Parksville and region encompasses eight provincial and six regional parks, each with its own network of hiking trails, natural attractions, and scenic outlooks. All varieties of terrain from gentle strolls to strenuous near-vertical climbs are located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that embraces five climatic zones between beach and mountain peak. Plot a course with the official Regional Parks & Trails Guide , available at the Visitor Centre . Descriptions and maps of 16 parks and trails in the Regional District of Nanaimo are contained in this slim, pocket-sized guidebook. Alternatively, join a guided expedition with the outdoor adventure specialists at Coastal Revelations and Rainforest Nature Tours . Experienced guides lead marine, rainforest, alpine, wildlife, and bird watching outings tailored to all fitness levels.
Riverside Hiking Public and non-profit conservation organizations (from Ducks Unlimited to the Canadian Wildlife Service), have teamed to protect 1,000ha/2470ac of the Englishman River Estuary. It includes the eco-sensitive Parksville Flats wetlands at the oceanfront mouth of the river, and 17km/10mi of its length as far as Englishman River Falls Provincial Park . Take a circuit trip around the park itself, explore Top Bridge Trail , or walk along gentle forested trails as the river empties into the ocean. Trailheads for the latter route are accessible from the end of Shelly Road on the Parksville side of the Englishman River bridge or from Plummer Road on the river's south side.Learn more about hiking in Parksville, courtesy of Oceanside Tourism: Oceanfront Hiking Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park and the famous crescent of sand lining Parksville Bay are two prime family strolling, beachcombing, and picnicking spots. Nanoose Bay Hiking Beachcomber Regional Park at the Nanoose peninsula's northwestern edge off Marina Way is renowned for its tidal pools. Notch Hill (off Fairwinds Drive near Enos Lake) rewards those who hike a short forested trail with panoramic Vancouver Island outlooks. The Fairwinds Golf Club development invites visitors to explore its network of easy recreational trails which loop past Schooner Cove and Dolphin Lake. Nearby Brickyard Cove Water Park is a favorite hangout for local residents and their dogs. Forest Hiking Port Alberni ) is internationally known for its towering Douglas Firs. Summertime parking can be a headache at this hugely popular attraction, but the gentle walkabout in this ancient shaded refuge merits the hassle. Mountainside Hiking Serious hikers can select a variety of routes into Mount Arrowsmith Park. The historic 1912 Canadian Pacific Railways Trail begins across Highway 4 from the Cameron Lake day-use area. The eight-hour roundtrip climb is hard slogging but delivers lovely views of the Beaufort Range. Ask at the Visitor Centre for directions to the rough, poorly marked forest roads off Highway 4 that lead to other Arrowsmith trails. The volunteers there can also point the way to Little Mountain, a spectacular outlook at the end of the winding Errington Road (accessible from Bellevue Road off Highway 4A – aka: the Old Alberni Highway).