Having seen an advertisement on TV for the Bayside Resort my partner and I decided to book a 3-night getaway at this resort. We phoned to make a reservation and were told that there was currently a promotion offering a 25% discount if we booked before the end of February so we took advantage of this and booked a pet friendly room with an ocean view. When we arrived to check in we were immediately impressed by the spacious and immaculate lobby and the staff at reception were very friendly and welcoming. We were given a room on the 2nd floor with an amazing view of the ocean and overlooking the hotel grounds. The first thing we noticed upon entering the room was the dog bed and water and food bowls that had been set out - that was a first. Next, the TV had been left on with some relaxing music playing which was another added touch. There was a king sized bed with lots of pillows and they even had an extra blanket stored in a cupboard, although we didn't need it. The bathroom was spotless and had all the little extra toiletries that you get at most hotels. There was a separate area that had a mini fridge, Nespresso coffee maker and kettle and unlike the Harrison Hot Springs hotel that used paper cups and powdered milk, the Bayside provided ceramic coffee mugs and real cream that was in the fridge. The corridors were quiet and we didn't hear any noise from any of the other surrounding rooms. The first day we arrived we decided to check out the restaurant for dinner. There had been mixed reviews as to the food and service so we went with an open mind. Our server was extremely friendly and helpful. We ordered calamari for an appetizer and I had the seafood linguine for my entree, which was delicious. My partner ordered the slow-braised short ribs. He hadn't had much to eat all day, so when his plate arrived he was disappointed in the small portion size. Although he said it tasted good he wasn't close to being full so he asked our server if he could get a side of pasta or something similar to fill him up. She was more than happy to check with the chef to see what he could do and shortly after came back to say they could give him a plate of linguine with some sauce, which he was more than happy to order. The resort offers 2 swimming pools - an outdoor one (which was closed for the season) and an indoor one that is partially covered and partially outdoors and they did have a hot tub which unfortunately is no longer in working order due to a leakage and age. They also had a reasonably equipped gym although we didn't take advantage of it. After talking to the staff we were informed that there are plans to update the outside of the building, fully enclose the indoor pool and hopefully replace the hot tub. We suggested that a sauna would be a great addition and they agreed! Compared to several of the other "resorts" in Parksville that we looked into, the Bayside far outweighed them in terms of views, accommodation and price and we definitely hope to go back again. and wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to anyone looking for a relaxing and comfortable getaway.

Where do I even start…

Staff are amazing and super friendly. By happenstance they were outside when we arrived and greeted us by name (never been here before, but they just knew somehow)!

The room was also great (two queen). It overlooked the ocean and we had an impeccable view.

Overall the place was well kept and clean (resort and room itself). It was also not noisy (day or night) and we felt extremely relaxed.

We will definitely need to come back in the summer time!