Bird watching | Nanaimo Parks

Nanaimo Parks

Bowen Park

If Nanaimo has an enchanted forest, this is it. Bowen Park is a favourite wilderness escape for tourists and city-dwellers alike. Located in the heart of the City, most of this…

Buttertubs Marsh

Grab a camera and some birdseed! This 18-hectare bird and wildlife sanctuary is located adjacent to the Millstone River near Bowen Park and was acquired in 1976. While at this park,…

Chase River Estuary Park

Located in the south end of Nanaimo off the old Island Highway, this park is one of the City of Nanaimo’s greatest treasures. With almost a kilometre of trails, viewing platforms…

Colliery Dam Park

This 28 hectare park is a popular swimming spot in the summer and a wonderful retreat any time of year. The park is cool and quiet during fall and winter when the only…

Harbourfront Walk

From Cameron Island to Departure Bay ferry terminal, the Harbourfront walk is a breathtaking route. It follows allong the harbour offering views of the busy harbour activities, such as float planes…

Jack Point / Biggs Park

Going south of Nanaimo? Visit one of Nanaimo’s best-kept secrets at Jack Point and Biggs Park by following the signs to the Duke Point Ferry Terminal. This park offers pristine beaches,…

Linley Valley (Cottle Lake) Park

Linley Valley (Cottle Lake) Park is in the heart of the 1100 acre Linley Valley (See Context Map). This valley is the last remaining large expanse of natural habitat located within…

Lost Lake Park

Lost Lake Park Trail is approximately 1 kilometre long and encircles Lost Lake. It has natural obstacles on it, including rocks, cliffs and marshes and has bridges, boardwalks and lookouts for…

Maffeo Sutton Park

Located on Nanaimo’s downtown waterfront, this park is host to a number of summer festivals, and is also the departure point of the Newcastle Island ferry. Swy-A-Lana Lagoon is a man…

Morningside Park

Morrell Nature Sanctuary

Located in South Nanaimo off the 5th Street Parkway Exit (Exit #16) and near Vancouver Island University, Morrell Sanctuary is 111 hectares of preserved second growth forest with 11 kilometers of…

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park, a 14.5 hectare waterfront park situated along Hammond Bay Road, is well known in the community for its scenic and natural features. This park gem has a vast trail system…

Newcastle Park

Multi-use section of Seawall from Nanaimo Yacht Club to Lion’s Great Bridge.

Pipers Lagoon Park

Piper’s is the perfect place to enjoy sunrises and sunsets. Built on an isthmus that extends out to a rocky headland, this 8 hectare park features twisting trails that lead to…

Queen Elizabeth II Promenade

Also known as Lion’s Great Bridge. Dedication bricks on site. Junction of Millstone River and Nanaimo Harbour. Easiest access is from Maffeo Sutton Park. The Promenade is an extension of the…

Westwood Lake Park

Enjoy the wilderness of this 120 hectare park. The trail offers 6 kilometres of hiking. The trail from the north end leads to a quiet, shady fir grove, is home to interesting land…