The simplest way from Parksville to Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is to drive west on Highway 4. BC Parks puts the main day use area about 19 km west of Parksville, so this is a drive of a fair distance, not a short hop.
Highway 4 west out of Parksville
Highway 4 runs from the Parksville area toward Port Alberni, and the park sits on it. The Little Qualicum Falls day use area is about 19 km from Parksville. Two other parts of the park lie further along the same road: the Cameron Lake day use area at about 23 km and the Beaufort day use area at about 25 km. Pick the one that matches your plan, since the falls and the lake are separate stops.
The park straddles the Little Qualicum River and takes in the southern shore of Cameron Lake. Use the BC Parks page for Little Qualicum Falls Park for current fees, notices and trail conditions, and download a map before you go in case the signal drops.
Is there a bus to the falls?
Public transit between Parksville and the park is limited, and no route has been confirmed to stop at the falls. Open the BC Transit trip planner and search from your Parksville address to the park. If it shows no direct option, treat the trip as a car or taxi journey. Whatever the planner says, check the last return departure before you set out.
Taxi or ride from Parksville
A taxi is a sensible choice for a trip this length when you do not want to drive. The Parksville taxi page covers local service, and the Uber estimate calculator helps you compare a rideshare fare against a taxi. Settle the pickup time for the way back before you start walking the trails, because the area is quiet and a ride is not easy to find on the spot.
Planning the day at the falls
Bring water, a jacket and shoes with grip, since the paths near the river can be damp. Coombs and Qualicum are nearby if you want a meal stop on the way back.