Frequently asked questions
1. Where exactly is Parksville?
Parksville is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 35 km north of Nanaimo.
2. How do I get to Vancouver Island from Vancouver?
In order to get to the Island you will need to take a ferry from Vancouver. You can either drive your car or travel as a foot passenger. The ferries run from:
Horseshoe Bay on the north shore of Vancouver to Departure Bay in Nanaimo.
Tsawwassen on the south end of Vancouver to Duke Point which is just south of Nanaimo, and
Check the BC ferry schedule at: http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/mainland/
3. How much does it cost to take the ferry?
Ferry prices vary depending on the day and on the passenger’s age. Seniors travel free on Mondays- Thursdays, but not their vehicle. Please check the website in order to find out the fares that will apply to you. http://www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/fares/
4. How do I get from the ferry terminal in Nanaimo (Departure Bay) to the conference site? Will there be pick-up and drop off options?
There are 4 options:
Island Link private bus service from Departure Bay terminal. http://www.islandlinkbus.com
Greyhound bus: http://www.greyhound.ca/
BCTransit inter-city bus: http://bctransit.com/regions/nan/schedules/schedule.cfm?line=90&
The Island Chauffeur is the premier door to door transportation service serving the central Vancouver Island area. Phone 1-877-954-9694 or email islandchauffeur@telus.net.
Please check the schedules not all sailings have bus service and make an online reservation if taking the Island Link.
5. After taking ferry leaving Tsawwassen terminal, how do I get from the ferry terminal at Duke Point to the conference site in Parksville? Will there be pick-up and drop off options?
Unfortunately there is no bus service from Duke Point. If you plan on walking on a ferry, take the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay, Nanaimo. Island Link Bus, Greyhound Bus and BC Transit has a service from Departure Bay to Parksville connecting with some sailings. Please check the schedules and make an online reservation if taking the Island Link.
Contrary to an article in the BC Nature magazine, we are unable to provide pickup and dropoff service to the FGM meeting.
6. Where can I eat in Parksville?
There are lots of restaurants in Parksville for you to choose from. Please refer to the following website for ideas: http://www.parksville-bc.worldweb.com/RestaurantsBars
7. What kind of weather can I expect at the end of September?
Parksville has a Mediterranean climate with dry warm summers and mild winters, so expect that the temperature will likely be between 14-16 0C at conference time and there is always the possibility of some showers.
8. What is the dress code for the banquet?
Dress for the banquet is business casual.
9. What else is there to see and do in the Parksville/Oceanside area?
There are lots of things to do in the Parksville area. Check out the following websites for ideas:
http://www.hellobc.com/parksville/things-to-do.aspx?gclid=CL7Nkumj064CFWMGRQodpkkJeg
http://www.hellobc.com/parksville.aspx
http://www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com/cms.asp?wpID=30
10. If I have medical difficulties while I'm in Parksville, where should I go for help?
There are four possible sources of assistance and where you go will depend on the degree of seriousness of the problem:
In a medical emergency, dial 911 right away.
- Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
- offers 24-hour emergency services
- 1200 Dufferin Crescent, Nanaimo, BC
- Parksville After Hours Walk-in Medical Clinic
- open weekdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and, subject to physician availability, also open on Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays.
- 154 Memorial Avenue, Parksville, BC
- Or contact one of our club members at the registration desk or a trip leader who can assist you.