Things to do in Parksville-Qualicum Beach
Looking for things to do on Central Vancouver Island?
Parksville-Qualicum Beach is home to countless attractions for visitors of all ages. From beaches, waterfalls, and ancient forests, to a host of local markets and food producers, our region brimming with beautiful places and delicious bites.
While planning your visit to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks in Parksville, check out some of the nearby attractions the Oceanside region of Central Vancouver Island has to offer.
The lists below are in no particular order, but they are all places we know and love!
Nature, Parks & Trails near Parksville
Image from bcparks.ca
1. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 9km/15 min
A kilometer of sandbar at low tide, windswept trees, forests, and meadows line a network of trails through the park. A nature-inspired play structure and plenty of room for building sandcastles makes this a great place for families to explore!
Image from bcparks.ca
2. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 15km/20 min
Englishman River Falls Park features two stunning waterfalls cascading along the descending riverbed into a deep canyon. This picturesque destination, set amid a lush old-growth and second-growth forest, offers a day-use area, hiking trails, and a deep crystal-clear swimming hole at the lower falls.
Images from bcparks.ca
3. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 20km/20 min
Impressive waterfalls cascade down a rocky gorge in a beautiful forest setting bordered by steep mountain peaks, making this one of the area’s most beautiful parks. The falls, lake swimming, shaded riverside trails, and picnic facilities make Little Qualicum Falls a very popular family destination.
Images from bcparks.ca
4. MacMillan Provincial Park (Cathedral Grove)
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 30km/30 min
Visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world, some more than 800 years old.
Images from www.parksville.ca
5. Parksville Community Park
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 6km/10 min
The Parksville Community Park is a special place in our City which features a sandy walk-on beach, the popular Lions Ventureland Playground, splash park and outdoor gym. Other one-of-a-kind features include the arboretum and gardens and at Arbutus Point, there is a labyrinth and hundreds of Inukshuks built by visitors.
Family-Friendly Activities near Parksville
1. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks / Morningstar Farm
That's us! Enjoy self-guided farm tours, meet farm animals up close, and learn about agriculture. Explore our range of farmstead cheeses, try out our milk-on-tap dispensers, enjoy perhaps the best latte you ever had made with the best milk you ever had, and discover a host of local Vancouver Island made products and gifts.
Image from paradisefunpark.ca
2. Paradise Mini-Golf & Fun Park
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 5km/<10 min
Paradise Fun Park features 2 world-class mini golf courses, arcade, pool table, and bumper boats!
Image from riptidelagoon.com
3. Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 8km/15 min
Riptide Lagoon mini golf adventure park is also home to bumper cars and arcade. Fun for the whole family!
Image from butterflyworldcoombs.com
4. Butterfly World
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 12km/15 min
Butterfly World Coombs provides a contained facility designed to replicate the natural environment of its residents that hail from South America and Asia.
Image from oldcountrymarket.com
5. Old Country Market - Goats on the Roof
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 10km/<15 min
The Old Country Market started as a roadside stand providing fresh produce to travellers heading to the west coast of Vancouver Island. Over the years it has evolved and grown into a landmark of Coombs, with gifts, groceries, great food, and goats… on the roof!
Image from fasttime.ca
6. Fast Time Amusements
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 5 km/<10 min
With a philosophy to provide a "fun environment for kids, adults and the whole family", there's something for everyone at Fast Time. Unleash your adrenaline with karting, axe throwing, archery and laser tag.
Images from niwra.org
7. North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 9km/<15min
Enjoy local wildlife in their natural habitat, including a mini-wetland.
Image from milnergardens.viu.ca
8. Milner Gardens & Woodland
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 7km/10min
A seaside garden in Qualicum Beach on the east coast of Vancouver Island, BC - explore 28 hectares of unspoiled natural beauty perched on the edge of an oceanside bluff overlooking the Strait of Georgia.
Image from qbmuseum.ca
9. Qualicum Beach Museum
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 9km/<15min
The Qualicum Beach Museum is a community run museum, featuring a world class Paleontology collection and exhibit, as well as stories and archival photographs.
Image from pqbnews.com
10. Parksville Museum
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 7km/15min
Journey back in time as you visit our many heritage buildings, and imagine what life was like for Parksville’s first settlers. Explore our engaging, hands-on exhibits, and delight in the stories that shaped our community. Learn about traditional crafts, like blacksmithing and canoe building.
Shopping & Markets
Image from @summerbytheseastreetmarket
1. Summer by the Sea Street Market (Seasonal)
Every Tuesday night, Craig Street transforms into a bustling outdoor market, where over 130 talented vendors showcase their organic and artisanal offerings. Stroll along Craig Street in downtown Parksville on a warm summer evening to be enveloped in the lively, festive atmosphere of the Summer by the Sea Street Market.
