Little Local - July 23

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For so many families I know, Parksville is just part of growing up on the West Coast. Even though I’m from the mainland, we spent at least a week there almost every summer, and I have so many good memories tied to it. So this week, I’m sharing my Parksville Guide with all of our family favourites.

I’m also introducing you to Melanie from Meant Well Books, who runs the sweetest little bookstore out of a Japanese mini truck and pops up around Victoria.

And for anyone staying closer to home, there are lots of family-friendly events happening around town this week too.

See you out there!

Parksville

There are plenty of reasons Parksville is so popular with families: long sandy beaches, great playgrounds, mini golf, ice cream stops and lots of room for kids to run around and just be kids. Whether you’re heading up for the day, staying a few nights or settling in for a full week, here are the places our family loves most.

Where to stay

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park: If you’re a camping family and can get a spot, this campground is gold. Kids can roam by bike or on foot, and you’re right beside one of the best sandy beaches on the Island. Campsites can be booked three months ahead of your arrival date, so set a reminder if you’re hoping to stay during the summer.

Ocean Trails Resort: If you prefer beds, kitchens and a little more comfort, check out Ocean Trails. The resort has cottages with kitchens, a recently updated outdoor pool and hot tub, lots of space for kids to roam and a short trail down to Rathtrevor Beach.

Airbnb also has some great options nearby, including cottages in Oceanside Village. I’ve also heard great things from families about The Beach Club Resort in downtown Parksville.

Where to eat

Craig Street Pizza and Salt Pizza: Both make REALLY good pizza.

The Black Goose Inn: This is a great casual option when you want to eat outside with kids. The food is good, and there’s lots of outdoor space, plus lawn games to keep everyone occupied.

What to do

Explore Rathtrevor Beach: Go at low tide to build sandcastles, hunt for sand dollars and walk across the huge stretch of sand. When the tide comes back in, the shallow water can be surprisingly warm.

Play mini golf: Paradise Mini Golf and Riptide Lagoon are both classic Parksville outings.

Visit the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre: The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a must if you have time. The centre cares for injured and orphaned wildlife, including eagles, owls, ravens and bears. Families can walk through the beautiful wooded property while learning more about the animals and their rehabilitation.

Walk around Little Qualicum Falls: The forest trails and waterfalls make a beautiful break from the beach. There are also a few popular swimming spots for extra hot days.

Visit Parksville Community Park: Adventure World Playground is easily one of the best playgrounds on the Island. Bring swimsuits too, because there’s also a small splash pad.

Experience Beachfest: If you’re visiting during the Parksville Beach Festival, happening July 13–August 16, stop by the sand sculpture exhibition at Community Park.

Visit Little Qualicum Cheeseworks: I have fond memories of visiting Coombs as a kid and watching the goats on the roof, but these days it can feel a little too busy and commercial for my vacation self.

For a quieter outing to see farm animals, I’d suggest Little Qualicum Cheeseworks at Morningstar Farm instead. Kids can see the farm animals, wander the grounds and watch the cows being milked, and the grownups can pick up cheese and other local treats from the farmgate store.

Meet Melanie

Melanie is the owner of Meant Well Books, a tiny mobile bookshop that pops up at markets and community events around Greater Victoria. She runs the business alongside her nine-to-five, with help from her daughter, who chooses books for the kids’ section and makes sure they remember the snacks.

Melanie’s Local Favourites

Family outing: Biking through Fairfield, stopping at Hidden Gem Treatshop and playing along Dallas Road
Easy dinner: Fish and chips, ice cream and playground time at Fisherman’s Wharf
Local treat: Kid Sister Ice Cream’s Key Lime Pie Bar
Day trip: Sidney for the pier, Glass Beach, bookstores and bakeries
Kids’ books: Percy Jackson, The Land of Stories and This Is How We Do It

📙 Little Beaver and the Echo: Is such a sweet book, and one our 3 year old asks to read again and again. Little Beaver is lonely and sets out to find the friend he hears calling back to him across the pond. It’s cute and beautifully illustrated, with a lovely message about friendship.

🍷 Rust Gamay Noir 2025: Warning: This bottle disappears faster than the snacks you hid from the kids. Light, bright and dangerously crushable, with juicy raspberry and Bing cherry, plus subtle mineral and savoury notes. Best slightly chilled with a charcuterie board, or whatever’s left after everyone raids the fridge. Available at Swans Liquor Store downtown. — Joey Sprout, friend + wine expert

Beach Advisories

It’s worth checking the beach advisories below before packing the swimsuits. A beach advisory means swimming isn’t recommended right now because of elevated bacteria, blue-green algae or another possible health concern.

