10 Best Family Friendly Places to Stay in Parksville BC in 2024
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Looking for a seaside adventure on Vancouver Island, Canada? There are many delightful & family friendly places to stay in Parksville, BC and activities to suit your budget and needs. Resorts, motels, cottages and seaside / riverside camping, that are close to all the action (or relaxation) you want.
We’ve rounded up our top 10 favourite family friendly accommodations in Parksville. Growing up on Vancouver Island, Parksville, BC was our yearly summer vacation destination as a family.
I have such fond memories of mini golf, beach days, beach activities, warm oceans, sandcastle competitions, and visits to the community park. Plus we try to take our own kids here whenever we can. It really is one of the best beach vacation destinations on the island for families with kids of all ages.
I hope you and your family will have many memorable adventures here too.
Top 3 Picks: Best Family Hotels in Parksville, BC
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️ OCEANSIDE RESORT ⭐️
✔️ Cottages sleep 6+
✔️ Full kitchen, laundry
✔️ Indoor pool & short walk to beach
#2 PICK
TIGH-NA-MARA RESORT
✔️ Beachfront & pool
✔️ Kid’s Club & all ages activities
✔️ Pet-Friendly Cottages
#3 PICK
COAST PARKSVILLE HOTEL
✔️ Free mini golf
✔️ Budget friendly
✔️ 5 min walk to Parksville Beach
KID FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS IN PARKSVILLE
Best Family Resorts Parksville
Parksville is well known for its fun family resorts, hotels and beaches. This is a popular place with locals to bring their kids for a summer vacation too.
I have spent many summer vacations as a child and with my own kids here. And these are our favourite places to stay and recommend to our friends and family visiting too.
All of our recommendations for the best hotels have free parking & free wi-fi and free local calls.
1. Oceanside Village Resort
⭐️ RATING: 9.3/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Rathtrevor Beach | ✅ Book it!
Oceanside Village Resort in Parksville, BC is a quiet, gem of a place for families just south of downtown Parksville, and only a 15 minute walk to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
Designed to cater to family needs, each cottage has well equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, ensuring you feel at home even while on a vacation.
Their indoor swimming pool makes certain the little ones have fun activities to tire them out, if you need a break from the beach
⭐️ “Relaxing & fun. It was very convenient that the Riptide Lagoon miniature golf and Bumper Cars were a short walk away. The kids also loved the pool. I liked that everything in town seemed very close to the location of the cabin .”
– Michael ⭐️ Oceanside Village Resort review
And for the adventure seekers, Riptide Lagoon miniature golf and bumper cars were merely a short walk away.
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle it’s the perfect place to relax without compromising on entertainment.
Their spacious cottages can also fit larger families or groups of friends easily.
KEY FAMILY FRIENDLY FEATURES
2. Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
⭐️ RATING: 8.2/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Rathtrevor Beach | ✅ Book it!
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is a top rated travellers choice for Parksville, BC located on 22 acres of forest, and is oceanside with 3 kms of sandy beach.
Offering quaint log guestrooms, and cottages plus seasonal activities, it is an amazing destination for the whole family.
Less than a 10 minute drive south of downtown Parksville, this resort offers something for adults and kids alike.
⭐️ ““I booked a one night stay here with my family after spending a week in Tofino so we could break up the travel. It was a hidden gem. Cute cabins spread out, sports court, great spa, fitness centre and pool and beach access. Also the highlight was probably Cedars restaurant. We will definitely go back for a longer stay.”
– Shawn ⭐️ Tigh-Na-Mara Resort review
Families love that you can rent paddle boats & mountain bikes, swim in their indoor pool, and enjoy their seasonal activity programs. Plus of course their not to miss brunch on Sundays.
For the Adults, try out the Grotto Spa rated #1 Spa in Canada.
They have a mineral pool designed to emulate a natural stone grotto. Following a relaxing mineral soak, experience their 16 course tapas meal in a special dining room for robed guests only. The Grotto Spa is for 16 yrs +.
I have had a few friends who have stayed at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort for both couples retreats and family vacations and they have all spoken highly of their experiences and returned for another visit.
Tigh-Na-Mara Resort is one of our top choices for best family resorts in Parksville, BC.
