5-Day Nanaimo Itinerary (2024)

Just passing through so we spent a couple hours but we could easily spend a entire day with our girls here

This is the largest mall in the central Vancouver Island area . It has a large large selection of stores coveting a wide variety of needs. The mall is kept clean and tidy at all times. The staff are friendly and helpful. There is plenty of parking and everything you need is in one place

I got to the mall right before closing but I had enough time to walk through, there was some good stores there that I need to check when I have more time. The Purple Cactus lingerie store on the west side of the mall (separated entrance from outside) had TONS of great products for women and some really awesome underwear for men with cool prints! I highly recommend you go there, they even have bathing suits!

Biggest mall on the northern part of the island, a good selection of stores and lots of good options in the food court. Avoid the Tim Hortons if you can though, it's always busy and the drinks aren't that great (but for the price it's not bad, and the staff are usually really nice!). Crazy busy during holiday season so shop early if you can.

This mall stays strong and keeps getting stores to replace those that move on. The selection is great, it’s very walkable, has a great food court and great anchor stores. Also at time of writing the only Toys’R Us on the island.Needs some discount places though, otherwise great.

Largest mall in the city! Shops, food court, services and few fastfood inside.

Mall is great with the many stores and food court.Management/ security a bit off.They did not honour the November 11 silence at 1100hrs. Instead carried on with music and announcements.Dec. 12 during the afternoon a security problem. Alarm bells ringing, shop doors closing. People wondering ,no announcement and an evacuation expected.What if it had been a fire......????

There is a massive selection of food and stores to check out i could go on forever of how cool and fun this mall is. Lots of people but that is a mall but most the shop keepers are kind and will help when you need it. Love this place a lot I hope anyone who goes in will think the same thing.

The customer service staff at Wood Grove are so helpful! They are incredibly attentive, patient, and thoughtful. They quickly fulfill all of my various needs, especially when it comes to renting a car. It's simple and convenient.

I prefer going here then Victoria just because they have all the shops I like in one place. Wish they had more choices for food but I’m sure new places will move in. Definitely love the new Japanese stores they are a bit overpriced. They have both lush and bath n body with a saphora all in one area.

Hard to imagine how the Bay can continue with so few customers and sky high prices. A plain fabric sofa $6000.Lots of small shops for most items like shoes clothing and toys. Excellent food court

I'll give it 5 stars because it's pretty well fully leased. It's a tiny little mall, but it's thriving, and that's what matters, really. Seems like all the shops are at least getting a lot of people in the doors.

Zumiez has Rad everything. GIFT CERT FOR XMAS HERE .My kids and I love this store with my favorite #$%! stickers and air freshners. FREE ORDERING NO SHIPPING COST 😎 ON THESE.

It's an amazing customer service experience today in H&R Block Woodgrove Branch. Start with your receptionist Ms. Priyanka followed by Ms. Jessy very approachable, long patience and a helpful heart. Including Agnes explain and complete my details and extend her help for my application. Also Andrew offered help for me.I liked their teamwork, and I will recommend you to others

Pretty much everything in one place. Not massive but decent. Recent reno. Clean modern feel. Means you don’t need to go to Vic to shop if your on the north or mid island. Lots of other great shopping near by including Costco, Cabellas, Chapters and all the other box stores.

Nice centre. Clean and lots of stores, coffee shops and clothing. Last year however there were street dwellers using the public washrooms to smoke their favorite dugs in. Needs more security

Attended a movie at the cinema and afterward grabbed something to eat at the food court. Both areas were clean and tidy, price of theatre ticket very reasonable ($9.50 CDN), but concession stand typically wayyyy over priced. Large food court very accommodating, extensive selection of a good variety of quality food vendors around perimeter, easy access from all directions. Relatively clean and tidy considering only two cleaning staff on duty doing their best to cover such a large eating area. Public washrooms could use some improvements in maintaining a reasonably clean space. Overall however, this mall is surprisingly well kept, maintains an above average shopping experience with a wide varieties of stores, restaurants and services, easily accessible even for a senior citizen. Excellent number of parking spots available around the entire mall complex, again, with easy access to all sides/entrances of facility. I can easily recommend this location for all shopping needs, especially durong an era when most malls across the country have waned in popularity. I would easily give it 5 stars if not for the wanting condition of the public restrooms.