Image from qbfarmersmarket.com
2. Qualicum Beach Farmer's Market
Located in the heart of Vancouver Island, Qualicum Beach Farmer's Market features handmade, homegrown, and fresh products from passionate local vendors, every Saturday morning.
Image from visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com
3. Downtown Qualicum Beach
Explore downtown Qualicum Beach and find unique, independent boutiques, shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants — with no big box or franchise stores in sight. The streets are lined by traditional architecture and there is always a colourful array of flowers, trees, planters and gardens found on every corner.
Wander the pedestrian-friendly streets in the nearby Qualicum Beach downtown core exploring unique shops, bookstores, antique shops, restaurants, outdoor cafes, and galleries. Discover delightful shops like Alcove Homegrown Living, Seabreeze Gifts, Covet, Qualicum Toy Shop, Mulberry Bush Books, and more.
4. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks (Us!)
The Farmgate Store is always a highlight to a farm visit. Browse the wide variety of local foods, farm toys, gifts, and of course, our own lineup of over a dozen cheeses.
5. Fireside Books
A bookworm's dream! You'll lose track of time as you explore aisles overflowing with new & used books.
6. Soak Lifestyle Boutique
Soak Lifestyle Boutique is a brick-and-mortar shop in Parksville's downtown core. They sell everything from clothing, home decor, and apothecary, with an amazing gift section where you can find something for even the hardest person to buy for.
Places to Eat near Parksville
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1. The Knockananna Grill
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: Variable
Locally sourced ingredients and crafted with love...we are passionate about making the kind of meals we used to get at home. Hand-made burgers, fresh-cut fries, home made soups, sauces and dressings are our specialty! Comfort food with an Irish/British Isles flair.
Takeout
Image from rustedrakebrewing.ca
2. Rusted Rake Brewing
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 20km/20 min
Rusted Rake Brewing is a farm-to-tap craft brewery and gourmet eatery in charming Nanoose Bay. Located between Nanaimo and Parksville Qualicum Beach, this farm-based craft brewery is a good-for-the-soul kind of place where friends and families can gather together to enjoy simple things done really well. A family-owned-and-operated business, the team at Rusted Rake does everything from planting and harvesting barley to brewing and pouring the beer in their beautiful tasting room and outdoor patio setting.
Image from fernandcedar.ca
3. Fern + Cedar Brewing
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 9km/<15 min
Enjoy modern dining at Fern + Cedar in Qualicum Beach. Fresh local cuisine, craft beers brewed on-site. Enjoy the patio and open air interior.
Image from www.beachclubbc.com
4. The Beach Club Resort
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 5km/<10 min
Immerse yourself in a beachfront West-Coast dining experience with a focus on local ingredients. Patio domes with awesome views sit right next to the Parksville Beach boardwalk.
Image from blackbirdschnitzelhaus.ca
5. Blackbird Schnitzel Haus
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 11km/15 min
Dine-in/Takeout
A taste of Bavaria awaits in this cozy, inviting restaurant. The most mouth-watering selection of schnitzel and dessert to follow will keep you coming back for more! Reservations are recommended as this is a popular little place. Tip: get the spaetzle!
Image from saltpizzeria.ca
6. Salt Pizzeria
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 2km/<5 min
Dine-in/Takeout
Real. Authentic. Pizza. And it's delicious. Call ahead to order as they sell out fast! They start with aged sourdough, 100% organic flour, and the freshest ingredients selectively sourced to create a handcrafted pizza like no other!
Image from cuckooincoombs.com
7. Cuckoo Trattoria & Pizzeria
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 10km/<15 min
Just steps away from Goats on the Roof Country Market, transport yourself to bella Italia when you step into Cuckoo's. Settle into the warm ambience and grand architecture as you enjoy fine Italian dining with a West Coast flair.
Image from deezbarandgrill.com
8. Deez Bar & Grill
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 11km/15 min
Dine-in/takeout/delivery
Deez is your Qualicum Beach destination for casual dining. Enjoy comforting classics like fish & chips or poutine made with our very own cheese curds.
Image from arrowsmithbrewing.com
9. Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 7km/10 min
Dine-in/takeout
Good eats. Cold beer. Great company. There's nothing like mouthwatering plates from the Smokehouse and a fresh pint at Mount Arrowsmith Brewing.
Image from pokepageone.com
10. Poke Page 3
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 5km/<10 min
Eat-in/Take-out
Poke Page is a vibrant eatery located in Nanaimo British Columbia specializing in fresh and flavorful poke bowls. With a focus on quality ingredients customers can customize their bowls with a variety of fresh fish vegetables and toppings all served in a welcoming atmosphere.
