advertise

Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail

If you're looking for a very flat, well-marked, and easy hike near Nanaimo, this is your trail. Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail is possible close to the river and through the woods. The Nanaimo River Trail is situated in a Douglas fir forest, the paradise of explorers, nature lovers, wildlife viewers, and swimmers. The warm and clean water of the Nanaimo River and abundant swimming holes, lagoons, and small beaches make Nanaimo River Trail a great place for hiking. The Trestle, the Power Lines, Rocky Beach, Sandy Beach, the Highway Bridge, and Cedar Bridge are famous swimming holes at the Nanaimo River. Besides hiking, the river provides ample fishing opportunities. Hikers can catch Steelhead, Coho salmon, Cutthroat, and Rainbow Trout, as well as crayfish.

Location of the Nanaimo River Trail

Nanaimo River Trail is located in the Nanaimo River Regional Park, southeast of Nanaimo. The park is a 56-hectare conservation property and one of the few remaining natural forests in the area. It has plenty of parking spots available at the beginning of the trail, where you can start hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail at the entrance of the park, Frey Rd, Nanaimo.

The Most Popular Hiking Trails Near the Nanaimo River Trail

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 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 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 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.

How to Get to the Nanaimo River Trail By Car

From Nanaimo:
Getting to the Nanaimo River Trail from downtown Nanaimo is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. It is 11.7 km (7.2 miles) that takes about 13 minutes.
Take Wallace St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S for 550 m (1804.4 ft). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S to Morden Rd and drive 8.7 km (5.4 miles). Take Thatcher Rd to Emblem Rd, and after 2.4 km (1.5 miles), you will reach Nanaimo River Regional Park.

From Victoria:
The access to the Nanaimo River Trail from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. The whole route is 104 km (64.6 miles) and takes about an hour and 20 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and drive 100 km (62.1 miles). Take Thatcher Rd to Emblem Rd, and after 2.4 km (1.5 miles), you will reach Nanaimo River Regional Park.

What you Can Expect to See Near the Nanaimo River Trail

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.

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park is a waterfront park with a perfect view of Nanaimo Harbour. It is a family park mainly known for its nice walking trails, playground, and picnicking areas. Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Fishing Pier is a nice spot located southeast of the park for fishing and swimming. This scenic oceanside park's Lions Pavilion Stage hosts community and musical events.

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.

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.

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.

Wild play Element Parks

Wild play Element Parks

If you intend to spend a lovely weekend out of the crowded city and all of its pollutions, Wild-play Elements park is an excellent choice for you. This park is situated near the Nanaimo River and inside the green area of Vancouver Island forest. The park is a great spot for meetings, events and weddings. Wild-play Element Park has eye-catching scenery and wildlife that changes every season and makes a perfect view.

Westwood Lake Park

Westwood Lake Park

Silence is wiser than speech in nature. To get this atmosphere with a scenic view near Nanaimo and to have an excellent family time, Westwood Lake Park is a smart year-round choice. It is a perfect place with a playground for kids, an off-leash area, and a lifeguard patrolled freshwater swimming site. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating are other adventures to take.

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.

Ladysmith Bog Ecological Reserve

Ladysmith Bog Ecological Reserve

Ladysmith Bog Ecological Reserve or Yellow Point Bog Ecological Reserve was established in 1996. The ecological reserve aims to protect the sensitive ecosystem of bog and its scarce plants, forest and the region's well worth biodiversity. Ladysmith Bog Ecological Reserve features a Douglas fir forest and an aquatic-terrestrial interface that are scenic and memorable.

Kanaka Bay

Kanaka Bay

Kanaka Bay is a gem on top of Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park. It has the best of what summer has to offer, a beautiful place to spend hours with your family. The beach is accessible by a short walk from the dock. The extensive picnic area and playground of Kanaka Bay are the sweet spots for children. Don't forget about water sports, and watching wildlife like raccoons.

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.

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Walking from the ferry terminal to downtown Nanaimo, you can find a beautiful small garden, Chinese Memorial Gardens Park. A small public park with full-grown shrubs and trees and gracious lawns performs as a relaxing spot. The painted, formed pagoda structure and carved stones decorated it. The scenery is eye-catching and is mainly used for the background of family portraits.

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is covered with old-growth and second-growth forests. It features Englishman River Falls and two bridges that cross the Englishman River. A deep, crystal clear pool with a small rocky beach downstream of the lower falls is a great place to view spawning salmons in the fall and go swimming in the summer.

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.

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.

Details for Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail

Plan for the hiking trail

What you Can Expect to Do Near the Nanaimo River Trail

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dolphin Beach Diving

Dolphin Beach Diving

Nanaimo is saturated with diving zones, but to name a decent one, Dolphin Beach is a location that allows everyone to explore marine life and enjoy diving. Both armature and advanced divers can have the chance to dive in these waters along with a glorious environment enclosing the zone, which would fascinate your eyes.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Do You Think about Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail?