Hikes in Nanaimo

If you are looking for a quick and easy hiking route with amazing views near Nanaimo, then the Englishman River Falls Trail is the perfect option for a fun day of adventuring. The trail winds through the dense forests of Englishman River Falls Provincial Park and visits the rushing waters of both the upper and lower waterfalls. With well-maintained trails and an easy to navigate route, this is a fantastic hike that is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

The Ammonite Falls Regional Trail is a 5.0 km out-and-back hiking route west of Nanaimo, BC that features a wonderfully scenic forest environment and a cascading waterfall. The trail itself is made up of well-maintained pathways that are wide and easy to navigate, making this route ideal for hikers of almost every skill level. Be prepared for a bit of climbing if you want to reach the falls, as there are ropes to help you descend to the water’s edge.

The Neck Point Park Loop Trail follows a 1.8 km hiking circuit along the coast that offers amazing views across the Strait of Georgia toward mainland British Columbia. Along the trail, hikers will enjoy a nice mix of coastal and forested landscapes with the opportunity to spot local wildlife, such as eagles perched high up in the trees and seals lounging on sun-warmed rocks. This is a fun, easy-to-navigate trail with amazing views that is suitable for both casual and experienced hikers alike.

The Westwood Lake Trail is a 5.8 km hiking circuit west of Nanaimo, BC that will lead you around the edge of this stunning woodland lake for a fun, family-friendly adventure. Along the trail, you will experience a peaceful forest setting and have access to some amazing views that stretch out across the calm lake and the surrounding woodland landscape. This trail is perfect for a quick outdoor getaway to reconnect with nature without needing to leave the city.

The trek to Christie Falls follows a 6.8 km lollipop hiking route just outside of Ladysmith, BC, that leads you through the rainforest to a scenic waterfall. Along the trail, you will pass by large mature trees as you experience the natural beauty and thick foliage of the West Coast temperate rainforest atmosphere before arriving at the cascading falls. This trail is perfect for a fun day of exploring the wilderness and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

The Bings Creek Trail is a 4.7 km lollipop hiking route west of Duncan, BC, that will lead you through a picturesque stretch of forest on the way to a small but charming waterfall. Along the trail, you will need to utilize some amateur route-finding skills to avoid traversing private property and complete the loop portion of the trail; however, the entire experience is worth the effort due to the peaceful setting and beautiful scenery. The terrain along this trail is not overly difficult or technical, making it suitable for casual hikers.

The Skutz Falls to 66 Mile Trestle trail is a 6.9 km hiking circuit west of Duncan, BC that loops around the Cowichan River to provide views of a beautiful old railway trestle. While out on this hike, you will enjoy a peaceful forest setting with breathtaking views across the rushing water of the river, gushing waterfalls, and of course the mammoth wooden structure of the trestle standing high above the valley floor. Combine this hike with a weekend of camping at the Horseshoe Bend Campsite for a fun multi-day adventure filled with amazing sights and exploration of the trails.

The Nanaimo River Trail follows a 2.7 km lollipop hiking route along the edge of the coursing river that will provide hikers with some decent opportunities to look out of the water and the surrounding woodland landscape. Along the trail, hikers will be immersed in a fantastic forest setting and the low volume of foot traffic will make you feel like you have the entire area to yourself. With flat and very well-maintained trails, this route is perfectly suited for hikers of every skill level.

The trek through Piper’s Lagoon Park follows a 1.8 km lollipop hiking route in Nanaimo, BC, that travels along the coast for some amazing views across the Strait of Georgia. Along the trail, hikers will be able to relax in the wonderful coastal atmosphere with a chance to spot local wildlife like seals and various species of birds. While the trail is family-friendly, it is also a bit rugged, which might make travel difficult for less mobile hikers or families with strollers.

The trek up Bald Mountain is a 10.5 km out-and-back hiking route near Duncan, BC, that will lead you up to the summit for some nice views overlooking Cowichan Lake. The initial 2.0 km of the trail follows a well-maintained path up to a vista; however, continuing further up to the summit will require hikers to navigate an overgrown stretch of trail. Expect plenty of switchbacks up the mountainside and some breathtaking views across the rugged Vancouver Island landscape.

