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Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

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

Colliery Dam Park

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park

Pipers Lagoon Park

Pipers Lagoon Park

Bowen Park

Bowen Park

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park

Beach Estates Park

Beach Estates Park

Westwood Lake Park

Westwood Lake Park

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

Steve Smith Bike Park

Steve Smith Bike Park

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Englishman River Regional Park

Englishman River Regional Park

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park

Newcastle Island Marine 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

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop

Nanaimo Diving

Nanaimo Diving

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

Protection Island Ferry Whale Watching

Protection Island Ferry Whale Watching

Nanaimo Whale Watching

Nanaimo Whale Watching

Camping in Deep Bay RV Park

Camping in Deep Bay RV Park

Camping in Ford's Cove Marina

Camping in Ford's Cove Marina

Camping in Qualicum Bay Resort

Camping in Qualicum Bay Resort

Camping in Lighthouse RV Park and Campground

Camping in Lighthouse RV Park and Campground

Camping in Bradsdadsland Campsite

Camping in Bradsdadsland Campsite

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

China Creek Diving

China Creek Diving

Yeo Islands Diving

Yeo Islands Diving

Wall Beach Diving

Wall Beach Diving

The Jib 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

Parksville

Colliery Dam Park

Colliery Dam Park

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park

Nanaimo River

Nanaimo River

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park

Pipers Lagoon Park

Pipers Lagoon Park

Bowen Park

Bowen Park

Nanoose Bay

Nanoose Bay

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park

Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach

Beach Estates Park

Beach Estates Park

Westwood Lake Park

Westwood Lake Park

Wall Beach

Wall Beach

Parksville Beaches

Parksville Beaches

Planning for Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Suitability

Camping & Resort

Services

Tips

Packing




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