It is fascinating to have the beauty of the east in the west. You have this chance at several places on Vancouver Island; among them is Chinese Memorial Gardens Park. It is also known as Garden Memorial to Chinese Pioneers, a small public park on the main road between downtown Nanaimo and the BC Ferries Terminal.
Chinese Memorial Gardens Park was dedicated to the early Chinese pioneers. Despite the size, it has a very green nature. The park's area with full-grown shrubs and trees and gracious lawns performs as a relaxing spot in the heart of noisy and crowded streets.
Garden Memorial to Chinese Pioneers is a perfect example of a cultural landscape. The painted, formed pagoda structure and carved stones decorated the park. A stylized altar for burning joss sticks and other things and a concrete patio with Chinese style all give this park a Chinese character.
Sitting under the pagoda and enjoying the view of Newcastle Chanel is exceptional.
Chinese Memorial Gardens Park's scenery is eye-catching and is mostly used for the background of family portraits. The park can also be an excellent destination for photographers who want to capture unique photos.
Chinese Memorial Gardens Park is located north of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Several tent camping and RV sites exist near Chinese Memorial Gardens Park. A dog off-leash area is on the west side of the park. There are some other parks nearby; Beaufort Park is 2.7 km (1.6 miles) to the west, and Bowen Park is 2.6 km (1.6 miles) to the southwest. By going through waterways to the east, you will reach Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, a shiny gem in Nanaimo Harbour. If you are a fan of history and museums, the Nanaimo Museum and the Vancouver Island Military Museum are just 2.2 km (1.3 miles) away to the south.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from downtown Nanaimo to Chinese Memorial Gardens Park is Wallace St and Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It's 2 km (1.2 miles) and takes about 5 minutes.
Drive to the northwest on Wallace St toward Wentworth St for 500 meters (1640.4 feet). Turn right onto Comox Rd, and after 93 meters (305.1 feet), turn left onto Terminal Ave N/Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Continue in 250 meters (820.2 feet) with a slight right onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Drive 1.1 km (0.6 miles) and turn left onto St George St. Your destination will be on the left. After 27 meters (88.5 feet), you will reach the park.
From Victoria:
Getting to Chinese Memorial Gardens Park from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It's 113 km (70.2 miles) and takes about an hour and a half.
Drive to the west on Pandora Ave toward Government St for 99 meters (324.8 feet). Turn right onto Government St and after 1 km (0.6 miles), take a slight right toward Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Go on for 72 meters (236.2 feet) and use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and drive 110 km (68.3 miles). Take a slight right to stay on Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and continue for 1.1 km (0.6 miles). Turn left onto St George St. Your destination will be on the left. After 27 meters (88.5 feet), you will reach Chinese Memorial Gardens Park.
There is no designated hiking trail to reach Chinese Memorial Gardens Park.
Around 1890, the New Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company was given this small area for use as a Chinese burial ground. Bodies were buried here, but they always had to return the bones of the dead to China. This area was in use until 1924 when the new burial grounds on Townsite Road were built. This place was used as a public area for Chinese society. After that, it turned into a significant memorial site for their descendants.
Chinese Memorial Gardens Park is a small park near Nanaimo. If you plan to have a great time with your family and friends, it is an excellent choice. Chinese Memorial Gardens Park has picturesque eastern scenery with beautiful wildlife that can be very amusing and interesting. The park is stunning every season, which will attract you to visit it multiple times and capture the beauties.
There are several parks, other landmarks and more activities around Nanaimo to maximize your adventure level.