Sail & Save: A Romantic Getaway to Parksville

Sail & Save: Our Romantic Getaway to Parksville

We wanted a little escape from the city, and the Bayside Oceanfront Resort in Parksville turned out to be the perfect choice. Even better, we booked with their Sail & Save with BC Ferries promotion and saved 20% on our stay. From the moment we boarded the ferry in Vancouver, the trip felt like a getaway in every sense.

The Arrival

After a beautiful crossing to Nanaimo, it was only a short drive to the resort. Checking into our oceanfront room, we immediately felt relaxed — the view of the water set the tone for the weekend. We got into our waffle robes (really nice touch) and sat on the balcony with our in room Nespresso.

Dining & Music by the Ocean

That evening we had dinner in the dining room. Between the fresh, local flavours and live music filling the room, it couldn’t have been more romantic. Watching the colours of sinking sun reflect on the Coastal Mountain range while we shared a bottle of wine was exactly the kind of moment we’d been craving.

Coffee, Beach Walks & Dog-Friendly Comforts

The next morning, we grabbed coffees from the café and wandered down the resort’s beach access pathway. Our dog happily joined us, racing down the sand while we took in the peaceful ocean air. It was such a treat to find a place where all three of us felt at home.

Exploring Beyond Bayside

We also took some time to explore the area. A short drive brought us to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington, where we saw eagles, owls, and even a rescued black bear. Later, we biked through the trails at Hammerfest, winding through the forest and soaking up the island’s natural beauty.

A Whale Watching Highlight

The highlight of our getaway was a whale watching tour with Ocean Ecoventures. Because of the migrating fish, we saw humpbacks and orcas almost constantly — an incredible experience we’ll never forget.

The Perfect Escape

Looking back, what made the trip so special was how it balanced relaxation and adventure. From quiet mornings with coffee on the beach to unforgettable wildlife encounters, our stay at the Bayside gave us everything we hoped for. Saving 20% with the Sail & Save promotion just made it even sweeter.

If you’re thinking of planning a romantic getaway — with or without your pup — we can’t recommend the Bayside Oceanfront Resort enough.

-Sandy F. 

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