Nanaimo Visitor's Guide 2008 - 32

Parks & Trails Green Spaces Explore tidepools. Play sand volleyball. Pedal up a mountain trail. Slip down a waterslide.You’ll find countless adventures in Nanaimo’s 200+ parks and protected green spaces. Trail in Bowen Park. 7. Pipers Lagoon Park Pipers is a popular spot to see sunrises and sunsets, fly kites, swim and beachcomb. Built on an isthmus that extends out to a rocky headland, this park features twisting trails that lead to seaside lookouts. The natural amphitheatre is popular among rock climbers. Bird watchers: See sandpipers, horned grebes, loons, kingfishers, oyster catchers and great blue herons. 1. Beban Park Beban is best known for its tropical-themed indoor pool with a lazy river and waterslide. It’s also home to two ice arenas, an 18-hole pitch ‘n putt golf course, tennis courts, playgrounds, basketball courts, fitness and walking trails, an equestrian area, BMX track, a dog off-leash area and an all-weather bowling green. 8. Parkway Trail The Parkway Trail, which runs alongside Highway 19, links Aulds Road to Chase River. The 22-km (14-mi) paved and tree-lined span is ideal for long-distance cyclists and joggers. It leads to Buttertubs Marsh, Colliery Dam, Bowen Park and the Harbourfront Walkway (via the Millstone Trail). 2. Bowen Park Bowen Park’s enchanted forest trails meander along the Millstone River and waterfall, weaving through giant stands of trees and around colourful Rhododendron groves. The sand volleyball courts, tennis courts and disc golf course are popular spots, as are the seasonal petting zoo, outdoor swimming pool, curling club and skate bowl. 3. Cable Bay Trail & Park This 2-km (1-mi) trail is one of Nanaimo’s best-kept secrets. A 30-minute walk through a serene forest leads to Cable Bay Bridge where hikers can beachcomb or observe migrating sea lions (Oct.-Apr.). The trail, an off-leash area, is a canine favourite. 4. Colliery Dam Park The lakes here are especially popular summer swimming holes. Fall and winter are quiet with only the sounds of waterfalls, songbirds, crickets and frogs. Circle both lakes on easy hiking trails in about an hour and watch for deer, grouse, pheasant and raccoon in the thick forests. Bald eagles and kingfishers are regular visitors. 8 10 5. Jack Point/Biggs Park This park near the Duke Point ferry terminal offers pristine beaches, forests and excellent views of the Nanaimo River Estuary, Protection Island, Gabriola Island and Northumberland Channel. Wildlife abounds on this natural, undeveloped peninsula. 5 6. Neck Point Park Neck Point’s vast trail system traverses diverse terrain and leads hikers to lookouts with spectacular ocean and mountain views. Bald eagles often perch in tall trees overlooking the park’s ocean bays. 3 32 www.tourismnanaimo.com

Nanaimo Visitor's Guide 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Nanaimo Visitor's Guide 2008