The 50 best parks and gardens in Nanaimo

There are many parks along the coastline, but Neck Point Park truly stands out and is definitely worth a visit. The trails wind along the waterfront, offering a mix of forest paths and open viewpoints—some with railings, but many that lead you right down to the rocky shoreline. It’s a great spot to explore at your own pace and get close to nature. On a clear day, the ocean views are absolutely stunning. There’s also a lovely picnic area conveniently located right next to the parking lot, making it perfect for a relaxing lunch with a view.

A great place to walk around! The views were incredible and the terrain was nice and easy. We saw lots of bunnies, a beaver and even a sea lion in the water. We walked around sunset and the views of the water and mountains were gorgeous! We had no issues with parking however the lot was somewhat on the smaller size.

Great place for. Quick and easy hike with breathtaking view. The park have several view point and all have stunning water view. There’s also sitting area all over the park. It is accessible via public transit. There is very limited parking spot so come early if you want to get a good place to park. Very windy when exposed close to the water. Perfect to do early morning or late evening for sunset view. 2 hours is enough to hike the area. There is restroom at the parking lot area, there’s no place to buy snack so bring your own. Highly recommend this place for a day trip when visiting Nanaimo, BC Canada.

Neck Point Park is one of the absolute gems of Nanaimo. The trails are easy to walk and take you along rugged coastline, with incredible ocean views at every turn. It’s a fantastic spot to watch for wildlife – I’ve seen sea lions playing just offshore, and on lucky days you might even spot whales passing by. The sunsets here are stunning, with the sky lighting up over the water in ways that make it hard to leave. Whether you’re out for a peaceful stroll, a bit of photography, or just want a quiet place to sit and take in the natural beauty, this park never disappoints. A must-visit in Nanaimo!

Absolutely a must see! The walk isn’t too long or difficult. It’s stunning along the whole path. So many photo ops. The parking lot of decent size and has washrooms. They even have wheelchair assess-ability to the water !!! We are visiting and so glad we were suggested this stop!!

Park, the pearl of Nanaimo or a romantic's dream. A very romantic place at sunset. In the soft light of the sunset, a great place for a photo shoot. Perfect for romantic dates and family walks at sunset. You can also meet the sunrise in this park, for those who like to get up early.

Such a beautiful park. A really nice walking trail with so many spots where you can sit down relax and enjoy the sun. There are are so many beach shore to take a quick dip and the views are just so epic.

Nice easy walk around several lakes and a waterfall. Any number off trails to take you to different view points. Beautiful scenery of the lakes and greenery.

This park was beautiful, with lots of little lakes and ponds everywhere. One of our favorite parts was the off-leash dog area — it was so fun to watch the dogs jumping into the water, chasing balls and sticks, and playing together. There are several nice spots to stop and enjoy the view, and the whole place is super easy to walk around. Plus, there’s plenty of shade, which made it really pleasant even on a sunny day.

Colliery Dam Park is a local favorite for a quick escape into nature. The trails loop around two small lakes, making it a great spot for walking, jogging, or even mountain biking. In summer, people swim in the lakes, though there are no lifeguards, so it’s more of a casual dip. There’s also an off-leash dog area, which makes it popular with pet owners. Parking is available at a couple of access points, but the Wakesiah lot is the most convenient. Washrooms are on-site, and there are picnic tables if you want to make a day of it. Some trails are a bit steep, but the waterfalls and forest setting make it worth the effort. It’s a nice mix of history, scenery, and community use.

Serene park with gorgeous view. Ideal for nature lovers as well as fishing and hiking.

Biked here from the campground and went for a swim. Water was pleasant. 2 docks you can swim to and small beach areas to sit and chill.

Colliery Dam Park is a great mix of history and nature. The trails are easy to follow and take you past lakes, waterfalls, and forested areas, making it a nice spot for a quick walk or a longer wander. In summer, people swim in the lakes, and there’s even a designated off-leash area for dogs, which makes it popular with pet owners. The park also has a unique backstory tied to Nanaimo’s coal mining past, which adds some character. On the downside, some trails are steep and narrow, so they’re not the best for strollers or anyone with mobility issues. Parking can also feel limited during busy times. Still, it’s a peaceful escape right in the city.

Beautiful park . Nice dog area and trails

Beautiful trail along a stunning part of Vancouver Island. See views on downtown Nanaimo, the mountains, sea and maybe even a BC ferry. Trail is not stroller or wheelchair accessible as it has multiple sets of stairs. Takes about 1-1.25 hours to complete while walking with minimal stops. There are a few benches, logs or rocks that you could sit on if you need a break or would like to picnic somewhere along the way.

Cool rock formations at low tide and lots of little crabs in the shallow pool. Nice walk along the ocean with a few places to go down onto the rocks. Great view at the point plus seeing Nanaimo across the channel.

A beautiful trail with stunning views of Nanaimo, the mountains, and the sea. It’s a 5 km round trip and takes about 1.5 hours. We were lucky to see sea lions resting on the shore!

Fantastic adventure! Saw heron, eagles ,hummingbirds, squirels, and so many beautiful sites mother nature has to offer! Great trails, well maintined , not alot of people! Just beautiful! Will be back!

We had a very pleasant walk at Biggs Park, but it’s important to know where to start from to make the most of it. Don’t rely solely on Google Maps, it can lead you to the wrong spot. Instead, check the official website for the correct parking location, which brings you directly to the start of the path. You can’t park along the road (especially if cars are already there), and cannot park there for walking access. Once on the path, the walk is relatively short and easy, with beautiful views throughout. If you go at low tide, it’s even more fun, you can spot unique rock formations and collect shells. Definitely worth the visit, just make sure you start from the right place!

The Park is pretty cool, in a strange industrial area. Fun little path to do if you're waiting for the ferry.

Even path. A few stairs. Beautiful scenery. Unusual rock formations.

Absolutely wonderful park ruined by complete neglect by the city, like many prominent parks in Nanaimo. Wouldn’t recommend it to families with homeless roaming around, especially after dark. The city and Royal Canadian Mounted Police need to do more to protect our parks and public spaces!

We really enjoyed strolling through this park shortly after landing in Nanaimo in the last week of July. We parked near the Frisbee golf and walked a short way down the path adjacent to the creek while looking for the waterfall. The path was closed off due to construction on a foot bridge crossing the creek. We back tracked a bit and crossed the stream in a really shallow dry area thinking maybe the path was on the other side just up the bank in the trees a bit. Someone had attached a rope along a steep part of the bank that helped getting up and down the little footpath. Once we reached a higher look out point we realized we had walked right by a small encampment of about 3 or 4 tents well camouflaged. We decided to cross back to the main side and go up and walk along the road till we found some nice ponds and a waterfall. It was all very lovely nature and we actually did the whole walk twice after I realized I lost my sunglasses somewhere along the way. Thank you very much to the person who found them and hung them on a chain link fence in a visible spot. On that return trip we also noticed some movement in a smaller pond and stopped to watch a group of otters eat and swim around for probably 20 minutes. I will definitely return to this park again when we are in Nanaimo.

Bowen Park in Nanaimo is a real mix of nature and community space. The trails along the Millstone River are peaceful, with a small waterfall and plenty of greenery, and the duck pond is a nice spot to pause. There are also sports fields, a disc golf course, and even an outdoor pool in summer, so it’s more than just a walking park. On the downside, some areas feel a bit dated, and you might come across tents in certain corners, which can make parts of the park feel less welcoming. Still, it’s a great place to explore if you want both quiet trails and city amenities in one spot.

We stopped to have a bite to eat and stretch out the legs and ended up spending time walking around this beautiful gem nestled within the cityscape. Some nice trails to walk and great scenery all around. Kids had fun with the dog checking out the pathways and the waterfalls. Would definitely like to come back and spend more time finding beautiful views of this place.

So much to see at Bowen Park. Lot's of hidden gems along the trail. We love the duck pond but be sure to bring some bird food for the kids enjoy feeding the ducks. I did not see any sign boards feeding the ducks. Correct me I am wrong. Lots of birds and other wildlife to see. It would be fun to do bird watching here. The trail is wide which is good for Social Distancing. The falls is amazing. Instagrammable beauty. We love the fall colors and the moss accent. The trail is mostly flat and easy. We enjoyed our walk and took a lot of fall pictures. I cannot believe that it is situated at the city center.

Volleyball horseshoe and Tennis courts, and a fine disc golf course. Magnificent trees and a scenic creek. Newly paved paths are great for cycling through the forest. Shelters and BBQ stations. Photos show the open south east part of the park. The upper area and the creek itself are even nicer.

Great place for the entire family. From bowling greens, public outdoor pool, tennis, Frisbee golf, to walking trails, duck pond, and picnic tables and wheelchair friendly. You can spend an hour or day having Fun and play.

Westwood Lake is one of the best places to enjoy nature in Nanaimo. The trails are well-maintained, the lake is great for swimming, and it’s a family-friendly spot all year round. Recently, the parking lot, washrooms, and shower facilities were remodeled, which makes the park even more comfortable and welcoming. Whether you come for a quick walk, a long hike, or a summer swim, this park has everything you need. Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike!

Super cute little city park and lake! A very upbeat, family friendly vibe. I did the 5.5/6km hike around the lake first and was done within an hour. Beginner level, as I saw parents and kids. There is a steep area to get to/from the bluffs but so worth the view! I went paddling after and it was calm enough to do yoga on my board, but the wind picked up and brought me to the underwater forest area, where I passed right by a bald eagle! 🦅 The water is warm enough for swimming, but it made me itchy after. You can tell this is a simulated/not naturally occurring beach/lake, given the sandbox feel, and old trees/stumps sticking out of the water even in deeper areas.

