Real Guest Story | Katie & Jim, October 18 to 19, 2025
Fall on Vancouver Island has its own kind of magic — crisp air, golden light, quiet beaches, and cozy evenings. We recently spent a two-day getaway in Parksville, and it turned out to be the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Here’s a look at our stay at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort:
Day 1: Ocean Views & Cozy Evenings
We checked in on a crisp fall afternoon and immediately felt at home. The room was warm and inviting, with full kitchen, private bedroom, bathroom with HUGE soaker tub and a cozy fireplace to warm up in front of. After dropping our bags, we walked towards the resort’s waterfront and followed the short path down to the beach access to soak in the view of the Strait of Georgia.
If the tide is out, the beach stretches endlessly — a natural playground for wandering, beachcombing, and taking in that peaceful ocean soundtrack. We hit it at high tide and just enjoyed the beautiful fall weather and stunning views.
For dinner, we chose to stay cozy and enjoy a quiet meal in our room, but there are also fantastic nearby options. Parksville has some wonderful local spots for a perfect for a relaxed evening out.
Day 2: Waterfalls, Market Wanders & Fall Adventures
Morning: Englishman River Falls
- We woke up early, brewed a cup of tea, and set off for a short drive to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. The trail from the upper falls to the lower falls is easy to navigate and especially beautiful in the fall when the forest is painted in gold and amber hues. The upper waterfall roared beneath us as we crossed the bridge — a truly breathtaking sight.
Afternoon: Coombs Market & Dinner at Cuckoo’s
- No trip to Parksville is complete without a stop at Old Country Market in Coombs — yes, the one with goats on the roof! We wandered through the market, picked up some local treats, and then sat down for a delicious early dinner at Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria. The cozy, rustic vibe and warm pasta dishes were exactly what a fall dinner calls for.
Day 3: Slow Morning & Farewell Views
On our last day, we had a nice slow morning to savour in our cozy suite one last time. Check-out was super easy and we headed back to the mainland.
On our way to the ferry in Nanaimo, we stopped at Top Bridge Regional Park to take in one more hike through the fall foliage. This park offers a large trail system along the Englishman River and it was just what we needed. The sky was grey but there was still beauty all around us!
Ready to plan your fall escape? Whether you’re beachcombing, waterfall chasing, or just unwinding by the fire, Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort offers the perfect coastal retreat for the season.