Parksville Qualicum Beach is a tight-knit community with a number of sustainable transit options available to explore the area.

If you are coming from Vancouver, consider taking the Hullo passenger ferry which offers direct service from downtown Vancouver to Downtown Nanaimo. From there, either explore the Car Sharing Options, utilize the BC Public Transit Network, or book a ticket with the Island Link Bus. If you are bringing your bicycle, Hullo Ferries and BC Public Transit Buses have infrastructure available to transport your bicycle.

If you plan to fly, check out Iskwew Air, the first Indigenous Woman owned airline. They offer direct scheduled service between Vancouver Airports South Terminal and Qualicum Beach Airport. Iskwew Air is committed to becoming a completely carbon neutral airline.  Currently they are offsetting all of the fuel used in every flight and doing their part to exist gently on the planet.

Parksville Qualicum Beach is home to a number of excellent Mountain Biking and Cycling Trails. For the sightseer, the Coombs to Parksville Trail and Parksville Qualicum Beach link route provide low-traffic options for you to explore the region. If a more challenging ride is your preference, the Hammerfest trail network is a popular area with trails to suit all rider levels. If you are looking to rent a bicycle, Take Off Adventure Rentals and Go Bike Go Play are two excellent local businesses with a variety of options to suit all cyclists. Be sure to call ahead, they require advance notice in the winter season and are often busy during the summer.

Supporting businesses that are committed to sustainable practices is a meaningful way to positively support the community. There are a number of businesses in Parksville Qualicum Beach:

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort

This iconic oceanfront resort has been awarded with multiple Green Key designations, a standard for environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. Tigh-Na-Mara is also working their way through the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in an effort to achieve Biosphere Certification.

Ocean EcoVentures

Ocean EcoVentures is committed to education, research, sustainability and conservation. From recycling office products, to choosing green power sources, to partnering with local conservation organizations, every aspect of their operations is evaluated to ensure it meets their sustainability goals. When you choose to head out on the water with Ocean EcoVentures you can be sure that they are providing an epic experience without compromising their keen consideration for conservation.

Shades of Green Eco-Store & Refillery

Shades of Green is an ECO conscious shop located in the heart of Parksville BC, Vancouver Island. Specializing in plastic free alternatives, zero-waste products, sustainably made, natural fibre clothing, natural and locally made body products and more!

Bare Eco Refillery

Bare Eco Refillery is a refill + zero waste essential store in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. They sell a wide variety of refill items including hand soap, shampoos & conditioners, dish soap, laundry detergent and much more.

Alcove Homegrown Living

Alcove Homegrown Living is a boutique shop in the heart of Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. We sell beautifully curated, artisan-made products created within 150km of our store, including alternatives to single-use items. We also have a Refill Bar with a sustainable skincare product line made using simple ingredients that are sourced from local suppliers, as well as refillable shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

Natural Evolution Hair Salon

Natural Evolution is a salon with a conscience. Committed to lessening their impact on the environment, this green business certified salon is able to divert 85 - 90 % of their waste from the landfill and is recognized by the Surfrider Foundation as an ocean-friendly operation. Stop by for a service or visit their refill station for planet-friendly beauty products.

Parksville Qualicum Beach is a community committed to accessibility. Attractions such as the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre and the Qualicum Beach Museum have been designed with accessibility in mind and allow for inclusive exploration with paved pathways, accessible washrooms and chair lifts available to navigate stairs.

The Oceanside Route at Qualicum Beach offers a paved pathway, making it accessible for individuals using mobility devices. This scenic route provides stunning views of the sandy beach and the Coast Mountains. Stretching from end to end, the pathway includes benches at regular intervals for relaxation. Picnic tables and grassy lawns along the route contribute to a pleasant atmosphere, complemented by nearby restaurants, a concession stand, and beachfront accommodations. In the summer, both the beach and pathway are popular for strolling, dog walking, and people-watching. A wheelchair-accessible washroom building with a change room is available for those gearing up for a swim, accompanied by ample angled parking, including accessible spaces.

Parksville’s Community Beach Park provides access to a spectacular sandy beach which stretches way out at low tide, an ideal setting on warm summer days. Throughout the park there are shady, grassy areas and picnic tables for making the most of your time. Public restrooms and change rooms, which are wheelchair accessible, are located near the boardwalk, and are clean and frequently maintained. The concession stand is a popular place on warm days and there are several dedicated accessible parking spots.

Wheelchair-accessible businesses, like Q Burger in Qualicum Beach, contribute to the inclusive environment. Q Burger, known for locally sourced burgers and craft beers, features a level, industrial-modern space with a west coast vibe. The restaurant is designed to comfortably accommodate maneuverability with moveable tables and chairs. The accessible bathroom includes a universal height toilet and grab bars. Accessible parking, though popular in the summertime, is available nearby.

For those seeking accessible dining and accommodations, the Bayside Oceanfront Resort in Parksville stands out. The resort offers an upscale restaurant and lounge with panoramic shoreline views, along with nearby accessible washrooms. Well-appointed rooms are thoughtfully designed for accessibility, providing a comfortable retreat after enjoying a meal with a view.

When considering ways to positively impact the community you're visiting and lighten your carbon footprint, one of the best—and tastiest—approaches is to indulge in locally grown food. The Parksville Qualicum Beach area, boasting a long growing season and mild climate, nurtures an abundance of local agriculture.

Embark on your own farm tour through the community, visiting family-operated establishments like Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, BoMé Cheese, Silver Meadows Farm, and Springford Farm Market. For those who prefer perusing markets stocked with local products, a visit to the renowned Coombs Old Country Market, famous for its "Goats on the Roof," is a must. Naked Naturals Whole Foods, with locations in Parksville and Qualicum, offers a variety of organic and vegan options alongside locally sourced produce.

Farmer’s Markets stand out as enjoyable and sustainable sources for meals. Discover food and locally crafted items at the Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market on Veterans Way every Saturday year-round and at the Errington Farmers’ Market Saturdays from May through September. Another seasonal delight is the annual Summer by the Sea Market in Parksville (June through August).

For a farm-to-table dining experience, consider restaurants like Realm Food Co., a cozy eatery serving nourishing comfort food, and De L’ile Restaurant, which features a seasonal menu showcasing the best of locally grown and foraged ingredients.

Heading home after an adventure-filled trip and finding yourself with more groceries than you need? Don't let those extra items go to waste – consider making a difference by donating them to the local food bank.

In Canada, the challenge of food waste persists as millions of metric tons of edible food are discarded annually. Despite its status as a developed nation, Canada grapples with the dual issues of food insecurity and widespread food waste. Factors such as overbuying, misleading expiration dates, and cosmetic imperfections contribute to the unnecessary disposal of perfectly edible items, exacerbating environmental concerns and the number of people facing hunger.

Thankfully, initiatives across the country, including food banks and community organizations like the Parksville United Way, actively work to redirect surplus food to those in need, preventing it from reaching landfills. Increased public awareness and advocacy for responsible consumption are vital components of addressing this challenge, fostering a collective effort to create a more sustainable and equitable food system for all Canadians.

For the  Parksville Qualicum Beach area, you can donate food or consumable household items at the Food Bank Office (886 Wembley Rd, Parksville, BC, 250-248-8793) and at the North Island Wildlife Recovery (1240 Leffler Road, Errington, BC V0R 1V0). Ensure items are unopened and within their expiry dates. Consider contributing unused toiletries, especially those extras from hotels or ones you didn't use – they're in high demand and greatly appreciated!