In the changing room, on the door, there is a warning for swimmers that this lake has the parasite which cause the ‘swimmer’s itch’. And it takes 2-3 days to get better then there could be rashes. Just fyi if you’re planing to swim. It kinda disappointed us as we planned to swim at first. Other than that it’s a nice place, clean water

Beautiful park, there is a great trail that goes around the lake, not the hardest either

It is a great place to hike, Hangout by the water or camping which is close.

Westwood Lake Park is one of Nanaimo’s gems, perfect for a mix of relaxation and activity. The 5.5 km trail around the lake is well-maintained and great for walking, running, or biking, with plenty of shade and lake views along the way. The main beach area has lifeguards in summer, making it a safe swimming spot, and there are smaller sandy stretches if you want more quiet. Parking is free but fills up quickly on hot days, so arriving early helps. Washrooms and change rooms are available near the main lot, and there’s a playground for kids. The lake is also popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, so it’s easy to spend a full day here

Westwood Lake Park is a local favourite for good reason. The 5 km trail around the lake is well-kept and makes for a relaxing walk or jog, with plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the view. The main beach is great for swimming in summer, and it’s one of the few freshwater spots in Nanaimo with lifeguards. Families will appreciate the playground and picnic areas, and the fishing dock is a nice touch. On the downside, parking fills up quickly on hot days, and parts of the trail can get muddy after rain. It’s also not the quietest place if you’re looking for solitude, since it’s popular year-round. Still, it’s a beautiful mix of nature and accessibility.

If you’re looking for the big “NANAIMO” sign, this is the spot. Inner‑city waterfront park with ample parking, lots of shaded picnic areas, a kids’ playground, small beach access, and plenty of walking/running trails. It’s about a 10‑minute drive from the Departure Bay ferry terminal, so it’s an easy stop before or after your sailing. I love coming here for a quick loop, a photo at the sign, and a breather by the water.

Beautiful waterfront park that’s perfect for a walk or just relaxing by the water. There are nice paths, open spaces, and great views all around. It’s family friendly with areas for kids to play and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the scenery. A really nice place to unwind if you’re in Nanaimo

Maffeo Sutton Park is such a lovely place to spend time in Nanaimo! The waterfront views are beautiful, and the walking paths are perfect for a relaxing stroll by the ocean. There’s a big playground that kids absolutely love, plus open green spaces for picnics or just hanging out. The park often hosts community events, which bring a fun and lively vibe. It’s clean, well-maintained, and super family-friendly. Whether you’re visiting for a walk, a picnic, or a festival, this park is a favorite!

“Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo is a superb spot for both visitors and locals! In the evenings, you can enjoy live singer shows and grab tasty bites from food trucks. The beach views are amazing, and you’ll see sea planes, ferries, motorboats, and yachts passing by. The sea walkway is beautiful and it’s right in the heart of downtown. A must-visit when on Vancouver Island!”

Great place to relax and hang out in downtown Nanaimo. The park is large with great views and atmosphere. It can get noisy at times due propeller aircraft noise, as the Nanaimo habour serves as an airport for seaplanes. There are a lot of unique statues and a large playground.

You'll love this cute, little, harbourside spot! It features the official Saysutshun ferry landing and the popular NANAIMO sign, offering a great photo op for memories. I enjoyed the unique food trucks right by the water, and my kids always have a blast at the play area!!

Lovely little park which is the site of the Saysutshun ferry! Has the NANAIMO sign as well for a cute lil photo opportunity. The food carts have interesting options for a quick bite on the water. The play area is also really fun for kids and the rides were very adorably themed.

Close to where I live and is a beautiful place to walk. Especially during sunrise or set. The marsh is beautiful with its dragonflies, frogs and birds. Would love to encounter one of those turtles but they are usually hidden. See lots of joggers and bird watchers there. Easy loop you can do several times in one go.

Easy little loop walk. If you take your time it's about 30-40 minutes. You can possibly see some wildlife and it is a good spot for birdwatching. Paths are easy to follow and level so it is very accessible for all. There are a few benches and look out points along the path. Parking off the Bowen side can get full so you may have to park up the street when entering from that side. There is a port -a-potty on the Third Street side.

It’s an easy access, level walk with wonderful views of the wetlands. So many birds clinging to the cattails and reeds add colourful moments. With lots of benches along the trail, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic or a quiet contemplation. I love it

Look what I found today on our walk. Just stood there and stared at us. This beautiful setting for a short tranquil walk with or without a friend is lovely. I enjoy the walk and sights each time I go. Sometimes with family from far away.

Beautiful park. Easy loop that have tons of entry and exit points. I started my walk at the ice skating rink, followed the trail and it led me to Buttertubs. Good place to do bird watching. Lots of birds especially when it's sunny. It is a good idea to bring camera with good lenses or binoculars. Ideal for stroller too. I haven't done duck feeding, but I'm thinking of trying or I'll check out first if it is possible. I saw deer and heron along the trails. I love how quiet the place is.

Beautiful park for observing wildlife, particularly for birdwatching. We have also seen deer, raccoons, squirrels, and beaver. The trail around the marsh is flat so really good for those with mobility issues. It is very family friendly, but do stay on the trail. Bring your camera or binoculars, or relax with a book on one of the many benches. It's a real gem in the middle of the city.

A flat, 2 km loop around a small marsh is a lovely walk! No dogs means the birds are safe, and often, unique birds come to visit. Tonnes of blackberries in August. Small, intermittent sections of shade.

Great spot to stop by during a Nanaimo trip. It’s a short coastal trail right along the beach with beautiful, breezy views—peaceful and scenic for a picnic or an easy walk. The path runs between water on both sides: a calm lagoon on one side and open ocean on the other. There’s a brief rocky uphill section to cross to the opposite side of the park, but it’s manageable and adds a bit of variety. Overall, a relaxing, low‑effort outing with memorable views.

5/5 Stars Pipers Lagoon Park is a hidden gem! This peaceful retreat offers stunning views, scenic trails, and a beautiful beach. The lagoon's calm waters and surrounding greenery create a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and nature walks. The park's trails are well-maintained and offer scenic views of the lagoon and surrounding hills. The beach is picturesque, with interesting rocks and tide pools to explore. It's an ideal spot for picnics, reading, or simply unwinding. What I loved most about Pipers Lagoon Park is its tranquility and natural beauty. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature. Highly recommended!

Piper’s Lagoon: where you come for a “quick walk” and end up taking 87 sunset photos, having a deep life reflection, and accidentally following a seagull for 10 minutes. Trails? Peaceful. Views? Instagrammable. Vibes? Immaculate. Just watch out for the tide or you’ll be stranded like a scenic shipwreck. 10/10 would get lost in thought here again.

Ideal spot to catch some absolutely spectacular sunsets, and the occasional moonrise! I’m currently using a mobility scooter for a broken ankle and this whole area is very accessible with the flat lightly gravelled path that goes out along the lagoon to the little island area. Plenty of seating along the way on benches or on giant driftwood logs by the water. This will be a regular destination for me for catching evening sunsets without driving too far.

Always a favorite area of Nanaimo, and a popular choice for many. Dogs are invited along too. My Chi, Bob, enjoys all the new scents the ocean brings in, along with finding new critters. Great photo spot and an awesome tree fort!

A pretty park with some nice seaside trails and a cool rock that you can climb to the top for a good view. Beautiful place to go for a walk on a sunny day. Does have public washrooms available. Parking is limited and the small parking lot does seem to fill quickly.

Great beach and wonderful trails. Lots of benches, Lagoon is nice to swim in. Some sandy areas. Lots of beach areas and a great hike around a beautiful scenic island. Views of shack island and more. Lots of benches for relaxing and enjoying the views.

It’s a big park and good practice before you go on a big hiking trip (5km). I would recommend going with someone because going alone too far in this park is a bit scary if it is your first solo trip. Good places to sit and read, with lots of benches and a beach. The main parking lot is under construction, but there is a parking lot behind that has a lot of parking.

The pros: Great beach and wading for littles to wade and splash in the sandy shoreline. Plenty of shady areas with the trees (set back from the beach). Two separate beach areas. Accessible beach and change rooms - there are some newly renovated change rooms and sitting areas. A water refill station - be sure to bring your reusable water bottles. There is usually a food truck or two here during the summer months. Great 5.5km hike around the Lake. Cons: Swimmers itch - be sure to shower as soon as you can. Parking is a nightmare (this is why my rating isn’t 5 stars). Spots aren’t labeled in the one lot and it basically becomes a free for all with plenty of honking.

Probably one of the most popular places in Nanaimo. The latest renovations, I hope are many that are needed. It would be nice to have directions for some of the off beat trails.

Our favorite lake to head to for a local outdoor adventure. Lifeguards on duty during the summer at first beach. There is a wheel chair accessible path along the boat ramps and down to the washroom facilities. Second beach has a dock to swim too as well and there's an outdoor playground for kids. The trail around the beach is over 6 km long so take water with you. There are some cool mountain bike trails behind the lake and around the power line clearing.

Westwood Lake is great for all kinds of activities - swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding. I've enjoyed the 6 km hike around the lake. It's not challenging, good for long walks or jogging. Fantastic views for photography enthusiasts. There are some special trails for mountain bikes. Dogs are allowed, leashed only. Some areas of the park are close to private residences, just don't be loud outside of normal hours. There are two parking lots, spots for disabled persons. Picnic tables are available. Washrooms need some improvement. I didn't find changing rooms They might have been just closed due to coronavirus, I am not sure. There was no sign available. I struggled changing after swimming in the lake. There were two tiny stalls in the women's washroom, none of them had one single hook for a bag or piece of clothing.

