The Rod and Gun Hotel wasn't just a catchy name, it was used to service the many hunters and fishermen who came to the Parksville area.

Upon opening it's doors in 1898 the Rod and Gun quickly became a fixture in the small community of Parksville offering services such as a hot meal and accommodation to local and visiting hunters and fishermen in the area. Hunters would often use the front porch to string up kills before retiring for a meal and a drink. Breakfast, dinner and a nights stay was only $1.50 and although the hotel closed down some time ago the Rod and Gun still offers great value on food & drink.

"The Gun" as locals continue to call it, has gone through many face lifts, expansions and renewals throughout the years, it has seen an expansion of the pub and hotel and eventually saw an addition of a family dining room separate from the historic original pub. The Rod and Gun now offers the largest variety in the area in regards to food, drink and entertainment. Many of the local residence have a very personal and special connection to the building and its history, some even say the old hotel area upstairs is haunted!