 Location
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is located on central Vancouver Island 3 km south of Parksville on Hwy 19a. Take exit #51 from the Inland Island Highway (Hwy #19) and follow signs to the park. Parksville is located at the junction of Highway 19, which runs the length of Vancouver Islands east coast and Highway 4, which runs to the west coast of the island through Port Alberni to Long Beach. Outdoor ActivitiesHiking and Biking
There are over 5 km of trails meandering throughout the park. They run through a variety of unique and scenic ecosystems from a lush Douglas Fir, Cedar and Alder forest that gives way to a sprawling meadow and marshland and then finally to an Oceanside walkway along the 2km of shoreline and then onto the massive white sand flats of Rathtrevor Beach. Wildlife Viewing
There are many wildlife species in the park. Visitors can view and photograph deer, raccoons, squirrels, otters, eagles, hawks, turkey vultures, owls and many shore and migratory birds that use the park area during their spring and fall migrations. Birdwatchers can see large numbers of seabirds including the Brant Geese congregating in the spring for the annual herring spawn. Beach Life
The low tidal fluctuations provide expanses of clean white sand perfect for sun bathing and sandcastles. On a low tide, visitors can walk for kilometers over the soft sand. The warmed ocean water and sandy tide pools are well suited to children and skim boarders alike. There are picnic tables along the sea wall and under the trees for those seeking shelter from the hot rays on a sunny day. It is illegal to remove any wildlife including shellfish from the park. Nature House and Programs
The Rathtrevor Beach Nature House with it's natural history bookstore, gift shop, and refreshments is opened to the public beginning in May. There are many interactive, kid-friendly displays featuring the natural and cultural history of Vancouver Island. There are also displays of live native specimens which may include tree frogs, banana slugs, and a fully enclosed and active honeybee hive showing the inner workings of the hive. The bookstore carries a range of products including an incredible selection of natural history books, Folkmanis puppets, beach accessories, toys, and souvenir clothing.
During July and August there are free Jerry's Ranger's children programs at the Nature House. Jerry's Rangers starts at 2:00 PM and is aimed at children 12 and under to enhance their environmental awareness and encourage conservation. During the evenings the amphitheatre offers free programs for all ages. For more information you can contact the Rathtrevor Beach Nature House at
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or click here to go to our naturehouse.ca website. Day Use Activities Facilities
This park has a large day-use/picnic area directly adjacent to the ocean on the expansive and magnificent Rathtrevor Beach. The park has a network of trails. Most are easy and many are wheelchair accessible. A beach accessing wheelchair ramp was added new for 2005. The day use area has a very large picnic area containing over 100 picnic tables, and both flush and pit toilets, change room buildings, fresh water taps, walking trails and an adventure playground. Food is available during the summer from the beach side concession, located in the picnic grounds. This beach is ideal for skim boarding, Frisbee, volleyball and other sports as well as sun tanning, swimming, walking and is so large it has room for everyone and every activity. The tide goes in and out over a very long shallow grade leaving many tidal pools that warm up in the sun and are ideal for small children to play in. There are no lifeguards provided in the park.  Group-Picnic Shelters
The Park has two group picnic shelters for rent beside the beach. The shelters contain picnic tables with adequate seating for about 50 people each. There is also a wooden bar surrounding the entire shelter which allows additional guests to stand while enjoying the shelter. There are large fire pits at the site for warmth and enjoyment and firewood is available for sale at the Gatehouse. Fires cannot be left unattended and are unavailable when a fire ban is in effect so please check at the Gatehouse before lighting any fires. To rent a picnic shelter contact Discover Camping www.discovercamping.ca after January 2, 2011.
Dogs
Dogs must always be on the leash and are permitted only in designated areas. Look for the regulations on the information shelters for the specific park rules for pet areas. Parking
There is an hourly charge for parking at a cost of $1.00 per hour up to maximum of $3.00 for an entire day. Parking is only allowed in designated areas but is abundant and situated directly adjacent to the beach and picnic areas. Camping  Drive-in campsites
Rathtrevor is world renowned for its beautiful campground and facilities. Each of the 165 non-serviced, forested campsites available within the campground is located within a five-minute walk of the beach. Each site has its own picnic table and fire ring. Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings provided. During a fire ban fires are not allowed anywhere in the park. There is a mature forest that blankets the campground allowing dappled sunshine to filter in. There are three washroom buildings located in the campground, which provide private hot showers as well as clean drinking water and flush toilets, fresh water taps, walking trails and an adventure playground. There is also an RV sanitation station available to empty waste tanks and to refill water tanks.
Walk-in tenting
There is a large tenting field available, which allows walk-in visitors to set up their tents next to a picnic table and share communal fire rings. The sites provide full sun and the area is only a short distance from the beach and all services. Visitors are not allowed to drive their vehicles into the field but can park in a lot close to the site and use our wagons to unload and transport their camping gear to the site. Group Camping
The group sites contain picnic tables, large group fire rings and a shower and toilet building. The large group camping area is divided into six sub-group sites so respect for neighbors is required. The sites provide full sun and the area is only a short distance from the beach and all services. Groups with a minimum of 5 units are able to reserve a group campsite by contacting Discover Camping www.discovercamping.ca after January 2, 2011. Prices and Seasons
The prices for camping are seasonally adjusted to the provision of services . During the peak season camping fees are $30.00 per night and there is a second vehicle charge of $12.00. Additional sleeping units are permitted in an occupied campsite but there is a camping fee charge of $30.00. Winter season is October 15 to April 1, or until full services are resumed, rates are $11.00 for everyone. Shoulder season is April 1 to June 15 and after Labour Day to October 15 where the rate is $30.00 and seniors pay $15.00 per night. Peak season is June 16 to Labour Day where the rate is $30.00 and seniors pay $30.00 per night. A site in the tenting area is $16.00 per night per party. Second vehicle charges are $12.00 per night with a campsite.
BC seniors over 65 must provide a BC gold card to pay half price prior to June 15th and after Labour Day. During the peak season seniors pay full price.
Renting a picnic shelter costs $50.00 per day. Parking is $1.00 Hour or $3.00 a day in the day use lots. Reservations
To make a reservation in the campground or tenting field please contact Discover Camping www.discovercamping.ca or phone them toll free at 1-800-689-9025 Fires
Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings provided. During a fire ban fires are not allowed anywhere in the park. Firewood is available to visitors in the park at the Gatehouse at a cost of $7.00 per bundle or $18.00 for 3 bundles. As the park is an ecological reserve it is illegal to burn wood or material from the forest. Circle Tour Park
This is a circle tour stop. For more information call Discover Camping toll free at 1-800-689-9025. Nearby Parks
Nearby parks within a 20 to 30 minute drive of the park include Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, Spider Lake Provincial Park, Rosewall Creek Provincial Park and Cathedral Grove at Macmillan Provincial Park. This is an excellent park for visitors wanting to experience several different natural settings within a single park. Rules and Regulations
To see the complete list of opportunities and regulations for this park please see the BC Parks Parkfinder . For the general rules and regulations for all Provincial parks please see BC Parks General information .
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