I grew up a deer trail away from here. Westwood lake is a beautiful place to run, swim, kayak and so much more. There is a 5.51 km trail around the lake. This lake gets over crowded in the summer daytime with families. Parking is free if you can find it. The Canadian geese can be a bother and sometimes the lake gets closed because of a build up of bacteria and pollutants. I prefer the quieter times personally but they’re harder to find too.

I train here for triathlons. The lake gets somewhat busy at times, but not to the point where you can't swim safely. From the lake, you can ride a really nice road on your bike and back, which is about 30km with 600m of climbing. And there is a very nice path around the lake of approximately 6.5km with just a little bit of climbing.

We stopped here on our way to the ferry. It was a nice little stop. The trail to the petroglyphs is about 600 mts. No washrooms or wheelchair access.

Wow this Petroglyph site is amazing ❣️ A roadside rest area along with this Park, it's a nice rest from the highway or if you're passing threw. Located just as you will enter the city. A beautiful walk to the Petroglyph site, real easy not very long and then the return back is a loop, nice trail. The Petroglyphs date back Centuries and are in great shape can still see them as well the knowledge provided for each Petroglyphs. Since Time immemorial First People's have occupied the lands of Turtle Island 💯❤️🔥😎Long before newcomers had arrived. Walking this trail to get to the site is like walking back in time ❤️ the many Generations that had knowledge of this site and how it's still Here❣️ Just like the First People's We Are Still Here 💪🏾✊🏾 Knowledge is wealth. I always strive for knowledge, stopping bye this location it offers just that! And it even shows where there are other Petroglyphs site's are located, I found that awesome 👍🏽 off to the other site's I wanna find 😊

The park wasn't as big as I was led to believe, however it was still beautiful, it's a quick little hike through some beautiful forest in Nanaimo, the Indigenous Petroglyphs were pretty cool & the information on them informative as these particular ones were not just found on Vancouver Island but some of the surrounding ones as well. ❤️

This is a very short trip so definitely have more on your itinerary for the day. This place takes about 20 minutes to see, very short walk up a small hill. The petroglyphs need to be preserved and the area taken care of, it would be horrible to lose this piece of history. I think I come down to a lack of respect for the people that built this area as there are signs of vandalism and graffiti in and around the site. Thankful to have seen this place and experience this historic petroglyph in person.

I read some fairly poor reviews before going and can't say I disagree. The parking lot was large. However, the pull off comes up quick as your driving. The short hill up was a bit steep for my bad knees but was not far from the parking lot. They have a main circle of casts to view with a path going further up. I sent my son to take pics of the real petroglyphs but he only found one, after he stepped on it accidentally. The park was a bit overgrown, many rocks were defaced by graffiti and people have used trails as toilets so watch where you walk. I read there was a cave somewhere with homeless people and needles but we didn't find any of that. Ultimately, if we weren't wasting time before a ferry, I would have been annoyed at the wasted effort. It's sad to see it in poor shape and disrespected, otherwise it could have been a cool little place to explore.

Short walk to the petroglyphs. This park is not in the best condition. The petroglyphs were covered by grass and dirt. Looks like there’s some vandalism happening. We still enjoyed the visit to the park. It’s good for a 30 min quick stop. Read up on history, look around and imagine what it would be like there during the time when petroglyphs were getting carved out.

We took the 515am Ferry and this place caught us by surprise when we got off. Our family enjoyed the history of this indigenous site but it was really cold first thing in the morning on our trip to Tonino. But it is a site that was beautiful during sunrise.

One of the slides are damaged and my daughter got injured today so be careful if taking your kids. Called and reported this to parks and rec

We were there during the Sunday of the VIEX (Vancouver Island Exhibition). The midway was smaller than Calgary's, but with a good number of the rides and games you'd expect. The walking was hard with big rocks, puddles and few manicured pathways. There were vendors selling handmade crafts, a ferret rescue, a crafts competition, and agriculture exhibits. Fine event on grounds that could use some work.

Beautiful place to explore multiple things, such as pool, Gym, communities events and festivals, playgrounds and study rooms etc. Basically you can have everything under one roof. Good City Nanaimo!

We came for the fun looking playground. My 10 year old found it too simple, because none of the structures connect, which makes it hard to play grounders, lava tag, and other games. The 8 year old mostly enjoyed it. We saw lots of other young children playing while we were here. The walking path is on-leash dog friendly, though dogs are not allowed in the playground itself. The walking path is also bike friendly, but I would only bring bikes for little ones. The big gazebo has 2 picnic tables. The space is fully fenced. The big trees were appreciated. There needs to be more benches for adults. The toilet was relatively clean. The few garbage cans were empty.

Excellent park! Went to the Kinsman trail beside it (nice, simple, flat trail in the shade of the trees). Big playground, sports field, and community center with gym, and pool! The pool area for small kids is great! There's a lazy river-current simulation at the back, nice gradual shallow end and warm water.

Clean facility. Busy but that was expected. They had rented out for our lunch meeting and everything went smoothly for about 30 guests.

A very busy playground. A lot of parking space. A short walk to the pool and Beban Social Center. Short walk to the bus stop. Kids can ride their bike. A great place to bring kids.

Boat access only, any boat you like. Pay for the ferry, use a kayak, or swim from Protection Island 🏊🏼‍♂️There is a cafe open for lunch, walking paths, cliffs and coves, old quarries and settlement sites, and obviously lots of beach. It's beautiful for camping or day trips!

My first visit to Saysutshun, it was breathtaking!! Absolutely beautiful, definitely where I would want to do a camping trip - or just walk the trails like I did with my man. Such a beautiful place!!!

Take a fun, short boat ride and arrive on a beautiful little island perfect for hiking a couple of hours. You can walk all around the island in just a few hours and the views are stunning.

Just 10 minutes by ferry from Nanaimo you will find Saysutshan Island, a place of deep peace and beauty. Right now I am watching a harbor seal bobbing up and down in the passage off shore looking toward Protection Island. You will see Eagles and Heron, plus many shore birds. Sail boats and ferries gliding by. Several First Nations memorial poles. Camping is available. Water, trails, restrooms, kayak and bike rentals, concession stand, and a history installation.

Camped for 2 nights and went for a dip in the ocean. Very peaceful place to camp. Lovely weather for the September season. -1 star due to the concession closing earlier then the camping season 😢 Every campsite has a picnic table/s. There's one full flush washroom with many stalls and a shower. The rest are large size, metal outhouses with cement floors. Dogs are allowed on leash. There's a playground near the kayak/bike rental building. See Jeff about renting a bike or a kayak!

This was my first time camping on an island with trees. I'm from Nunavut and we don't have any trees. The island is beautiful! I saw an eagle flying, I had to cover the little puppy so it doesn't take it for its next meal 😂. Me, coming from Nunavut, I wasn't expecting to go camping to a place with cell phone service, running water, garbage bins, outhouses, let alone a place to take shower (for loonies). This place has all of that! Lol The Concession is a nice little place to get some food, drinks, and merch. The beer is nice Not very many options, but I didn't even think they'd have beer available. It was a nice surprise. I had remembered to bring everything on the face of this Earth to this Island, but coffee. And the Concession had run out of coffee for a couple days, too, so I just had to drink my tea to get caffinated. 🙃 Overall, the food was good, coffee was ... I wouldn't know, view was beautiful, ferry was small and cute, weather was hot, water was cold, the experience was great. I had so much fun! P.S. - I found a sand dollar! It was my first time seeing a sand dollar. Lol

Great Park to spend the day or just an afternoon. There is good trails and rocky beaches to hang out on. Bring your own food and wine or beer on a sunny day. The best place for a picnic is Mckay or Angle Point. The small ferry from Nanaimo harbour is $9 round trip every 30 minutes. The ferry stops at protection island on the way with its pub on the water.

Really nice trail, fairly easy and around an hour, if you stop to enjoy the view, which is beautiful!

I love this hiking trail. My family enjoyed Geocaching along the trail, going to Joan Point trail. Lots of things to see. Beautiful views of the ocean. Love watching the ocean current at Dodd' Narrows 🌊. We had fun watching the wildlife. Love the sea lions in there.

Such a great place to get out and experience the west coasts best coast on VI. I do hope they are able to protect this gem. definitely worth the walk. Keep in mind there is a pretty good change in elevation but it's fairly gradual. lots of folks and their pups.(Off Leash) :) Sea Lions and Beautiful Coastal views.

We had nice long walk until my husband slipped and dislocated two fingers. Some parts of the shore were slippery so I recommend you wear proper shoes even though it is not a very long hike.

Absolutely beautiful trail! Easy walk down to the water with lovely views. I highly recommend continuing across the bridge to explore the other trails. Dodd's narrows is a really cool feature! Keep your eyes and ears open for seals and sealions

One of the most gorgeous hikes just outside of Nanaimo. Be sure to wear waterproof footwear in the winter because the trails are usually wet. You'll definitely fall in love with this hike if you love river side walls that lead to the coast!

First trip to the Cable Bay trail . Quite the walk for a little Shih Tzu. The trail was in great shape and the view was well worth the hike.

Went on it to get past Nanaimo on my bike (Sep 2019). Signage is lacking at almost every highway crossing you have to take, making it difficult for first time users. Although it is paved I wouldn't recommend it without full suspension since the asphalt all along the trail is coming up, almost like large tree roots across the trail. What makes it a nuisance for commuting is that you (legally) have to dismount at every pedestrian crossing it takes and the area around VIU takes you along the road against the direction of traffic, leading to dangerous situations with left turning cars where you have to cross the roads there.

