Nanaimo Parks & Gardens

Located in South Nanaimo (near downtown), this sanctuary is comprised of 278 acres of second growth forest with 11 km of trail systems and is free to the public year round from dawn till dusk.

Newcastle Island became a Provincial Marine Park in 1961, when the nearby city of Nanaimo granted it to the province after having acquired the island from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1955. Situated in Nanaimo Harbour, Newcastle Island possesses a rich natural and cultural history. The island's shoreline is dominated by steep sandstone cliffs and ledges with some sandy gravel beaches. There are many caves and caverns along the shoreline, providing an appealing contrast to the upland that is covered with Douglas-fir, Arbutus, Garry Oak and Dogwood trees.

Buttertub Marsh encompasses 49 acres of natural wetlands and grasslands. The parks 4.5 km of trails make it easy to view the numerous wildlife that make their home here.

This 14-hectare park has a small day-use area on the beach at Stewart Channel. A 1-km (.6-mi) trail provides a good chance for seeing wildlife such as sea lions, Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles and other birds. The geological heritage of Vancouver Island is seen in the sandstone ledges in the park. The park is located 15 km (9 mi) south of Nanaimo on central Vancouver Island.

Neck point Park totals 14.5 hectares (36-acre) and is surrounded by water on most sides, creating a lot of great beaches. The park is full of trails and includes a lot of picnic areas, parking and recreational areas.

Located at the south end of Nanaimo, where the Nanaimo River empties into the Northumberland Channel, Petroglyph Park is the site of hundreds of native carvings, called petroglyphs. The park encompasses two hectares of land and features carvings of mythological sea creatures, human figures, animals symbolic to the native inhabitants and more. No facilities are provided at this 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-made saltwater lagoon and utilizes the natural ebb and flow of the tides to create a habitat for marine life. An arched pedestrian bridge leads from the lagoon to the rest of the park.

Piper's Lagoon Park is a piece of land loosely resembling a smoking pipe and is almost completely surrounded by water. Totaling 8 hectares (20 acres) the park has many look-out areas to enjoy sunsets over the water, sailing regattas or ocean wildlife.

A 22-hectare (55-acre) forested park located on the lower western slopes of Mt. Benson above Brannen Lake. The steep ravines of Benson and Flynnfall Creeks dissect the park. The park's terrain can be difficult, however, those that visit will find informal trails through the forest, and two sets of waterfalls on Benson Creek. Caution is advised, particularly on the steep trails and when crossing the main creeks as there are no bridges in place.

Bowen is a 90-acre park located in downtown Nanaimo. The park is full of walking trails that meander past a nature centre, little waterfall, colourful gardens and more. The pak also offers lawn bowling, disc golf and swimming.

Located on De Courcy Island off Nanaimo, the park offers a sheltered anchorage for boaters, as well as two dinghy docks. Unusual sandstone rock formations line the shoreline at Pirates Cove. Poison oak can also be found along steep rock outcroppings in the cove.

This park's steep and rocky banks have insured that it remains undeveloped. Visitors may enjoy padding, boating and fishing here. It is also possible to try to catch a glimpse of the wildlife that may be present including sea lions, killer whales and a variety of bird species such as the American black oystercatcher.

This 28-hectare (70-acre) park encompasses the Upper and Lower lakes with hiking trails interspersed throughout. The park is crawling with wildlife, including deer, raccoons, pheasants and various species of birds. Muskrat live in the lakes. This park is worth a visit year-round as the mood and atmosphere change with the season.

Hemer Provincial Park is located 12 km (7.5 mi) south of Nanaimo on Holden Lake. It is a day-use park that covers 93 hectares and has 11 km (7 mi) of hiking trails in a Douglas Fir forest.