The selection of stores is.. fine. Walmart in your mall makes your mall instantly lose stars. At least the stores in this mall are open.. mostly. Weird, scammy stores though that seem super predatory when you walk in.

I has a dispute with a merchant who installed a faulty product which they refused to refund. Contacted mall management who helped resolve the dispute. Very well done guys. I was impressed by your prompt attention to this.

Nice shopping centre on vancouver Island. It has branded store, kids play area and fast foodoutlets. The only drawback is closing time is quite early. This place should open bit late atleast till 9pm

I love this mall. So bright. Definitely different from Pine Center mall in Prince George.Lots of store outlets. Big Parking Space.Food court has diffrent food choices to choose from. Lots of tables and chairs to sit to. Great for social distancing for eating too.

Great mall that has everything I want and need. Tidy and clean with plenty of parking

Last Saturday, we went to Woodgrove Mall. There was this cool QR code scan event happening to receive cash voucher. They always have holiday promotions, gift cards, and lucky draws going on. This place has a bunch of stores, lots of brands, and a clean, bright shopping environment. It's our top choice for shopping with friends and family!

6631 Island Hwy, Nanaimo, BC V9T 4T7, Canada•

•+1 250-390-2721•Tips and more reviews for Woodgrove Centre

I remember back in The 80's when this mall was still a place. Nows it's like a ghost town with some anchor stores and a movie theater. One cool feature is the high speed charging facility for those of us with electric cars, however it's pretty pricey.

This mall and the surrounding area (Parking lot) have such potential to be an amazing mall and place to live. This mall needs a new owner who wants to build condos around it with parking for the mall and condos. The mall needs new tenants for non leased units. The mall itself is clean and not really dated looking it just needs some love. Put an Earls where the old Kelsey’s used to be. Don’t let it die!

Imagine all the parking you could ever want, but there is nothing to do.This mall has no idea what it's doing.The movie theaters is here (the one with the good seats), and there is a Tim's, London drugs, and a Rona+... but the small shops inside are forgettable.There is nothing really "fun" about this mall. Unless you are building something, watching a movie, or eating, there is nothing to do here.

The mall is clean and well laid out. Some new businesses inside. The staff in these businesses are very friendly and kind. Thank you 😊

The mall has a lot of core companies, Canadian Tire, Lowe's, London Drugs, best buy and Marks. They do have a Fairway Market with a wide variety of Asian products as well as ready made foods.

The amount of shops offered AROUND the mall are convenient, but it's sad to see the amount of vacant spots INSIDE the mall.The Sears section alone has been obsolete for years.

It's a quiet mall with lots of seating and unique shops, though they don't seem to last long. It's worth looking if you need a unique gift.Fairway market has specialty Asian grocery items that you can't get anywhere else in town.

The mall is fine if you never go into the mall. Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire, Fairway, Dollarama, Driftwood.. they all have access from outside. Use that door. Don't go into the mall for anything, ever.

Good mall, a little quiet but some of the new stores are very interesting. Would be nice if they opened the old Sears into something like a market with stalls for farmers, artists etc.

Just about everything you need is here. From Rona's to London Drugs, to a great grocery store. One of the finest Cineplex's is right here as well. Shop and a movie.

Great shopping, lots of new stores. This new activity centre Flyoland looked like great fun for young ones in the winter!

I miss ardenes but the grocery store is great so it's ok. And the London drugs is bigger but not better.

why host childrens events with 1 family bathroom for the whole mall? We waited 10 mins in line for a man to come out and say "I don't want to hear it, security said I can use this bathroom". Why just let anyone use the only bathroom with a change table?

Canadian Tire. Fairly good selection of veggy plants available. Average prices. Nice and quiet early am.

A delightful surprise located in an unfamiliar part of Nanaimo, including a well balanced variety of stores and services at reasonable prices. I would return to this facility/area in the future to do my shopping again and again.

Coming from a big city, it's funny the mall is not stuffed with stores? Prices to lease are expensive, though. I always love going to London Drugs! They are the only place I can always find specific ladyfingers. ☺️

4750 Rutherford Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 4K6, Canada•http://www.nanaimonorth.com/•+1 250-758-8111•Tips and more reviews for Nanaimo North Town Centre

A nice park for locals and visitors. There are a parking lot while closed to the beach.People bring their dogs enjoying the park. A nice view from the beach.A nice trail around this park too. I meet a deer there.

