Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is a fabulous vacation destination for family, friends, and solos. Spectacular panoramic views of the ocean, charming sandy beaches, the forest and its old-growth Douglas fir trees, tempting hiking trails, beautiful ocean sunsets, and many resorts (along Resort Drive) are some of the attractions of this fantastic park. Extensive wildlife species can be found in the park, such as raccoons, deer, squirrels, mink, otters, and birds like hawks, eagles, osprey, vultures, and owls. Migratory birds that use the park's area during their spring and fall migrations cause a great attraction. The most popular migratory shorebirds are the Brant geese (Branta bernicla), who use Rathtrevor and Craig Bay shores as staging and feeding areas during February, March, and April.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Location
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park has about 347 hectares (857.4 Acres) surface area. It is located in Parksville, British Columbia, Canada. The park is home to Douglas fir, hemlock, Western red cedar, spruce, balsam arbutus, and maple. The sandy beach stretches nearly a kilometre out into the Strait of Georgia at low tide and lets tourists of all ages enjoy and explore the sandy beach.
Englishman River Regional Park is one of the most extensive parks near Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. This park features the Englishman River and Englishman River Falls. If you are interested, the closest beach to the park is Parksville Beaches to the west.
How to Get to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park by Car
From Nanaimo: The fastest route to get Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N. It is 34.1 km (21.1 miles) and takes about 30 minutes. This route has restricted usage or includes private roads. Take Third St to BC-19 N for 3.3 km (2 miles). Follow BC-19 N to Island Hwy E/BC-19A S in Nanaimo G. Take exit 46 from BC-19 N and drive 27.8 km (17.2 miles). Continue on Island Hwy E/BC-19A S. Drive to Rathtrevor Rd. After 3 km (1.8 miles), you will reach the Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
From Victoria: The access from Victoria to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 144 km (89.4 miles) and takes about 1 hour and 51 minutes. This route has restricted usage or includes private roads. Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Continue on Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N to Nanaimo G. Take exit 46 from BC-19 N. Drive 140 km (86.9 miles) and continue on Island Hwy E/BC-19A S. Drive to Rathtrevor Rd. After 3 km (1.8 miles), you will reach the Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
The Hike to Get to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
1. "Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Loop" is located near Parksville, British Columbia, Canada. This easy trail has a 3.4 km (2.1 miles) length and 47 m (154.1 ft) of elevation gain. It features beautiful wildflowers and is mostly used for hiking, walking, biking, bird watching and nature trips. The best time to use this trail is from May until September. Dogs are allowed to use the path but must be kept on a leash.
2. "Rathtrevor Beach Path" is an out and back easy trail near Nanaimo G, British Columbia, Canada. It has a 4.3 km (2.6 miles) length and 61 m (200.1 ft) of elevation gain. Rathtrevor Beach Path offers spectacular views and provides an opportunity to see wildlife. It is mostly used for walking, running, camping, and bird watching. The best time to use this trail is from June until October. Dogs are allowed to use the path but must be kept on a leash.
History of Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Rathtrevor Park was named after an Irish family who arrived and settled this land in 1886. They cleared the land and built a wooden cottage. In 1903, William Rath passed away and leaving his wife Elizabeth with a farm and five children. Elizabeth successfully managed the farm and eventually ran it as a campground. They added "trevor" to Rath to make the campground's name more lyrical. In 1967, Rathtrevor Campground became Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
Things to do around the Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Area
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is a majestic land with fantastic wildlife that offers 5.5 km (3.4 miles) of tempting hiking trails, most of which are wheelchair-accessible. Many animals and migratory birds that use the park's area during their spring and fall migrations cause more visitors to attract there. The park offers several outdoor activities such as hiking and biking through excellent trails and water sports like swimming, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing. Based on the BC Act, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is one of the protected areas on Vancouver Island, where you are not allowed to hunt.
The Best Parks Near Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Colliery Dam Park
Maffeo Sutton Park
Beaufort Park
Pipers Lagoon Park
Bowen Park
Chinese Memorial Gardens Park
Neck Point Park
Beach Estates Park
Westwood Lake Park
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Steve Smith Bike Park
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Englishman River Regional Park
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Activities
Hiking
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park offers 5.5 km (3.4 miles) of tempting hiking trails, most of which are wheelchair-accessible.
Wildlife Viewing/ Bird Watching
Extensive wildlife species, including mammals, birds, and migratory birds, can be found in the park. Among them are raccoons, deer, squirrels, mink, otters, hawks, eagles, osprey, vultures, owls, and Brant geese (Branta bernicla).
Camping
At Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, there are 6 group campsites.
Kayaking, Canoeing
The park can be reached from the beach by kayak or canoe.
Fishing
This park offers limited opportunities for saltwater fishing, but you should have an appropriate licence.
Swimming
The sandy beach stretches nearly a kilometre out into the Strait of Georgia at low tide and lets tourists of all ages enjoy swimming in the warm water and exploring the hot sandy beach.
Windsurfing
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park provides opportunities for ocean Windsurfing.
Cycling
There are designed excellent trails that offer cycling opportunities. Keep your bicycle on the roadways. Cycling on the beach is not allowed. Remember that bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
What you Can Expect to Do Near Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Hiking on Bowen Park Loop
Nanaimo Diving
Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching
Protection Island Ferry Whale Watching
Nanaimo Whale Watching
Camping in Deep Bay RV Park
Camping in Ford's Cove Marina
Camping in Qualicum Bay Resort
Camping in Lighthouse RV Park and Campground
Camping in Bradsdadsland Campsite
Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing
China Creek Diving
Yeo Islands Diving
Wall Beach Diving
The Jib Diving
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Outline
Specifications
Climate
Timing
Trails
1- The numbers are estimated on average.
What you Can Expect to See Near Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Parksville
Colliery Dam Park
Maffeo Sutton Park
Nanaimo River
Beaufort Park
Pipers Lagoon Park
Bowen Park
Nanoose Bay
Chinese Memorial Gardens Park
Neck Point Park
Qualicum Beach
Beach Estates Park
Westwood Lake Park
Wall Beach
Parksville Beaches
Planning for Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Suitability
Camping & Resort
Services
Tips
Packing
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