The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island

November 11, 2021 Chanda Heide

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

3669 Rock City Rd Lcated Between Departure and Hammond Bay, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9T 1T6 Canada +1 250-756-5200 [email protected] http://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-search/parks/254-Linley-Valley-Cottle-Lake-Park
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park

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

Maffeo Sutton Park Not Mathew, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 6X6 Canada +1 250-754-7893 [email protected] http://newcastleisland.ca
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 382 reviews

Newcastle Island

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

Lagoon Drive, Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada http://Www.nanaimoinformation.com
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 314 reviews

Pipers Lagoon Park

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

2140 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9S 3V6 Canada +1 250-754-4251 https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-search/parks/65-Beach-Estates-Park
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Beach Estates Park

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

Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada http://ahoyguesthouse.com
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 99 reviews

Protection Island

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

Morningside Drive, Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada http://www.nanaimo.ca/PRC/Locations/Parks/224-Neck-Point-Park
Excellent
76%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 434 reviews

Neck Point Park

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

Victoria Ave., Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Loudon Park and Trail

8. Westwood Lake Park

Westwood Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada http://www.nanaimo.ca/PRC/Locations/Parks/32-Westwood-Lake-Park
Excellent
66%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 219 reviews

Westwood Lake Park

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

Nanaimo Lakes Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada http://www.nanaimo.ca/PRC/Locations/Parks/12-Colliery-Dam-Park
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Colliery Dam Park

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.

10. Morrell Sanctuary

787 Nanaimo Lakes Rd, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 3C2 Canada +1 250-753-5811 http://www.morrellnaturesanctuary.ca/
Excellent
59%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

Morrell Sanctuary

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