Parksville’s tidal flats are among the widest on Vancouver Island. At a big low tide, the water can retreat hundreds of metres, leaving warm pools and sandbars that families come back to every summer.
Reading a tide table
Each day usually brings two high tides and two low tides. The height tells you how far the water will come in or go out: the lower the number at low tide, the more beach you’ll have to explore.
- Check the tide times before you head out (they’re at the top of every page on this site).
- Watch for the incoming tide on wide flats. It can come in faster than you expect.
- Leave shells, crabs and sea stars where you find them.
Sample story for testing.