Jan6/2021. I use this trail frequently because of the easy access.With a few jogs the trail will take you to Aulds Rd that come out behind Woodgrove Mall. At Aulds Rd before you cross the highway turn turn left and connect up the E & N Trail a short trail, just before the rail crossing on the right. Watch for others using the trail,share the trail. Ride safe and stay healthy.

Awesome trail to board on, good sections of rest(flat) and pretty good spots for speed. Biking it is alot nicer since its easy cruising most of the time if youre headed north and straight cruising if youre headed south in nanaimo

It's great, I've used it for many years up and down the island. Gets you where ya wanna go, and some nice scenery along the way!

Omg! Such great options 3~options!!! Trail...head down rd < 2 more trailes! My dog's favorate spot!

If you don't mind inhaling harmful exhaust fumes while you exercise. ...

Love it. Just remember to share the trail with other users 😀

Place was amazing, staff were very pleasant and it was a fun boat ride over about 8 mins each way! The views and nature was wonderful only went for a few days near the end of their service this season but it was 100% worth it only downside was some outhouse were not in best condition further out along hiking trails but thats completely understandable! I reccomend it for anyone who likes a little adventure be advised it is on foot only and camping gear is backpacked over.

First time out to this lovely Island. I should have gone sooner! Endless beautiful beaches, nature trails, and open fields. Lots of deer, racoons, squirrels, and sea birds everywhere. The rock formations on the beach are incredible! It's about an 8 km hike around, so pack a lunch, or grab something from the cozy little cafe at the campsite area right near the dock. There's trail maps along the way, and trails that go through the middle of the island, to make your hike shorter. The ferry ride to the island is about 10 minutes, from Maffeo Sutton Park, downtown Nanaimo. It's walk-on only. $15 per person. Well worth it! Looking forward to going over to this beautiful nature island again!

We love taking the ferry over and spending the day exploring. We brought friends over this time with our dogs and it is now a new place for them to frequent. There is lots of parking close to where the ferry leaves. We hiked along the trails which were well groomed and signed. There’s a couple of areas that are hard to locate such as the mine shaft etc. which could have better signage as you are going along. Lots of great views, wildlife and sea life to enjoy! Staff are all super friendly and there are lots of toilet facilities (outhouse) throughout the park. There is a small store/food area that sells shirts, ice cream etc. The fairy runs quite often in the summer, every half hour and takes up to 40 passengers. Later at night and during the off-season they sometimes run the smaller boat with only takes approximately 12. On low tide you can walk over to Protection Island and go for a bite to eat at the local pub.

Fantastic location to easily spend a whole day. Great views all around and so much wildlife. Come for a picknick, bike ride or anything you like by riding the ferry over (yes, you can bring your bike in board). Or even better, rent them from Jeff's Rentals on the island as he is an amazing person and the rates are very affordable. Paddle over to the dinghy dock pub for a bite to eat and a drink. You can even camp on this island. It's perfect.

Place is amazing!!! a Nanaimo hidden gem didn't know this place existed coming out there, was suggested to me staying at the Vancouver island residences went and checked it out for a day hike learned there was camping and came back and stayed for 5 days, it was during the week and the island was pretty empty, was tranquil, there was deer everywhere and they were pretty fearless they'd walk right through the campsites (raccoons in daylight too!) walking through the forest you felt like an ant walking through the grass most of the trees are enormous , had the beach to myself, saw purple starfish, the staff were great, and the burgers from the concession were pretty good. Plan to come back!!

Great place to go for a hike or kayak maybe both!!! lots of wildlife and great views! Be sure to give yourself lots of time to explore the whole island and if you plan to camp you'll want to make sure you secure a spot as they fill up fast. Bring lots of water and snacks and don't share with the racoons no matter how cute they seem.

Went to see the island to plan for next years camping and I love the place.. Good beach and shallow water.. Fun place for kids and family.. kayaking and biking is available.. spacious camp ground for groups.. did I mention.. only place you will se the white raccoon.. or is it albino raccoon??

Wonderful piece of history!!

A nice tower which it’s worth takes a 5-10min tour inside it. Nothing much btw! Some info if you are interested in: It is an octagonal, three‑story blockhouse built between 1853–1855 by the Hudson’s Bay Company to safeguard coal interests on Vancouver Island! It is the only freestanding wooden bastion built by HBC remaining in North America! It was used as an office, arsenal, storage, and refuge during coal mining era (1853–1862)

Very cool historical location with very knowledgeable staff! They fire the canon at noon during the summer, with the staff dressed in historical garb, so this is a neat experience as well!

It's a white tower that was built to commemorate the joining of BC into Canada. It was closed when I went, but it seems to house a cannon.

This is a real gem in the heart of Nanaimo. It's a great spot to get a picture of the city, and it is super cool to tour inside. The historical interpreter was knowledable and articulate, and there are many interesting artifacts to explore. Over the summer, you might be lucky enough to see the cannon fire or hear a traditional bagpiper play a jig. Free to enter, but a cash donation is encouraged.

Cool place to visit. I wish I could of seen the cannon!!

Historical place.. nicely maintained

A great hike and an amazing waterfall as a reward. Dipping your toes in the water and listening to the sounds of the waterfall. Makes you glad to be on this planet! :)

Lovely hike to the falls. We went during July and the water flow was very low. We chose a moderate hike and took 40 mins each way. Quite easy. While going to the water be cautious as the stones are very sharp.

Parking is available in the location. The washroom is available in the parking lot only. It will take about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the waterfall if you don’t deviate from the right trail path. The trail is beginner level hike. Swimming under the waterfall after the hike was amazing.

Much more accessible now with the new stairs to the waterfall. It used to have a rope to scale down before. Mind you, now everyone and their dog can visit. It’s about a 35 minute hike from the parking lot but there are some good little hills to climb. Summer is the worst month as the waterfall is low but still an enjoyable hike. We saw some woodpeckers and deer on this latest trip.

Visited in December after heavy rain and the falls were at full force. Beautiful sight and worth the 90 min round trip hike (from the Creekside parking). Surprisingly, the trail was mostly dry. There were some paddles and middy areas, but they could be easily avoided. The trail is clearly marked the whole way. The trail itself is not super scenic, but it’s a nice and somewhat challenging hike, there are some areas where you have to go uphill. The stairs at the fall could be challenging. Once you go down to the falls - prepare to get a little wet.

Ammonite Falls is just magical ✨ Great for families, walk/mini hike with friends and bring your friendly dogs along! Trails are quite safe as there are always people there and the scenery is indescribable. Most photos will not do the falls any justice (some will of course, with professional photographers who know how to evoke emotion through a photo). Definitely worth the visit!

Nice hike! lots of up and down and changing scenery through the whole thing. The board walk down to the falls is still under construction so probably better to wait till summer when it’s finished to get right down to the base of the falls safely!

It seems like you're referring to "Beach Estates Park" in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. It's a beautiful area known for its waterfront properties and scenic views. If you're looking for information or recommendations about the area, feel free to ask! Very dense forest within city. Trail is beautifully. Very easily marked and path is visible. Falls are quite decent.

Beautiful hidden gem, lots of stairs, very enjoyable.

Holy heck such a beautiful beach!!!! Go in the morning during low tide is the best if you have doggos

It's a great little walk wherever you're entered either the access point from the church across from Brooks landing or from Beach park trail just up the hill from the lights at departure bay terminal. You can pretty much walk up to a docked BC ferry, the beach access is right next to one. Follow the creek bed up along the path you might see a little water fall, but that's not the main one it's closer to the church entrance.

Pretty icy right now (early January 2022) so we couldn't make it all the way down. But I'm excited to come back when it melts! This is a beautiful trail with stairs, bridges and waterfalls! So much better than I expected. A hidden gem that takes you to the water!

An easy, tranquil trail in the woods with a neat waterfall. Around 10 minutes one way. Great place to visit if you are waiting for the next ferry.

Beach Estates Park is a lovely little gem of a walk that travels through a lengthy ravine starting on Departure Bay Road across from Brooks Landing and takes you right down to the waterfront. At that point you can veer left or right to get to local neighbourhoods, or at low tide you can also walk along the sea floor to where it reconnects with the walking path at the BC Ferry Terminal. The City of Nanaimo is planning to connect these paths to extend the waterfront boardwalk. The park is made up of a series of paths, walkways, bridges and staircases that winds through a lush, mossy, green forest. It really is quite beautiful and is like a different world down there. There is a lovely waterfall along the path and at the right times during the year it is suitably impressive, especially as one of the more elaborate bridges crosses right in front of it. Do be careful as the steps, walkways and bridges can get quite slippery during rainy and winter weather.

The trail head is at the end of Marion Way (which is only accessible off Little John Road) and it consists of a series of stairs that are first carved in the rock face before a set of wooden ones that lead to a flatter rocky knoll. A steep, steady incline but fortunately a short walk up and well worth the effort. An absolutely amazing panoramic view awaits you at the top! An expanse of the Salish Sea, Newcastle Island & channel, Gabriola & Protection Islands in behind, Departure Bay and I expect Mt. Baker (on a clear day) in front of you with a portion of the city, the wasted land that is the Nanaimo golf club, Mt. Benson & neighbouring hills behind you. There are a couple of park benches to rest on while you take it all in but nothing else up there, save for the garbage a handful of lazy and/or disrespectful people have left behind. C'mon people, whatever you take with you needs to also leave with you, including your cigarette butts! The only thing left behind should be your breath the hike and view will undoubtedly take from you. Enjoy and do your part in keeping it enjoyable for all visitors please.

