Westwood Lake is a freshwater lake with a sandy beach in Westwood Lake Park, 5.2 km (3.2 miles) from downtown Nanaimo. So you can experience being in a beautiful environment near the city. Various outdoor activities can be done in the lake area. If you like to run and walk in nature, there is a suitable circuit with boardwalk sections. Entertaining dogs is possible at an outdoor dog park near Westwood Lake. You may want to challenge yourself at mountain bike (MTB); trails for this purpose can be found. One of the most popular multi-purpose trails, Westwood Lake Trail, is minutes from downtown and offers excellent lanes for expert mountain bikers and a gorgeous track for cross-country (XC) cycling and casual riders of speed sports.
Here is a piece of heaven nestled in Nanaimo, one of Vancouver Island's prime vacation spots among native trees. Some great and well-run campgrounds provide a private camping experience. Waterfront sites and hike-in spots. Full-service hookups and ample amenities. Whether you're pitching a tent or pulling a rig, camping in Westwood Lake is a naturally beautiful experience. Westwood moderate climate of warm summers and slightly low-temperature winters make the outdoor accessible all year long. Go out for a trip to enjoy the sea breeze and warm sun, or pack for an island excursion to explore the Westwood. Jump in and enjoy; bring your kayak or canoe - or rent a local vendor. Westwood Lake Park is a well-groomed trail surrounding this famous swimming hole, offering bikers, hikers, swimmers, and sunbathers.
With its beautiful Beach Estates Falls, Beach Estates Park is a hidden gem that connects from Departure Bay Road down to the beach near the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. Having an adventure in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park is possible by driving about 6.9 km (4.2 miles) to the east and taking a boat. There is another waterfall nearby. Ammonite Falls is placed in Benson Creek Falls Regional Park, about 12 km (7.4 miles) to the northwest.
If you desire some educational visits, the Nanaimo Museum and the Vancouver Island Military Museum are about 5.7 km (3.5 miles) to the east.
From Nanaimo:
The access to Westwood Lake from downtown Nanaimo is via Third St and Jingle Pot Rd. It is 5.2 km (3.2 miles) and takes about 10 minutes.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St toward Wesley St for 800 m (2624.6 ft). Continue onto Third St and drive 1.9 km (1.1 miles). Continue onto Jingle Pot Rd and after 1.3 km (0.8 miles), turn left onto Westwood Rd. Drive 1.3 km (0.8 miles) more to reach Westwood Lake.
From Victoria:
The fastest route to get to Westwood Lake is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 115 km (71.4 miles) and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. After 1.2 km (0.7 miles), follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N to Jingle Pot Rd in Nanaimo. Drive 112 km (69.5 miles) and continue toward Westwood Rd. After 1.9 km (1.1 miles), you will reach Westwood Lake.
"Westwood Lake Trail" is a 5.8 km (3.6 miles) with 121 m (396.9 ft) elevation gain and high traffic. It is close to Nanaimo as an easy loop around Westwood Lake. The trail is accessible all year round and proper for hiking, running, and cycling. Dogs must be on a leash.
In 1959 and 1986, the province's fisheries staff identified detailed surveys of Westwood Lake. The lake is located 5.2 km (3.2 miles) west of Nanaimo in the west coastal biogeoclimatic zone of Hemlock in the south island's forest district. Westwood Lake, with a depth of 7 m (23 ft.), has an area of 4.662 km² (1.8 miles²), which includes 4.403 km² (1.7 miles²) land and 26 ha (64.2 acres) water. It is placed at an elevation of 165 meters (541 ft.). The lake has been stocked a total of 97 times from 1939 to 2002.
There are plans to establish a provincial park on the lands around Westwood Lake near Nanaimo, with the cooperation of The Nanaimo Board of Trade and the City of Nanaimo. Forest Ranger W.E. Jansen recommended that a specific area be created a Provincial Park and suggested a particular development line. The City of Nanaimo wrote the Department of Lands requesting an investigation of park possibilities of Westwood Lake. A temporary reserve was placed on lands within one mile of the periphery of Westwood Lake. Parks Division examined the area early in June 1952.
There is no limitation for your adventures on Vancouver Island. Your vacation in the Westwood Lake area will be unforgettable. A memorable and romantic way to reconnect with your partner, a solo adventure to center yourself and plan for the future, or a group expedition to discover the history and mystery of the natural and cultural beauty of Westwood Lake.
With so many options on the separate trail system, including adrenaline-spiked singletrack, and world-class facilities to enjoy after the ride, Westwood is one of Vancouver Island's most popular spots for mountain biking.
One of the most outstanding pump tracks in Canada is Steve Smith Bike Park nearby Westwood.
Some events, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, takes place here. It happens with over 70 teams competing and raising funds and awareness for breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care on Central Vancouver Island. Another significant event is the Marine Festival and the Bathtub Race that occur in Nanaimo. Enthusiasts come to this place from around the world to watch off Nanaimo's shores over 100-speed demons race high-speed bathtubs on a 58 km (36 miles) course.
Westwood Lake Park - Well-groomed trails surround this famous swimming hole, offering hikers, bikers, swimmers, and sunbathers.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Nanaimo River, with warm water and deep pools, is an excellent choice for swimming. It has lagoons for a family picnic or day trail and a rocky beach for kids to play in, and for you to lay on some large rocks. From April to June, and in September or October, test your fishing skill in the river for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Have the pleasure of hiking in trails and take some pictures.
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.
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.
It seems that all you need is available at Bowen Park; a waterfall, duck pond, wilderness and picnic areas, and lots of facilities and sports fields. The Millstone River passes through the park, where can be considered as your hiking trail. The duck pond and a beautiful rhododendron grove with more than 350 species are amusing. Be there for some exercise or relaxation in the woods.
Nanoose Bay is known as a place to relax with its large pebble beach, somewhere between Nanaimo and Parksville. The scene is stunning, specifically in the evening when the sun meets the ocean. No matters how many times you visited the beach, it is always peaceful and attractive. Nanoose Bay is home to many sea animals, and the beach is perfect for digging up some clams.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.