Local Beaches: Rathtrevor Beach

Cultural Connections - Local Beaches 

Join Cultural Connections as we head outdoors and explore some of the most scenic and awe-inspiring, local beaches throughout the month of July. Unlike our Local Hikes series, this is all about staying put in one spot and truly relaxing! If you are looking for something more upbeat - feel free to grab a ball/frisbee from our sports bag and play a game with some new/old friends! Either way, you'll surely enjoy your time at the beach with your Cultural Connections team! 

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Majestic old-growth trees, beautiful ocean sunsets and an inviting, wide sandy beach with campsites nestled amongst mature Douglas fir trees makes Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in Parksville one of the premier vacation destinations on Vancouver Island.

At low tide the ocean recedes almost a kilometre, providing an ideal place for visitors of all ages to play in the sand and explore the shoreline. When the tide rolls in over the sun-baked sand, the warmed water is unbeatable for swimming and salt water fun.

Rathtrevor Beach is ideal for a relaxed family/friend outing. Simply sit back and soak up the seaside atmosphere or take a walk through the wooded upland area of the park. Bird watching is also a popular activity at the park, particularly in the spring when large numbers of seabirds congregate for the annual herring spawn. During February, March and April, Rathtrevor Beach is also one of the best spots on the Island to view the migrating Brant geese. - BC Parks

What to wear:

• Appropriate footwear for walking
• Summer clothing - light and breathable
• Hat
• Sunglasses

What to bring:

• Snacks 
• Water bottle 
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Bathing suit (if you wish to swim, you MUST know how to swim)
• Towel/beach blanket
• Garbage bag/bag to carry wet clothing items/towels
• Dry clothing for the bus
• Umbrella (for the beach)
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Any medication you may require
• A backpack to carry all your items

Meeting Location: 

VIU Building 255 Main Lobby 

Trip Includes:

Transportation to and from the beach, sports equipment, chill times

Policies, Health & Safety

We have an ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and quality of our trips, with trained and responsible student leaders, staff and community partners. Before you sign-up, please check out our policies & procedures for more information about how to prepare for a trip, as well as our cancellation policy.

How to Sign Up

Our activities are available to all current VIU Students. Sign up with us in person, next to the Front Reception Desk in the "Glassroom" on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm – 1:30pm in Building 255 - Second Floor.

You will need to have your:

1. Student card,
2. Proof of medical insurance (BC Care Card or Guard.me Insurance Policy)
3. Payment (cash is currently the only method of payment for activities)

Waiver Form

Please read our general waiver form for VIU group activities in the attachment section below. All participants are required to read and sign the waiver before the start of the trip. We will provide a paper copy for you to read through again and sign the morning of the trip.

Contact

Kelsey Moon – Activity Program Coordinator
Kelsey.moon@viu.ca
250-753-3245 x 2228