KEY FAMILY FRIENDLY FEATURES
3. Bayside Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
⭐️ RATING: 8.3/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Parksville Beach | ✅ Book it!
Families, listen up! If you’re hunting for that perfect getaway spot in Parksville, BC, let me point you to the Bayside Resort Ascend Hotel Collection member.
Why, you ask? For starters, this boutique, luxury resort is a gem that offers a spectacular waterfront setting and rooms with an ocean view. Just imagine waking up to the sound of waves, setting the tone for a fantastic day ahead.
Dive into their outdoor pool or maybe you fancy a quick workout in the fully-equipped fitness centre? They’ve got you covered.
⭐️ “Top marks for this lovely little resort. Clean, beautifully maintained, gorgeous views, super comfy beds, delicious food, and top notch friendly service .”
– Mary-Anne ⭐️ Bayside Resort review
Hungry? The onsite restaurant promises to tantalize those taste buds. And for those moments when relaxation is key, the spa and wellness centre, paired with a soothing hot tub, awaits.
Oh, and did I mention they have pet-friendly guest rooms? Your furry family members will thank you!
KEY FAMILY FRIENDLY FEATURES
BEST INNS & HOTELS IN PARKSVILLE WITH KIDS
4. Coast Parksville Hotel
⭐️ RATING: 8.7/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Parksville Beach | ✅ Book it!
This Coast Parksville Hotel is located just 200 metres from Parksville Beach, and provides comfort, value and convenience for your family getaways.
Enjoy free coffee or hot chocolate and games in their lounge every day. Or grab the kids (of all ages) for a game of free mini golf across the way at the Paradise Fun Park.
⭐️ “We loved our stay. Staff was exceptional and the hotel was top notch. The hotel is beautiful and in a great location close to the beach and mini golf. The coffee machine and free mini golf were a wonderful addition. We will definitely recommend this hotel to others!”
– Wanda ⭐️ Coast Parksville Hotel review
Each spacious room has a small kitchenette, and outdoor seating areas provide an inviting space to relax with a book after a busy day.
Rooms can comfortably sleep 4 people.
KEY FAMILY FRIENDLY FEATURES
5. The Tide’s Inn
⭐️ RATING: 8.4/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Parksville Beach | ✅ Book it!
The Tide’s Inn ensures guests are comfortable in their recently renovated rooms that sleep up to 4 comfortably for your family vacation.
If you are looking for an affordable place to stay, just a 5 minutes walk from the pristine beaches of Parksville, restaurants and the city center, then this is for you.
⭐️ “Cute, clean, and affordable place to stay in Parksville. Very cute and clean spot, close to places to eat. Outdoor seating area and fire tables were a great place to sit and relax.”
– Susan ⭐️ The Tide’s Inn review
As a bonus, you get free mini golf access, a delightful treat for both adults and kids.
The inn understands the importance of the entire family, so they offer pet-friendly rooms available to ensure no family member is left behind.
KEY FAMILY FRIENDLY FEATURES
🏖️ Check out our guide to the best Family Friendly Things to Do in Parksville.
MOTELS IN PARKSVILLE
6. Sea Edge Motel
⭐️ RATING: 8.4/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Parksville Beach | ✅ Book it!
The Sea Edge Motel is a family owned and operated local favourite, for more than 50 years.
This is a nostalgic pick for accommodations in Parksville, British Columbia, as my family spent many a summer vacation here when I was growing up.
A two story marvel admist the many expansive resorts that have popped up over the past 30 years.
⭐️ “ The location was excellent, we were there for the beach and it was right there, we could open doors and kids could go. Play ground and beach within view of room.”
– Paulette ⭐️ Sea Edge Motel review
Set right on Parksville Beach, you are steps from the best family friendly beach.
A grassy area to run around on, and a small playground, plus its location close to Parksville’s Community Park, make this one of the favourite kid-friendly Parksville motels in the area.
Also recently renovated, its guest laundry facilities, and beach fire pit add to the ease of your next family holiday.
KEY FAMILY FRIENDLY FEATURES
PARKSVILLE ACCOMMODATIONS – CABINS & COTTAGES
7. Cozy Cabin Retreat
Choose a cozy cabin retreat for your next family beach vacation.