The perfect place for a picnic or to lounge around enjoying the views. A Nanaimo classic!

Great little hike and beautiful views of departure bay, ferries and down town. Some benches to enjoy the views

Even though it was raining but we had to check this place out. I’ve been to Nanaimo couple of times before but never got a chance. This place is definitely worth it. Nice little stairs to begin with, it just takes like 5 mins to get all the way to the top. Watch out for slippery grass especially when raining. Need to look for parking too as mountain’s entrance is in middle of residential area. Absolutely love it though..

Beautiful view from the top. Stunning at sunset.

Short walk up slab staircase and then about 15 more yards on top of this rocky bald mountain and you are instantly rewarded with panoramic views of Departure Bay.

A LOT of stairs but it's so worth the view, would definitely recommend bringing a water bottle or something or even bringing a lunch to the top is also really nice especially when it's not too windy

🌿 A Wild and Wonderful Urban Escape 🌿 Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park is a true hidden gem tucked right into Nanaimo. The newly maintained pathways around the lake are beautiful and make for a lovely short loop. While it’s not fully accessible due to stairs, uneven terrain, and rooted areas, it’s absolutely worth the effort if you’re able to explore it. The trails are well-shaded, the grass is taller than me in spots, and the variety of flora and wildlife is incredible. One of my favourite moments was spotting a sign for the rough-skinned newt crossing, hands down the cutest sign I’ve ever seen! This magical little pocket of nature will be featured in my upcoming 6th Little Adventurers book exploring South Nanaimo. Add it to your list if you’re looking for something wild, beautiful, and full of surprises. 🦎🌲💚

First time walking this trail, we basically did the loop around Cottle Lake. We lucked out with a gorgeous sunny day, and we accessed it from Rock Star Road trail head. I can imagine that part of the trail would be more treacherous and slippery if it was raining, or after a large rainfall. They are building some metal bridges and boardwalks along one side of the lake, but in between there are rocky portions. Lots of roots, you need to watch your footing for sure. If you want to, take pictures or enjoy the view of the lake, make sure you’re standing still, because when you’re walking, you need to pay attention to the trail. But it was in great shape, and well maintained. Hoping to go back to try some of the smaller trails that branch off. We were with the Walking group that are mostly 65+, and the majority of them had no issue in accessing the trail. Please note there is a steep set of stairs from the trailhead that we started at, they are very sturdy, but there is approximately 50 steps so it’s a bit of a challenge to climb back up again. There is approximately 4 to 5 parking spaces near the signat the beginning of the trailhead and about 4 to 5 parking spots almost directly across the road.

A few trail options, nice area. The new walkway on the south side of the lake is a nice improvement. Couple areas on the south side that are a little hard it you have mobility issues.

Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park is one of Nanaimo's hidden treasures. It is lovely and expansive, with many long walking trails and some lovely vistas of the park itself. There are large wooden staircases and adorable stone bridges. There is abundant wildlife as well. I've seen what I believe were sizable partridges and wild turkeys (see photos... I love doing my photography at this park). In a matter of minutes you can walk from a somewhat busy residential road to the absolute solitude of this wonderful park. The first time I visited this park, I had to remind myself I was basically in the middle of a very large and populated residential area. It also reminded me a bit of the Experimental Farm back in Ottawa, Ontario, in that you can quickly get in touch with nature without having to travel for hours. It is a popular place for hikers and joggers and is often quite busy.

This is a hidden gem, there are so many great trails to walk, ride or run. There is everything, from easy to difficult. I have been to this park around 15 times and everytime I go I find a new spot, new trails. It connects with lost lake trail. 100% recommended. It has different entrances. Go check it out, maps don't show all the trails here.

Beautiful place. A few stairs, fyi. And if you're walking around the Lower Lake trail there are lots of tree roots. So lovely with lots of fresh running water. Gentle hills. Lots of little trails. My girl dog loved it. Trash bin and poop bags at trail entrance/parking area.

Great place for a hike with multiple trails. I used All-Trails app for navigating all the little trails in here and they were accurate. Nice forest hike in-town.

Great lake for swimming, fishing, paddle boarding and boating. Conveniently located in the middle of the city. Washrooms, picnic benches, docking areas and a playground on site The lake front also faces north west so it makes for longer evenings and great sundown sunsets.

Nice short walk along Long Lake. The path is lined with massive blackberry bushes too! Good bird watching location, and we even saw some bunnies. Quick and easy access to the public swimming area on the lake.

This was a great stop for us on our bike trip. It is near the E&N trail. There was a good picnic area and a beach on the lake.

Peaceful, calm and silent scenery. I was here last summer with my family and it was full of people it was nice to roam around and enjoy watching goose and birds singing.

Great place to go for something to do. There's a playground, garbage cans, picnic tables, narrow sand beach, fishing area, boat rentals, and a nice, simple walking path.

Randomly drove by on a hot day, not from town so had no idea about this place. Kids had blast. Water was a great temp for swimming. Had a little old park that the kids played on for a bit.

Beautiful little walk minus irresponsible dog owners leaving dog poop and stringing the dog poop bags from trees . Other then that it was nice . Left some beautiful painted rocks as well .

Nice, clean area, cut walking trail. Small fishing dock. Can spot wildlife everywhere including beavers, Mallard ducks, Canada geesh, Beavers, and have even seen turtles!

I love it here, so beautiful and quiet with lots of wildlife to look at. There is also a park for kids and an off leash section for dogs. The trails are well kept.

We had a short walk around the lake with my daughter. She enjoys playing with the geese swimming at the edge of the lake. There was tennis court, bike tracks and fishing place along the area.

Medium sized partially enclosed grassy leashed dog walk. Gravel trail around lake with small parking area.

Part of my bike ride route. I feel safe even while riding through at night. Not a high volume traffic park. The people are always nice...best of all the park has yet to be over run by the blight plaguing our beloved city...the homeless...let's hope it stays that way!

Lovely little park. Nice shady trails with views of the lake, great for strolling on a warm day.

NIce lake . Very clean . It has a nice public wharf for fishing. Not usually busy. I believe there are two species of trout in the lake . Good location too

Nice place, grassy area with picnic tables. Can watch sea planes come and go. 2 boat launches, large parking lot. Super strong boat wash station. Clean bathrooms. Is an e-bike rental spot. It made me smile when a team of otters came out of the water, up to the fish cleaning station-raided the discard bin, and were gone, in a flash.

Love this launching from here!! So close to Newcastle island and Departure bay, downtown Nanaimo harbor!! Pay parking

Best boat launch on the Island. Gentle sloping ramp with docks on both sides so no matter which way the wind is blowing it's easy to Launch or take out. Tons of affordable parking for your truck/trailer unit, and once you've put in there's so many options for cruising. Afterwards, it's just a short walk to a nice selection of pubs.

Make surenyou pay for parking. The meter maids are relentless. That being said, its is a great boat launch with premium facilities. Plase take care of them.

This boat launch is well organized but it can be very busy at times so patience is required and you need to be comfortable performing your launching techniques before experienced (usually patient) boaters 😊

Pretty fn epic .allways life jackets n lots of parking

Nice boat launch well-maintained 4 to 6 slips for launching trailers. Separate kayak launching area. Launching fee by the hour or overnight is $6 for parking your truck and trailer. There's usually enough room for all the trucks and trailers but sometimes on Long weekends you might have trouble finding a parking space.

Love it amazing view, and good food in the place

Loved this beach as a child, and it hasn't changed. Brought back a lot of fond memories of swimming out to the platform and collecting seashells on the beach

Just another beach to me. Dreaded sun and not alot of shade. Water everywhere. But my wife loves it so I guess it's a good beach.

Gorgeous sunny day at the beach. Sat and read my book on one of the many benches along the boardwalk. Popular spot with everyone enjoying the beach area, with some people even sunbathing.

Feb.9/2020 Departure Bay. A place to hangout and take in the view.Water seems to bring people together.The summers are fun for everyone,as for swimming,that depends on the temperature of the water and now well you like cold water. Play Safe.

One of my favourite places in all of Nanaimo!

A quintessential community gathering place and swimming beach. The bay is usually calm and offers a boardwalk for strolling and a protected swim area with swim dock in the summer months. Its the perfect place to launch your kayak or SUP to explore the small islands in the bay or just grab a coffee with a view.

This hike was great! A challenge for sure at points, but manageable and with a view well worth the expedition. Would recommend for those looking for a challenge and have around 2-3 hours in a day for it.

A great hike to mount benson, there are many routes and it labelled in different colors and means different difficulties. The summit is beautiful and cool. It should be the highest summit in nanaimo.

Fantastic local hike—challenging but so worth it. The trail from Benson View Road really gets your heart pumping, though the middle eases up a bit. When you get to the top, the 360-degree views over Nanaimo, the Strait of Georgia, and the mainland mountains are stunning. Dog-friendly, but keep them leashed. The route is well marked on AllTrails, which helps, though there are a few spots you’ll want to pay attention to avoid getting off track . It’s a solid 3–4 hour climb on a good day—but on rainy or slick days it can get muddy or slippery, especially on the rock scramble sections; good grip boots are a must  . If you’re hiking in winter or early spring, micro-spikes or crampons are smart to have—sections can still be icy or muddy . Overall, it’s one of the best half-day hikes near Nanaimo—short enough to fit into a weekday afternoon, but rewarding with epic views.

