Rathtrevor Beach Love the outdoors and nature? Be sure to visit Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park and the Englishman River Estuary, both natural sanctuaries and home to hundreds of bird species. Both are located just minutes south of Parksville town center. Stroll the wooded trails along the water’s edge. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy the magnificent views. Don’t forget your binoculars to watch the birds.
Parksville Community Park is a short 15 mins away from the campground. The beaches here in Oceanside are the makings similar to a California dream vacation. However, there is a difference… Parksville's postcard crescents of golden, hard-packed sand beaches are smoother, broader and caressed by gentle Pacific rollers, not pounding surf. A unique feature of our Oceanside beaches is when the tide pulls out, it can often leave a stretch of beach out to the ocean of 1,000 meters. The hot sun will bake the sand. As the tide rolls back in, the hot sand warms the water to a temperature often compared to bath water. You’ll wonder if you’re in the tropics! At the Community Park, you’ll never get bored: take in a ball game at the sports field; stroll the boardwalk; your children can release their energy at the fantastic kids playground and water park; people-watch as the sun sets over the water.
Come and see Parksville premiere event on the beach: The Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition, held Mid July to Mid August, is organized by the Parksville Beach Festival Society.
Master Sand Sculptors travel from all corners of the globe to participate in this remarkable world class competition. Sculptors have 24 hours over three days to create their masterpieces from just sand and water (and a lot of ingenuity!)
The competition begins with the "pound up" on Friday, and the winners are announced on Sunday, The gated exhibition is open to the public. You can also vote for your favourite sculpture, helping to select the ever popular "People's Choice" award.
Entry to the exhibition is by donation with a suggested donation of $2 per person. Be sure to bring your camera to this event because once the exhibit is over the sculptures are gone forever. And don't forget to bring your own buckets and shovels as you and your family are sure to be inspired to create a little sandcastle magic of your own after viewing the exhibit.
Qualicum Beach, is just 7 mins east of Whiskey Creek RV Campground. Qualicum has a quaint village atmosphere, mild climate, fabulous beach and shoreline, scenic beauty and wealth of recreational activities. The compact picturesque town core is great for boutique shopping, and the sandy beaches are a nice place for a long stroll. A postcard beach and stunning views of mountains and white-capped ocean explains why Qualicum Beach has been one of the west coast's premier getaway destinations for nearly a century now.
Cameron Lake Wonderful though the oceanfront may be, the beaches found at our many rivers and lakes are perfect for cooling off on a hot day or for a quiet hike. Cameron Lake (Hwy. #4, on the road to Cathedral Grove, about 10 mins past Little Qualicum Falls Park and only 5 mins from Whiskey Creek RV Campground) shouldn’t be missed. Forested slopes surround the lake, and the pea-gravel beach is a lovely spot to warm up after an afternoon dip. The water is crystal clear and incredibly refreshing on a hot day. Watch for signs reading 'Cameron Lake Day Use Area'.
Spider Lake Provincial Park is regarded as one of the best picnicking sites in the region, in addition to canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Powerboats are prohibited on Spider Lake, creating peaceful conditions to go fishing in search of rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. The lake is not very deep so the water is generally quite warm. Spider Lake is found north on Hwy 19, take the Horne Lake Exit and follow the signs for the provincial park. This beach is only a 20 minute drive from the campground.