Serviced by Island Coach Lines with service to all areas of Vancouver Island at least twice daily plus full local bus service by B.C. Transit, one can reach any destination including B.C. Ferries, a short drive away by public transit. E & N Rail provides the area with both Via Rail and rail freight service. Air connections are provided on scheduled flights to and from Vancouver International Airport via the Qualicum Beach Airport and charter services are available. Parksville is the crossroads of Vancouver Island and is connected by the new Island Highway freeway to Victoria in the south and Port Hardy in the north and to the Pacific Rim.

EDUCATION

The city has six public schools, a private school and a satellite college campus. A full adult continuing education and new academic course program on evenings and weekends are provided. Parksville is only a 35 minute drive from the degree granting Malaspina University College in Nanaimo and 35 minutes to neighbouring colleges in Port Alberni or Courtenay.

HEALTH CARE

Coldwell Banker Vancouver Island Realty's owner, Wayne Dumbrell, was till recently  a director of the Trillium Health Care Society which provides full intermediate and extended care facilities and, under contract, operates many community based health care programs. Wayne will be pleased to answer any questions you may have! The area is serviced by Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, an approximately 20 minute drive, as well as the Port Alberni and Comox hospitals. There is 24 hour ambulance service, two drop-in medical centres, 18 physicians, 18 visiting specialists, 7 dentists, 2 physiotherapy clinics, and numerous specialty clinics including Meals On Wheels and Regional Health Council.

AMENITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Parksville, the Sandcastle capital of the Island, attracts visitors from around the world to play on its beaches. Parksville is home to provincial and national beach volleyball championships throughout the spring and summer on the Island's most spectacular beach. Windsurfers make Parksville Bay their winter home.

Rathtrevor Provincial Park abuts the city's southern boundary with spectacular beaches, nature trails and one of the top rated campgrounds in the province. Nightly nature programs are available free throughout the spring, summer and early fall months.

Located in downtown Parksville, on the Englishman River estuary flats is the largest recreational vehicle campground in Canada while numerous hotels, motels, campgrounds and evening and convention facilities surround this picturesque setting.

The August long weekend marks the arrival of the famous Coombs Bluegrass Festival and old time fiddlers contest. Mid-August brings the Coombs Fall Fair while starting on the July long weekend until late September a series of sanctioned rodeos and horse shows abound throughout the district. Home of the famous Howie Meeker Hockey School and the Shoot For The Gold Goalie Clinic, Parksville is alive with hockey fever and even our own Junior team all from a brand new dual rink facility.

Year round outdoor sports are unlimited with 6 golf courses, tennis, world renowned ocean and river sport fishing (this is where you find the big ones) plus a hunter's paradise all at your doorstep.