Colliery Dam Park is a tranquil and wooded park east side of Vancouver Island. This park features the Chase River, which has a nice view and two small ponds (lakes). The spillway could be mesmerizing, and the beautiful Granny Falls (Chase River Falls or Colliery Dam Falls) is the cherry on top of Colliery Dam Park. You can find the waterfall by going under the highway and using the tunnel.
The best time to visit Colliery Dam Park is in spring when trees begin to blossom in red, purple and pink and autumn, when the leaves are changing colours. The spectacular views with some nice bridges make the park a good choice for photographers to capture unique photos.
It is possible to walk your dog off-leash at the upper dam. The dogs can get in the deep water and shallow area.
The fishing spots can be amusing for different species, such as rainbow trout.
Colliery Dam Park is located southwest of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island. As the park is located near downtown, you can find perfect services, tent camping and RV sites around. There are lots of parking at both entrances. If you are looking for much more adventure, there are other parks near Colliery Dam Park. Among them are Westwood Lake Park, which is 5.1 km (3.1 miles) away to the northwest, and Janes Park, about 1.6 km (0.9 miles) to the south.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from downtown Nanaimo to Colliery Dam Park is via Fitzwilliam St, Third St and Wakesiah Ave. It is 2.9 km (1.8 miles) and takes about 5 minutes.
Drive to the west on Fitzwilliam St toward Wesley St for 800 m (2624.6 ft). Continue onto Third St, and after 800 m (2624.6 ft) more, turn left onto Wakesiah Ave. Go on for 1.3 km (0.8 miles) and turn right at Sixth St. It takes 34 m (111.5) more to reach Colliery Dam Park.
From Victoria:
Getting to Colliery Dam Park from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 113 km (70.2 miles) and takes about an hour and a half.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N to Fifth St in Nanaimo and drive 110 km (68.3 miles). Go on Fifth St and Wakesiah Ave to your destination, and after 1.3 km (0.8 miles), you will reach Colliery Dam Park.
With 2.3 km (1.4 miles) long and 48 meters (157.4 feet) of elevation gain, Colliery Dam Loop is located near Nanaimo. This easy trail is mainly used for walking and nature trips. It is accessible all over the year, and dogs can use this trail too.
Colliery Dam Park is a historical place creating for miners and named after the Colliery Dams, which were made in 1910-11.
It feels like you are deep in a rain forest while you are just a few kilometres away from downtown, an escape to nature. Colliery Dam Park features cedar trees, beautiful Granny Falls, lakes, and an off-leash dog park. The park has some perfect scenery, rock formations, and wildlife. The great atmosphere makes it an excellent choice to have a picnic. Activities such as hiking, jogging, camping, boating, swimming, and fishing are on top of the list of activities at Colliery Dam Park.