The Waterfront Suites and Marina

Nanaimo Waterfront Path is a great urban walk along the inner harbour of the city. The route passes by marinas, parks, a beach with man made tide pools and ends in the downtown area. Easy for all ages and a great option to the whole family. The path is paved with a yellow line down the middle. Part of the path is multi use, other sections are bike free.

This is a nice and easy trail through Bowen Park, great for a walk with kids or pets. There's tons to explore along the trail, including waterfalls along the river, a duck pond, bridges, and lots of beautiful rhododendrons. Make sure go all the way along the river to view all of the little waterfalls and beautiful scenery!

This loop follows around the perimeter of Newcastle Island, with a short side trip to Mallard Lake. The trails are easy and in excellent condition and offer great views across to Pacific Range to one side and Nanaimo Harbour to the other. For up-to-date information and schedules of the ferry used to access the island, please visit: https://newcastleisland.ca/ferry-info

Buttertubs Marsh is a bird and wildlife sanctuary with a 2 km loop trail that is level and easy for kids. There are a few viewpoints around the marsh and a birdwatching tower on the west side of the marsh. Dogs are not allowed. Accessibility: There are multiple paved parking areas off of Buttertubs Drive at the north end of the trail but it is unclear where the closest designated accessible spots or striped access aisles are. The trail surface is gravel and typically at least 1 meter wide....

This quick hike is a beautiful little hidden gem that will take you to the inlet to watch the ferries, boats, birds and enjoy a nice walk along the beach. The first waterfall is stunning and the second is also pretty neat, and during the summer there are quite a few wildflowers along this nicely-maintained route. This trail is mostly a quick descent over 55 metres, and then the return is an incline hike back to the trailhead.