by ricky’s all day grill nanaimo

1. Ammonite Falls

Length: 3.0 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Information: There’s easy access to a designated parking lot. Just follow the signs. Depending on the weather, the trail can get muddy, so wear proper footwear. It takes around 40 minutes to an hour to hike in. In order to access the canyon, there are ropes to assist along the way. The trouble is definitely worth it at this popular natural attraction very close to the Nanaimo Parkway. Don’t forget a bathing suit as it’s a great spot for a dip on a warm day! A fun fact is that Ammonite Falls gets its name from the large collection of Ammonite fossils found in the area, including one of the largest ever on Vancouver Island.

2. Beach Estates Park

Length: 1.8 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Information: A wonderful walk to take, especially on a hot day as you’re protected by the large canopy of trees. The gorgeous lush walks will take you beside a waterfall, all the way down where you’ll get a view of the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. The trails are well marked and defined and you’ll cross many bridges as you head down the trail. Something to note is that the stairs have metal grates, which is sturdy for humans but can be very painful for dogs.

3. Blueback Beach

Length: 0.3 km out and back
Difficulty: Medium
Information: While technically not a hike, the steep stairs make the short distance a workout. Blueback Beach is definitely one of Nanaimo’s best hidden gems. Right at the North end of Nanaimo, a beautiful beach overlooking the coastal mountains awaits. A small band of rocks starts the beach, but then you’re greeted by a long stretch of sand, which is great for hanging out, swimming, and floating. Definitely worth the stairs to hang out in this beautiful in-city paradise!

4. Bowen Park

Length: Lots of different trails
Difficulty: Easy
Information: A great place to relax and enjoy nature in the city. Beautiful lush rainforest greenery right next door to downtown Nanaimo. With plenty of trails and amenities like disc golf, tennis, and more, Bowen park is great for much more than a hike!

5. Buttertubs Marsh

Length: 2.3 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Information: This is a great level trail great for kids and adults of all levels. There’s viewpoints along the marsh, and a bird watching tower on the west side of the marsh. One very important thing to keep in mind is that dogs are NOT allowed on this trail.

6. Colliery Dam Park

Length: Around 2.5 km of trails
Difficulty: Easy
Information: If you’re looking for a great stroll through nature, this is a great hike. You can also fish here, as the dam is stocked a couple times a year with trout. In the winter, the overflow spillway is a must-see. It’s also a great place to take a canoe or kayak for a calm paddle. One big draw of the Colliery Dam Park is its off-leash dog area, which is always filled with happy dogs.

7. Extension Ridge & The Abyss

Length: 8.9 km loop, 11 km of various trails
Difficulty: Medium
Information: Extension Ridge itself is vast and wonderful, relatively near some subdivisions—but you’d never know it because it’s so quiet and scenic. The abyss itself is nifty, stretching to 16 inches wide in some spots. Wide enough to easily lose your keys, but not wide enough to fall in!

8. Jack Point and Biggs Park

Length: 5 km total
Difficulty: Easy
Information: On one side you have the Nanaimo River Estuary, and on the other side the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to the water washing away sandstone rocks, the pools of water that form tend to house marine life often. You can watch over the Duke Point Ferry Terminal, or watch the Gabriola Island Ferry dart back and forth. It’s an easy walk, aside from some stairs. Well worth it for the amazing views.

9. Morrell Sanctuary

Length: 3.9 km loop, 11 km various trails
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Information: This nature sanctuary is the perfect place to enjoy the rich forest smell. The forest is filled with rare, old trees—often towering over 100 feet. It’s a great little walk to the lake in 30-40 minutes. Dogs are allowed on a leash and there’s also the added bonus of bike- and pedestrian-only paths.

10. Mount Benson

Length: 8 km
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Information: It’s the best view there is, but you have to earn it. The first 45 minutes are rather steep, but the views overlooking the city deliver panoramic views of the Gulf Islands and the communities making up Nanaimo. For a great cardio workout, take the Mount Benson Loop, an 8 km hike that climbs 740 m. You’ll be rewarded with fantastic views year-round.

11. Nanaimo River

Length: 2.7 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Information: Part of The Nature Trust of British Columbia and managed by the RDN, this park is one of the few natural forests remaining along the lower part of the Nanaimo River. A developed trail that’s great for walking, cycling, going for a swim, or simply enjoying nature.

12. Neck Point Park

Length: 1.8 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Information: Neck Point Park provides an amazing variety of landscapes. If you only have a very limited time in Nanaimo, take a look at Neck Point Park, as it will give you a good idea about the range of landscapes to be expected at the Mid Island coast line. It has lush forest, amazing ocean views often filled with wildlife sightings, and don’t forget to look for the fairy doors!

13. Piper’s Lagoon

Length: 1.7 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Information: Nothing beats stunning coastal views and ocean-side trails. Piper’s Lagoon is a must do for residents and tourists, especially during sunsets. You’ll be able to see the historic old whaling shacks within the inner lagoon area. It’s without a doubt some of the most amazing views you can get in the city.

14. Sugarloaf Mountain

Length: 0.3 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Information: Technically not a hike, but it’s hard to not include Sugarloaf Mountain on this list. The view of Nanaimo from the top is stunning. It’s a very short walk from parking to the top, with the help of stairs. It’s a great place for the sunset and to just sit and relax the view of the ocean and the city.

15. Westwood Lake

Length: 5.51 km loop
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Information: This trail is located adjacent to a suburban park and campground in the southern part of Nanaimo. It’s very a popular sand beach with on-duty lifeguards, change rooms, flush toilets, playground structures and shaded picnic area. A great place for a picnic or a walk around the beautiful lake. This trail also connects to many other trails such as the Morrell Sanctuary.

Honorable Mentions

A. Newcastle Island

Information: There is only one building on the whole island, and it has a licensed cafe where you can get the most amazing chowder and scones. Depending on how busy it is and where you hike, it can feel like you’re the only person on the whole island. Take a quick ferry trip from Maffeo-Sutton Park to Newcastle Island Provincial Park to discover the trails and shores of this local favourite. Known as Saysutshun by the First Peoples, the island is recognized as a place of healing and wellness.

B. Notch Hill

Length: 2.9 km loop
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Information: Not on the list, since it’s technically not in Nanaimo, but it does have beautiful views. It’s steep, but not for too long. It’s not very busy and there are lots of trees, so you aren’t too exposed to the sun on hot days. Great hike for people of all ages for lovely views of Nanaimo. And if you’re in Nanoose, it’s nice and close by.

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Nanaimo’s 15 Best Hikes

Honorable Mentions

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