Outdoor Recreation

Nanaimo's Parks and Trails

Nanaimo Parks & Trails

Trails in Nanaimo go everywhere, from the oceanside to mountain summits. No matter what part of the city you're in, you'll find a walking trail or park close by, offering hours of quiet outdoor recreation.

More than six kilometres of trails wrap around Westwood Lake, creating a perfect jogging route. Mountain bikers also love this area for its challenging network of downhill and cross country trails on the mountain behind the lake. On certain paths you'll find extensive bike ramps, jumps, and even teeter-totters rising ten feet or more above the forest floor. Uphill from the biking trails lies serious mountain hiking territory and a variety of paths leading up Mt. Benson's 1000 metre (3,300 feet) summit. From here you'll have a spectacular view of the city, the surrounding islands, and the mainland across the Strait of Georgia.

Cable Bay Trail in Cedar is a light hour-long hike to the water, and a great place to see migrating sea lions, who often sun themselves on the log booms between October and April. Other popular Nanaimo hiking trails include Neck Point Park, Ammonite Falls, and Benson Creek Trail.

Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park is an adventurer's dream, with more than 15 km of well-marked interpretive trails that wind through shady forests, past historic sites, and around a lake. Some of the trails on the island are specially designated for cyclists. Biking is also a popular way to sightsee on nearby Gabriola Island.

Nanaimo's 20 km Parkway Trailway, along with the newly extended E&N trail, is another great biking and walking route. Here, paved paths allow pedestrians and bikers to maneuver about the Harbour City without the hassle of vehicular traffic.

For more information about hiking trails, biking trails, or guided tours, be sure to contact one of Nanaimo's adventure operators or bike specialty stores. To learn more about parks in Nanaimo, stop by our Visitor Information Centre, or check out the Parks & Trails section of our Nanaimo Visitor Guide, which features a helpful map and details of all parks and trails in the area.

Get out on the water.

Boating & Fishing in Nanaimo

Year after year, boaters return in droves to Nanaimo's protected, scenic waters. There's room for every type of vessel here, with moorage available at the Nanaimo Port Authority's Visiting Vessel Pier, Newcastle Island, The Newcastle Marina, Stones Marina, and the Nanaimo Yacht Club. All Nanaimo moorage facilities are just a dinghy ride (or short walk) away from the heart of downtown. As a boater stationed in our harbour, you'll be welcomed with Tourism Nanaimo's Come Ashore package, brimming with information on the Port of Nanaimo, local amenities, discounts, and attractions.

Boating and fishing charters in Nanaimo offer another excellent way to experience the gorgeous waters of Vancouver Island. You'll find many great deals with local charter providers in our information package.

World-class Diving

Scuba Diving in Nanaimo

Scuba diving in Nanaimo is second to none. Divers in search of an unforgettable experience should visit the HMCS Saskatchewan. This 366-foot navy destroyer was sunk off the shores of Nanaimo in June, 1997 to create an artificial diving reef. The Saskatchewan was joined on the ocean floor in October, 2001 by the HMCS Cape Breton, a retired Canadian Supply Ship, which is now recognized as the World's Largest Artificial Upright Reef. In February of 2005, the Nanaimo Dive Association sank a third vessel, the RivTow Lion, a retired deep sea rescue tug. The Rivtow rests at a manageable depth of about 50 feet in Departure Bay, making it a great dive for beginners seeking some experience before plunging down deeper to the Cape Breton or Saskatchewan. To help you get ready for the dive, there are professional dive shops in Nanaimo and charter companies located throughout the city.

Go for a swim!

Nanaimo Beaches & Lakes

Nanaimo's beaches provide a perfect escape on a hot summer's day. The city's long oceanfront makes this an ideal place for families, swimmers, and sun worshippers. Beaches at local ocean parks such as Piper's Lagoon, Departure Bay, Neck Point, and Swy-A-Lana Lagoon, offer a myriad of opportunities for swimming, windsurfing, and snorkelling, complete with incredible sea life just below the surface. "Snorkelling with the Seals" at nearby Snake Island is a great option for those who want more than a glimpse of these friendly mammals. Be sure to ask a local charter company about this unique Nanaimo activity.

There are also several great freshwater swimming spots and pristine lakes in Nanaimo. Close to downtown, there are Westwood Lake and Long Lake, both offering large beaches and summer lifeguard service. Long Lake is also the home of the Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club, and a favourite motorboat and water skiing spot. For something a little more adventurous, Nanaimo River offers some of the most exhilarating swimming opportunities in the city. The best swimming spots can be found about ten minutes south of town off Nanaimo River Road, and are always worth the trip.

