and meet the cows, sheep, goats and other farm animals; catch the “milking robot” in action, and peek into the cheese plant where the magic happens. You can also visit the farm store for coffee, gifts, toys, and of course lots and lots of cheese for your hungry little munchkins!
Lefty’s is a family restaurant through and through… Expect your kids to be welcomed with warm smiles, colouring sheets and a kids’ menu with options like mac & cheese, kids waffle with fruit and whipped cream, or “worms and dirt” (vanilla ice cream and chocolate cookie crumbs with gummy worms). Lefty’s has a reputation for friendly staff and fresh, delicious food. They offer lots of gluten-free and vegetarian options.
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Lefty's Fresh Food Restaurant
280 Island Hwy ELefty’s is a family restaurant through and through… Expect your kids to be welcomed with warm smiles, colouring sheets and a kids’ menu with options like mac & cheese, kids waffle with fruit and whipped cream, or “worms and dirt” (vanilla ice cream and chocolate cookie crumbs with gummy worms). Lefty’s has a reputation for friendly staff and fresh, delicious food. They offer lots of gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Kids can be pretty picky eaters, but one meal they’ll rarely turn down is the classic burger, shake ‘n’ fries combo! That’s why we recommend Papa’s Burgers as a take-out joint of choice for families (there’s no seating here, so why not grab a bag of burgers and head to Community Park for a picnic?) Papa’s has fast service for eager kids and hangry parents alike, and as they say, their products have “wholesome ingredients, infused with love and made fresh every day”. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy what many reviewers say is the best burger in town.
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Papa's Burgers
487 Island Hwy EKids can be pretty picky eaters, but one meal they’ll rarely turn down is the classic burger, shake ‘n’ fries combo! That’s why we recommend Papa’s Burgers as a take-out joint of choice for families (there’s no seating here, so why not grab a bag of burgers and head to Community Park for a picnic?) Papa’s has fast service for eager kids and hangry parents alike, and as they say, their products have “wholesome ingredients, infused with love and made fresh every day”. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy what many reviewers say is the best burger in town.
Sightseeing
A must-visit attraction for animal lovers. Budding veterinarians and zookeepers can come and visit some very special patients, and learn how the Centre helps nurse injured wild animals back to health. Take a tour of the facility; meet eagles, owls, bears and other creatures; explore the wildlife garden; burn some energy at the “field of stones” playground; check out the eagle flight cage and “turtle town” and lots more. Admission for babies and toddlers is free, and kids under 16 are only $6 each.
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North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
1240 Leffler RdA must-visit attraction for animal lovers. Budding veterinarians and zookeepers can come and visit some very special patients, and learn how the Centre helps nurse injured wild animals back to health. Take a tour of the facility; meet eagles, owls, bears and other creatures; explore the wildlife garden; burn some energy at the “field of stones” playground; check out the eagle flight cage and “turtle town” and lots more. Admission for babies and toddlers is free, and kids under 16 are only $6 each.
Located in Parksville’s neighbour town of Coombs, Butterfly World lets you step into a magical land where the air is alive with the flutter of jewelled wings. Wander through a rainforest garden populated with brightly-coloured finches, turtles and tortoises, ponds full of koi (that you can feed), orchids in bloom and Izzy the bearded dragon. This calm and beautiful oasis will make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation. Be aware that the greenhouse is kept warm and humid for its rainforest denizens, so dress in layers and bring something to drink.
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Butterfly World Coombs
1080 Winchester RdLocated in Parksville’s neighbour town of Coombs, Butterfly World lets you step into a magical land where the air is alive with the flutter of jewelled wings. Wander through a rainforest garden populated with brightly-coloured finches, turtles and tortoises, ponds full of koi (that you can feed), orchids in bloom and Izzy the bearded dragon. This calm and beautiful oasis will make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation. Be aware that the greenhouse is kept warm and humid for its rainforest denizens, so dress in layers and bring something to drink.
Parks & Beaches
Probably Parksville’s most well-known natural treasure, this provincial park encompasses 347 hectares of coastal forests, perfect sandy beaches, open meadows, campgrounds and playgrounds. Many Vancouver Island residents have fond memories of childhood summers spent camping, hiking, swimming and digging in the sand at Rathtrevor.
5.5 km of easy walking trails wind their way through mature forests of Douglas fir, Western red cedar, hemlock, balsam, spruce, arbutus and maple. The loop trail begins near the main parking lot and ends in the fields of a heritage farm. There are also many smaller trails meandering through the campgrounds and leading to the beach.