A beautiful pebble beach where you can walk till the ocean and enjoy the sea from a rock. Careful at the end since it's slippery. Lots of small living beings on the rocks and really beautiful place to enjoy the sunset.

Amazing views, and access to the ocean. It's not a good park for anyone with mobility issues though. Some of the trails are steep and rocky.

The water is always clear it was a fun experience to enjoy nature. Understood why it’s called Neck point park now(not going to spoil it;)) an easy trail with huge chances of seeing wildlife. We saw eagles and their hunt! There is a lot of rocks to walk on. The view was nice. I would say it’s the best playground I have ever seen.

Absolutely beautiful park, my favourite in Nanaimo. It’s a superb place to catch the sunrise in the morning and even whales if you’re lucky. The park is beautifully maintained and there’s a wide variety of terrain which keeps the trail interesting. Highly recommend you stop by even if you are just passing through Nanaimo.

A nice park with many trails. Follow the trail next to sea, you will enjoy a peace silk.When passa a narrow pass to a small island in sea that look like ET head，you will feel water touch each side.Then the trail turn into forest, you will find many doors infront of trees. These are spirit's homes. It is a amazing world.

Even when it's a cloudy day Neck Point is a great place to visit. The views never disappoint. We wandered the pathways with our puppy, even though you can't walk a dog on the actual beach this time of year you can still enjoy the view from the paths.

Beautiful park with an amazing trail system in place. There are so many spots to just BE with nature, trees, rocks and the ocean.

A beautiful spot, nice walk on the coast or forest, rocks are slippery with seaweed and sharp, be careful. Watch out for slugs crossing the trail, you'll probably see bunnies and birds, full of nature. Some informative signs along the trail.

This park is a real gem. Trails through trees, trail along the shoreline. Different beaches to check out where some are rugged and some have tiny pebbled. Really neat spots to explore. There apparently a gnome door area but Ive yet to find it. Summer and fall you have a chance at spotting orcas as the swim up and down our coast. Dont miss visiting this place! Neck Point is also one of the top places to scuba dive in North America.-free parking-nice washrooms on site-dogs on leash welcome

Not much to do at this park, only for walking/hiking or the view. Some nice paths to walk through around the park if you have time.

Nice park, easy walk. Saw a lot of wildlife; deer, birds and a bald eagle. I wouldn’t make a trip out just for this park, but if you are driving through or staying somewhat nearby I feel it would be worth your time.

We love Neck point! From the gnome trail (and many more trails!), to the various beaches and bluffs, to ‘rock meadow’ as we call it in our family - it’s a beautiful park, and we’ve made many beautiful family memories here. There are new bathrooms, lots of picnic tables, fair enough parking - though with how popular it is you may end up waiting a bit for a spot if you go during summer at a peak hour. It’s also an amazing spot for photography. One of my top 3 favourite parks in Nanaimo.

This is the view looking southeast towards the North side of Neck Point Part and one of its beaches, Sunset Beach, taken from the Walley, 8-acre Homestead. Included are views of Keel Cove, located closer to where the small group of people are atop a rocky ledge. The park has several different trails meandering along the waterline as well as the forested areas, connecting to Keel Cove and eventually to McGuffie Rd.The video shows the rocks that make up the neck point from the perspective of the open water. There was a slight breeze causing choppy conditions, and combined with the speed of the boat made the video a bit wobbly. There is also a shot looking West, towards the sunset, which is what you can enjoy from Sunset Beach.There are restrooms, located in the parking area. It's a leisurely walk though there are some difficult areas but is still enjoyable for all ages. . .And don't forget to keep an eye out for the cute Elf cabins hidden throughout the forested areas...

Lovely park, not crowded, we saw deer and some spotted a Minke whale

Beautiful park with stunning views. There are multiple beaches and trails connecting them.

When you spend your life not knowing the wonders that are right under your feet.Neck point park has a nice sized parking lot with nice clean on site bathrooms and even showers. and there is a gorgeous garden in front.The water fountain has 3 stages, for bottles, drinking and dog water fountain in the bottom.Pretty awesome by itself.The path has garbage cans, water fountains, and picnic tables along it.There is a fenced viewpoint for photos that is stunning to stop at.Everyone had dogs out on the paths and there was lots of deer out.I took my 5 yr old to explore the beach and to the fairy doors, oh my what a great experience.Of course she had to experience finding crabs, starfish, and even the sensation of a sea enenemy closing on her finger.And they squirted mom, they squirted me!We brought presents to put in the give a little fairy door. So my cousin and I are lemon souls, we love lemon stuff, hence my hoodie kiddo is wearing..we found a lemon in the door. Meant to be folks. Do the doors!So, Enjoy these photos.We had a blast and I highly recommend the walk to twin beach on your way to fairy doors. It's a spectacular view.

Beautiful view point in Nanaimo. We were there to experience the sunset, and ended up having a beautiful time. We sat on the logs by the water and stared at the horizon as the breeze made us feel calm. It's a great place to come to with friends and family. You have to walk almost 5 mins to get to the view points from the car park.

This a Gem❣️ iam grateful I get to come and see all these beautiful places all over V.I.❤️Such a scenic area with beautiful views all way round 💯 doesn't matter what time a day your around this park it's always 🔥🔥🔥Peaceful, beautiful, incredible 😎 A Nice little adventure coming here.Nice beaches along the trails ❤️❣️ there is always something to do and see 😁 it's. Amazing. It's very hard to be Inside when there is all this beauty everywhere, I love Nature, the Outdoors, the Ocean, the Rainforest, Everything❣️

This scenic park offers a diverse range of experiences within its relatively compact area. The walking trails are well-maintained and offer easy access to stunning ocean views, quiet beaches, and rugged rock formations. Wildlife sightings, especially of birds and marine life, add to the park's charm. The pebbled beaches and crystal-clear waters are perfect for a relaxing day out

This is a lovely park with lots of trees and paths along the shore. Can be a little busy at the weekend. You can always find a nice quiet place to breathe the air with very light ocean scent.

This place blew my mind with how big it is, forest walking trails, tonnes of rocky beach to explore, tide pools filled with purple & orange star fish, sea anemones, tiny fish & crabs, the view of the ocean from all sides of the park is beautiful, the rocky cliffs, driftwood & just everything, well done mother nature! 😍😍

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Neck Point, Nanaimo, and I must say, it was an absolute delight! From the stunning natural beauty to the peaceful ambiance, my experience was nothing short of perfect.The first thing that struck me was the breathtaking view of the ocean and the impressive rock formations. The rugged coastal scenery combined with the crystal-clear waters created a picturesque backdrop that simply took my breath away. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll or want to capture some stunning photographs, Neck Point offers an endless wealth of beauty.What further impressed me was the cleanliness and maintenance of the park. The entire area was well-kept, and the walking trails were clearly marked and easily navigable. The park is also dog-friendly, meaning I got to enjoy the beautiful surroundings with my furry companion. It was refreshing to see responsible pet owners who maintained cleanliness and kept their four-legged friends on leashes.One of the highlights of my visit was the abundance of wildlife. As I walked along the trails, I spotted various bird species and even seals swimming close to the shore. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse ecosystem and the chance to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.Furthermore, the park amenities were top-notch. The picnic areas were well-maintained and provided a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by the sounds of nature. Additionally, the washroom facilities were clean and well-stocked, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors of all ages.I cannot recommend Neck Point in Nanaimo enough for anyone seeking a tranquil escape from the bustle of everyday life. Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, or just looking for a serene retreat, this place has something for everyone. I am already planning my next visit to Neck Point; it truly is a hidden gem along Vancouver Island's coastline

A great place to walk with amazing views. Fairly accessible because most of the stairs can be avoided and the trails are very well-maintained.

1055 Morningside Dr, Nanaimo, BC V9T 1N5, Canada•http://www.nanaimo.ca/PRC/Locations/Parks/224-Neck-Point-Park•+1 250-756-5200•Tips and more reviews for Neck Point Park

We really enjoyed our day here and hope to come back soon. The sun was out and so was everyone else looking for some time to relax in the sun. Great views from almost any vantage point. Got in some good steps walking around and checking the place out. Found a few starfish and cool looking mini crabs all different colors too. Water was still a bit cold but was fun for my kids. The drive up here was amazing and relaxing. Definitely coming back here again and I highly recommend coming here for the views and fresh air

What can I say about this beautiful location. We randomly been her and watched one of the most beautiful sunsets!The entire park is so beautiful, one can enjoy the water, view and to the edge of the trail there are rocks and if you can climb , you can watch the beautiful view from top if the rock like by sitting at the edge of it.Most recommended place and worth the visit in Nanaimo 💜

Beautiful views. Ample parking. Short, flat gravel pathway that walks between the ocean and lagoon. Short paths down to beach. Was there on a sunny spring day with a brisk cold wind and it was still awesome.

Great place for a swim and a walk, free showers outside in car park for after your swim and lovely clean toilets, plenty of space to park your car. You can swim in the Sea or the Lagoon, really need swim shoes for sea as it’s rocky and a bit cool but I was ok in just trunks, very refreshing, can get a bit choppy so don’t venture out too far without a tow float. Lagoon more sandy and warmer and safer.

Breathtaking view of sky, water, and earth. You can walk along the shore. The skyline and changing water color captures the mind and the heart. The succulents and vegetations on the rock are beautiful.

gorgeous place all year round. a huge variety of birds, plants, and sea creatures to be found here. watch for sea lions and otters, or go take a gentle peek at the tide pools. lovely trails including some sneaky driftwood forts.my tip: don’t forget your sunnies when you come to watch the sunrise!

An awesome walk / place to explore when the tide is low. Both of my kids (8 & 4 years old) had a blast there.Check your tide charts before going. Low tide is better but even high tide is still a nice walk.

Gorgeous, no words to explain the beauty of the sunset , the park, the beach, the neighborhood everything was magical. Just for this spot our travel to nanaimo was unforgettable

Stopped at this little park for a view of the Entrance Island Lighthouse. While the lighthouse was visible it was also windy and cold so I didn't stay long. There is a decent sized parking lot and the bathrooms...well, they are bathrooms. They weren't the cleanest and are fairly small but so much better than outhouses. It seemed to be a pretty popular park though. Sure it's busier in the warmer months. There are picnic tables and grass around the parking lot. There are also benches behind the drift wood along the little bit of beach I walked. I wish I had been able to visit on a day that it wasn't so windy and cold so that I could have explored the park more.

Beautiful park that is especially nice to explore as the tides come in. The hike around the peninsula is relatively short, but you can spend a lot of time wandering on the beaches and among the tide pools. Lots of room to bring a picnic blanket and some food as well. Just a short drive from downtown Nanaimo.

Piper's Lagoon Park is a beautiful coastal park located in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. It's known for its scenic trails, rocky shores, and tidal pools, making it a popular spot for walking, birdwatching, and exploring marine life. The park offers stunning views of the Strait of Georgia and nearby islands, making it a serene destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Great place. Nice shirt walk. Nearly always windy.

Beautiful viewpoint. Saw some Sea Lions here. Not friendly to people who are not able-bodied enough to scramble the rocks along the trail. Very nice place to visit whilst in Nanaimo.

Lovely place to stop at before or after the ferry crossing or just to go to when you want to have some peace! Stunning views of the ocean, so peaceful and relaxing. Great place to bring a dog as well.

Its beautiful Ocean Side with easy and safe shallow ocean waters on the coast to swim.There is a tiny secluded spot for swimming nearby. Parking space available, bit of cliff climbing can be done. Just a little. It is reachable by bus as well. Lot of wildflowers!!

For me the most beautiful beach in North Nanaimo. Great trails! You have to be able to climb up the rocks to have the most terrific views. All seasons are breathtaking there.

Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of avian species that frequent the area, while nature enthusiasts will appreciate the well-preserved flora and fauna. The trails around Piper's Lagoon are well-maintained, offering easy accessibility for all levels of hikers. Moreover, the panoramic views of the ocean and the distant mountains are truly breathtaking, making it an ideal spot for photography

Awesome park to chill on the beach, swim, snorkel or kayak. Amazing views but parking limited during peak times.

Lovely short walk, stunning views everywhere you look. The restrooms were very clean as well.