Awesome hike and totally rewarding view at the top. The whiskey jacks are really cool, as they are tame enough to land on your hand (or your head!). Bring a couple crackers for the occasion. Be mindful on your way down though; it can be VERY easy to get separated, even in a large group. Look for flag markers on the trees and make sure your cell phones are charged in case of an emergency.

Tried hiking up Bensen from the new parking lot by Witchcraft lake on Easter Sunday. The parking lot was easy to find with lots of parking spaces! Though the lot was fairly busy, I’d say it was half full when we parked. The parking lot had a good trail map for the surrounding trails and a single stall toilet by the trailhead. The trails are well marked with orange markers and lots of signage to the summit. The hike up to 1/2 mark was pretty tough (~400m elevation gain in ~2km). Although the trail had lots of elevation, it was in good condition and without ice/snow until the half way point. From the half way point onward, spikes/crampons are pretty much needed for traction. Although we saw people attempt the trail without, the snow/ice conditions made it very unsafe. Would not recommend without spikes. We made it 3/4 up and decided to call it because of time constraints (had an appointment later) and the trail conditions. It was slippery and not ideal. Although it was sunny out, it was pretty breezy and cold. Will have to try again another day!

This is not a well documented mountain. We found zero materials about Mt Benson's trail map or how to get there online, making it difficult for out-of-town visitors like us to hike. For example, the parking lot from Benson View Rd and Kilpatrick Rd only provides access to a Difficult trail, but *none* of the Moderate or Intermediate trails. And because there's no trail maps online, you don't realize this limitation until you've arrived at the parking lot in person. Furthermore, unless you're a local, it's not clear how to access the Moderate or Intermediate trails. There's no parking lot or area marked as the entry point on Google maps or on a website. That's right - Google maps can't be counted on for Benson. If you somehow manage to find the entry point, the Moderate path is crazy bumpy with large rocks, making it difficult to descend without almost twisting one's ankle every few dozen steps. Also, the entry point is gated, so you'll have to park on the side of the road. If you're here in April, beware that there's snow 2/3 way up to the summit. Slippery conditions!!!!!!! Lastly, highly HIGHLY recommend you drive to the park. Mt Benson is not transit friendly. Don't be like us and take the bus to Jingle Pot Rd to walk 45 mins to the parking lot - save your energy for reaching the summit. Overall, great forest, beautiful views of Nanaimo, well-marked trails but paving is non-existent. Could be an amazing hike if park authorities post the trail maps they have on sign posts up online so hikers can do research beforehand. I've included a photo here of the map - you're freakin' welcome!

June 2020. This was my first “big” hike. I still can’t believe I even made it to the top, if I’m being totally honest. It took my group about 2 hrs to reach the summit from the parking lot. I do have a couple of recommendations. I wouldn’t be bringing little kids on hike, as there were steep inclines, ropes, got muddy in a couple of small areas and roots sticking out. I also would make sure you are wearing the proper socks, I wore these socks called “trail” socks which I thought would be appropriate and I recommend taping your toes or provide some kind of padding as my toenails were no more when I got home. 😬 Also on the way down it is really hard on the knees and I came ill prepared without poles- about a 2 hr descent. Make sure you bring snacks and lots of water. However, the views of the City of Nanaimo were absolutely spectacular, and well worth the hike up. The ever so friendly whiskey jacks are at the top to say hi and to try and take some of your food, just so you know.

Our new favourite playground. Fully gated Two parks And A nice walk around pond

A nice park to walk your dog around. People are very friendly and I’ve actually never run into an off leash dog here so it feels really safe. In the summer the place is very beautiful teaming with birds of all kinds. In the fall there are just enough blackberries to keep it interesting. There is a nice little park there for the kiddos which is separate from the walking path. There is a nice grassy area which would be good for a picnic.

Great park for kids whatever age. Its fully fenced, two playgrounds, one good for crawlers. There is also a cute path right beside the park that is a 8 minute walk around the little marsh area. Complete with swings and picnic tables, this is our new favorite park!

This is a great little playground - it is fully fenced with latching gates, accessible, has lots of garbage receptacles, and benches/picnic tables to sit at, as well as a large marshy duck pond in the backdrop behind the playground with a walking path all around the perimeter. We all enjoyed ourselves, young and old alike!

Nice little park, with nice walk along the pond. It’s open 24h don’t know why google maps says it’s closed some times.

Quiet, simple equipment and fully fenced in. Love this little park. There's even a little walking trail around the pond and a few picnic benches. Downside would be that it's not great for older kids.

The family's that live close by here are lucky, especially the kids,because I see many reasons to play around here.The kids play ground a number one attraction.While taking the photos I counted five different birds song sounds.Looking over the slew I could see.Redwing blackbirds,Canada geese.Numerous mallard ducks.Black Capped Chickadees.The place sounded like a duck paradise.A flat gravel trail runs the circumference of the park.

Beautiful views and relatively quiet. There were tons of birds to watch as well! There are a lot of stairs but they aren't very steep. Lovely little beach!

A gorgeous, dog-friendly spot. Quite a few stairs to reach the beach.

Love the views here. Coming during the low tide or the high tide both give you an spectacular sight and experience. During the low tide the sand band are visible. I love walking bare foot and walk to the sand. The long stairs are great for exercise.

Great place to take your dog for an off lease experience. It is not fenced in but is quite large. Make sure to go at low tide as there is not much beach access during high tide.

Beautiful morning to visit. There are lots of steps for those who have problems walking a distance. The shoreline is rocky, making stepping slippery at times.

Sooooo nice year round

Great beach with easy access if you’re okay with a few stairs. Check the tide before you come. Just wish our dog would swim!

Handy little water park. Watch for dog deposits & some unsavory characters lurking about. Adult supervision a must!

Nice little park but I see people sleeping there.... but that's part of the housing problem in bc

Good seating, lots of shade, fun activity area. Was Awesome!

My grandkids love the place . I will go back. Well maintained.

Nice park, decent amount of shade, and pokè stops nearby

Nice little park, gated in and has picnic tables

A good place to take kids to play on a sunny afternoon

Cute park! The obstacle course is fun for kids and adults alike.

Nice little park for the locals but not worth the drive if you don't live there or aren't visiting someone.

Take the kids here all the time. Nice little park with a small field for the kids to run around.

My kids love this park. Recommend for all families.

Beautiful lovely walk to townnfro my dad's it's so very peaceful and calming

Good park. Clean, with 2 age varied structures.

Great little park and playground in Cinnabar.

Mar29/2021. WOW. a little secret off the beaten path.The path that starts at Rutherford Rd, stay to the right the trail wind it's way over to Colburne St.Go to the left on Linley Vally trail. Both ways are short and sweet, candy for your eyes. Signs along the way mention the area is protected, so please stay on the paths. Above all don't feed the ducks. Causes needless dependence and sickness.

The pond/marsh is habitat for a lot of wildlife including beavers, otters, herons, ducks, geese, garter snakes, amphibians.

Great little park. Quiet, and good playground for all ages.

Nice quiet little walking spot, tiny little mini-lake with some ducks (sometimes), worth a wander 👍

Great park for kids. Always clean and not overcrowded

At a meetup, what a nice park. Apparently congratulations should go to the neighborhood for organizing.

Nice walks. Ducks, etc. Surprisingly no mosquitos in summer

Really beautiful place on the Harbourfront of Nanaimo, be cautious of some of the sketch people that hang here though.

It's an once in the life time to climb those really slope stairs to the top of the Bastion n see inside of it. Take a walk around the Waterfront or you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in your hand. By the way, it's always pay parkings here.

The Bastion Square Park is the Park around the Bastion in Nanaimo.

The experience of seeing and hearing a cannon fire is absolutely unique. The firing ceremony occurs once daily at noon, and is definitely worth visiting.

Lots of interesting, touristy, little shops along the walk. Everyone cheery and lots of smiles. Mask protocols still in place ... but shops are open.

Great location. In serious need of a facelift. Broken lighting. Faded info boards. C'mon Nanaimo, we can do better!

Very interesting to just wander around. Some old shipping artifacts, shopping and ice cream.

This hidden gem off the hwy is beautiful. So quite and surreal. It has bathrooms and maps everywhere. Small little hikes to longer ones. The small one on right (10mins) , the medium length one is on left with a bridge (20 mins going downhill) and the longest one is straight that will take you around the lake. I didn't have time for that one but I will be back. Very dog friendly. Best to wear close toes shoes cuz there is lots of rocks and roots from trees. Don't forget to pick up garbage. They trail is clean. Keep BC healthy 😉.

One of my favorite places to go when I'm needing a dose of nature therapy. Beautiful lush and easy to hike trails. Stunning views and the best spot for finding fungi in the fall.

Can't believe this forested sanctuary is a city park. You don't have to escape the city to observe the unique forest, moss surrounding the red alder. Its inspiring ecosystem is very educated, and quiet.

Great place for a nice walk close to the city. Several easy trails that are great for retirees and children. Clean and safe. Usually a ton of ducks to feed. Chances to see local wildlife like the Pine Marton and Black Bear. Great friendly volunteers run camps for children. Outhouse on site and free parking.

Beautiful nature reserve and teaching forest with lots of trails and benches. Check out the two small docks on beaver pond loop to see birds and lots of different types of dragonflies in the spring and summer.

Really enjoy these lite trails back here. I like how you can connect at the power line which is snow cleared and connect with Westwood Lake. You can go beyond in either direction not sure how long it goes. The snowy challenge is not alot of trails were broken in but it's still lovely to walk around. One outdoor compostable washroom 🚻 available. Driving up the road access turn to get into Morrela wait of a nightmare even for 4wd. Lots of ppl stuff and the parking lot is tiny.

