It's been quite a while since this family has required a stroller. However, leaving the house when my kids were young was a must and trail walking is something I really enjoy. Plus, inquiries about stroller friendly trails are a frequent request from our readers, and I aim to please!
If a stroller isn't required in your household, these Nanaimo trails are also great for an easy walk, no matter your age.
Please read on for a list of more than ten stroller friendly trails in Nanaimo.
Roberts Memorial Provincial Park
Location: Yellow Point
The park entrance is off of Yellow Point Road.
Length of Trail: Approximately 1 km (in one direction)
Follow the trail through second-growth Douglas fir to the beautiful Stewart Channel. The ‘beach' you end up on is a collection of large, rather unique rock formations. It's also a great location for wildlife viewing.
The trail is relatively easy, with only a few steeper sections on the way back up. It can sometimes be muddy, though.
We lived near Roberts Memorial Park and walked this trail frequently when my children were young (and in strollers).
Nanaimo River Regional Park
Location: South Nanaimo
Park entrances are located on Fry Rd (off Nanaimo River Rd) and Frey Rd (off Emblem Rd).
Length of Trail: Approximately 2 km (in one direction)
This is a groomed flat-level trail that follows along the Nanaimo River. The park is one of the few remaining examples of a mature coastal Douglas Fir ecosystem along the river. It's a beautiful place to walk, especially on a warm sunny day, for the Nanaimo River is a popular place to swim.
Hemer Provincial Park
Location: Cedar – at the end of Hemer Road
Length of Trail(s): 11 km of varying trails
Approximately 11 kilometres of easy walking trails weave through the park along Holden Lake and the marsh areas. The trails are forested, primarily with mature coastal Douglas fir, red alder and big-leaf maple (it's a beautiful park in the Fall). Trails are not marked but are easily identifiable and well-maintained.
A viewing platform over the marsh, approximately 1 km from the parking lot, provides the opportunity to observe various types of ducks, Trumpeter swans, Bald eagles, turkey vultures, and sometimes, beavers.
Cable Bay Trail
Location: Cedar – Parking area and trailhead can be found at the end of Nicola Road.
Length of Trail: Just under 2 km – one way (although you can cross the bridge and continue to Dodd Narrows if you wish for more).
Cable Bay Trail is good if you are looking for a great workout, as it's quite steep on the way back up. I put it on this list because the trail is well-maintained. It also provides amazing views at the bottom and is a great place to spot sea lions – something kids love. I also frequented it with my stroller-strapped children while living in the area, and it never got old.
Cable Bay Trail is one of Nanaimo's designated dog off-leash parks. So, this trail is a must if you have both a dog and a baby!
Morrell Nature Sanctuary
Location: Central Nanaimo – 787 Nanaimo Lakes Road
Length of Trail(s): There are approximately 11 km of trail systems within this park
Morrell Nature Sanctuary has two great trails that are stroller-friendly. The shorter Yew Loop is a designated wheel-chair accessible trail providing visually appealing gnomes for children to gawk at. A larger loop also follows the old fire lane and takes you to the lake and back.
Please note: the longer trail is gated, so you must fold up the stroller to get it through.
Westwood Lake
Location: Mid Nanaimo – Westwood Road (off the south end of Jingle Pot Road)
Length of Trail: 5.5 km loop
The well-maintained trail that circles the outer edges of Westwood Lake is a relatively easy walk, even with a stroller. However, there is one steeper section near the west end of the lake that may have you huffing and puffing. If you are looking for something less strenuous, head to the south end of the lake and take the shorter loop.
There is an off-leash area underneath the power lines for those with dogs in tow. You will find this area about halfway around the 5.5 km loop. Unless in that designated off-leash area, dogs must always remain on a leash (it's strictly enforced).
Buttertubs Marsh
Location: Off Jingle Pot Road – the main entrance is on 2nd Street, but there is also parking off Buttertubs Drive.
Length of Trail: 2 km loop
Buttertubs Marsh is a bird and wildlife sanctuary just minutes from downtown Nanaimo. Spend an hour or so meandering along the flat and easy gravel trail, making sure to stop occasionally to enjoy the view. There is usually lots of activity here to keep your little one(s) occupied, with plenty of birds to view. If you are lucky, you may even spot turtles and frogs.
Please note: there are narrow entry gates to prevent motorized vehicles from entering the marsh. These gates might make entering and exiting with a stroller difficult if they are not foldable.
Bowen Park
Location: Mid-Nanaimo (500 Bowen Road)
Length of Trail(s): Varies
Meander through a series of interpretive trails along the Millstone River. Along the way, see the ducks at the pond, view the scenic waterfall, fish ladder, and resting totem poles. And if in season, stop to admire the grand rhododendron grove.
There are a series of trails with varying lengths. Spend an hour or an afternoon! There is always something to see and do here.
Check out this Bowen Park loop trail if you want a more specific route.
Harbourfront Walkway
Location: Access points (and parking) at Maffeo Sutton Park and the parkade across the road from the Bastion Hotel.
Length of Trail: This can be up to 5 km long (see below).
The waterfront walkway takes you along a paved path that follows Nanaimo's harbour. As you stroll past waterfront condominiums, dockyards, and small stores and restaurants, you have views of both Newcastle and Protection Island.
To make this an approximately 5 km loop, park your vehicle at Maffeo Sutton Park and walk to the Yacht Club and back. Then, follow the walkway towards downtown Nanaimo and walk to (and around) Cameron Island. Then, head back to your vehicle at Maffeo Sutton Park.
Parkway Trail
Location: Various access points
Length of Trail: 20 km
This is a paved, multi-use trail that runs along the Parkway Highway. The trail provides access to Colliery Dam, Morrell Sanctuary, Westwood Lake, Vancouver Island University, Buttertubs Marsh, Bowen Park, and Millstone River.
The 20-kilometre paved path connects South Nanaimo near Extention Road in Chase River to North Nanaimo near the “Welcome to Nanaimo” sign at Mary Ellen Drive. Here and there, it explores forested areas surrounding the abovementioned parks and dips under and over the highway through tunnels and bridges.
A great mid-way access point (with good parking) can be found near the Northfield Exit at the Visitor Centre. From there, you can walk the trail in either direction. This section is particularly pretty during the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.
Neck Point
Location: North Nanaimo – at the end of Morningside Drive (off Hammond Bay Road)
Length of Trail: Approximately 1.5 km
The outer Neck Point loop is wide, well-maintained, and perfect for strollers. While walking through the forested area, point out the fairy houses to your little one(s). The trail leads towards a beautiful beach area. It's a beautiful shaded walk that is especially welcoming during a hot summer day.
Unfortunately, to continue walking along the shoreline, there are several boardwalks with stairs and rocky knolls to contend with. So, unless you are up for the challenge, I suggest heading back the same way you came.
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, I haven't had to seek out stroller-friendly trails in quite some time. So, if you feel I have missed a great one in Nanaimo, please let us know in the comments section below.
For similar trails in the Parksville and Qualicum Beach areas, read this article: Easy Trails in Oceanside.
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Well done.As an old Nanaimo man I can attest to the accuracy of the trips but there are many more hidden away in the forests of the area but you have to be in pretty good shape and an avid backpacker to seek tem out.My family has been in the Nanaimo area since 1859 and the name Dick and Westwood should ring some bells and open some history books.