Parksville Canada Day Celebrations

June 9, 2026

NEWS RELEASE

There are a few things we’d like you to know about Canada Day celebrations in Parksville - the best family-friendly free community event hosted by the City of Parksville. Details at Letstalkparksville.ca/canada-day-2026.

CANADA DAY PARADE
Parade route starts at Shelly Road, along Island Highway East, ending at Craig Street. The parade starts at 10 am and the Shriners’ breakfast from 7.30 to 11 am will be on Craig which is closed from Middleton to the Island Highway.

NEW safety measures in place for the parade this year are intended to help keep parade goers and entrants as safe as possible. Enhanced safety measures include additional traffic control and security, additional street barricades and signage, and additional hours for first-aid service. Parades are family-friendly, fun events and ensuring safety is everyone’s responsibility. Here are some suggestions for helping you keep your family safe at the parade:

  • Familiarize yourself with the parade route and schedule.
  • Bring lawn chairs, snacks and water and dress for the weather.
  • Arrive early and get a good spot, keeping a safe distance from the parade.
  • Do not sit in the intersections and do not sit on the islands/medians.
  • Establish a family meeting point and supervise children closely.
  • Always follow instructions of traffic control personnel.
  • Avoid interacting with parade vehicles, performers or animals.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings, even once scheduled parade activities are complete.

The parade will end at Craig Street on the Island Highway and will not travel up Craig Street. There will be pedestrian only access on Pioneer Crescent at the start of the parade with parade dispersal on Harrison Avenue. Parade applications may be found on Let’s Talk Parksville, deadline June 22.

PARKSVILLE COMMUNITY PARK

  • Mainstage at Parksville Outdoor Theatre, from 11.30 am to 5.30 pm
    Entertainment begins with the Canada Day opening ceremony at 11.30 am and continues until 5.30 pm. Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to enjoy the afternoon’s awesome entertainment.
  • Parksville Community Park, from noon to 9 pm
    Full day of activities and entertainment with food trucks, displays, demos, waterfront music. Don’t forget your bathing suit to enjoy a sunset swim. Activities detailed on Let’s Talk Parksville with updates on social media.

THINGS WE’D LIKE YOU TO KNOW FOR CANADA DAY

  • Parking - Sandcastle Drive, Ravenhill Road and Salish Sea Drive will be closed to vehicles with general parking in the large gravel lot and accessible parking in the park. We are not able to provide bike valet service this year; however, bike racks are located throughout the park. Map of parking locations in downtown at this link.
  • Leashed dogs are allowed in the Parksville Community Park; however, please consider leaving your dogs at home; crowds, warm weather and noise can be overwhelming.

Should you have questions about Canada Day activities, please email canadaday@parksville.ca.