Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is about 3 kilometres south of Parksville on Highway 19A, so it is a short drive from the town centre. Driving is the simplest way to get there, and a taxi works well if you are carrying beach gear.
Driving south on Highway 19A
From Parksville, head south on Highway 19A and follow the park signs. If you are on the inland Highway 19, take exit 51 and follow the signs from there. BC Parks describes the park as having a large day use and picnicking area. Rules about gates, hours and parking charges can change with the season, so check the BC Parks page for Rathtrevor Beach before a summer visit. The operator, RLC Park Services, can also be reached on 1 250 474 1336.
Walking or cycling from Parksville
Three kilometres is a manageable ride on a bike, and a long but doable walk for most people. Route choices depend on where you start in town, and the safest option is the one a current map app shows as a path or quiet street rather than the shoulder of the highway. A map will also show where a trail meets the park boundary, which saves wandering along the road with a cooler and a pile of towels.
What the tide does at Rathtrevor
Timing matters more here than at most beaches. BC Parks notes that very low tides are common and the ocean can recede almost a kilometre. At low tide you get a huge stretch of firm sand to walk, and at high tide the beach is much narrower. Look up the tide table for Parksville before you set off, so that your visit matches the beach you want.
Taxi and rideshare from Parksville
If you would rather not drive or park, a taxi from the town centre or from a hotel in Parksville is a short trip. The Parksville taxi page lists local service, the taxi fare estimator gives a ballpark before you call, and the Uber estimate calculator shows a rideshare comparison. Arrange the ride home before you leave the car park or the beach, since pickups bunch up on warm afternoons.