Centrally located on the east coast of Vancouver Island (150 kilometres north of Victoria and 40 kilometres north of Nanaimo), Parksville is nestled along the shores of the Salish Sea. The estimated population for Parksville in 2025 was approximately 14,674. 

Parksville’s mild climate and central location make us a popular year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers. The City of Parksville is surrounded by natural beauty, from wide tidal flats and mountain vistas to the supernatural evergreen rainforests. We are proud to be a part of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region; a UNESCO recognized area, dedicated to finding innovative ways to achieve a balance between the needs of humans and nature.

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park and Parksville Bay Beach are heaven for sun lovers, kite flyers, wildlife watchers, and sandcastle builders. The Parksville Community Park, the jewel of Parksville, located on the ocean in the heart of downtown draws thousands of visitors annually. 

Parksville has also been called Canada's Riviera and with good reason! Few beaches outside Mexico and the Caribbean compare with our kilometres of near perfect sandy beaches at Parksville Bay and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.

The City also features unique shops, world class spas, arts and cultural events, fine dining, and accommodations. This region hosts many annual events and festivals such as Canada Day, the Brant Wildlife Festival along with the annual Parksville Beach Festival featuring the Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition.

The Coast Salish people were first to call the Parksville area home and have lived in the region from time immemorial. The Coast Salish are eighteen First Nations located throughout the Salish Sea, each with their own distinct culture and language.