A great place for family walks with easy, wide, gentle graveled walkways that are great for small kids and are wheelchair-friendly, and with manicured, steeper trails that are great for exploring. There's trails enough to have anything from a gentle stroll to a real hike. Lots of wildlife, including ducks, newts, more snails than you've ever seen, and of course lots of dogs on leash.

Forested park with many options. Part of it does walk along a lake, which was my favorite part. The lake image is actually upside down and a reflection of the still water.

I really liked this park. 3 stars is because it hasn't seen some maintenance. A lot of branches litter the trails. I was happy to see small maps along 5he way however it could use some arrows to show which direction to take as there are a lot of smaller trails that branch off from main trail. Some people could get confused, like us, who took some wrong turns. It has a beautiful lookout over the lake. It's a lovely place and not a hard walk.

Lovely place to go for a walk around the lake and marsh. Peaceful environment, birds, some old growth trees. Fairly level, straight path with some elevation, but mostly flat. Pit toilets a few steps from the entrance.

Absolutely gorgeous with two lakes visible from different trails. I only had an hour to explore and I plan to go back and explore the entire park.

Beautiful daily exercise trail. You can zig around the park between Forrest and Hemer Lake to increase and shorten the walk distance. Small valley view, colorful leaf, lake side plants, white geese etc.

Wow! Awesome find in the woods outside Nanaimo - trails are fairly short and well maintained, also very kid friendly, mostly run around the lake but a few stem off the path. Saw some great wildlife, frogs, ducks, swans and eagles. This is a great place to go anytime of the year, a hike , a run or any type of adventure. Trails are all well marked and their is a map at the beginning. Check it out if you are near by, 5 stars!!!

We really enjoyed exploring this park. Our first visit. Nice paths. Lots of big trees. I like that. More to come when we make another visit.

Nice short walk to the river and around historic sites. The paths are well cleared, but there are a lot of tree roots that make it not as stroller or wheelchair friendly as indicated. There are also two small bridges that have large gaps and are very vertical to get onto. It is doable with a 3 wheel stroller and the ability to lift it. I'm not sure how comfortable someone in a wheelchair would be.

Very pleasant walk, not difficult, husband has bad knees, and was able to complete the whole walk, and very interesting.

Great walk to the Nanaimo River. Peaceful. Interesting industrial ruins restored recently. Ruined by horses. The trails are too narrow. The equestrians leave waste and take over the trail. Unfortunate. They should not be permitted in this small, narrow trailed park.

A piece of local and national history hidden away! It's surreal to imagine this being an active mine back in the day, but the foundations are all still there for you to see! There's a few information plaques around the site, and they include old pictures of the original mine when it was being built. Short trail (2km round trip) through the woods and over two bridges leads you to the Nanaimo River. We saw four or five eagles, and found old rusty mining cart wheels! Not a very popular spot. No toilets or garbage bins. Please clean up after yourself... And your dogs! 🙂

A unique step back in time to see Vancouver Islands last remaining coal mine standing structure. The historic park is set in a nice forest setting where you are able to witness nature take back this once booming industrial location. Nature trails circle the park and also a large trail system trailhead is located here. A nice way to spend a Saturday or Sunday

Nice trails. Currently (March 2021) the structure of the old mine is under construction, which is too bad. Lots of neat things to see, but wish there were more info about what the old broken down structures are.

Beautiful walk, nice views and got to k ow a little more history of our Beautiful Island

Was looking for a place to sit and eat lunch and enjoy the view. Did not realize how many stairs down to beach in this access point. It is a pretty view, but 305 stairs to get there. I would suggest an easier park access down the road instead. Alot of stairs!

Beautiful beach to visit. Although there's lots of stairs to go down it doesn't matter because it's worth it. When it's low tide, the water goes back very far which leaves lots of room! I look forward to my next visit to this beach in the future!

Decent set of stairs to tackle. Maybe not great for those with strollers or a lot of things to haul unless you have help. Really great beach and water, especially when tide is out a bit. Relatively short distance of rocks to get past at shoreline but quite clear after that.

“Beautiful beach with stunning views, but be prepared for lots of stairs along the trail. The climb is worth it, though, as the beach is peaceful and the scenery is breathtaking. Perfect for a workout and some relaxation by the water.”

Blueback Beach: where the stairs test your cardio, but the view rewards your soul. Hidden down a steep staircase, this little beach is a local secret—quiet, clean, and perfect for a dip or a beach picnic. Bring water, snacks, and maybe a sherpa for the climb back up. Worth every step!

Very beautiful beach but if you are ready to take more than 300 stairs down, no washroom facility available there,gas station and seven eleven is just a block away.

To access the Blueback Bay/ beach, be aware that 400+ stairs need to be navigated, but thankfully, there are several resting areas. When the tide is out, one can walk out on the flat sand for at least 1 mile. The experience of the beach is well worth climbing back up those stairs. Theses days, the tide is usually back in by 4:00 PM, leaving no access to the sand. The sun will be at your back on this beach.

Incredible Whale Watching Experience with Rodrigo and Ally! I had an amazing time on our whale watching tour! Rodrigo was a fantastic captain—skilled, calm, and made us feel super safe throughout the trip. The boat ride itself was smooth and comfortable, and we got to some great spots quickly thanks to his expertise. Ally was our guide and she was absolutely wonderful. Her passion for marine life really came through in every explanation. She gave us so much interesting information about the whales, sea lions, and the local ecosystem, and she made it all easy to understand and super engaging. You could tell she genuinely cared about the animals and wanted us to appreciate and respect them too. We were lucky enough to see several whales, and it was truly a magical experience. Between the stunning scenery and the knowledgeable, friendly crew, this was a highlight of our trip. Highly recommend this tour—especially with Rodrigo and Ally!

Amazing time with my family experiencing this for the first time. Jordan who was our marine biologist was very attentive, informative, and very kind. Rodrigo who sailed the boat during the tour was also the same but also made sure to sail slowly so the passengers experiencing motion sickness would feel better. We were all well taken care of. We saw so many beautiful sea animals with seeing several humpback female whales with their calves. What I appreciate as a person is how much they care about the wildlife giving them enough space between both the boat and animals to interact in a safe and secure manner. We’ll for sure be back for another tour when we visit Nanaimo again. Thank you again for the wonderful experience especially in regard to Jordan and Rodrigo.

We did the whale watching tour with Aly and Rodrigo - Aly definitely is the best orca spotter there is. It’s been the best time!! We saw 10 Orca, two Humpbacks, lots of Sea Lions (they even did a detour just to make sure we saw them), couple of Seals, River Otters and some birds as well. All in all the best tour we did so far! Would totally recommend and do it again. Rodrigo made sure we were safe and sound even though at the beginning it was a little bumpy. Aly knew everything and more and made sure to answer all our questions with a big smile. Plus she made sure everyone felt safe at anytime.

Wow!!! It was our lucky day to be able to see some orca! Our naturalist, Des, was AMAZING! So kind, so knowledgeable! Our captain was also great to be on the water with! He got us to the right point at the right time! Definitely knew how to manoeuvre on the water! 100% recommend this company for your adventure while in Nanaimo or your visit to the island!

Thank you so much for today, Hayley and Rodrigo. We enjoyed our tour so much and will be talking of it for years to come. We went out with the rain and clouds chasing our tails and ended up staying perfectly dry and even had some sun on the way back to port! We had luck on our side as a group of 4 humpbacks decided that our boat was worth a closer look and got close enough we could have touched them (we didn't, but they were that close!)! All of this amazing adventure and experience wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the team at Vancouver Island Whale Watching and our amazing naturalist, Hayley, and our captain, Rodrigo, so thank you so much. Thank you again, and we will definitely recommend you to anyone we know who is heading out to Nanaimo.

Picked out this whale watching tour to be able to explore some of the rich wildlife in and around Vancouver Island. Took a tour operated by Cheyenne, who was an incredible marine naturalist / tour guide! From our boat, we saw orcas, humpback whales, Steller's sea lions, and unfortunately a jellyfish that I missed! The storytelling from the guide and the photo opportunities were absolutely Steller 🙃🌝

This was an incredible tour! We went out on an open vessel boat led by Allie and driven by Matthew. Both of them were professional, knowledgeable, and made us feel safe the entire ride. We were fortunate enough to come across a pod of Orcas and it was truly the most breathtaking experience. Highly recommend them if you’re in Nanaimo!

Epic lines, you can't really ask for more. The wooden takeoffs are 👌🏻

Awsome dirt jump park with beginer to advanced lines, 2 pump tracks and a small beginer tech circuit with a couple drops

The Family-friendly, fun-filled local bike park. The skills park section is where you can get better acquainted with your bike as it is packed with features that allow you to sharpen the necessary skills for the trails and roads. The 2 pumptracks are where you will find styling riders and bikes working the magic of two-wheel momentum. Be ready for a challenging cardiovascular exercise doing laps. It's great fun on either of the pump tracks too. I usually see all skill levels, ages and stages each time I go. The newly renovated dirt jump area is brilliantly designed to allow solid jump progression and maximum safety. The updates to the dirt jump tracks support rider skill options while allowing creativity, spacing and fun. They even have toolstand there on site for light tune ups and if needed there's shade and a water station, even a dishbowl for 4 legged beings enjoying the ambiance. Truly wonderful bike park. #LongLiveChainsaw RIP SS

It was awesome. And the security guard that worked last night is a real good guy.

Beautiful peaceful trails around the park, you can hear the birds chirping and flying around, and there’s even a couple bunnies. It’s a must see.

