
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Parksville BC
A picturesque parkland with forests and a serene beachfront, famous for its expansive low tide beach.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore the vast seabed

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Parksville BC
Best Time
Explore the vast seabed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque parkland with forests and a serene beachfront, famous for its expansive low tide beach.
"Discover a unique coastal paradise where the ocean recedes for miles at low tide!"

🎯 Book Campground Early!
Sites fill up fast, especially in summer. Book months in advance to secure your spot. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Check Low Tide Times
Plan beach walks around low tide for maximum exploration of the seabed. :world_map:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Low Tide Beach
Beachfront
Walk for miles at low tide, discovering tide pools teeming with marine life. A truly unique coastal experience.

Lush Forested Campground
Campground
Spacious, treed campsites offer a serene escape, just a short stroll from the stunning beachfront.

Scenic Waterfront Trails
Park Trails
Enjoy peaceful walks along the shoreline, taking in the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early!
Embrace the Low Tide Magic
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Campground Early!
Sites fill up fast, especially in summer. Book months in advance to secure your spot.
:ticket:🚶♀️ Check Low Tide Times
Plan beach walks around low tide for maximum exploration of the seabed.
:world_map:🐶 Dog Restrictions
Note that dogs are not permitted on the seabed during low tide.
:dog:🌲 Firewood Available
Firewood can be purchased from park staff in the evenings.
:fire:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Campground Early!
Sites fill up fast, especially in summer. Book months in advance to secure your spot.
:ticket:🚶♀️ Check Low Tide Times
Plan beach walks around low tide for maximum exploration of the seabed.
:world_map:🐶 Dog Restrictions
Note that dogs are not permitted on the seabed during low tide.
:dog:🌲 Firewood Available
Firewood can be purchased from park staff in the evenings.
:fire:🍕 Beachside Dining
Enjoy a picnic or grab a bite from local spots like Salt Pizzeria on the beach.
:pizza:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, expansive beach and the unique experience of walking far out at low tide to discover marine life. The well-maintained campground and beautiful waterfront trails also receive high praise, making it a popular spot for families and campers alike. Some visitors note the difficulty in securing campsites during peak season.
"Beautiful beach! We got lucky and happened to get to the beach during low tide where we were able to walk pretty far out and discovered so many things on the seabed including oysters and crabs! great place to go for all ages! NOTE: saw a sign that dogs aren’t allowed out on the seabed"
Fiona L
"We camped at the campground for a night second week of September, it was fully occupied. This place was very well maintained, very organized and well labeled rows of campsites, very clean bathrooms, easy access to beach and nice walking trail along the waterfront. They came by to sell firewood in the evening. Sunset was beautiful and peaceful at the beach. Would definitely recommend this campground."
D T (琳)
"Fascinating beach where you wade out for great distances due to the very slight incline of the sand bar. The park itself has pleasant picnic areas, decent parking, and some inretesting old tree boles."
Graham Tranter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is conveniently located just south of Parksville, BC. You can reach it by car via Highway 19A. Follow the signs for Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Many visitors also use GPS or mapping apps for direct navigation.
Public transportation options to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if available in the area, or check local bus schedules for routes that may get you close, though a walk or taxi might be necessary.
The park offers decent parking facilities, which can get busy during peak season. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended to secure a spot, especially if you are visiting for a day trip and not camping.
Yes, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is accessible to day-use visitors. There are designated parking areas, picnic spots, and access to the beach and trails for those not staying overnight.
Absolutely! You can combine your visit with a trip to Little Mountain Lookout for dramatic views, or explore the charming town of Parksville itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day-use access to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is generally free. However, camping requires a reservation and associated fees. It's always a good idea to check the official BC Parks website for any updates on fees or regulations.
Campsites at Rathtrevor Beach Campground can be booked through the BC Parks reservation system. Due to high demand, booking well in advance is strongly advised, often months ahead of your desired dates.
Provincial parks are typically open year-round from dawn to dusk for day-use. Campground operating hours and check-in/check-out times will apply if you are camping.
Yes, firewood is often available for purchase from park staff in the evenings, which is convenient for campers.
:fire:For general photography and personal use, no special permits are usually required. However, if you plan on commercial photography or videography, it's best to contact BC Parks directly to inquire about any necessary permits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The beach is renowned for its incredibly gentle slope, allowing you to walk far out into the ocean at low tide. It's a sandy expanse perfect for exploring tide pools and enjoying the scenery.
Yes, the park features nice walking trails, including a pleasant one along the waterfront, offering beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.
During low tide, you can discover various marine life like oysters and crabs in the tide pools. Keep an eye out for local bird species as well.
Absolutely! It's considered very family-friendly, with clean bathrooms, hot showers, and an accessible walkway into the water, making it enjoyable for all ages.
The campground is well-maintained and organized, with spacious, forested campsites. Bathrooms are clean, and amenities like firewood sales are available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within the park itself. However, you can enjoy picnics on the beach or at designated picnic areas.
There's a general store located before you enter the park where you can purchase groceries and camping essentials. The town of Parksville also offers various dining options.
Campfires are typically permitted in designated fire rings at campsites, subject to any fire bans in effect. Firewood can be purchased within the park.
Yes, the park has pleasant picnic areas, perfect for day visitors to enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings.
One recommendation is to enjoy pizza from @saltpizzeria on the beach while watching the sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
The low tide revealing the vast seabed and marine life offers unique photographic opportunities. The forested areas and waterfront trails also provide beautiful scenic shots.
Sunrise and sunset offer stunning light for photography, especially over the water. The dramatic low tide periods also create visually interesting scenes.
The park is home to banana slugs, which have been featured in time-lapse photography. The unique beach landscape and coastal flora and fauna are also great subjects.
Drone usage in provincial parks is subject to regulations. It's essential to check the official BC Parks guidelines and potentially obtain permits before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and forest landscapes. A macro lens can be useful for tide pool discoveries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Campers
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Low Tide Exploration
Planning your visit around the low tide schedule is essential to fully appreciate this natural phenomenon. Check local tide charts before you go. While exploring, remember that dogs are not permitted on the seabed, so plan accordingly if you're traveling with pets. The sheer scale of the exposed beach during low tide also makes for stunning photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Camping at Rathtrevor Beach
Securing a campsite here can be challenging, especially during the peak summer season, as it's a highly popular destination. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Visitors can expect clean bathrooms and hot showers, adding to the comfort of their stay. Firewood is also available for purchase from park staff in the evenings, making campfire evenings a cozy possibility. The campground's popularity underscores its appeal as a prime spot for experiencing the best of Vancouver Island's coastal camping.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond the beach, the forested areas and waterfront trails provide opportunities for capturing the natural beauty of Vancouver Island's coastal environment. Look for interesting tree formations, local flora, and the serene atmosphere of the trails. For those interested in macro photography, the tide pools revealed at low tide are teeming with small creatures like crabs and oysters, offering a chance to capture intricate details. The park has even inspired creative projects like time-lapse videos of banana slugs, showcasing the unique and sometimes overlooked subjects within the park. Remember to check local regulations regarding drone usage if you plan to capture aerial footage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit