Premier Listings for Rathtrevor Beach

The beauty of majestic old-growth trees, ocean sunsets and a wide sandy beach with campsites nestled amongst Douglas-fir trees makes Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park one of the premier vacation destinations on Vancouver Island.

Rathtrevor received its name from a gold prospector and pioneer, William Rath, who settled in the area with his wife and family in 1886. William died in 1903, leaving his wife with the farm and five children.

She developed the land and eventually operated it as a campground, adding ‘trevor’ for lyrical effect. Rathtrevor Campground became Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in 1967 and though much has changed since William and Elizabeth first arrived, its beauty and importance will be preserved for our continued enjoyment.

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The warm ocean water and sandy beach makes the park a family camping favourite. At low tide, almost a kilometre of sandy flats are exposed, perfect for beachcombing. When the tide rolls in over the sun-baked sand, the warmed water is unbeatable for swimming.

Bird watching is good, especially in early spring when large numbers of seabirds congregate for the annual herring spawn. The beach is one of the best spots on the island for viewing migrating Brant Geese in March and April.

This lovely park has 174 serviced camping spots and 25 walk-in campsites, within 5 minutes walk to the beach. The campground is fully equipped with a sani-station, showers, flush and pit toilets and wheelchair accessibility. Reservations are mandatory between the last week of June and Labour Day. The park is open all year, and fees for the drive-in campsites and walk-in campsites are collected from March 16 to October 15. A winter fee is charged with nil services provided from October 16 to March 15; campers must be self-sufficient. A sani-station/dump is available during the collecting season.

If the park is full, you may find alternative camping facilities at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, 8 miles (13 km) away, or Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, 15 miles (24 km) to the west.

Follow the network of trails on a self-guided nature tour. There are two adventure playgrounds and, during the summer, an open-air amphitheatre is used for interpretative park programs.

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is located off Highway 19, south of Parksville on south central Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Nearby Regions & Towns

Park Notices

Premier Listings

Photo of Beach Acres Resort
Beach Acres Resort
#25 – 1051 Resort Drive Parksville BC V9P 2E4 Home Phone: 250-248-3424Work Fax: 250-248-6145Work Phone: 1-800-663-7309Visit Website

Biographical Info

It’s all in the name, Beach Acres Resort … miles of warm sandy beach, ocean and mountain views, acres of lush forest, and a range of resort accommodations to delight your family and friends. Our family-friendly, beachfront accommodations offer private self-contained cottages, spacious townhouses – all with two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and fireplaces – and majestic ocean views from every window.

Situated on 23 acres of forested property bordered by Rathtrevor Beach’s sandy seashore, we offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, waterfront, forest, and private accommodation … the perfect place for a relaxing vacation retreat or romantic Vancouver Island getaway. The perfect “kid-free” getaway awaits in a cozy little cottage … right on the beach.

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Photo of Practicar Nanaimo
Practicar Nanaimo
111 South Terminal Avenue Nanaimo BC V9R 5C7 Home Phone: 250-753-6461Home Fax: 250-753-4355Work Phone: 1-888-296-8888Visit Website

Biographical Info

Practicar Nanaimo offers low rates on daily, weekly and monthly rentals for cars, passenger vans, and trucks; ferry and airport pick-up and delivery, cars also available in Parksville/Qualicum and Gabriola Island; no charge for additional drivers; minimum driver’s age 21; special packages, including self-drive vineyard tours, Tofino/Pacific Rim, Gulf Islands available.

Nanaimo is the Gateway to Vancouver Island, with convenient and frequent ferries from Vancouver as well as float plane service from both Vancouver airport and downtown Vancouver. Walk on – walk off – drive away – with Practicar rentals – free pickup at Departure Bay ferry terminal, and downtown Nanaimo float plane docks.

Practicar provides discount car rental prices with top of the line auto rental customer service. At Practicar we believe that cheap car rental can be accompanied with excellent service. With airport locations and convenient neighborhood locations Practicar strives to meet all of your car and truck rental needs; whether you are looking for airport car rental, an insurance replacement vehicle or a van or minivan to take on vacation. Drive a Good Bargain…Practicar!

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Photo of Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
1175 Resort Drive Parksville BC V9P 2E3 Home Phone: 250-248-4674Work Phone: 1-877-977-8669Visit Website

Biographical Info

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is a year round destination in Parksville offering gorgeous west coast inspired vacation rentals and beachfront resort accommodation. The resort offers 65 fully furnished, fully equipped 1, 2 and 3 bedroom vacation homes boasting magnificent mountain and ocean views. Pamper yourself in our newly constructed seasonal outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and fitness facility. Our guest services and friendly approach will ensure that this resort experience is one you will want to repeat again and again. Reserve your Parksville vacation rental home today and discover why you may never want to leave Vancouver Island.

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Photo of FarOut Wilderness
FarOut Wilderness
Victoria BC Home Phone: 778-887-0396Visit Website

Biographical Info

FarOut Wilderness is an outdoor adventure travel company specializing in overland vehicle rentals and tailor-made itineraries in British Columbia. We use our local knowledge and experience to transform your ideas into an authentic and unique adventure.

Our self-drive itineraries allow you to explore off the beaten track at your own pace. We provide you with the resources to re-connect with nature and most importantly each another. All of our vehicles are fully insured for driving on unpaved roads and are equipped with a rooftop tent, camping equipment and GPS Messenger service.

FarOut Wilderness operates in all seasons and has one pet friendly vehicle. We offer complimentary vehicle collection and drop off at the following locations: Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, Victoria Airport, Victoria Downtown, Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, Vancouver Downtown, and Vancouver Airport. If you have another collection or drop off location in mind, please contact us!

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