We are the best jumping off point to explore all that Parksville and East Vancouver Island have to offer.
Englishman River Beach
Englishman River Beach: Riverbend has it's own beach for use by our guests. A short walk from our RV sites or cottages, makes for a enjoyable afternoon of water fun for the whole family.
Golf and Mini Putt
Golfing enthusiasts will love the fine selection of beautifully designed golf courses ranging from nine hole to PGA caliber. Those who prefer their golf on a smaller scale will be thrilled to find some of the best mini golf courses anywhere - right here. Ask us about the green fee discounts for Riverbend guests at Pheasant Glen in Qualicum Beach and Fairwinds Golf Course in Nanoose Bay.
Ocean or Fresh Water Fishing
There are great fishing spots from the Englishman River Estuary almost all the way to Englishman River Falls, though fishing is not permitted in Englishman River Falls Provincial Park.
Fish year-round with 6 different kinds of fish populating the Englishman River: Steelhead Trout - January to May.
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Water Activities
Kayaking
Sea kayaking and river kayaking tours will take you off the beaten track to see some of the more remote attractions this area has to offer - go for a few hours, take in a sunset, or pack up and take a three day tour. Calm ocean waters are perfect for novice and intermediate kayakers and local guides can provide equipment, leadership and the experience of a lifetime.
River Tubing
Tubing down the river is a quintessential Vancouver Island activity and Riverbend is the perfect location for taking the plunge. Enthusiasts can launch their vessels from the shores of the Englishman River and lazily float back to the resort. Remember your sunscreen!
Scuba Diving
With one of the healthiest marine environments in the world, Parksville is a great place for divers to discover everything from little treasures like sea anenomes and urchins to giant octopi, wolf eels, and the gentle six gill shark.
Local Parks & Hiking Trails
Sandy Beaches at Rathtrevor Provincial Park
We take our sandcastles seriously in this part of the world and a day spent at Rathtrevor refining your building skills is a day well spent. Industrious beach lovers can also take up clamdigging and beachcombing on the sandy shores. Rathtrevor Provincial Park a quick walk across the road from Riverbend Cottage and RV Resort.
Those who love to hike and explore will be pleased to find networks of trails that lead along the river, down to the ocean, or through the forests to other parks. Local guides and tours are also available to help you discover the natural beauty of this area.
Cathedral Grove located in MacMillan Provincial Park
MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old.
Situated along the pristine Englishman River, north of Nanaimo, Englishman River Falls Park features two stunning waterfalls cascading along the descending riverbed into a deep canyon.
Little Qualicum Falls Park, in the central Vancouver Island area, straddles the Little Qualicum River and incorporates the entire southern shore of Cameron Lake.
This rough and ready 5-kilometre trail connects Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park with the Top Bridge Crossing, a magnificent pedestrian-cyclist suspension bridge spanning the Englishman River.
Parksville Canadian Tire Sculpting Zone: Lessons & Demonstrations
In addition to our amazing solos and doubles competition, the public have an opportunity to learn sand sculpting techniques used by the professionals. Parksville Canadian Tire has sponsored two professional sculptors to work with the public and teach them how to create a ‘proper’ sand sculpture from scratch. All ages welcome!
Tim Hortons Summer Concert Series
Locals and visitors alike look forward to the ever popular free Tim Hortons Summer Concert Series Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the newly constructed Outdoor Theatre For the Performing Arts. Concert dates are: July 21, 22, 28 & 29 and August 4, 5, 18 & 19, 2023.
For two nights only, August 18 & 19, the Sand Sculpture Exhibition will be open after dark. This event allows you to experience the sculptures in a unique and wonderfully different way. The gates are open until 11:00pm on these two evenings.
This two day arts and craft market takes place in the gardens surrounding the tennis courts at the Parksville Community Park. Paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, photography, art cards, children’s clothing, art glass and much more will be available to purchase.