Rathtrevor is especially famous for its warm, shallow beaches that give way to huge stretches of grey sand when the tide goes out. There’s no better place to spend a day building an elaborate sand structure, then trying to protect it with moats and walls until the sea inevitably takes it back. In spring, thousands of sea birds gather at the beach for the annual herring spawn. The tidal zone here teems with life and offers excellent wildlife watching for kids of all ages.
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Parco Provinciale di Rathtrevor Beach
1240 Rath RdProbably Parksville’s most well-known natural treasure, this provincial park encompasses 347 hectares of coastal forests, perfect sandy beaches, open meadows, campgrounds and playgrounds. Many Vancouver Island residents have fond memories of childhood summers spent camping, hiking, swimming and digging in the sand at Rathtrevor.
5.5 km of easy walking trails wind their way through mature forests of Douglas fir, Western red cedar, hemlock, balsam, spruce, arbutus and maple. The loop trail begins near the main parking lot and ends in the fields of a heritage farm. There are also many smaller trails meandering through the campgrounds and leading to the beach.
Rathtrevor is especially famous for its warm, shallow beaches that give way to huge stretches of grey sand when the tide goes out. There’s no better place to spend a day building an elaborate sand structure, then trying to protect it with moats and walls until the sea inevitably takes it back. In spring, thousands of sea birds gather at the beach for the annual herring spawn. The tidal zone here teems with life and offers excellent wildlife watching for kids of all ages.
If you’re OK roughing it a bit, spend a few hours exploring the natural beauty of Top Bridge Park, located about 10 minutes outside Parksville. There are no flush toilets, change rooms or playgrounds here, but there are 5 km of forested trails and a pedestrian-only suspension bridge over the Englishman River. Enjoy a swim in the river, or for the adventurous, go cliff-jumping or take a ride on the park’s network of mountain biking trails. Those with sharp eyes may notice the park’s hidden secret: at least two sets of First Nations petroglyphs carved into the rocks near the river.
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Top Bridge Park.Mountain Bike Park,
If you’re OK roughing it a bit, spend a few hours exploring the natural beauty of Top Bridge Park, located about 10 minutes outside Parksville. There are no flush toilets, change rooms or playgrounds here, but there are 5 km of forested trails and a pedestrian-only suspension bridge over the Englishman River. Enjoy a swim in the river, or for the adventurous, go cliff-jumping or take a ride on the park’s network of mountain biking trails. Those with sharp eyes may notice the park’s hidden secret: at least two sets of First Nations petroglyphs carved into the rocks near the river.
Located right next to Park Sands Resort, Community Park has something for everyone. Enjoy 39 acres of spectacular beachfront, manicured fields and beautiful gardens. Activity options here are endless – take your pick from the horseshoe pits, kite field, lacrosse/street hockey box, tennis courts, beach volleyball courts or skate park.
The Lions Ventureland Playground & Splash Park makes visiting this park a special treat for kids on any up-Island trip. This well-maintained playground – one of the Island’s best – is continually being updated with new equipment. Let your kids burn off some energy on the coloured slides and climbable sea creatures, swings, jungle gyms, trampolines and zipline.
The beach here is famous for its warm, wide stretches of sand, perfect for swimming and sandcastles. If you’re lucky enough to visit between mid-July and mid-August, you can catch the Parksville Beach Festival with its world-famous Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, free Summer Concert Series, daily buskers and artisan market.
With its sheltered picnic area and summertime food trucks, Community Park is also a great place to stop for lunch. when you’ve finished your meal, take a stroll along the wheelchair and stroller-accessible waterfront boardwalk. This park has accessible flush toilets and even an outdoor shower to wash the sand off your feet.
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Parco Comunitario e Skate Park di Parksville
193 Beachside DrLocated right next to Park Sands Resort, Community Park has something for everyone. Enjoy 39 acres of spectacular beachfront, manicured fields and beautiful gardens. Activity options here are endless – take your pick from the horseshoe pits, kite field, lacrosse/street hockey box, tennis courts, beach volleyball courts or skate park.
The Lions Ventureland Playground & Splash Park makes visiting this park a special treat for kids on any up-Island trip. This well-maintained playground – one of the Island’s best – is continually being updated with new equipment. Let your kids burn off some energy on the coloured slides and climbable sea creatures, swings, jungle gyms, trampolines and zipline.
The beach here is famous for its warm, wide stretches of sand, perfect for swimming and sandcastles. If you’re lucky enough to visit between mid-July and mid-August, you can catch the Parksville Beach Festival with its world-famous Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, free Summer Concert Series, daily buskers and artisan market.
