Location: Nanaimo
Top Things to do in Nanaimo
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island's second-largest city is a picturesque oceanfront town with fabulous mountain views and a busy harbor. Home to events like the harbor's Bathtub Race, the city of 75,000 offers outdoor opportunities from full-moon kayaking to golfing. Boat-fresh seafood graces tables at an ever-increasing number of restaurants. This gateway to island adventures is easily reached by fast ferry or floatplane from downtown Vancouver or by scheduled ferries from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen.
Restaurants in Nanaimo
1. Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By S_Leach - Nanaimo, Canada
I hate to review this b/c it is a hidden gem - not widely used Linley Valley, is a HUGE parcel of land that is still all-natural with some well-groomed trails & many small ones, easy to get lost & fun to find our way out. The actual Cottle Lake pk part of Linley Valley is easily accessible from Rock City pk entance - most people bring their dogs to walk, the loop around Cottle Lk is about a 15-20 min. brisk walk, 1 side is wide, well groomed trail, the other is narrower, trail that is full of big trees and roots - great walk for core stability. I love the different terrain - keeps the walk interesting works different muscles
2. Newcastle Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Reviewed By sharonNVBC - North Vancouver, Canada
You can take a short ferry ride to Newcastle from downtown Nanaimo. Interesting sandstone rock formations, wildlife, and and easy walking trails make this a great day trip. There are campsites and a small cafeteria near the ferry dock. Return trips can require a short wait, since the foot passenger ferries have limited capacity.
3. Pipers Lagoon Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By clifforda530 - Abbotsford, Canada
Pipers Lagoon has an amazing variety of things to see - ocean beach, tidal lagoon, rocks to climb (on trails).
4. Beach Estates Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By TerraformTheWorld - Parksville, Canada
Went for a quick walk bright and early and it was worth it. Waterfalls near the top of the trail, access from Church of Nazarene parking lot. Not too many steps down to the falls but if you head all the way down to the saltwater it is a good short work-out about 60m elevation difference. Path is in good shape and excellent vegitation with the sound of running water, very relaxing.
5. Protection Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By Vosper2 - Ladysmith, Canada
The foot ferry across was a lot of fun . Lots of friendly locals ,who visit with you sharing stories and history . Rob the Captain (only crew) is fun and informative . He helps you on and off the ferry if you need it ,he always asked. Safety is his priority. Lots of conversation laughter and even some old time music!???? Lunch in the pub was lovely ,good service and food. Apparently music Trivia is on Thursday nite and the ferry runs so guests at the pub can participate All in all well worth the trip!
6. Neck Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By Amandacawley1212 - Nanaimo, Canada
Beautiful! A wonderful view of the water and a lovely walk through the forest.. bats at night and Eagles in the day.. also has fairy doors so fantastic spot for families as well
7. Loudon Park and Trail
8. Westwood Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By Z3830LJjamesy - Nanaimo, Canada
Go for a run every morning on the trail. Great place to unwind with nature. Some nice challenging hills along the trail. A nice walk should take about one hour.
9. Colliery Dam Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By TerraformTheWorld - Parksville, Canada
Dropped by on November 6 since it was nice and sunny. Very nice walk along good trails that were partially covered in the fall leaves. Lots of interesting shaped coniferous trees, next time I will remember my camera. Plan on returning when the rainy season starts since the spillway could be very interesting. Has a washroom near the parking lot. The parking lot was full but there is additional parking on the side streets.
