48 Hours in Parksville with Your Pet

Planning a getaway with your furry friend? Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort in Parksville is the perfect destination! Parksville is famous for its long stretching sandy beaches, and a multitude of dog friendly hiking trails, making it the perfect place to explore with your pet.

The beach is the perfect place to explore with your dog. Leashed pets are welcome on Parksville/Qualicum beaches, and the seemingly endless beach provides endless hours of entertainment and fun. The beaches in this area tend to have large sandbars providing even more opportunities to explore. As a result, you can often wander quite far out in very shallow water. Of course, this depends on the tides, so be sure to check the tide schedule before heading out.

Stay active with your pup and explore the beautiful Vancouver Island old growth forest. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park features a 6 kilometer trail that weaves through gigantic trees by Little Qualicum River. This trail offers lookout points and views of stunning waterfalls. This is the ideal place to get a taste of the pacific northwest magic created by old growth forests and clear running water. Top Bridge Trail is another great place to explore with your pet. The suspension bridge crosses the Englishman River. The view of the river is spectacular, and there is ample opportunity for exploration on either end of the bridge. The river features popular swimming spots, and as you venture on, you might even be able to spot famous petroglyphs carved into the rock face. There are at least three different carvings to be found!

Is your dog hoping for some off leash social time? Qualicum Beach Off-Leash Dog Park is the spot to be. This park is on the west side of Qualicum Beach and features a fenced area so your dog can safely explore and socialize off leash. 

Another great off leash option is the off leash park tucked behind the Civic Centre complex. This area has a small fenced area for socializing and also offers off leash trails. The trails are mostly shaded, offering the perfect escape from the heat in summer months. There are trail markers throughout the well maintained space. Note that pet owners are expected to pick up after their dogs.

To ensure a smooth and relaxing stay, there are a few things you can do to plan ahead. Ensure you bring the essentials such as your pets regular food, a leash, poop bags, and their bed. If you are planning to leave your pet in your room alone, plan to bring their crate/ carrier. Check out more info for staying with your pet at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort and start planning your getaway!