What a fantastic bike park to have access to in town for free. Progressive jump lines allow all abilities the chance to ride. The pump tracks are huge with many lines to choose from. Parking was plenty.

What a great park for bikes, skateboard and scooters. So much fun and well taken care of.

It's a unique playground! It's got the biggest slides in Nanaimo or probably on the island! They can also be slides for adults. We met some new people here in our first visit. It also has a couple of swings and a nice road that goes around for children to practice biking.

This clean park is quiet and has some of the most exciting slides about. It's also good for scooters. A true diamond in the rough.

My son and I come here a few times a week as I live nearby. Love the big slides. Seems like the park could do with a facelift though! Nice big field to play on, a few picnic tables,a portapotty, bring your bikes because there is a mini road to ride around the park on.

This is a little hidden gem. There is the coolest slide entry for kids with stairs for parents right along side the slides. Also wheelchair accessible and a wheelchair accessible outhouse for emergency relief. Quite big and great for social distancing during the covid. Picnic tables and parking along the fence outside the park. This place is close the ferry dock to horseshoe Bay and I stumbled upon it by accident. Lovely little surprise.

I've been coming here for years now. The slides are horrifically fun (if you're not careful, you're launched). The other equipment is standard playground stuff, nothing too exciting. Tends to be pretty quiet, a few families on the weekend, and even less during the week (which makes social distancing a breeze). The large field is seldom occupied, and i've seen a few birthday parties and bbq's over the years. Definitely a place to visit with the littles!

Great Park to know about if your stuck in the never ending long weekend ferry line up. Conveniently located between Stewart ave and Terminal Mall ar the top of the hill.

Nice park with a green lawn for children to play field games. There are some swings and slides as well. It is located in a residential area close to the harbour area of Nanaimo, and very near the Departure Bay ferry terminal of BC Ferries.

2 hrs round trip from the Cable Bay parking lot. Go at high tide to see orcas or sea lions at Dodd's Narrows.

Excellent hiking trail! It's kid-friendly and lots of places to stop and enjoy the view. There is also quite a bit of seals or otters that play in the waters nearby, as well. It'a nice having multiple trail options to get you to the same point so you can change it up every time.

Nice hike along the shore to an open rocky area near the lighthouse where you can watch logs, boats and occasional sea lions speed through the rapid current at Dodds Narrows. It’s fun to sit for a while and watch the the current speed by. See “Cable Bay Nature Trail” in AllTrails

Easy walk about 6km, about an hour and half to do. Sometimes there can be sea lions at Dodds Narrows. Great trail for families.

Less than 1.5km trail but the chances to see the seals are pretty high. We saw three on our late afternoon hike .

The extension from Cable Bay trail. A sometimes narrow, single track, along the edge of the shore, some steep drops, cliffs, roots, and rocks but the wildlife viewing is seldom disappointing with otters, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, herons, kingfishers...and occasionally (but very rare) orca. The tidal surge through the narrows is always entertaining to watch boats come through. Trail head parking can be crowded during the summer, especially on sunny weekends.

The park at the end of a park (cable bay trail) am off leash dog park park where (most) owners keep good tabs on their dogs. (Although one inconsiderate person let their unruly dog run ahead running up behind me and gave me a scare!) Beautiful view and a nice walk. Keep your dogs close and under control and everyone has a wonderful time at this park.

Baseball park 4 real, solid park. Two or three weekends a summer they actually put this place to use.

This is a well maintained baseball field. It is used by league ball on a very consistent basis. Everything is kept cut and neat, and safe. It is sad that we have to clean our fields and dugouts now, but it is done before all the scheduled games. The grass is well maintained and the field has pretty good drainage

I wouldn't give these guys a star at all...But u have to give one to write a review. They will sit and wait on costumers to be late so they can give out tickets...I've seen it happen. They spare no mercy.

Needles amd homelessness problems near where you would expect to see children and the general public. Also washrooms are never unlocked contrary to posted times. Padlocked shut at all times.

Nice to sit in the shade of the trees at the end of the large parking lot. Ball diamond is in beautiful condition!

One of the nicest sports field in the city. Has a adjacent stream and wetlands area.

It's a ballpark, has washrooms as well. Nice little park

A nice walk with stunning views! You can enjoy spotting beautiful purple starfish and crabs in the water.

Harbourfront Walkway is one of the best spots to enjoy Nanaimo’s beauty! The path is easy and relaxing, with gorgeous ocean views, boats in the marina, and plenty of places to sit and take it all in. It’s perfect for a casual stroll, biking, or even grabbing an ice cream and enjoying the scenery. The atmosphere is peaceful yet lively, with friendly people and lots to see along the way. A wonderful place to unwind and experience the charm of the waterfront!

First visit to Nanaimo with my family friends and during our visit we spend most of the time at Barbour walkway along the parks. There is excellent kids parks,restaurant, food truck. Park has Nanaimo Sign Where take pictures for memories. Free parking & washroom available at the park entrance

Busy area with stunning views of the harbour

It’s a good place for a walk also while walking you can see the NANAIMO sign written in park

Great walk along the ocean

Harbourfront Walkway is always interesting place. In hot days buy very tasty Ice cream, seat On the bench and watch Fisherman's boats

Feb 7/2021.I have passed here many times without coming off the main trail.This time of year the Millstone River is higher water then the summer. Play safe.

The gardens are a great place for relaxing and enjoyment please watch out for any new bulbs roots and really be sparse here to help conservatory efforts

The rapids of the river are really cool this time of year Oct. Nov. It was my first time in the park and I have a whole new appreciation for the city of nanaimo

A place I'm so familiar with it feels so much like Home sweet home!!! It's probably the nicest park in the city of Nanaimo, it's a nature park not a park with kids attractions. The beautiful mill stream river runs through it with a abundance of blackberrys and quiet moments for thought, and relaxation!!!

Being Fall there are too many leaves on the Parks walkways n trails. Real out back bush times. Trails worn into the grass n all over off the beaten path. I don't feel so safe walking this Park really just was curious to visit this once favorite teenage hang out. A tent is close to the streams bank. People that go by don't even smile n seem to look down on me.... Hmmm.

Such a beautiful park. I just moved in down the street but am scared to go down there. I am always seeing a new tent or "camp". Seeing people disrespecting nature like this is so disheartening. Nobody cares about the garbage, condoms and or needles my dog and I find on a daily basis. Or that is so it seems?

Nice little urban park near downtown Nanaimo. Good chances of seeing river otters, great blue herons, and salmon during spawning season. Nice pools to swim in during the summer.

July 15 / 2017. To day at Sid Gyro Park a ball tournament.BC is supposed to be noted as good recruiting grounds for baseball players into the major leagues. I watched for a while,as I kid I wanted to play but the coach wasn't that good. These kids looked like they were having fun.

A couple nice baseball field. Well maintained by the city. We clean up garbage left by teenagers, drunks and addicts here on the weekend

Great place for baseball and good community vibe, concerns re downtown transiency and needles in the park only thing reducing rating

Had a great day hanging out with new friends and the houses are so beautiful. Nice clean park.

Clean well groomed diamonds. The team and the fans enjoy playing or watching a game there.

This field has seen better days for sure. Needs attention.

Old park didnt see a rest room but other than that good for the kids to play baseball

This is a dog friendly beach and never very crowded. Pick up after your dog and keep it open for the canines.

Great Off Lease Dog Beach and nice swimming when the tide is right.

Perfect place to bring your dog of all sizes. This is an off leash dog park located north nanaimo along the beach below a quiet well off neighborhood. Be respectful and use the dog waste bags provided. Best during low tide as there is plenty of sand for your snoopy to run!

This is a lovely, forested spot and a beach access. There are eagles, deer and ravens aplenty. There are other parks and beach accesses off icarus as well. They too are worth checking out. Kids and dogs also enjoy these parks. There are dog "off leash" areas. Children are not subject to leash rules unless completely unruly, in which case attachment to the parent makes the park a safer, more enjoyable experience for all.

Beautiful views, and a great beach. Albeit with a long flight of stairs!

A wonderful off leash park to walk my dog and enjoy the ocean and the view beyond. At low tide there is plenty of sand for my dog to get a good run. One of the better Nanaimo off leash parks.

Lots of shore to explore. Off leash dog area. No washrooms though, so be prepared for that! Also very steep access by stairs, though the stairs are in good repair and are sturdy.

Nice trails which lead to a beach with amazing views

Planta Park is a forested area nestled in between two subdivisions, perfect for short dog walks. It offers beach access via Stephenson Point Road where you can watch the ferries come and go.

Terrible place; big mean dogs ; unfriendly people. Dangerous

Beautiful forest park near a beach access. No amenities except dog poo bags at Planta Road entrance.

A pretty little forest park with access to the beach.

Beautiful small park inside a neighbourhood

Nice coast to sea kayaking beautiful area

Jan29/2021. 4°C A cloudy day in the winter. A easy walk to a rocky beach. Go at low tide so that you can walk along the beach.

Nice beach, though a little difficult to traverse due to large slippery rocks. Stopped by and saw some Orca playing just offshore. Awesome experience.

A short walk down some stairs to a rock beach. Make sure to check the tide before you go. Street parking available.

Lots of rocks, tidepools, tiny creatures to look at. Bring good shoes.

This is not a "park" like one would expect. It is basically beach access from the street to a long shoreline below. There are no tables, amenities, websites or phone numbers. It is a beautiful stretch of shoreline to walk. Not wheelchair friendly.

Beautiful little Oceanside park. No structures, other than the stairs down, but you can sit on the rocks and watch the ocean, feel the breeze, and feel like you're out on the water.

Nice rocky beach with lots of tidal pools