Parksville has a population of about 12,000 people. It was first settled in 1870 and established around the turn of the century with an extension to the railway from Nanaimo. Parksville was officially incorported as a city in 1981. The main industries of the area are fisheries and forestry, with recent years showing a significant rise of tourism as the main driving force behind the economy.

Because of its location on the east side of the island, bordering the beach and protected by mountains, this area is known for its temperate climate, allowing visitors to enjoy all that Parksville has to offer year round.

Within a 30 minute drive there are no fewer than 6 different provincial parks located around the Parksville area.
The ENGLISHMAN RIVER FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK is a 97 hectare park known for its breathtaking canyon between two waterfalls. Enjoy the walking trails, or camp in one of the 105 sites.
MACMILLIAN PROVINCIAL PARK features the famous Cathedral Grove with its up to 800 year old giant trees.
LITTLE QUALICUM BEACH FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK is a 440 hectare park on Little Qualicum River, with spectacular waterfalls cascading down a rocky gorge.
If its caving you'd like to enjoy, HORNE LAKE CAVES PROVINCIAL PARK is the place to do it.

For the golfers among you, six golf courses are located in the region, namely MORNINGSTAR GOLF CLUB, FAIRWINDS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB, ARROWSMITH GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB, EAGLECREST GOLF CLUB, GLENGARRY GOLF LINKS, and the QUALICUM BEACH MEMORIAL GOLF COURSE.

Located in an area of the island called Oceanside, Parksville is home to RATHTREVOR BEACH PARK, with a great beach and campsites to enjoy with the whole family.

For the more active vacationers the TOP BRIDGE MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK is one of B.C's top parks for challenging off-road cycling.