The City's Parks, Recreation and Culture Department provides a comprehensive year-round program of activities for residents of all ages and interests. Residents can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront sea wall, or a vigorous hike up Mount Benson. Newcastle Island, the charming provincial park just off the shores of downtown Nanaimo, is a popular summertime picnic and camping area. Buttertubs Marsh, in the heart of the city, is a wonderful place to view waterfowl and learn about our delicate ecosystem. Nanaimo has a growing community of musicians and artists, as well as several active community theatre groups and a symphony orchestra.
Residents enjoy a variety of entertainment throughout the year.
The entire district has a population of about 39,000. Parksville is known internationally as a vacation destination. Parksville is a summer paradise. The quiet friendly atmosphere makes Parksville an excellent place to live as well. The quaint charm of the village of Qualicum Beach makes it a retirement destination for people from all over Canada as well as the rest of the world.