 

Featured Members

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre 250-248-8534  |  http://niwra.org/ North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is nestled in the district of Errington on Vancouver Island. The society was established to care for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife and to educate the public about wildlife and environmental issues. The centre is situated on beautifully landscaped eight acres and gives the opportunity for the public to view non-releasable owls, eagles, turkey vulture, hawks, falcons, raven, Vancouver Island Black Bear and much more. The centre invites the public...
West Coast Aquatic Safaris 250-725-9227  |  http://www.whalesafaris.com The shallow seas and temperate rainforest of Tofino, British Columbia support an astonishing abundance of wildlife. Whales grace our waters, bears forage along our beaches, and wolves are still heard in our haunting, cathedral-like forest. This is a place worth preserving. West Coast Aquatic Safaris invites you, your friends and family to see for yourselves. Our boat has been specially designed to make the most of your experience, and our tours to take you off the beaten path....

Members

Adventuress Sea Kayaking Come paddle with Adventuress! The scenery is spectacular here with mountain vistas, old growth rainforests, expansive wilderness and our amazing...
Alberni Outpost Our Alberni Outpost locations are Vancouver Island’s premier paddle sport stores, and the gateway to the Broken Group Islands, Deer Group Islands...
Arrowsmith Bikes Bicycle retail and repair.
Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club Arrowsmith Golf Course is an executive course in Qualicum Beach. With 2 par 5s, 3 par 4s, and 13 par 3s, golfers have the opportunity to reach for...
B.C. Forest Discovery Centre The BC Forest Discovery Centre is a 100-acre, open air museum with an operational railway in Duncan, British Columbia. The story of BC's forest...
Beban Park Pitch & Putt Golf Course Enjoy 18 holes of par 3 golf - tree lined fairways, large greens and a friendly atmosphere. Perfect for both beginner and experienced golfers....
Butchart Gardens Enticing visitors to Vancouver Island since the early 1900s, these breathtaking gardens are now a designated National Historic Site. Starting with...
Central Island Adventures Tours Ltd. Central Island Adventure Tours provides guided boat tours, guided fishing charters and remote camping drop off and pickup service in the central...
City of Nanaimo - Parks, Recreation & Culture Parks, Recreation and Culture's mission is to “enhance the quality of life and leisure in Nanaimo.” The department operates 2 indoor pools,...
Cottonwood Golf Course An 18 hole golf course located in the southern part of Nanaimo, BC.
Discovery Marine Safaris Ltd. Whale Watching Safari: Cruise along stunning shorelines and inlets in search of pods of Orcas or Humpback whales and other wildlife such as black...
Eaglequest Golf Centre Eaglequest Nanaimo is one of Nanaimo’s best places to Learn, Practice and Play golf. The facility consists of: * a 9 hole par 3...
Fairwinds Golf Club Fairwinds Golf Club is one of Vancouver Island’s finest courses. The mild climate of Nanoose Bay allows you to play on lush fairways year-round....
Get Outside Trips Get Outside Trips offers an unforgettable experience on Canada’s west coast. A week-long cycling and paddling trip connects you with nature and...
HERIZEN Tm Life Adventures International Inc. HERIZEN™ Life Adventures International Inc. offers unique women-only life adventure experiences around the world in nature. Empowering women-only...
Hoeger Yachting Ltd. Adventure vacation in British Columbia - For a vacation that offers a rare combination of adventure and relaxation come skippered charter...
Horne Lake Caves & Outdoor Centre Experience the coolest adventures on Vancouver Island at Horne Lake. Daily guided tours for cave exploring, rock rappelling the Horne Lake...
Intrepid Charters Fish out of Nanaimo OR the West Coast and go after salmon or halibut . Return transport provided free from Nanaimo - Port Alberni. Half or full...
Invictus Charters Fish Nanaimo OR the West Coast for salmon or halibut. Full or half day trips available. Evening Crabbing (Prawning) w/Dinner Tours. Bottom...
Jamie's Whaling Station & Adventure Centres In operation since 1982, Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres have all the activities you’re looking for. Whale Watching on our 65 foot...
Just Dive In Adventures Just Dive In Adventures is Nanaimo's newest boat charter. We are a boat charter which caters to scuba diving and marine tours. We travel out to...
Lady Rose Marine Services Spend a day much as you might have done over 60 years ago, when the Lady Rose was a baby and the principal means of transportation along the B.C....
Ladysmith Maritime Society Harbour tours July - August Maritime Museum July - August. Learn the rich history of the Ladysmith Harbour, from Chemainus First Nation...
McGirr Sports Fields Society Located in Nanaimo BC Canada, the McGirr Sports Fields consist of four softball diamonds built to full size slo-pitch dimensions, with four soccer...
McNabs Corn Maze In 2002 Murray McNab decided to go back to the family farming. At the time he had 2 children, Adam and Mareena to help him out. Adam had been...
Milner Gardens & Woodland Find peace and tranquility in the 4 hectares of woodland gardens. Enjoy a traditional English tea service while you contemplate the history of the...
Morningstar Golf Course Voted on of the top 10 best public golf courses in the Province of BC in 2009 by Score Golf Magazine. 18 holes of great golf that has hosted the...
Mount Washington Alpine Resort Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Explore the mile high alpine at Mount Washington Alpine Resort. Vancouver Island's...
Nanaimo Golf Club Nanaimo Golf Club’s majestic course is located on a ridge above Departure Bay in Nanaimo, BC where tall evergreens, willow and maple trees frame...
Nanaimo Harbour Ferry Looking for Things To Do in Nanaimo? Hop aboard Nanaimo’s Newest Tourist Attraction, a Nanaimo Harbour Ferry and set sail for an unforgettable...
Nanaimo Port Authority Experience our lively downtown waterfront! Our picturesque marina sits amongst a variety of shops, eateries & services. Stroll the 5k...
Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School Ltd. The most convenient and central sailing and cruising location available on the entire Vancouver Island and BC coast. From our location in Stones...
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park For an experience rich in history, culture and entertainment, do what people have been doing since the 1930s—bring your own boat or take the...
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is nestled in the district of Errington on Vancouver Island. The society was established to care for ill,...
Ocean Ecoventures Nanaimo's closest Whale Watching excursions. Only a 45 minute drive south of Nanaimo. Ocean Ecoventures offers spectacular whale watching...
Ocean Outfitters Adventure Seekers & Nature Lovers, Ocean Outfitters is the perfect place to kick off all of your Tofino activities! Join us for Whale...
Pacific Northwest Raptors Watch eagles, owls, falcons, hawks and vultures soar and glide above visitors heads and demonstrate their awe-inspiring flight and hunting skills...
Paradise Adventure Mini Golf & Bumper Boats Marvel at the two exquisite miniature golf courses; bumper boats equipped with cannons; Stellario's Cafe where you can enjoy ice cream, milkshakes...
Riptide Lagoon Adventure Park Vancouver Island's Premier Adventure Golf. Riptide Lagoon offers 2 exciting 18 hole themed courses. Young and old a like can wander through the...
Sealegs Kayak Rentals & Tours No experience necessary...FREE lessons with beach rentals and professionally guided kayak tours from Sealegs’ Eco-Adventure Centre. View eagles...
Silver Blue Charters Silver Blue Charters offers excellent year round salmon fishing charters available on beautiful Gabriola Island aboard a 25.5 foot SeaRay...
Sink Or Swim Scuba We offer sales, service, training & rentals. We have Nanaimo's only Indoor Rinse Station. Open water certification classes offered monthly...
SpringTide Whale Tours & Charters WHALE WATCH with SpringTide on the 84 passenger, 61-foot Marauder. Experience the joy, excitement and wonderful memories of our mammals, whales,...
St. Jeans Cannery St. Jean's Cannery provides premium quality gourmet food products. We welcome you to browse through our catalogue. Shop on line or give us a call...
Stubbs Island Whale Watching Cruise the calm protected waters of the Johnstone Strait - Blackfish Archipelago with British Columbia's first whale watching company. Dedicated...
Sundown Diving Based in Nanaimo, we are only minutes from the Ferry Landing and Local Airport. Accessible from sea, air and road, Nanaimo is a tourist attraction...
The Dive Outfitters Scuba Diving & Snorkeling! Scuba dive training from beginner to technical diving and instructor levels. Gear and gadgets to meet every need!...
Tiger Lily Farm Try your hand at milking a goat, bottle feeding a lamb and collecting the eggs. A pony ride is included with admission for all children....
Track n Trail ATV Scenic All Terrain Vehicle tours of our spectacular outback. Enjoy a scenic ride, or take a dip in a lake,or have lunch by the river, take some...
Tracks Outdoor Adventures Wine Tours, Heritage Tours and Nature Tours of Central Vancouver Island. Specialize in large group tours, Motorcoach and Cruise Tours. Tours...
Vancouver Island Raiders Football The Vancouver Island Raiders are a Canadian Junior Football team based in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The Raiders play in the eight-team B.C....
West Coast Aquatic Safaris The shallow seas and temperate rainforest of Tofino, British Columbia support an astonishing abundance of wildlife. Whales grace our waters, bears...
WildPlay Element Parks Open year-round, this 17-acre park offers four outdoor activities: Monkido, an aerial adventure course which includes zip lines, swinging logs,...
Yellow Point Cranberries Follow the Yellow Point Road to our family-run cranberry farm, located just outside of Ladysmith, and home to Cranberry Cottage preserves....