Accommodations in Parksville: Best Family – Friendly Places to Stay

Looking for a seaside adventure on Vancouver Island, Canada? Parksville, BC has it all. Fun, family friendly accomodations 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 family friendly choices of places to stay 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, warm oceans, sandcastle competitions, and visits to the community park. I hope you and your family will have many memorable adventures here too.

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KID FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS IN PARKSVILLE

Best Family Resorts Parksville

Parksville is well known for ist fun family resorts, hotels and beaches. This is a popular place with locals to bring their kids for a summer vacation too.

Top Choice for Parksville Beach Resorts: Tigh-Na-Mara Resort

Tigh-Na-Mara Resort is a top rated travellers choice for Parksville, BC located on 22 acres of forest, oceanside. 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.

For Families you can rent paddle boats, swim in their indoor pool, enjoy seasonal activity programs and brunch on Sunday.

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.

Oceanside Village Resort

Oceanside Village Resort is highly rated by families, and is conveniently located south of downtown Parksville, and close to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park (15 minute walk).

Biking and hiking trails are close by at Rathtrevor Provincial Park, and the beach is only a 15 minute stroll away.

The Oceanside Village Resort was one of our top choices during our last Parksville trip. We ended up choosing the more economical option, but are eyeing these cottages for our next family vacation. Add this to your list of great places to stay in Parksville.

Beach Acres Resort

Beach Acres Resort sits on one of the best beaches in Parksville, Rathtrevor Beach. They offer affordable and spacious 2 bedroom townhouses and cottages, with ocean, and forest views.

All the comforts of home, including kitchens, a fireplace, BBQs plus a pool, playground, tennis courts and beach toys for the kids.

If you are looking for quiet accommodations in Parksville, that suits families of all sizes, the Beach Acres Resort is a great choice.

Beach Club Resort – Bellstar Hotels and Resorts

Consistently rated a top travellers choice on Trip Advisor, the luxurious Beach Club Resort has it all.

Enjoy a beautiful ocean front or mountain view with your in-room dining, all within walking distance of dowtown Parksville.

Beach front, you’ll be minutes from sticking your toes in the sand at Parksville Beach (and the warmest ocean in Canada). For the kids, sand castle building and beach treasure hunting await.

They also offer valet & bell service, a fitness centre, spa and an oceanfront indoor pool and hot tub.

Check out our guide to the best Family Friendly Things to Do in Parksville

PARKSVILLE MOTELS & HOTELS

Sea Edge Motel

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, BC 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.

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 motels in the area.

Travelodge by Wyndam

Travelodge by Wyndam is a favourite budget friendly option for families in Parksville. Minutes from the Strait of Georgia, it is located close to downtown, the beach and all the fun activities in the area.

While there are no frills or extras (you get what you pay for), it’s perfect if your family wants a comfortable place to stay, and plan on spending most of your time exploring. Plus it has a pool. A must when travelling with kids.

The Travelodge by Wyndham tops our list for budget and kid friendly hotels in Parksville.

PARKSVILLE ACCOMMODATIONS – CABINS & COTTAGES

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.

Stones Throw Cottage Retreat In Old Growth Forest

Stones Throw Cottage is a unique vacation experience. Nestled in an old growth forest this comfortable, cozy 3 bedroom cabin is well equipped, and super pet friendly. Dogs & kids are welcome. There’s a fenced yard as well as a gate on the deck.

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. This cazy 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.

Looking for more Vancouver Island things to do? Check out our Vancouver Island Bucket List Ideas

CAMPING IN PARKSVILLE

Camping is a fun way to plan and  find accommodations in Parksville. 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

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

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.

Pet-Friendly Parksville Resorts & Accommodations

Your pets are family members, I get that. I have been lucky enough to have a few furry friends who have chosen me to be their human. If you are heading out on a Parksville adventure, and want to bring your pet along, there are some great options.

While Parksville and Qualicum Beach are generally dog friendly areas, in Spring during the Brant Geese migration, they aren’t allowed on the beaches.

Be sure to call ahead to your Parksville accomodations to get all the details. Some have extra fees, or limited pet friendly special cottages etc.

Here is a list of some of the pet friendly resorts and accommodations in Parksville, BC:

• Tigh-Na-Mara Resort – certain cottages
• Beach Acres Resort – limited number of pet friendly cottages
• Riverbend Cottage and RV Resort
• Cedar Grove RV Park (Qualicum)
• Paradise Fun Park RV Grounds
• Surfside RV Resort

Conclusion:

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:

• Essentials to pack for your summer beach vacation
• Money saving tips for frugal family road trips
• Take a road trip to Victoria, BC, and try out these kid friendly free/cheap things to do and head to one of our favourite parks.

Accommodations in Parksville: Best Family – Friendly Places to Stay

Featured photo: “istock.com / wwing”