weekend away: parksville
Filed Under Places | August 30, 2011
Summer may be almost over and back to school is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan some late summer weekends away. We recently packed our bags full of sunscreen and boarded a BC Ferry to the beautiful island oasis of Parksville.
With miles of soft sandy beach, tepid ocean temperatures, and plenty of sun, Parksville and its sister community Qualicum have received the moniker of “Canada’s Riviera.” There’s plenty of family fun to be had – here are a few favourites to get you started on your weekend adventures:
Play:
We’d heard good things about the Parksville Community Park and Lions Venture Land, but nothing could have prepared us for its awesomeness. This beautiful beachside park has playground equipment as far as the eye can see, including swings, slides, jungle gyms, and zip-lines. There’s also a spectacular water play area, with a waterslide and water cannons. For the adults, there are lovely shaded grassy areas to relax, and a concession stand with slush puppies and pulled pork sandwiches. This playground is one of the best we’ve ever come across anywhere.
Shop:
When it comes to shopping, you can’t go wrong with the Old Country Market at Coombs, which had everything we look for; fresh baked artisan bread, beautiful produce, wooden toys, hard to find delicacies from around the globe, and of course, goats on the grass roof. Lovely stores replete with local artists’ wares, fantastical touristy fare, and a sculpture garden also surround the market. And be sure to check out the second hand bookstore for good beach reads.
Eat:
When traveling with kids, one is often limited to ‘family friendly restaurants’ that cater to the pickier pint-sized palate. While we can happily eat a burger, sometimes we crave finer fare. Luckily, we found the Pacific Prime Restaurant at the Beach Club Resort. The restaurant indoors is a bit fancy for the wee ones, but the patio is perfect for either a romantic anniversary dinner, or lunchtime with the family. We ordered off the fine dining menu and devoured the sumptuous Ocean-wise offerings, while our kiddos feasted on the less refined yet equally tasty treats from the patio menu. And be sure to save room for the chocolate doughnuts…to…die…for.
From Tiger Lily farm, to Englishman River Falls, to the Errington Farmers Market (which is another must do), there is no end of fun to be had on a weekend away at the beach in Parksville! If only we could make the sunny days longer…
Parksville Community Park: www.city.parksville.bc.ca
Old Country Market: www.oldcountrymarket.com
2326 Alberni Hwy
Coombs, BC
250.248.6272
Pacific Prime Restaurant at Beach Club Resort: www.beachclubbc.com
181 Beachside Drive,
Parksville, BC
1.888.760.2008
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