A hidden gem in Bowen Park is Millstone River Falls. This waterfall may be small in size, but its beauty can rival any waterfall on Vancouver Island.
The Millstone River Falls' surroundings are so mesmerizing that you wouldn't know the passing of hours. The beautiful forest and the melody of the water pouring on rocks is merely fantastic.
The best photography season is fall, when trees have changed their colour to wonderful orange, red, and yellow shades, making the perfect background for photos.
One of the Millstone River Falls highlights is that the trail leading to it is easy for children and pets. So you can enjoy this natural attraction with your family or your beloved pet. Millstone River Falls has two drops, both incredibly beautiful. With the crystal clear water making a soft melody by running smoothly down the river, it would be a great experience to share with your family.
Millstone River Falls is located in Bowen Park, on Central Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Bowen Park is in Nanaimo, and the Millstone River goes through it, creating a marvellous landscape for visitors. Nanaimo has a lot to offer to visitors, like the Bastion, a historical landmark, or Maffeo Sutton Park and Third Street Park. All of them are close to the Millstone River Falls and full of exciting opportunities to have fun. The falls are located on the northwest side of the park. It's close enough to the fun activities available in the park, such as curling or skate bowling.
From Nanaimo:
The Wallace St and Comox Rd trail is the fastest route to get Millstone River Falls from Nanaimo. It is 1.6 km (0.9 miles) and takes less than five minutes.
Head northwest on Wallace St toward Wentworth St. After 500 m, turn left onto Comox Rd. Then drive 600 m (1968.5 ft) and continue onto Bowen Rd. 350 m (1148.2 ft) later, turn right onto Millstream Pkwy. Destination will be on the right. After 170 m (557.7 ft), you will reach Bowen Park.
From Victoria:
The access to Millstone River Falls from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. The length of the route is 115 km (71.4 miles) and takes about one hour and a half.
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 Fifth St in Nanaimo. Drive for
110 km (68.3 miles) and continue on Fifth St. Take Howard Ave to Millstream Pkwy. After 3.1 km (1.9 miles), you will reach Bowen Park.
"Bowen Park Loop" is 2.3 km (1.4 miles) in length. This easy hiking trail has 42 m (137.7 ft) elevation gain and goes all around the park. The space around the trail is mostly forest, and some part of it goes along the river and the Millstone River Falls. The beautiful forest and the excellent river are just refreshing and would make you relax. The trail starts at the parking lot and goes to the south of the park toward the end. It turns to the north and the Millstone River, where the waterfall is placed. The trail is kid-friendly and dog-friendly, but you must keep the dogs on a leash.
In 1918, George and James Bowen, owners of the San Francisco-based Western Fuel Company, gave the land to Nanaimo. They had one condition that it would be used for a park only. It became official in 1931.
Bowe Park doesn't disappoint you in activities. There are so many things to do in the park that one day wouldn't be enough to experience them all.
Lawn bowling is one of the park's activities where you can enjoy socializing and playing an entertaining game. The park has a tennis court and sand volleyball playground for family pleasure. With the beautiful surrounding, it's hard not to be in a playing mood. On the east side of the park, you can find a curling and lacrosse club waiting for you to give them a try. There is a golf disc playground on the south side of the park for having fun while experiencing an exhilarating game. The park also has an outdoor pool at the center part; enjoy swimming and lying in the sun. There is a horseshoe pit right above the tennis court, another entertaining game to enjoy while you're visiting.
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.
Choose Stocking Creek Trail in Ladysmith as your destination and start finding Stocking Creek Waterfall. It is one of the natural attractions of Vancouver Island that looks wonderfully beautiful. Imagine the refreshing water cascading on a little pool between a forest which is aesthetically impressive. But if you want to see the waterfall at its prim, spring and fall are the best seasons.
There is always an adventure in the woods. Pass the wooden bridge toward the Nanaimo Parkway and go deep in the lush forest. The flow of Chase River, get you to the Granny Falls, the cherry on top of Colliery Dam Park, which runs freely into the pool under it. The beautiful trees and smoothly running river make Granny Falls a family-friendly place.
Millstone River Falls is not a tall waterfall, but its beauty can rival any waterfall on Vancouver Island. Located in Bowen Park, two drops of Millstone River Falls make a soft melody by running smoothly down the river. Bowen Park Loop is a hiking trail that leads you to the waterfall, which is easy even for children. So you can enjoy this natural attraction with your family.
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.
Have a tour at Christie Falls, north of Lady Smith, with two beautiful drops. It worth spending hours watching the scene. The upper cascades to the lower fall, and the lower one pours down on hard rocks making a spectacular scene. It is best to visit Christie Falls in spring when the Bush Creek water flow is more powerful. While you are in the area, there are other waterfalls to enjoy.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.