Nature around Nanaimo
Colliery Dam Park
At the end of August and beginning of September, we were lucky with the weather and enjoyed plenty of sunshine and warm days. Close to the university is the beautiful Colliery Dam Park, which features a lovely lake. After classes, we often went there for a swim. There were usually only a few people around, making it very peaceful and quiet. The lake is surrounded by a forest with a small trail running through it, perfect for enjoying the nature around us.
Westwood Lake
On another day, we went to Westwood Lake, a large lake with a sandy beach. The lake is perfect for kayaking, swimming, or stand-up paddling. A 6-kilometre circular trail leads around the lake and is ideal for walking or jogging. However, when we were there with friends on a hot summer's day, it was quite crowded.
Neck Point Park
Be sure to visit Neck Point Park, just north of Nanaimo. The park offers stunning ocean views, secluded coves, and rugged cliffs. There are several trails perfect for a walk and great picnic spots. It's also a popular spot for wildlife watching – if you're lucky, you might spot seals, otters, or even whales in the distance. During our visit, we were able to see a deer close by.
Mount Benson
The Mount Benson hike was a highlight of our current trip. The mountain is located near Nanaimo and offers two different routes to the top: a steeper, faster path and a slightly less steep one. For the ascent, we chose the steeper path since it‘s more challenging but also shorter. On the way down, we opted for the less steep route. Overall, you should plan around 4–5 hours for the hike, depending on how fast you walk and how long you stay at the top. We hiked up at a good pace but took a longer break at a beautiful lookout point. One of the most special moments was when many birds flew around us – some even landed on our hands! Important tip: Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, as there are sections where you‘ll need to pull yourself up with ropes over rocks. Also, it gets quite cold at the summit, so be sure to bring a warm sweater to enjoy the view without freezing!
