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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 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 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 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

Gallery Merrick

Gallery Merrick

Gallery Merrick is home to many native artists. The purpose of the gallery is to appreciate beauty everywhere we look. The priority of the gallery is to help working artists who make their livings out of their art. Many artists from Vancouver Island, surrounding islands, and across the country exhibit their talents here.

The Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History

Want to know facts about animals and plants in their natural environment? Don't miss the opportunity offers by Vancouver Island University and take a visit to the Museum of Natural History. Learn about animals and plants and discover their impact on ecosystems. Here you can find various landscapes of the island and other places and samples of organisms that live or have lived in BC.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Englishman River Falls

Englishman River Falls

Englishman River Falls is a vivid example of nature's wonders, with the water streaming among the rocks. There are beautiful lower falls with the turquoise, clear water underneath and the water descending in white surges. The exquisite combination of douglas fir, cedar, hemlock, maple trees and stubborn rocks makes this place's beauty go beyond comprehension.

Westwood Lake

Westwood Lake

Start your party in the slow-motion of a lake. Westwood Lake is a freshwater lake you can choose to visit to improve your living skills. Being in a beautiful environment, enjoying the peaceful area and doing sports or recreational activities to promotes physical and mental health considers a gift. Find your fun way to exercise out in nature by hiking and mountain biking in Westwood Lake Trail.

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.

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park is a year-round destination in Nanaimo. Each season's nature and wildlife diversity make eye-catching scenery for visitors, so take a camera with you. A multi-purpose court suitable for sports like basketball and pickleball, and a tennis court are available. There are also a community garden and a food forest, and a dog off-leash area.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Details for Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail

Plan for the hiking trail

What you Can Expect to Do Near the Nanaimo River Trail

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.

Nanaimo Whale Watching

Nanaimo Whale Watching

On Vancouver Island, you can spend every single day arriving in a new city comprising magnificent adventures. While you stay in the second-largest city on the island, you may enjoy several incredible activities, including whale watching. Whale watching in Nanaimo gives you the chance to explore the Salish Sea ecosystem and observe marine life from April-October.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Protection Island Ferry Whale Watching

Protection Island Ferry Whale Watching

Protection Island Ferry provides its participants with high chances of watching whales and other marine creatures, along with the scenic view of three spectacular islands. You may also rent a boat to surf the water, and if you are in luck, encounter these gigantic marine beasts.

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.

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