This cottage is bright, spacious and has all the amenities of home. Kid friendly with acccess to a pool, hot tub and resort facilities nearby.
Only a short walk to Rathtrevor Beach and mini golf and bumper cars. Making it a great choice for kid friendly Parksville accommodations.
8. Cozy Cottage at Oceanside – Kid & Dog Friendly
This cozy cottage is located in Oceanside Resort near Rathtrevor Beach in beautiful Parksville, BC on Vancouver Island.
This gem is perfect for small families. The cozy Parksville cottage is just steps from a swimming pool, small fitness centre, as well as other resort amenities you have access to. Plus a a lovely little lunch bistro.
⭐️ Check out more Vancouver Island Bucket List ideas
CAMPING IN PARKSVILLE
Planning a camping trip in or near in Parksville is a great way to see this area.
There are plenty of campgrounds to chose from, whether you are looking for a spot to park your RV or pitch a tent, there are many possibilities to make your west coast dream a reality.
Get ready for your family camping trip with some awesome camping gifts for kids
9. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Campground
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Campground is a perennial favourite for me, and many others over the years, since becoming a Provincial Park in 1967. Open year round, the winter season offers reduced services (and fees) from November to mid March.
The campground sits between the rocky and sandy sections of Rathtrevor Beach, with a lowtide that seems to go out forever. If I had to choose one place for camping in Parkville, this would be it.
Rathtrevor is a family friendly campground in Parksville, with showers, a playground, and walking and biking trails. All camping sites are within a 5 minute walk to the beach.
Explore the Nature House, once the Rath family home. In the summer, Park Rangers usually host nature shows in amphitheatre on weekends.
Other fantastic Provincial Parks that offer camping around Parksville include:
- Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park Campground – Open April to September. Day use only in winter
- Englishman River Falls Provincial Park Campground – Open May to September. Day Use only in winter
PARKSVILLE RV CAMPING
10. Riverbend Cottage and RV Resort
The Parksville area is also extremely popular with RV enthusiasts.
Riverbend Cottage and RV Resort offers cottages, camping, RVing, and even yurt stays. Situated along the Englishman River, surrounded by 16 acres of woods, this pet friendly campground is a popular non beachside option.
If you are looking for something closer to the beach, or want longer term winter options, here are a couple of popular RV Parks in Parksville, and close by:
- Paradise Fun Park RV Grounds – Waterfront RV Park with hookups, easy access to beach and mini golf. Pets in designated areas only. No tents. Open for winter.
- Surfside RV Resort – Oceanfront, with clubhouse, sundeck and pool. Gated community. Fully serviced sites with wifi & cablevision. RVs only and longer term options available. Maximum 2 pets welcome.
- Cedar Grove RV Park (Qualicum) – Sites along Little Qualicum River, RVing and tenting, vintage arcade, playground, coin showers and laundry. Pet friendly. 10 min walk to the ocean. Freshwater fishing on river. Open this winter. Beautiful swimming hole in summer.
Final Thoughts: Best Family Friendly Places to Stay in Parksville
There you have it, our top Parksville accommodation recommendations for a fabulous family friendly vacation. Let us know how your Vancouver Island vacation went.
Did we miss any of your favourite places to stay? Let us know in the comments below, or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you!
Related family travel destinations and planning tips:
What a great resource for when I visit Canada!
I would love a seaside adventure! All these family friendly beach hotels sound perfect!
Great options! I would love to stay in some of these accomdations!
Looks so pretty and interesting to visit!
Great list of family-friendly resort options! I hope to visit Canada one day. This will definitely help with planning. Thanks for sharing!
When we visited Seattle, we were SO close to heading over to Canada until we had car troubles. But, now we’re looking at planning a trip! Thanks for all this info- now we now where we want to stay!
So close! Vancouver Island has so many awesome places to visit, Parksville, Victoria, Tofino and more. Hope you get a chance to visit, once all the craziness subsides.
Well it’s official! I’m taking my family camping in Parksville. Your pictures convinced me that is the best option…plus we love camping.
Such a helpful list! Love that you included Parksville’s pet-friendly resorts!