Welcoming the Brant to Parksville Beaches

The Black Brant geese we see feeding along the shores of Parksville are on a remarkable and arduous journey of migration from California and Mexico to northern nesting grounds. Our beaches provide an abundant food source for the geese, which need to gain weight and strength before making another non-stop flight. A disturbance caused by something as simple as a child running on the beach can have drastic effects on the geese while feeding which is the reason our beaches are temporarily closed to dogs on and off leash at this time of the year.

Amazing sandy beaches and picture postcard views

Each year, we are excited to welcome the Brant to the shores of Parksville Bay Beach and Rathtrevor Beach, two of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Residents and visitors to our region also love these spectacular sandy beaches and the picture-perfect view of the Salish Sea. At low tide, the ocean recedes about a kilometre from shore, revealing warm beaches which stretch forever.

From our beaches, you will see across the Salish Sea to the mainland. The coastal mountain range and the Sunshine Coast, including communities like Gibsons and Sechelt, are located on the mainland to the north and west across the Strait. The islands you see from our beaches are part of the Gulf Islands. Lasqueti Island is only about 73 square kilometres and the larger island to the northeast of Lasqueti is Texada Island, which is the largest of the Gulf Islands at about 50 kilometres in length.

Bring the family and plan to stay and enjoy the best beaches of Parksville. Bring your bathing suit, plan for a picnic, bring along your skimboard, stand-up paddle board, and of course your sandcastle building skills.

Parksville Beach, part of Parksville Community Park, is a remarkable sandy, walk-on beach perfect for swimming and picnicking. A waterfront walkway along the beach is ready for your leisurely sunset stroll.

Near the beach you will find the Lions Ventureland Playground, splash park, beach volleyball courts, skatepark, sports fields, outdoor gym, as well as the many festivals and special events throughout the summer months.

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is one of the premier vacation destinations on Vancouver Island.

Rathtrevor offers majestic old-growth woodland, beautiful ocean sunsets, and a wide, sandy beach with campsites nestled among the trees. At low tide, the ocean is an ideal place for visitors of all ages to play in the sand and explore the shoreline. When the tide rolls in over sunbaked sand, the warmed water is perfect for swimming and at low tide, the receding ocean exposes tide pools ready for exploration and fun.

The City of Parksville, with a population of 13,642, is an active community which blends families with young children, urban professionals, retirees, long-time residents, and new arrivals who have chosen to live in Parksville for the quality life, the region’s natural environment and developed amenities. An excellent combination of retirement, business and recreational opportunities, facilities and services make Parksville a great place to live, work, play, visit, and prosper. More info at Parksville.ca