12 Best Hikes In Nanaimo You Can Do This Weekend

Vancouver Island has some of the best hikes in Canada, with several in Nanaimo, British Columbia. If you are looking for hiking Nanaimo, here are 12 hiking trails you can choose from. We have categorized them into easy, moderate, and challenging tracks.

Easy trails

Neck Point Park Loop

First, on the list for beginner Nanaimo hiking trails is this breathtaking loop. The 2.9-kilometer trail will see you gain an elevation of 67m, which is ideal for most hikers. The trail is located near Nanaimo C, British Colombia offering you breathtaking ocean views and a relaxing breeze. It will take you at least 44 minutes if walking or less if running.

It is a favorite for most hikers during the weekend, so you should arrive early. In addition, it is an ideal spot for birding. You’ll love how well-curated the trails are. As you’d expect, there are many stairs along the route. As such, you should have with you comfortable hiking gear.

Linley Valley Cottle Lake and Burma Trail

This is yet another beginner-friendly hiking trail. With beautiful shades of pine trees, it is an ideal trail away from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver. It is a few minutes from Nanaimo, British Columbia. The 5-kilometer trail loop will see you gain a 124-meter elevation. It will take you 1 hour and 19 min to complete it.

It is a popular spot for runners, hikers, and pet owners. While you can bring along your pet dog, ensure they are on a leash. It is also kid-friendly, making it an ideal spot for family hiking. It would help if you had proper hiking boots, as there are many toe stabbers.

Cottle Lake Loop

This trail could be a perfect fit if you like hiking near a water body. It goes around Cottle Lake, enabling you to enjoy a cool breeze. It is an ideal spot if you prefer quiet hikes. That said, it could get crowded during holidays and weekends. The 1.6 km long trail takes you 24 minutes to complete.

It is beginner friendly, having a maximum elevation of 31 meters. You’ll enjoy the view of the lake, running rivers, and the dense forest. If you are into bird watching, this loop will not disappoint. If you bring along your dog, ensure they are on a leash.

Beach Estates Park Trail

Finally, you can opt for this trail located near the ocean. It is 1.8 kilometers long and takes a maximum of 31 minutes. With a maximum 55 m elevation, it is considered beginner friendly. It is a popular site for running and walking, taking you through the magnificent coastal estates.

You can also bring along with you a dog. The best months to visit the trail are between April and October. You’ll enjoy the view of colorful wildflowers and waterfalls in the background.

Moderate trails

The Extension Ridge

If you are an avid hiker, consider visiting the Extension Ridge trail. It is 9 kilometers long and has an elevation of 140 meters. It is also referred to as The Abyss trail and is part of Canada’s The Great Trail. It is an ideal spot for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. It is, in fact, one of the most photographed trails in Vancouver. The abyss in this trail makes it one of the unique trails in Canada.

Ammonite Falls

Ammonite Falls is among the best hikes near me for avid hikers. It is 4.5 kilometers long with a maximum elevation of 180 meters. It is among the oldest hiking trails in Vancouver, dating hundreds of years. It is adjacent to the Nanaimo Parkway, making it an ideal path to end your hiking. It has beautiful views of a waterfall and dense forests.

Like most trails, it is dog friendly; however, ensure they are on a leash. And since there are many roots, wear tough yet comfortable shoes. Its name comes from the ammonite fossils found along the trail. Thanks to its relatively gentle elevation, you can visit it any time of the year.

Saysutshun (Newcastle Island)

If you are near Maffeo-Sutton Park, you must take a ferry to hiking Nanaimo. It is located inside the Newcastle Island Provincial Park. Its name comes from the First People making it more than a hiking trail. Thanks to the abundance of traditional remedies, it is used for wellness and healing purposes.

The trail is the backbone of Nanaimo, attracting thousands of tourists each month. You’ll reminisce on the old industrial days as you go through the trail. It is ideal for relaxing, biking, walking, and running.

Ion and Serenity Loop

The 4.3-kilometer-long trail is also among the best hikes near me. It will take roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete the route. With an elevation of 118 meters, you ought to carry proper hiking gear. Like other trails on our list, it is a popular trail for running, biking, and hiking. It is kid and dog friendly. However, ensure your dog is on a leash. It is also ideal for bird watching.

Hard trails

If you are a pro at hiking, consider visiting either of these trails.

Mount Benson Extended Loop

This 11.4-kilometer-long trail is one of the most challenging Nanaimo hiking trails. It will take you at least 5 hours to complete the grueling hike. With an 857-meter elevation, the trail is ideal for avid hikers. It is perfect for backpacking, running, and viewing wildlife and birds. You can also bring along your dog with you.

Mount Benson Loop

Shorter than Mount Benson Extended Loop, the trail has a length of 7.1 kilometers. The challenging route takes at least 3 hours and 47 minutes. A favorite for hiking and backpacking, it has elegant views of dense forests and tall grass. During winter, you can visit it for snowshoeing. For breathtaking views, you may visit between April and October.

Witchcraft Lake/Benson Creek/Mount Benson Loop

The grueling trail has a length of 17.9 kilometers and will take you 6 hours and 8 minutes. If you love camping, this might be a perfect spot for you. You can also engage in backpacking and hiking. It is dog friendly, with relaxed restrictions on how they can roam. You’ll gain an elevation of 860 meters.

Cougar Bluff Loop

Finally, you can opt for this 11.4-km trail. It takes 4hr 16min to complete, making it a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking. Unlike other tracks, it is not crowded, making it ideal for quiet walks. It is dog friendly with relaxed restrictions.

Hiking Nanaimo Wrap Up

Hiking Nanaimo is as easy as choosing either of the above trails. Luckily, there are trails for beginner, moderate, and avid hikers. They are rich in beautiful sceneries, wildlife, and birds, making them ideal for a simple, quiet hike.