Beautiful spot with lots of open beach and trail. It gets pretty windy since it’s so open, I always find I want more layers than I’ve brought, bring extra just incase!

Love pipers lagoon always a good spot for a relaxing walk, or to take some good photos.

Never crowded. Except for the parking lot. The smell of the dry grasses, feel of the breeze and the sounds of the many birds make this ideal for a quick getaway.

Another Beautiful Park checked off the list of adventures ❣️ so many great places to see and check out 😃. So beautiful here, doesn't matter where you go. You will find something amazing like this and many more. Make time and you will find ❤️ peace and serenity ❣️Sometime it's all about the journey, and sometimes it's all the places.Very special here💯❤️💯❤️💯❤️

Great place for walking and watch sea lions! Kids was so happy to play at wooden houses

A beautiful beach walk, friendly strollers! Amazing place to just relax n take in the view!

We Love this park, especially for whale spotting. Make sure you watch the tide coming in as the path can get cut off by the water in the lagoon. But you can still scramble over the Rocs to safety.

Nanaimo has many unique spots of beauty for the conosour of adventure. This spot holds highly amongst the many. As a place to be taken in slow stride, photographing all the beauty it bestows. Or adorned as an early risers jogging treadmill, feverishly appreciated and looked forward too every time. Pipers lagoon covers all boxes for the tourist, locals needs, photographers creative pursuits, family time beach days or the wandering soul type looking for new insight. To questions not yet asked but found in the majestic uniqness only a place like this can grant.

Lovely scenic beachfront park, many nooks and crannies to discover, very photogenic

Hit this beach at low tide and the kids can explore for quite a bit.It's a beautiful spot to go.

3600 Place Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5T7, Canada•http://www.nanaimo.ca/PRC/Locations/Parks/129-Pipers-Lagoon-Park•+1 250-756-5200•Tips and more reviews for Pipers Lagoon Park

Beautiful place for a walk around the lake. I'm not so sure about it as a swimming destination though as the water didn't look too clean in a few spots. I will definitely be bringing my kayak though!

Really, really enjoyed my walk around the lake!!! Helped my cousin with pushing the pram, which I think would be an effort if you were alone. But I thoroughly enjoyed!

Great Beach, plenty of parking and a really nice boat launch area.Watch for big pokey sticks along the shore lines if using an inflatable watercraft.

A pleasant loop pathway where you and your family can enjoy walking, jogging, or biking. It includes a small playground that our toddler enjoyed playing on. Picnic tables are spread throughout the area, and there is an accessible restroom. The lake is huge with a beautiful pine backdrop. Love it! There is ample parking, but it can get crowded, especially in spring and summer. If you have a stroller, it's best to use a jogging stroller or one with large wheels, as the terrain can be a bit bumpy. It's a great place for a quick after-dinner walk in the forest.

The lake is refreshing and warm, with a nice dock and sectioned off area for the kids to swim. We had been here several times for a quick dip in the summer, as we live less than 10 minutes away, but only recently did I actually do the Westwood Lake trail (an easy 6km loop around the entire lake) and can't understand why it took me so long to do it! Absolutely gorgeous walk, with not many people on the trail, and well maintained. Will be doing this trail several more times in the near future!

beautiful 6km walk around the lake with some elevation

It's a really beautiful lake and our kids absolutely love to swim, and play on the playground. The trail around the lake is also fantastic to hike around.

One of my favorite places! Has a 6k loop trail around the lake that is a fam fav ! Beautiful scenery, lush green trees/plants! It's pretty easy trail with a rewarding view of Mt Benson at the end. Bit of incline there but my 6 yr does it with pretty minimal whining haha so I'd say easy enough. Worth it either way. The lake is beautiful with clear and warm water , perfect for kayaking and has a decent sized swimming area . 😀 definitely a must in Nanaimo! 👍👌

I love hiking around the lake, especially in the summer time! Great hour and a half walk around playing Pokemon Go. Beautiful lake indeed

Absolutely beautiful location. You can walk around the lake, it's about 6km. There is a largish carpark next to a toilet block with changing areas. I would definitely recommend this lake.

A couple decent swimming areas. Parking was increased, and seems pretty good for the size of the beach available.Playground is quite nice. And the hiking trail circling the lake is a nice, easy walk.Great for a walk, or picnic. As a swimming spot, it's worth it for kids or outside peak times.