The beach may still be open for playing and exploring, but it’s best to keep kids and pets out of the water until the advisory is lifted.

Here’s the latest beach advisory report for Greater Victoria:

🍓 South Island FarmHub: No time for the farmers’ market? South Island FarmHub brings fresh, local groceries from farms and food makers across the region right to your door. Online ordering opens Thursdays at 2pm for the week ahead.

💜 Thistle & Wren: Check out the latest drop of preloved children’s clothing for growing kids. Shopping secondhand is a great way to save a little money, shop more sustainably and give gently used pieces a second life.

Today

🛍️ Sidney Street Market
Thursday, July 23 | 5:30–8:30pm
Stroll along Beacon Avenue, browse local vendors, enjoy live entertainment and grab dinner or a treat during this family-friendly, summer evening market. [Info]

🎶 Oak Bay Summer Concert at Willows Beach
Thursday, July 23 | 6pm
Pack a picnic and enjoy free live music by Groove Circus and the Teighan Couch Trio at Willows Beach Park. [Info]

🎬 Family Movie Night at Panorama Recreation
Thursday, July 23 | 7–9pm
Bring the family for a free movie night inside Arena B at Panorama Recreation. Blankets and cozy clothes encouraged. [Info]

This Weekend

🦭 What’s the Deal with Seals?
Saturday, July 25 | 10am–1pm
Learn about local seals and the coastal environment during this free, self-guided, all-ages CRD nature activity at Tower Point in Witty’s Lagoon. [Info]

🎶 Indigenous Music Festival
Saturday, July 25 | 4–8pm
Enjoy an evening of live performances by Indigenous musicians, along with an Indigenous market. Free and family-friendly. [Info]

🎆 Butchart Gardens Fireworks
Saturday, July 25 | Fireworks at 9:45pm
Catch live music at 6:45pm, followed by a choreographed aerial and ground fireworks display. Included with regular admission. [Info]

🌻 Woodside Farm Days
Saturdays, July 25 | 10am–4pm
Explore the gardens, meet goats, bunnies and other farm animals, take a hayride, wander through the Apple Orchard maze and snack on seasonal fruits and vegetables straight from the garden. [Info]

🎨 Sooke Fine Arts Show
Saturday, July 25–Sunday, August 3
Explore more than 370 pieces of original Vancouver Island art, plus demonstrations, music and activities for kids and youth. Children are free. [Info]

🛍️ Ship Point Market
Sunday, July 26 | 10am–4pm
Browse local artists and makers along Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Free to attend and easy to pair with a downtown family outing. [Info]

💜 Bilston Creek Farm Lavender Festival
Sunday, July 26 | 12–6pm
Wander through the blooming lavender fields, explore the heritage orchard and enjoy specialty drinks at the farm. Bilston is closed this Friday and Saturday for private events, but open on Sunday. [Info]

Upcoming

🌳 Play in the Park at Tulista Park
Tuesday, July 28 | 5:30–8pm
Bring the kids to Tulista Park in Sidney for a free evening of outdoor games, activities and community fun. [Info]

🏖️ Island View and You
Wednesday, July 29 | 10am–1pm
Drop by Island View Beach for hands-on activities and learn more about the plants, animals and ecosystems found along the shoreline. All ages. [Info]

🎻 Symphony SPLASH!
Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3
The Victoria Symphony returns to the Inner Harbour with free concerts, community performances, food vendors and a Family Zone featuring face painting, creative activities and an Instrument Petting Zoo. Sunday evening’s traditional concert ends with fireworks. [Info]

✈️ Canadian Forces Snowbirds Air Show
Tuesday, August 4 | 5pm
Watch the Snowbirds perform a full aerial demonstration over the water. Viewing will be along Dallas Road between Clover Point and Finlayson Point, and families should arrive early to find a spot. [Info]

⚛️ Particles That Cure
Saturday, August 8 | 9:30am & 1pm
Kids ages 8–15 can discover how radiation and physics are used to treat cancer through 2 hours of fun, hands-on activities led by UVic physics students and BC Cancer’s medical physics team. Held at BC Cancer Clinic (2410 Lee Ave). Free but registration required. [Info]

Library Summer Drop-Ins

The library has a great lineup of free summer drop-in programs for kids and families, from storytimes and crafts to comics, artifacts, Lego, buttons, and book-themed fun.

Hope you enjoyed this issue of Little Local! Please reply with any feedback and suggestions :)

P.S. Would you like to get your business in front of thousands of local Victoria families? Email us at [email protected].

Final Note: I do my best to keep everything accurate, but I am only human so the odd mistake might sneak in! If you catch one, feel free to let me know.