On a sunny afternoon spread a blanket on the edge of a white sand beach, follow the frenzied activity of sandpipers escaping the tide; keep an eye on the kids - at play in the shallow ocean waves, warmed by the sun-baked sand. This is the essential spirit of Parksville; family, respite, and the great outdoors - why not make it home? Parksville, once a seaside village, has matured into a city of more than 10,000 and is part of Oceanside , a string of beachfront communities on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island. Retirees, urban professionals, growing families, and those seeking a summer refuge are captivated by the area's natural beauty, cultural opportunities, and quality of life in this welcoming community. Parksville has found economical success in tourism, retail services, and light industry. It is also included in the United Nations' designated Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere, one of 500 such protected marine and alpine ecosystems worldwide, proving its tradition of environmental stewardship. Natural treasures are plentiful. East of town, the Englishman River Falls has cut waterways through canyon walls, vantage points along the trail will weaken knees, but lead you downward to refreshing swimming holes, where salmon fight the stream to spawn in the autumn. Top Bridge, a challenging mountain bike park along the River draws extreme athletes and their fans. To the south, sandy Rathtrevor Beach is an oasis of camping, forest hiking, and beachcombing. The Beach is equally beautiful in the cooler months when Parksville celebrates the migratory stopover of thousands of Brant Geese at the Brant Wildlife Festival. Beyond the rustic pleasure of camping are Parkville's famous resorts, spas, and gated communities - all offering the sheer luxury of living well. Parksville homes range from condominiums, to family-styled, to ocean front estates, they have it all. more... See more text