The Robertson River Falls Trail is an 8.0 km out-and-back hiking route in the Cowichan Valley southwest of Nanaimo that will lead you through the forest to a beautiful waterfall. Along the trail, hikers will experience a serene rainforest atmosphere and views of the rushing Robertson River, before arriving at the scenic falls. Hikers looking to get up close to the falls will need to make a rope descent along rocky terrain to reach the edge of the water.

Hiking the Fuller Lake Arena Grounds will take you on a 3.4 km hiking circuit through a pleasant forest setting southwest of Chemainus, BC. The route is made up of flat, well-maintained trails that meander amongst the trees and offer a quiet setting for hikers to reconnect with nature. A popular spot for dog walkers, the easy nature of the trail and relaxed setting makes this hike an ideal route for a family-friendly adventure without the stress of heading into the backcountry.

The trek up Mount Prevost follows an 11.9 km lollipop hiking route that climbs uphill along Bings Creek to reach an amazing viewpoint from the rocky summit of the mountain. Along the trail, you will hike through a beautiful stretch of forest and follow along the rushing waters of the creek before turning northeast for a light scramble to the summit. Although challenging, this hike is not overly technical, and there are ropes installed near the summit to help hikers reach the top of the peak.

The Notch Hill Loop is a 2.9 km lollipop hiking route northwest of Nanaimo, BC that climbs uphill through a picturesque forest for some amazing views looking out across Nanoose harbour. Although the route doesn’t offer many flat stretches to catch your breath, it is balanced with a short overall distance and some rewarding views at the end. With a beautiful setting, well-maintained trail, and a somewhat steep incline, this route is perfect for beginner hikers that want a bit of a challenge.

The Chemainus River Estuary Trail is a 2.7 km out-and-back hiking route south of Nanaimo, BC, that traverses the wetland terrain where the Chemainus River meets the east coast of Vancouver Island. Along the trail, you will pass by scenic farmland, beautiful forests, and of course, the wetlands that are home to countless wildlife species in the area. With flat and easy-to-navigate trails, this route is perfect for hikers of all skill levels to relax and explore this unique coastal environment.

The Holland Creek Trail is a 6.6 km hiking circuit in Ladysmith, BC, that loops around the banks of Holland Creek and passes through a beautiful forest setting. Along the trail, hikers will make their way through varied terrain, with the north side of the creek offering a bit of climbing and the south side traversing wide, flat terrain. This hike is easy to navigate and provides amazing views of the picturesque West Coast temperate rainforest, making it a great option for casual hikers to get out exploring.

The Heart Lake Loop Trail is a 10.1 km lollipop hiking route in Ladysmith, BC, that climbs uphill along Holland Creek to arrive at the serene shores of Heart Lake. Along the trail, hikers will pass through amazing stretches of forest terrain and experience some beautiful views of the rugged Vancouver Island landscape. Although there are some steep sections along the trail, this route is largely made up of wide logging roads, making it perfect for casual hikers that are looking for a solid, intermediate length hike on the island.

The Newcastle Island Bates Trail is a 10.3 km lollipop hiking route just off the coast of Nanaimo, BC, that will take you through beautiful forests and along breathtaking coastal terrain for views looking out across the Strait of Georgia. To access the trailhead, hikers will need to take the ferry over to Newcastle Island, from which point they will be able to explore its many trails to their heart’s content. This route follows well-maintained trails that are easy to navigate, making it a perfect option for hikers of all skill levels, including families

The Benson Creek Falls trail is a 2.9 km out-and-back hiking route near Nanaimo, BC, that will lead you through an atmospheric stretch of Pacific temperate rainforest to the site of a cascading waterfall. Along the trail, hikers can expect a pleasant and well-maintained path to the forest up until the falls, at which point you will need to descend some rocky terrain to access the falls along the edge of the creek. While the route is a fun adventure, the steep ascent to the falls is not suitable for younger children due to slippery conditions.

The Living Forest River Walk is a wonderfully scenic out-and-back trail in Nanaimo that will take you along the edge of the Nanaimo River for some beautiful views across the estuary. Along the trail, you will pass by some remnants of the area’s industrial past and hike through some amazing stretches of forest terrain. The route is made up of relatively flat and wide trails that are accessible for hikers of all ages and skill levels.