Image from blackgooseinn.com
11. The Black Goose Inn
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 9km/15 min
Nestled in Beach Acres Resort, in an old house built in 1921, the Black Goose brings English Pub vibes and a warm inviting atmosphere. Fireplaces in every room keep you cozy in the winter and a large ocean-view patio welcomes you to enjoy a cold beverage in the summer.
Image from https://www.qualicumbeachcafe.com/
12. Qualicum Beach Cafe
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 9km/10 min
The Qualicum Beach Cafe is an elevated Vancouver Island dining experience featuring West Coast inspired dishes with an ocean view.
13. Nanoose Bay Cafe
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 22km/30 min
"Nanoose Bay’s Family-run Destination for Dining, Coffee & locally-sourced Provisions". Enjoy their full Boat-to-Table menu or stay and sip a locally roasted coffee and house-made bites with seaside marina views.
Image from facebook.com/FrenchCreekPub
14. French Creek Pub
Distance from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: 2.5km/5min
A great little place down by the marina. They offer a full hearty menu of food & drinks in a fun, inviting atmosphere.
Coffee & Bake Shops Near Parksville-Qualicum
1. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks / Morningstar Farm
It's us again! Discover a full coffee menu featuring a variety of coffee and tea drinks, made with our own farm-fresh milk and locally roasted Creekmore's Coffee.
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Image from creekmorescoffee.com
2. Creekmore's Coffee
Creekmore's Coffee Roasting Inc. is a hands-on, family run business in Coombs. Their small batch, certified organic wholesale roastery facility is located right next door to their coffee shop & espresso bar.
Image from coyotescoffee.ca
3. Coyotes Coffee
Coyotes is a local small batch roastery on Vancouver Island, providing freshly roasted beans and blends. They pride themselves on finding new and interesting beans and processing methods to bring exciting coffee to the masses. Basically, they make really good coffee and are a great spot for tea lovers as well!
Image from fpcoffeeroasters.com
4. French Press Coffee Roasters
French Press is a local small-batch specialty coffee roaster, with a soft spot for quality beans and real connection. With two locations, you can sip their coffees in Parksville or Qualicum Beach.
5. Courtyard Coffee
A locally owned coffee shop serving a variety of coffees and teas, house-made soups and sandwiches, and delicious fresh baked goods.
6. Nanoose Bay Cafe
Enjoy locally roasted coffee and house-made bites with seaside marina views.
7. QB Doughnuts
Locals rave about the selection of delicious gourmet doughnuts at this little shop in Qualicum.
Image from oldcountrymarket.com
8. Billy G's Donut Shop
A variety of doughnuts, crullers, twists and fritters are all made fresh at Billy G's bakery. With a mix of time tested classics and new unique flavours, you’re sure to find a new favourite! A must-stop during your visit to the Old Country Market.
Image from wildculturebakery.com
9. Wild Culture Bakery
At Wild Culture, all breads are made in the ancient and traditional French manner using only certified organic flours, grains and seeds leavened with a natural wild bacterial culture made from flour and water. All of the doughs are made with filtered water and sea salt and many are made using Heirloom grains e.g. Red Fife, Spelt, Kamut and Emmer. Much of the flour is stone milled fresh onsite and used within a few hours. Explore everything from artisan breads to sweet treats!
Image from www.pqbnews.com
10. A Step Above, Quality Foods (Qualicum)
Somewhat of a hidden gem, A Step Above is a cozy place to grab a coffee and a snack in Qualicum Beach. With windows overlooking the quaint streets on one side and a view over the store below on the other, there's something interesting to watch no matter where you sit. It's also a fun place to peruse home goods and kitchenware, artfully displayed throughout the space.
Ice Cream in Parksville-Qualicum
Image from facebook.com/mizurrealfruiticecream
1. Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream Truck
Get a taste of New Zealand right here on Vancouver Island with made-to-order real fruit ice cream, Rich, smooth ice cream with local fresh berries blended into every bite.
Image from oldcountrymarket.com
2. Billy Gruff's Creamery
While you're at the Old Country Market, don't leave before trying a few scoops of delicious gelato!
3. Coombs Ice Cream Parlour
So many flavours, so little time! If selection is what you're after, this is the place to go. Located in the Coombs Emporium.
Image from facebook.com/icecreamdreamsinc
4. Ice Cream Dreams
Your stop for rolled ice cream in Qualicum Beach! Watch your ice cream dreams become reality right before your eyes.
5. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
It's us again! Ice cream is available seasonally in pint containers.