With its sheltered picnic area and summertime food trucks, Community Park is also a great place to stop for lunch. when you’ve finished your meal, take a stroll along the wheelchair and stroller-accessible waterfront boardwalk. This park has accessible flush toilets and even an outdoor shower to wash the sand off your feet.
If you visit Little Qualicum Falls Park (17 minutes from Parksville), you’ll agree that it’s one of the most beautiful and magical locations on Vancouver Island. Majestic mountain peaks border fragrant old-growth forests. The falls themselves are awe-inspiring as they cascade down to the gorge below. 6 km of shaded walking trails follow the river through the forest and offer gorgeous views of the upper and lower falls.
In addition to the river, Little Qualicum Falls Park also incorporates the entire southern shore of Cameron Lake. A favourite of locals, the lake is perfect for swimming, scubaing, waterskiing and trout fishing. In addition, the wind funnel created by the surrounding mountains makes it a natural location for windsurfing and sailboarding.
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Parco Provinciale delle Cascate di Little Qualicum
4001 Alberni HwyIf you visit Little Qualicum Falls Park (17 minutes from Parksville), you’ll agree that it’s one of the most beautiful and magical locations on Vancouver Island. Majestic mountain peaks border fragrant old-growth forests. The falls themselves are awe-inspiring as they cascade down to the gorge below. 6 km of shaded walking trails follow the river through the forest and offer gorgeous views of the upper and lower falls.
In addition to the river, Little Qualicum Falls Park also incorporates the entire southern shore of Cameron Lake. A favourite of locals, the lake is perfect for swimming, scubaing, waterskiing and trout fishing. In addition, the wind funnel created by the surrounding mountains makes it a natural location for windsurfing and sailboarding.
Looking for a hike with views? Notch Hill Park, maintained by the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, is about 20 minutes out of Parksville. This charismatic day-use park offers beautiful trails and scenic vistas. The trails are not long (about 1.5 km to the summit) or difficult but are somewhat steep in places, so make sure to wear good walking shoes.
As you wind your way up the trails, you’ll leave behind the dark coniferous forests and wander through rocky areas treed with red-barked Arbutus Trees and endangered Garry Oak meadows. At the top of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view out over Nanoose Bay.
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Notch Hill Park
Powder Point RoadLooking for a hike with views? Notch Hill Park, maintained by the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, is about 20 minutes out of Parksville. This charismatic day-use park offers beautiful trails and scenic vistas. The trails are not long (about 1.5 km to the summit) or difficult but are somewhat steep in places, so make sure to wear good walking shoes.
As you wind your way up the trails, you’ll leave behind the dark coniferous forests and wander through rocky areas treed with red-barked Arbutus Trees and endangered Garry Oak meadows. At the top of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view out over Nanoose Bay.
Just a 15-minute drive from Parksville, this Island gem will enchant you with its clear, flowing waters, river-rock beaches, deep canyon and two stunning waterfalls. There’s a spooky tale behind the name: legend says that the river was named by local First Nations people after the drowning of an Englishman there.
Wander along 3 km of well-maintained riverside trails through lush forests of Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock, arbutus and maple. Stop to listen to the roar, and view the rainbow spray, of the lower and upper falls. The trail crosses the river several times, offering vistas of the water plunging into the canyon below. Cool off from your hike with a swim in the crystal-clear swimming hole below the lower falls.
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Parco Provinciale delle Cascate del Fiume Englishman
2245 Errington RoadJust a 15-minute drive from Parksville, this Island gem will enchant you with its clear, flowing waters, river-rock beaches, deep canyon and two stunning waterfalls. There’s a spooky tale behind the name: legend says that the river was named by local First Nations people after the drowning of an Englishman there.
Wander along 3 km of well-maintained riverside trails through lush forests of Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock, arbutus and maple. Stop to listen to the roar, and view the rainbow spray, of the lower and upper falls. The trail crosses the river several times, offering vistas of the water plunging into the canyon below. Cool off from your hike with a swim in the crystal-clear swimming hole below the lower falls.
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Parksville Beach Festival, July 14 - August 21
Known to locals as Beachfest, this 5 ½ week long family-oriented festival runs from mid July to the third week in August - and it's located right next door at Community Park!
Entertainment includes the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, Tim Hortons free Summer Concert Series, daily buskers, an artisan market and a special weekend evening light up of the sculptures.
The sculpting competition itself runs from July 14 - 17 and the sculptures will remain in place for viewing until the end of the festival. Bring your camera!