Beautiful spot for swim and also a great trail around the lake

We enjoyed paddle boarding on this lake. The swimming area also looked good and many people were enjoying the docks. It felt like we were in a much more remote wilderness area than it actually is. Also a very organized and somewhat large parking lot with no fee. Excellent!

Nothing compares to the shear awesomeness of this park. Incredible scenery, bike trails, and a great place to bring your doggy( on leash)

I recommend the second beach if you’re swimming or going from the rock wall that’s on the left as soon as you enter the park. Please keep your dog on a leash, we’ve seen attacks happen from this. There’s a playground at the second beach, theres also picnic tables and a small playground. Nice hiking trails. Downsides are it is always busy, and the new parking lot can be a bit of a pain.

An awesome 6 km trail surrounds the lake. An offshoot trail heads to nearby Morrell Sanctuary which is also worth a visit. There is trail access to the summit of Mount Benson. That one is a very hard hike though.

So the loop around the lake is about 6.5 kms. It is a Bit easier going right at the beginning when you are facing the lake. A moderately easy walk, although a fair distance. Look out for roots on the trail. When you get within half a km to the finish you will have the choice of going up to a cliff for the view on my photo, or walking around that hill. I'm 72 and Iade it up, breathing a bit hard, but thst was expected. If you began the other direction the viewpoint comes up quickly and you have more energy to climb it. Washrooms, beach, drinking water beach all there. Obviously kis and pet friendly.

Anytime the sky is blue and my once partner always said “ its always sunny in Nanaimo” , a great walk to get out on , all 4.5 kms … Just do it ‼️

One of my favourite places in the area. This is a nice little, but not so little man made lakes. If you have young kids, or if you’re a big kid with small kids :-) and you want to relax while hey play in the water, this is the perfect location. Family friendly, beach waterfront is shallow for a decent distance.Want to go for a hike? There’s a wonderful hike around the lake that can be done with kids, it’s approx 5km long and worth doing it.Enjoy!

381 Westwood Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6S5, Canada•http://www.nanaimo.ca/PRC/Locations/Parks/32-Westwood-Lake-Park•+1 250-802-3967•Tips and more reviews for Westwood Lake Park

The newly pave walkway was amazing. There was bowling, childrens play area and a pool situated here. If your into nature its a must visiting this area since its easily accesible located at center of the city.

We stopped here to spend some time near the waterfall. Good park.

Great park downtown, can easily feel removed from the bustle of city life. Millstone river is lovely with many surprises throughout the park. Duck pond is a nice slice of tranquility.

google maps says the park closes at 4:30 but i don’t think that’s true, other than that the park is really pretty and has a good amount of both sun and shade. Got a lot of pretty photos.

Wonderful place to spend some hours with your family.

Great park to walk around and enjoy nature

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.

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.

I used to come here a lot when I was younger. The trails have changed, but it’s one of my top favourite places in Nanaimo.

Really nice forest trail with a waterfall, huckleberries, some deer, and old growth trees. There is a salmon creek as well but currently no salmon. About a half hour walk through. There is also some totem poles that have been places on the ground due to wear and tear over the years. You can get a little lost in here as there are multiple directions you can go. Smells like nature! There is also a swimming pool at this park, parking, and disc golf.

I love this park. There is something for everyone here. Forest, river, waterfall, garden, tennis court, swimming pool, picnic areas, and a great facility to rent for events.

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.

Easy walk, really Georgus at spring when the Rhodos blossom. Good place to play tennis. Good outdoor space too. Excellent golf Frisbee area. Volleyball court too. Just a great place all around.

Beautiful place! Love the waterfalls. Plenty of parking in several locations in and around the park.

So many awesome trails to explore and activities to enjoy in this huge inner city park.

Easy Trails, duck pond, playground, public outdoor pool, lawn bowling, frisbee golf course - and more! Great spot to spend an hour or spend the day! This Beautiful park is filled with flowers, trees and an awesome waterfall! You’ll never know your still in the city and your kids will never want to leave. Right in town so close to all amenities. 5 stars for sure - enjoy!

500 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 1Z7, Canada•https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-search/Parks/56-Bowen-Park•+1 250-755-7501•Tips and more reviews for Bowen Park