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Hiking on Cable Bay Nature Trail

Cable Bay Nature Trail has been ranked among the top ten forest walks on Vancouver Island. Hiking on Cable Bay Nature Trail is stunningly beautiful. The trail is wide and easy to pass other hikers. Hike through the dense old forest with big-leaf maple trees to a stunning beach. Enjoy water views with an overlook of Gabriola Island, and watch marine mammals, including Orcas and sea lions. Fishing, hiking, walking, bird watching, running, and wildlife viewing are some of the activities followed in this area. But to get the most out of your trip, it is recommended to have a bug spray with you to make yourself invisible to insects looking for someone to bite. Cable Bay Nature Trail is a moderately trafficked out and back trail. Extended for over 6.6 km (4.1 miles), hikers can gain an elevation of 119 m (390.4 ft).

The Location of Cable Bay Nature Trail

Cable Bay is a small bay a short distance from Duke Point and Gabriola Island and is named originally due to the numerous pieces of rusting steel cable scattered along the mucky shore. The trail is accessible via Nicola Road in Cedar and leads down Joan Point Park, a 23-acre waterfront park overlooking Dodds Narrows. Drive to the Cable Bay Trailhead at the end of Nicola Road. The trailhead has plenty of parking space, so park your car there and start your hiking trip. Cable Bay Nature Trail ends at the Cable Bay Bridge. However, there is a rough trail following the shoreline along Stewart Channel to Dodd Narrows. Hikers can head back from the Cable Bay bridge to the parking lot on the main trail, a 4.2-kilometre (2.6 miles) hike, or head past the bridge to Dodd's Narrows and beyond, which is 4.7 kilometres (2.9 miles) and will take about 2 hours.

Hiking Trails Near Cable Bay Nature Trail

Hiking on Cable Bay Nature Trail

Hiking on Cable Bay Nature Trail

Don't hike alone! It is an excellent hike for the whole family and pets. Cable Bay Nature Trail is scenic, easy, clean, and wide enough as a family trail. Not only your family but your pet can accompany you. Get the most out of incredible viewpoints. Hike through the forest near the coast and find a nice rock to take a break, grab a snack, and watch the marine wildlife.

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop is a lovely urban walk along a river with stunningly beautiful nature that promotes a rich forest, a waterfall, and a scenic pond. This easy hiking trail is so well maintained with lots of facilities. Spend hours hiking on this loop as part of the Trans Canada Trail and have a memorable day in the park, great for different kinds of activities.

Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail

Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail

About 10 kilometres away from downtown Nanaimo, find yourself on an easy and well-marked hiking trail along the Nanaimo River with a smile on your face! It is a great short walk that impresses you differently at each section. Take your dog with you and get it some exercises too, as it is dog off-leash-friendly. You can find such energy there in the area with the Douglas fir plantation.

Hiking on Westwood Lake Trail

Hiking on Westwood Lake Trail

Westwood Lake Trail is not super challenging, but it is a lovely well maintained and well-marked hiking trail around Westwood Lake with beautiful viewpoints and greenery. The forest and lake are full-on herons, eagles and deer with lots of opportunities to have a great time, so bringing your family with you is a decision you will not regret!

Hiking on the Mount Benson Loop

Hiking on the Mount Benson Loop

Wear your hiking boots! It is going to be a challenging hike that may take about 4 to 5 hours. The lovely amount of elevation with fantastic views is what you can get hiking on the Mount Benson Loop near Nanaimo. As it is located in a reach environment, take lots of breaks to enjoy the area and get enough energy. If you are not ready for wet terrains, try it on a dry and cool day. You would be satisfied as an experienced hiker.

How to Get to Cable Bay Nature Trail By Car

From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from downtown Nanaimo to Cable Bay Nature Trail is Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. It is 13.2 km (8.2 miles) and takes about 15 minutes.
Take Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S, Cedar Rd and Holden Corso Rd to Nicola Rd and drive 12.8 km (7.9 miles). Turn left onto Nicola Rd, and after 450 m (1476.3 ft), you will reach Cable Bay Trailhead.

From Victoria:
If you are interested in hiking on Cable Bay Nature Trail and plan to drive from Victoria, the fastest route is Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. The whole route is 108 km (67.1 miles) and takes about an hour and a half.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and go on for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and drive 96.5 km (60 miles). Continue on Haslam Rd. Take Cedar Rd and Woobank Rd to Nicola Rd, and after 10.1 km (6.2 miles), you will reach Cable Bay Trailhead.

What you Can Expect to See Near Cable Bay Nature Trail

Millstone River Falls

Millstone River Falls

Millstone River Falls is not a tall waterfall, but its beauty can rival any waterfall on Vancouver Island. Located in Bowen Park, two drops of Millstone River Falls make a soft melody by running smoothly down the river. Bowen Park Loop is a hiking trail that leads you to the waterfall, which is easy even for children. So you can enjoy this natural attraction with your family.

Helliwell Provincial Park

Helliwell Provincial Park

Are you a nature lover looking for ocean views, beaches, forests and mountains all in one? Do you struggle with busy life challenges? Discover how the tranquil area of Helliwell Provincial Park gives you the exact solutions to emotional healing and inner strength. This environmentally sensitive area is a gem on Hornby Island, with Douglas fir and Garry oak forest overlooking the ocean.

Parksville

Parksville

Parksville is known for its scenic, superb sandy beaches. This city is also famous for hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, parks, entertainment centres, and many fantastic restaurants and pubs. The city's most popular annual festival is Sandcastle Competition. Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Englishman River Falls Provincial Park are among the most visited places.

Wall Beach

Wall Beach

Wall Beach is a rocky beach north of Nanoose Bay. The peaceful atmosphere gives you an excellent chance to live in the sunshine, feel alive by the ocean air, and relax. It is the best escape anyone can have to get rid of work pressure. Do what makes you happy and improve your health. The beach has a dive site to dive, swim, and explore the rich marine life.

Quennell Lake

Quennell Lake

Situated between ecological reserves and parks in a peaceful area, Quennell Lake is a unique destination on south Vancouver Island, particularly for fishing lovers. It is among the top ten locations in Canada for Bass fishing. As the lake is quiet and beautiful, paddling an entire day would be great, or you can have exploration as a family or do a little exercise.

Englishman River Regional Park

Englishman River Regional Park

Englishman River Regional Park is home to numerous wildlife species, like Roosevelt Elk and a community hatchery with an extensive salmon side channel. Peaceful hiking, nice biking, and water sports like fishing and swimming are among the things you can do. Find your place for picnicking or camping and walk with your dog off-leash. Leave your footprint and take your memories.

Vancouver Island Military Museum

Vancouver Island Military Museum

The desire for seeking facts, knowledge, and history, with the subject of battles, made Vancouver Island Military Museum one of the most visited attractions in Nanaimo. Have a tour of more than 25 exhibits and get to know Canada's Military History and Traditions until today. It features many models, uniforms, medals, decommissioned firearms, and Dam Busters.

Woodley Range Ecological Reserve

Woodley Range Ecological Reserve

Woodley Range Ecological Reserve was established in 1996 in Ladysmith to preserve special plant species richness and unique and species-rich meadow and woodland ecosystems. This ecological reserve protects a minimum of 187 vascular plant species, including slimleaf onion, Howell's violet, dune bentgrass, Nuttall's quillwort, and green-sheathed sedge.

Steve Smith Bike Park

Steve Smith Bike Park

For some who can't live their lives boring themselves, it is the right place. A well-designed biking pump track was made in Nanaimo to honour the legacy of Stevie Smith. The park's easy to hard lines give excellent chances to riders of all ages and skill levels. But the joy is not limited to bikers. If you are a fan of skateboarding and scooter riding, Stevie Smith Bike Park could be your home.

Yellowbird Arts Gallery

Yellowbird Arts Gallery

Some people take the best moments in life and imagination to bring them into art pieces. Yellow Bird Arts Gallery is where you can find such artworks. It is famous for its picture framing. Having so many different framings that will cause your head to spin makes it hard to choose one. The gallery has a large and impressive collection of original art, limited edition prints, pottery, and gifts.

Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park

Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park

Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park is where magic is all around you. It is a lovely island with a panoramic view of the sunny beaches comprising caves and caverns, steep sandstone cliffs and ledges. The island's interior is covered with trees that make your hiking experience through the network trails more scenic. Don't skip visiting historical sites like Snuneymuxw village.

Nanaimo Art Gallery

Nanaimo Art Gallery

Art is the deepest yearning of a people's souls, and art galleries keep the connection. Nanaimo has a lot to offer as art galleries, and Nanaimo Art Gallery is one of the best. Push yourself in art by the exhibits of contemporary professional artists and curated modern art pieces. Be part of workshops and activities and buy some artistic gifts from the store.

Parksville Beaches

Parksville Beaches

Parksville Beaches is a public beach with endless tidal flats of sand and rock. In July, a fantastic event takes place; the Sand Castle Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. In summer, soaking in the sun and watching the splendid sky could be relaxing. As the beach has an extensive area, it suits children's taste to spend hours running freely, playing and beachcombing.

Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo Museum

If you are a history enthusiast and in love with the language of museums talking in silence, visit Nanaimo Museum. Nanaimo is a historic port, and the Nanaimo Museum opens its door for everyone excited to find out about the city's history. Improve your knowledge about indigenous people of the area and get the most out of your visit. The nice staff warms your heart towards this little museum.

Englishman River

Englishman River

Are you looking for a nice place near Nanaimo or Parksville to have a memorable time? Are you interested in exploring a river, park, and waterfall at the same time? Choose the Englishman River, capture the beauties of nature, and enjoy hiking along the trails. Get relaxed by the falls, go fishing or swimming in the river, have meals at picnic tables, or get ready for camping in the area.

Details for Hiking on Cable Bay Nature Trail

Plan for the hiking trail

What you Can Expect to Do Near Cable Bay Nature Trail

HMCS Cape Breton Diving

HMCS Cape Breton Diving

If you are collecting a diary of diving experiences, it would be amazing to add your diving experience to HMCS Cape Breton. Wrecks of a sunk ship which has made the area a phenomenal diving location decorated with artificial reefs. The zone offers a spectacular site and undeniable diving opportunities, and it is accessible by boat. Not to mention the diverse sea life you would face there.

Rivtow Lion Diving

Rivtow Lion Diving

If you are making a checklist of diving places on Vancouver Island, make sure it includes the Rivtow Lion Diving zone. Rivtow Lion was a ship that was sunk on purpose, and through the years, it has changed into an artificial cliff and a favourable destination for diving. Photography enthusiasts can find the inner sceneries of the ship charming to be a subject for their cameras.

Camping in the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park Campground

Camping in the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park Campground

Looking for a place you can camp within the area of a forest? You can find nowhere better than the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park Campground. The beautiful campsite is well maintained with tall trees and lovely views that you can hike while appreciating the incredible scenery. Camp lovers are provided with ample facilities and several outdoor activities.

Keel Cove Diving

Keel Cove Diving

Looking for a way to add a challenge to your adventure? Visit the Keel Cove Diving site. It is a shore diving destination with high chances of observing marine mammals. But, there, you would find a steep trail leading to the beach, which has made visiting there a little challenging.

Madrona Point Diving

Madrona Point Diving

Being a famous diving zone. Madrona Point provides divers from all skill levels with undeniable diving opportunities within a short distance from Nanaimo. It includes three walls: Small, Mid, and Maze walls, of which an amazing marine life is observable near the Small wall and deep-diving near the Maze wall.

Camping in the Green Point Campground - Long Beach Unit

Camping in the Green Point Campground - Long Beach Unit

Fulfill your camping desires by camping in a proper place. In the Green Point Campground - Long Beach Unit, you can enjoy one of the best recreational camping within the spacious, clean, and gorgeous campsites with excellent facilities. The atmosphere makes the area fantastic for camping, and tent sites and RV sites are available with a superb rainforest environment.

Dodd Narrows Diving

Dodd Narrows Diving

You won't remember when you worked, but you'll remember the time you had an adventure. So, if you are on Mudge Island, rent a boat and go to the Dodd Narrows. This fantastic diving zone offers an exciting diving opportunity and a diversity of marine life. Also, nature admirers would be astonished by the cute colourful nature there.

Clark Rock Diving

Clark Rock Diving

Satisfy your curiosity about diving in Clark Rock waters. The reefs there are brighten by a beacon which has made the location favourable for diving. It is worth mentioning that Clark Rock is a fantastic place to take pictures for your journey's album. Also, you may have the chance to observe wildlife, whether in waters or on land.

Elliot's Beach Park Diving

Elliot's Beach Park Diving

Make your time on Vancouver Island count and go diving in Elliot's Beach Park. It is a pristine diving location for professional diving, but it has opportunities to discover underwater for ordinary folks.

Alcala Point in Porlier Pass Diving

Alcala Point in Porlier Pass Diving

Looking for a daring diving experience? Hop on and drive to Alcala Point in Porlier Pass diving site. There is a fantastic diving place where you may need a diving guide during winter due to enormous waves. Also, plenty of marine life is living there, so employing safety is mandatory.

Gabriola Passage Diving

Gabriola Passage Diving

Hope to have a great adventure and do not fear new experiences. One of the best diving spots near Nanaimo downtown, accessible by both beach and ferries, offers a fantastic diving opportunity not to be forgotten easily. The mighty currents with great drifting experience increase the amazement of diving.

Camping in the Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park

Camping in the Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park

Nestled in a beautiful forest among the ocean, Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park will make pleasure flow in your blood, like you are walking on air. Whether tent or RV, your camping would be private and quiet in this scenic oceanside campground. The park is on a hill and is terraced with lots of amazing views of the water. Plus, it has a view of three rivers and some great forests.

Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail

Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail

About 10 kilometres away from downtown Nanaimo, find yourself on an easy and well-marked hiking trail along the Nanaimo River with a smile on your face! It is a great short walk that impresses you differently at each section. Take your dog with you and get it some exercises too, as it is dog off-leash-friendly. You can find such energy there in the area with the Douglas fir plantation.

Camping in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground

Camping in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground

Nothing can feed your spirit like a clean, relaxing vacation. To do so, you have fantastic chances to camp in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground and let your lungs to be flourished by the fresh air you let in. These oceanside campgrounds have a lot to offer: ample amenities, various wildlife and astonishing scenery. Camping at this campsite is something that happens once in a lifetime.

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

If you are trying to get away from your lethal daily routine and your adventure flow has been stopped, why don't you plan a trip to the only multi-functional port city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo? An assemblage of several distinguished bodies of water has made Nanaimo one of the best paddling locations in the world. You are provided with tons of other activities on both land and the sea.

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