It is no secret that British Columbia is home to some of the most remarkable natural landscapes in the world. Each year, hundreds of thousands visit the province, with a significant percentage choosing to engage with some element of outdoor recreation, whether it be hiking, skiing, whale watching, kayaking, sport fishing or camping. The burden of the increased pressure on the natural resources cannot be overlooked. The Don’t Love it to Death organization is a fantastic resource. Visit their website to educate yourself on ways to mindfully explore and mitigate negative impacts.

A large portion of the wilderness surrounding Parksville Qualicum Beach is managed by Mosaic Forest Management. The company seeks to mitigate risks to the landscape and its resources while still permitting public access where possible. Mosaic Forest Management typically allows access to their lands for the public on weekends. At other times the forestry gates are typically locked and access is prohibited. Be sure to check if your planned hike requires gate access and make sure to research the opening hours if so.

Wherever you plan to recreate outdoors during your trip to Parksville Qualicum Beach, make sure to abide by the seven Leave No Trace principles. By following these simple rules, you'll help to minimize your impact on our environment and keep these spaces beautiful for everyone.

Plan ahead and prepare: Before heading out on an adventure, whether it’s to the peak of Mount Arrowsmith or a walk in Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, ensure that you are well-prepared with the correct equipment and knowledge. Use resources like AdventureSmart to ensure you are informed before heading outdoors. Check park regulations before planning your trip and ensure that your group size and route plan are appropriate. Our weather can change rapidly; make sure you pack for all conditions.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces: When you’re out on the trail, stick to existing trails where possible. Do not leave the trail and cause braiding. If there is no trail, travel on gravel, rock, dry grasses or snow. If you’re camping in the backcountry, camp on established sites where possible. If you must camp in an unestablished site, try to pick a camping spot without vegetation. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 70 metres from lakes and streams.

Dispose of waste properly: If you pack something in, make sure you pack it out. This includes trash, both organic and inorganic, toilet paper and hygiene products. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 70 meters away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater. If you’re using soap make sure it’s biodegradable.

Leave what you find: The key idea behind leave no trace practices is to leave places as you find them. When camping, don't create structures or create fire rings. Replace anything you move to clear your tent site. Leave natural objects as you find them, and don’t pick flowers or take souvenirs from the trail. If you find an object of interest, take a photo rather than taking the object.

Minimize campfire impacts: Campfires can have lasting impacts in the backcountry and potentially be catastrophic for our forests and community. Check for fire regulations before lighting a campfire as the region is often subject to fire bans for the majority of the summer season. Use existing fire rings where possible and make sure your fires are properly extinguished.

Respect Wildlife: If you see wildlife on your adventures, observe it from a distance. Do not follow or approach wildlife. Do not feed animals. Feeding wildlife can be harmful to their health and can alter their natural behaviours. Keep your garbage secure to avoid feeding them accidentally. Keep your pets under control or leave them at home.

Be considerate of others: Respect others and protect the quality of their experience. Locals and visitors value Parksville Qualicum Beach wilderness and natural surroundings; avoid playing loud music or disrupting the sounds of nature. Be courteous and kind; yield to others on the trail.

Parksville Qualicum Beach is one of the best places to Camp on Vancouver Island, with an abundance of beautifully located Campsites and RV parks ranging from fully serviced RV sites and Rustic Cabins to beachfront tent spots.

Whether you prefer provincial parks, privately owned family-friendly RV Parks, or the Indigenous Owned Snaw-Naw-As and Qualicum First Nations Campgrounds, it is important to remember to book ahead, respect the rules, and always keep a clean campsite. Be sure to follow all parking restrictions when visiting the communities and to only dispose of your waste and recycling in designated bins. A Sani-Dump and freshwater fill site is located at Rathtrevor Beach Campground and is available for a small fee during the hours of 6 am - 11 pm.

If you plan to Camp during your visit to Parksville Qualicum Beach be sure to take the pledge of the Campers Code. The Camper's Code has 9 rules that are really easy to follow. When all campers follow them, these good things happen: Camping continues to be enjoyable for all; Nature remains pristine and beautiful; People camping in the same area become friends; Animals stay wild and free.

The Parksville Qualicum Beach area is home to healthy populations of Black Bear and Cougar. When visiting the area, it is unlikely that you will encounter these elusive animals, but it is important to remember that they live here. Make sure to take appropriate precautions and know how to behave if you do encounter wildlife.

Head to Wild Safe BC to learn how to reduce conflict with wildlife during your travels. They offer a number of educational articles and videos on how to reduce your risk when visiting the remarkable natural landscapes in our Province. Remember to always plan ahead, secure attractants, and pay a visit to the local Visitor Centre for up-to-date information about wildlife sightings in the area.

If you observe an animal that appears threatening, persistent or aggressive call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or *7277 on your cell - Available 24hr for reporting incidents to the Conservation Officer Service.

Visiting one of the magnificent beaches in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area is a highlight for many visitors during their trip. While the beaches are expansive and are a great family-friendly activity, it is important to keep a few things in mind when visiting.

The beaches around Parksville Qualicum Beach are not monitored by a lifeguard and the consumption of alcohol and cannabis is not allowed. Make sure to protect yourself from the sun by wearing clothing that helps to block UV rays and consider using certified Reef Safe sunscreens that are formulated to limit the amount of chemicals leaching into the marine environment.

Make sure to abide by all leash regulations and seasonal beach closures when exploring with your pet. The beaches around Parksville Qualicum Beach close to pets every spring to ensure that dogs do not disturb the Brant Geese who stop over in the area on their annual migration.

Beach fires are not permitted in the region as the area is contained within the Parksville-Qualicum Wildlife Management Unit. This designation recognizes the globally significant abundance and diversity of the natural resources of the area. Remember that the beach habitat that you enjoy as part of your visit is a critical habitat for many species of plant, fish, bird and animals. Their survival depends on the conservation of this habitat so be sure to behave respectfully, follow all regulations and signage and practice leave no trace principles.

The many people recreating in our region create a dangerous scenario for forest fires.

Fire bans are increasingly common during the summer months, and it is everyone's responsibility to practice fire safety. Be sure to check the Government of BC’s website to find out about current forest fire bans in your area.

To help prevent wildfires, never leave your campfire unattended. Make sure it is completely out before you leave. If you are in an established campground or Provincial Park, do not gather wood, break off branches, or damage live trees in any way to build your fire.