Regional Parks and Trails
Regional Parks, Trails and Conservation Areas provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, nature appreciation, and camping while protecting some of the region's most significant natural landscapes.
Use the search tool below to find parks and trails by activity or keyword. Select one or more activities to discover show parks and trails that match your interests.
Planning a visit? Download the Regional Parks and Trails Guide for maps, park and trail descriptions, amenities and visitor information.
Regional Parks and Trails Guide Brochure.pdf
Arboretum
What to do
Birdwatching,
Parking,
Picnic,
Walking
The H.R. MacMillan - Grant Ainscough Arboretum is one of the most diverse tree collections in British Columbia. An arboretum is a place where many kinds of trees are grown for learning, research, or enjoyment—similar to a botanical garden.
Arrowsmith CPR Regional Trail
What to do
Hiking
Starting from Highway 4A, the trail winds through forest, follows a loop route, and ends near a former ski hill below Mount Cokely.
Beachcomber Regional Park
What to do
Beach,
Birdwatching,
Parking,
Swimming,
Toilet,
Walking
Beachcomber Regional Park is a one-hectare oceanfront park located at the end of the Beachcomber Peninsula in Nanoose Bay. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Craig Bay, Parksville, Mount Arrowsmith and the mainland Coastal Mountains.
Beachcomber Regional Park
What to do
Beach,
Birdwatching,
Parking,
Swimming,
Toilet,
Walking
Beachcomber Regional Park is a one-hectare oceanfront park located at the end of the Beachcomber Peninsula in Nanoose Bay. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Craig Bay, Parksville, Mount Arrowsmith and the mainland Coastal Mountains.
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park and Ammonite Falls Regional Trail
What to do
Biking,
Birdwatching,
Hiking,
Parking,
Running,
Toilet
This rugged 32-hectare park of creeks and waterfalls, steep ravines and mossy woods sits at the north end of the Crown woodlot operated by Vancouver Island University.
Big Qualicum River Regional Trail
What to do
Biking,
Birdwatching,
Fishing,
Hiking,
Horseback Riding,
Parking,
Running,
Salmon View,
Walking
Big Qualicum River Regional Trail is a family-friendly riverside route that begins at the Big Qualicum Hatchery and follows a gravel service road for 10 kilometres through a scenic forest canopy.
Coats Marsh Regional Park
What to do
Birdwatching,
Parking,
Walking
This 46-hectare park protects environmentally sensitive wetlands and forests, including Gabriola Island’s first protected wetland and a stand of second-growth Douglas fir trees.
Coombs to Parksville Rail Trail
What to do
Biking,
Birdwatching,
Horseback Riding,
Parking,
Running,
Walking,
Accessible
The Coombs to Parksville Rail Trail is a 7-kilometre accessible multi-use trail connecting the communities of Coombs and Parksville.
Descanso Bay Regional Park
What to do
Beach,
Biking,
Birdwatching,
Camping,
Parking,
Picnic,
Swimming,
Toilet,
Walking
Descanso Bay Regional Park is a 14-hectare oceanfront park that offers camping, kayaking, swimming, hiking, and picnicking just a short walk from the ferry terminal and village centre on Gabriola Island.
Englishman River Regional Park
What to do
Biking,
Birdwatching,
Fishing,
Horseback Riding,
Parking,
Picnic,
Running,
Salmon View,
Swimming,
Toilet,
Walking
Englishman River Regional Park is a conservation area along the river corridor where visitors can experience the beauty of the Englishman River and its surrounding forests and wetlands.