Harbour City Highlights

Nature

Nanaimo’s Hiking Trails offer Bonus Wildlife Viewing

One Nanaimo local remembers taking his children horseback riding along the Cable Bay Trail and more than once seeing a cougar peering impassively down at them from the bluffs above. While it is rare to spot the elusive mountain cat while you’re hiking or biking around Nanaimo’s trails, it’s more than likely you’ll catch a good glimpse of black tail deer, eagles, harbour seals or otters. Cable Bay Trail is a light hour-long hike to the water near Cedar, and a prime place to view migrating Stellar Sea Lions who preen and sun themselves on the log booms between October and April.

Trails in Nanaimo go everywhere, from the oceanside to mountain summits. No matter what part of the city you're in, you'll find a walking route through green space nearby.

More than six kilometres of trails wrap around Westwood Lake, a popular and well-travelled walking and jogging route. Mountain bikers also love this area for its challenging network of downhill and cross country trails on the mountain behind the lake. On certain paths you'll find extensive bike ramps, jumps, and even teeter-totters rising 10 feet or more above the forest floor. Uphill from the biking trails lies serious mountain hiking territory, and a variety of paths leading up Mount Benson's 1,000 metre (3,350 feet) summit. From here you'll have a spectacular view of the city, the surrounding islands and the mainland across the Strait of Georgia.

Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, a protected and pristine green space accessible by passenger ferry in Nanaimo’s harbour, has more than 15 km of well-marked interpretive trails that wind through shady forests, past historic sites and around a lake. Some of the trails on the island are especially designated for cyclists. Nanaimo's 20 kilometre Parkway Trailway, along with the newly extended E&N trail, is another excellent biking and walking route, although some of the steeper hills will find the less fit needing to catch their breath. This network of paved paths allows pedestrians and bikers to maneuver from one end of the Harbour City to another, avoiding the hassles of city traffic. Keep your eyes open for deer, rabbits and eagles along the way.