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Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

One-Day Chinook Salmon & Halibut Adventure Tour
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Victoria
Sooke
from 1,140
2 days and one night
Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

Sea Lions & Eagles Adventure

Experience an Unforgettable Half-Day Adventure in the Heart of Fanny Bay
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Nanaimo
from 2,850
1 day
Sea Lions & Eagles Adventure

Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

Fly-Fishing Paradise on the Gold River
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Campbell River
Gold River BC
from 1,400
1 day
Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island Wildlife watching Tour

Explore Whales, Bears & Coastal Rainforests
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Victoria
Tofino
from 750
3 nights and 4 days
Vancouver Island Wildlife watching  Tour

5-Day Vancouver Island Tour Package

Coastal Wonders & Wildlife Adventure
Group
Victoria
from 700
5 days and 4 nights
5-Day Vancouver Island Tour Package

A 3 Day Whale Watching Tour On Vancouver Island

Your three Day Victoria Whale Watching Getaway on Vancouver Island
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Victoria
Victoria
from 1,138
3 days and 2 night
 A 3 Day Whale Watching Tour On Vancouver Island

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Nanaimo
Pacific Rim
3 nights and 4 days
custom tour

7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

Your 7-Day Wildlife Watching Escape
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Victoria
Vancouver Island
from 2,310
7 days and 6 nights
7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

Vancouver Island Getaway Tour

5-Day Tour from Victoria to Tofino with Nanaimo
Group
Victoria
Vancouver Island
from 2,100
6 days and 5 nights
Vancouver Island Getaway Tour

4-Day Wildlife Watching on Vancouver Island

Pacific Rim & Clayoquot Sound Adventure
Group
Nanaimo
Tofino
from 1,897
4 days and 3 nights
4-Day Wildlife Watching on Vancouver Island

Ultimate Vancouver Island Wildlife Experience

6-day Black Bear Wildlife Adventure Tour
Group
Nanaimo
Vancouver Island
from 1,950
6 days and 5 nights
Ultimate Vancouver Island Wildlife Experience

Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

5-Day Black Bear Tracking Adventure on Vancouver Island
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from 1,135
5 days and 4 nights
Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour

Guided Fishing Adventure Tour on Port Renfrew Vancouver Island
Group
Victoria
Port Renfrew
from 1,475
3 days and 2 nights
Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour

Ultimate 7-Day Vancouver Island Escape Tour

Wildlife, Beaches & Coastal Adventure
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from 1,813
7 days and 6 nights
Ultimate 7-Day Vancouver Island Escape Tour

3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

Salish Sea Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Adventure
Group
Victoria
from 550
3 days and 2 nights
3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

Victoria Kayak Fishing Adventure Tour

Explore Inner Harbour & Catch Inshore Fish
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Victoria
Victoria
from 1,000
2 days and one night
Victoria Kayak Fishing Adventure Tour

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 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 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 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 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

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.

Nanaimo Lakes

Nanaimo Lakes

It takes a short drive to Nanaimo Lakes south of Nanaimo. The pristine nature gives you a chance to stay away from technology. It is tranquil and peaceful around the lakes with scenic spots in the forest, great for a long walk or camping. The warm lake water makes it a fantastic spot for swimming and kayaking. Mountain climbing, hiking, and fishing are other possibilities.

Art 10 Gallery

Art 10 Gallery

Founded in 1976, Art 10 Gallery is an old place with good reputes among the region's artists. It features original artifacts and paintings in different styles and mediums, functional and decorative pottery, fused glass, carving, jewelry, and art cards. The gallery hosts many exciting and glamorous events with well-known artists as a guest over the years.

Beach Estates Falls

Beach Estates Falls

Nanaimo is one of the most visited cities on Vancouver Island, and finding a peaceful and quiet place can be considered a gift. Stepping into Beach Estates Park and visiting Beach Estates Falls is like being in another world. It is not a heavy waterfall, but watching the water runs down and listening to its melody causes anyone to relax. Take your camera with you, hike at the park and capture the beauties of the waterfall and stunning trees and plants.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is a scenic parkland with tall trees, a campground, and a serene beachfront area suitable for family and friends or solo visitors. The tempting hiking trails among old-growth Douglas fir trees, watching beautiful sunsets by the ocean, and relaxing on the beach are some of the highlights. Extensive wildlife and migratory birds cause a great attraction.

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.

Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach

An excellent picnicking area and sunny weather attract many families in summer to relax on Qualicum Beach. This sandy beach is placed in an area with many facilities and attractions to enjoy your day. Let life lead you to the beach with the incredible landscape of Lasqueti Island Ecological Reserve hills, blue sky and the ocean. Choose kinds of water activities which you delight in doing.

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.

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.

Nanaimo

Nanaimo

As the second-largest city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is a historical port known as "The Harbour City." With an airport, ferry terminal, and seaplane charters, Nanaimo is a gateway for many tourists. It is home to some of the greatest museums and art galleries and is one of the best cold-water diving locations. If you have a taste for having fun, excellent festivals are waiting for you.

Details for Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail

Plan for the hiking trail

What you Can Expect to Do Near the Nanaimo River Trail

Boeing 737 Jet Plane Diving

Boeing 737 Jet Plane Diving

You cannot believe your ears are hearing a diving place made after a Jet Plane was sunk. But, there is only one way to find out, especially for divers who like abnormal experiences. While you are in Chemainus, you can rent a boat and paddle till you reach this place, offering you unbelievable diving opportunities.

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.

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.

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.

Ladysmith Kayaking

Ladysmith Kayaking

Exceptional opportunities to explore the water while enjoying the scenic view of a city with a hundred years of history and culture preserved within the realms of Ladysmith. as an ideal kayaking destination, Ladysmith has several offerings to make your stay even more joyful. So, pack your bags and hit the road to this beautiful old city.

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 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.

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.

Yeo Islands Diving

Yeo Islands Diving

Spend the gladdest moments of your life in Yeo Islands while diving into the waters. Also, you will have the chance to enjoy watching artificial cliffs that have embellished the area's view. Besides, the excellent adventure o diving visitors can benefit from other outdoor excitements and watching various marine life.

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 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.

Orlebar Point Diving

Orlebar Point Diving

As another diving destination around Nanaimo, the Orlebar Point Diving zone is a bit significant, for its accessible by ferries from Nanaimo. These crystal-clear waters may contain enormous waves, which require safety measures for the visitors. However, the environmental features of this diving site bring the chance to explore nature and various living creators.

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.

Nanaimo Diving

Nanaimo Diving

Ranked as the best cold-water diving destination in BC, Nanaimo waters are saturated with new diving experiences. BC Ferries, dive shops, accessible shores, and the chance to observe cute beaches have made Nanaimo an ideal destination for visitors. Diving enthusiasts find themselves in the heavens when they come to Nanaimo, for it is home to spotless diving spots.

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!

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