We gave Summer one of the best send offs with a relaxing Vancouver Island trip to Parksville. Literally, the best way to end of our most favourites Summer’s ever. We had so much fun and created so many family memories. This trip was just the cherry on top of it all! If you tuned into my stories you probably saw most of the trip, but if not today I’m sharing 5 place to visit while in Parksville. And if you haven’t had the chance to visit yet, put it on your list. Especially if you love beaches and scenic drives!
- Sunrise Ridge Resort
Our number one spot was of course the beautiful and so helpful Sunrise Ridge Resort. So if you’re bringing along kids like we did then you better just cut off a day of your visit just at their heated pool and hot tub. Open morning to night, the whole family spent the majority of the trip just enjoying the outdoor pool. Such a bonus. The rooms were so clean and spacious. The kids had their own room and we had ours. With a fully equipped kitchen and laundry room. It is the ideal home away from home!
We had the pleasure of simply making meals in our suite and enjoying family time. The main suite had a spacious bathtub, showers and full amenities. The staff were so helpful and gracious to us as well. Another really nice thing that we loved was that there was also a really close trail to walk to get to another beach. Owen and I did that a few times!
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- The Old Country Market | Goats on a Roof
Hungry, eager to stretch your legs or looking for some ice cream? We totally suggest visiting this cute little area. It was fun to check out all the stores see the goats wandering around the roof. We found some really neat finds in these shops, stopped for ice cream and enjoyed some coffee to keep us parents going….
- Cathedral Grove – MacMillan Provincial Park
After a little visit to Goats on a Roof we did a little loop drive around and visited one of our favourite places. We always stop by here if were in the area it never gets boring. And great for kids who just need a little running room after a long drive. Cathedral Grove is so beautiful and every piece of it is totally worth the trip. The biggest and oldest trees we’ve ever seen in our lives!
- Rathtrevor Beach & Qualicum Beach
The whole family loves visiting the beach, we would really not do much else than just hang out in the sand. Being from Nova Scotia this was life for us and we want to try to give this to our kids as much as we can. Burying them into the sand, collecting seashells, touching the cold water. Every little part of it fills our souls with life. It means so much to us to watch the kids enjoy it just as much as we do! Both beaches are a must to see both give a little something different.
- Paradise Fun Park
Although we didn’t have time to stop here we drove by it numerous times while on our stay and it looked like so much fun. But by the time we were done driving and eating it was either closed or the kids were too tired. But here was where you would go to release your inner child. Arcade games, bumper boats, mini golf. I know it would’ve been the ideal spot for our kids. Maybe next time we go… because there will be a next time!!
Honestly, this would be a trip you could make any time of the year. There are so many other really special spots we found to along our way. Cute little shops, side of the road farms and wineries. Fruit stands and flower stands. You name it. You can find so much beauty in this area, it isn’t hard to see!
{Disclosure this post was a part of an collaboration program, however all opinions are my own}
Keisha Lynne, xx