48-Hours In Parksville

Parkville is located on Vancouver Island located just 37 kilometers north of Nanaimo. The spectacular natural setting, surrounded by park-like scenery allows visitors and locals alike to relax and enjoy the crisp aromatic air and cool salty seas. If you’re looking to getaway for a weekend, we’ve curated an itinerary on how to spend an unforgettable 48-hours in Parkville.

Start your morning off right with breakfast at Seriously Coffee. This cozy spot is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. It serves fresh, locally sourced fare that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Think – freshly-baked muffins, hearty soups, sandwiches and chilli. If you’re a tea drinker – this is the spot for you. With over 27 varieties, you’ll have trouble choosing just one.

Next, hop in the car and head north to Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. This easily accessible trail is made up primarily of wooden stairs and gravel sections.  This 2.9-kilometre hike is the perfect place to spend the afternoon breathing in the fresh air while enjoying the different vantage points of the cascading waterfall.

On the way back to Parkville, make a pit stop for a one-of-a-kind experience at Coombs Old Country Market. This cozy spot has been open since 1973 and has become a top tourist destination complete with local and international foods, locally made and imported gifts, and a herd of goats on the roof. Here you will find three restaurants ranging from grab-and-go to table service. Our favourite is the Cuckoo Trattoria & Pizzeria, which features traditional Italian recipes made with fresh West Coast ingredients.

Finally, head back to the resort and indulge in a little R&R. You could take advantage of our current s’mores package and gather your family around the floor-to-ceiling fireplace and take in the warmth of the fire while enjoying each other’s company before enjoying a dip in our outdoor hot tub before bed.

Start your morning off right with brunch at the Pacific Brimm Café. With a full breakfast menu including traditional bacon and eggs, pancakes, omelets, and their very own Brimm Eggs Benny, this newly opened café offers great customer service, and dishes to delight every palate.

After breakfast, jump in your car and head down the road to Qualicum Beach. The Heritage Forest is a beautiful 50-acre of rare remnant old-growth forest with a mixture of Coastal Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Hemlock and Sitka Spruce.

From the waterfront to downtown is a short 15-minute walk. The Qualicum Beach shopping experience prefers one-of-a-kind boutiques, such as newly opened Faire Living in lieu of big box, franchised storefronts. Wander the pedestrian-friendly streets in the lovely downtown core exploring unique shops, bookstores, restaurants, outdoor cafés, and galleries.

Finish off your evening with pizza and a pint (or two) at Mount Arrowsmith Brewery. We highly recommend trying their signature award-winning blonde ale paired with a friendly-neighbour pizza.

Fall is a great time for a quick getaway to Vancouver Island, and we’d love to welcome you back! Now until November 30th, Tourism Vancouver Island’s Fall Campaign offers a $75 VISA gift card when you visit our property for 2 or more nights. This VISA card is available to spend in the community or region during your visit. We are happy to provide you with some suggestions on how to have a great time in our community while spending your extra cash. Start your trip off on the right foot and book your stay with Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort.