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Hiking on the Mount Benson Loop

The Mount Benson Loop is a challenging hiking trail with an extraordinary summit near Nanaimo. Hikers will have a pretty hard time all the way up. Mount Benson Loop hiking trail is part of a regional park with over 213 hectares of forested land. The approximate length of this trail is about 7.1 km (4.4 miles) with 728 m (2388.4 ft) of elevation gain. It goes steep almost the whole time, dusty and slippery on the descent; by the way, poles would be helpful. Hiking on the Mount Benson Loop may be easier on a dry and cool day. But it gets even harder when the trail is wet. Pay attention not to get lost, and the markers on the trees would greatly assist. The trail is suitable for experienced hikers and wouldn't be recommended for families and beginners. Hard workers will be rewarded for their efforts, and spectacular views make it worth the try.

The Mount Benson Loop Location

The Mount Benson Loop is a heavily trafficked hiking trail located in Mount Benson Regional Park, west of Nanaimo. You can park your car at Mount Benson Regional Park Parking Lot near the starting point and begin your hiking trip. The trail has spectacular panoramic views from Nanaimo to the Strait of Georgia. A wide variety of hiking routes exist near Mt. Benson and around Witchcraft Lake, which have steep logging roads and challenging terrains. Rugged mountain trails, eye-catching scenery, and diverse wildlife in the headwaters of Witchcraft Lake with Witchcraft Falls and Westwood Lake, as well as Millstone River and Chase River, are some of the merits of going to this fantastic hiking location.

Hiking Trails Near the Mount Benson Loop

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 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 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.

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 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.

How to Get to the Mount Benson Loop By Car

From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from downtown Nanaimo to the Mount Benson Loop is via Jingle Pot Rd. It is 9.3 km (5.7 miles) and takes about 10 minutes.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St toward Wesley St and go on for 800 m (2624.6 ft). Continue onto Third St and after 1.9 km (1.2 miles) drive to Jingle Pot Rd. Go on for 4.1 km (2.5 miles) and turn left onto Kilpatrick Rd. After 1.7 km (1 mile), turn right onto Benson View Rd. Destination will be on the left, and by going 850 m (2788.7 ft) more, you will reach Mount Benson Regional Park Parking Lot.

From Victoria:
Getting to the Mount Benson Loop from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 120 km (74.5 miles) and takes about an hour and a half.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N to Jingle Pot Rd in Nanaimo and drive 112 km (69.5 miles). Continue on Jingle Pot Rd. Drive to Benson View Rd, and after 6 km (3.7 miles), you will reach Mount Benson Regional Park Parking Lot.

What you Can Expect to See Near the Mount Benson Loop

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.

Granny Falls

Granny Falls

There is always an adventure in the woods. Pass the wooden bridge toward the Nanaimo Parkway and go deep in the lush forest. The flow of Chase River, get you to the Granny Falls, the cherry on top of Colliery Dam Park, which runs freely into the pool under it. The beautiful trees and smoothly running river make Granny Falls a family-friendly place.

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.

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.

Ammonite Falls

Ammonite Falls

The ammonite fossils' existence down the falls on the bedrock cause the waterfall at Benson Creek Falls Regional Park to be named Ammonite Falls. The moss-covered trees and rocks make the scenery beautiful in every season. You may forget about the things you do at work, but happy times and the memories you make in nature will stay forever. Make it family fun and get the best out of it.

Beach Estates Park

Beach Estates Park

If you plan to be away from urban life and spend hours in the woods watching wildlife and get relaxed, take a visit to Beach Estates Park, west of Departure Bay. With a beautiful designated hiking trail, Beach Estates Park is interesting for hikers and runners. The park's nature includes a lush forest with magnificent tall trees, a small river, a rocky beach, and Beach Estates Falls.

Artzi Stuff

Artzi Stuff

Are you a fan of one-of-a-kind art pieces? Artzi Stuff is a place where you can get such things. Since 2008, the gallery has been selling locally made art, jewelry, and craft. It presents photo exhibits, photos that are more up-to-date than the ones you can found on Facebook or Instagram and other artifacts. The place hosts birthdays, marriages, retirements, and other celebrations.

Colliery Dam Park

Colliery Dam Park

Colliery Dam Park with Chase River, huge trees, Granny Falls, and two small ponds is a tranquil and wooded park. The spectacular views with some nice bridges make the park a good choice for photographers. It is possible to walk your dog off-leash at the upper dam. You can go hiking, seasonal swimming, boating, and fishing for rainbow trout.

Pipers Lagoon Park

Pipers Lagoon Park

Pipers Lagoon Park is a waterfront park with Shack Island, the ocean, and Neck Point Park views. Stay there for sunrise and sunset, and don't miss watching the scene. The park is home to bird species and other animals, making it a perfect destination for wildlife photographers. Hiking and jogging, beachcombing, flying a kite, and doing water sports are other options.

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park is a beachfront park with some lookout spots where land meets the ocean. It is a popular choice for photography, hiking, scuba diving, and historic and scenic features. Fishing, paddling, and swimming are other options you have to entertain yourself. This waterfront park has awesome sea life; also, you can see bunnies very commonly.

Nanaimo Harbour

Nanaimo Harbour

Nanaimo Harbour, a vibrant waterfront gem in the heart of Nanaimo, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island’s east coast. Known as the “Harbour City,” Nanaimo Harbour blends stunning natural beauty, rich maritime history, and a lively cultural scene, making it a must-visit for tourists exploring Vancouver Island beaches, tide pools, and coastal adventures. Whether you’re strolling the scenic Harbourfront Walkway, savoring a Nanaimo Bar, or embarking on a boat tour to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island), this bustling port is your launchpad to unforgettable experiences.

Blueback Beach

Blueback Beach

There is a dreamy place at the north of Nanaimo, where a mixture of the ocean weather, beach access, and tall trees accompany the sound of birds and waves to create a peaceful atmosphere. Blueback Beach is where sitting at the beach, getting some sun and relaxing while waiting for the sun's last attempt to spray orange and red on the horizon can be so pleasant.

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.

Dolphin Beach

Dolphin Beach

Dolphin Beach is known for its scuba diving site. Whether you are a beginner or professional, challenge your skills and explore marine life. See one of the world's best landscapes since twilight when the beach slowly lit and the sky is getting orange. The beach is more stunning with the trees at the backside and their shadow on the water surface.

Departure Bay Beach

Departure Bay Beach

Visiting Nanaimo, with various attractions, could be in any visitors' plan. After spending hours in the city, being at a beach can refresh your body and soul. Departure Bay Beach is an excellent choice to make a memorable day with your family with access to many services. Watching ferries and marine life are among the things you can do at Departure Bay Beach.

Details for Hiking on the Mount Benson Loop

Plan for the hiking trail

What you Can Expect to Do Near the Mount Benson Loop

Camping in the Rathtrevor Beach Campground

Camping in the Rathtrevor Beach Campground

Vancouver Island is saturated with treasury campgrounds, of which one of the best is Rathtrevor Beach Campground. You are provided with different campsites and facilities there, and the beautiful beach is a fantastic place to forget all the bills and relax by the water. You would not be the same when you observe how differently the sun scatters its light on the majestic mountains around.

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.

The wreck of the Robert Kerr Diving

The wreck of the Robert Kerr Diving

Get out of your comfort zone and go diving in one extraordinary place with quite a history behind it. The wreck of the Robert Kerr is the graveyard of a ship that sank about 200 years ago. Still, now it is a habitat for several marine creatures and offers excellent opportunities to dive deep and explore the underwater world.

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.

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.

Wall Beach Diving

Wall Beach Diving

Don't just listen to people talking about Wall Beach. Come and see how beautiful this sea lion habitat is. Incredible diving opportunities are provided for both armature and professional divers. The chance to see several diverse marine life there is Wall Beach adds up to the reasons why one should come to this spectacular beach.

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.

Breakwater Island Diving

Breakwater Island Diving

Make immortal memories of diving in the Breakwater Island Diving zone. This famous diving location has a lot to offer. Whether on land or in water, a variety of creatures inhabit the area you cannot get enough and fantastic scenery which can multiply the amazement of your stay in this region.

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.

The Jib Diving

The Jib Diving

If you happen to wander around Nanoose Bay, The Jib Diving site is one of the most attractive diving destinations in the region, with a clean environment and easy access. Moreover, except for the beautiful view of the site, you can enjoy watching a diversity of marine life.

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 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.

Cottam Point Diving

Cottam Point Diving

Assign one page of your adventure book to the experience you would gain in the Cottam Point diving zone. Going north of Nanaimo, this fantastic diving location is famous for its mighty tides and incredible marine life. Therefore, you can enjoy both diving and exploring underwater life.

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

For those marine life lovers, Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching is a great opportunity. Participants can ride boats and surf the surrounding waters with the chance to explore the area and observe whales living near Nanaimo due to the high population of orcas and whales around there.

Tyee Cove Diving

Tyee Cove Diving

Just a short distance from downtown Nanaimo, you will find fantastic diving opportunities available all year round in Tyee Cove. You can choose the depth you are willing to dive in based on your proficiency level; plus, you are given a chance to explore the marine life inhabiting this diving zone.

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