Moorecroft Regional Park / Nanoose Bay

Home to beautiful Gary Oak Meadows, large second-growth Douglas Firs, ponds, and ocean access, Moorecroft Regional Park has it all.

Quick Facts

• Park Size: 35 hectares
• Park Features: Oceanfront park with beautiful walking trails and grassy areas.
• Trail Length: Several trails with varying lengths
• Difficulty: Easy
• Hazards: The park is gated. Please obey the times posted, or your vehicle will be locked in.
• Facilities: Pit toilets
• Dog Friendly!

Nanoose Bay Elementary uses Moorecroft Regional Park as a prime location for many class field trips. Each time I joined one of these excursions as a parent chaperone, I would tell my child, “Do you know how lucky you are?”.

The kids walk the trails to try and spot owls, eagles and many other birds. They climb the rocks, draw pictures of the ocean scenery, and search for butterflies in the rocky knolls. And, of course, beachcombing for crabs and other sea creatures is the most popular activity. The day ends with a picnic in the meadow under the shade of arbutus, oak and maple trees while watching dragonflies flit about.

Yes, Moorecroft Regional Park is truly a wonderment for all ages. And it's the absolute perfect place to while away the day.

A Bit of History

In partnership with The Nature Trust of BC, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) acquired Moorecrfot Regional Park in 2011 from the United Church of Canada. Before that time, it was known to most locals as Camp Moorecroft. The United Church and its original owner, Miss Gertrude Moore, operated the camp.

Originally from Toronto, Miss Moore came out west in 1927 to become a PE director at the Vancouver YMCA. She was later in charge of women's physical education at UBC. While at UBC, Moore also purchased and operated a girl's camp in Nanoose Bay. The camp was named Moorecroft after her family's homestead in Ontario.

Moore operated the all-girls camp for 20 successful years. By the end of the summer of 1954, Moore's health was beginning to fail. She decided to contact Rev. Moses to discuss the future of her property. In 1955, the United Church of Canada bought the property and ran it as a summer camp. A few years later, it ran as a year-round camp for retreats, schools and community groups.

Of the 27 buildings that originally made up Camp Moorecroft, today, all that's left is the boathouse and a beautiful 35-hectare oceanfront park for all to enjoy.

For a deep dive into the history of Moorecroft Regional Park, I encourage you to read:

Moorecroft Camp: A Look Back, compiled by Marilyn Huffman

Highlights of Moorecroft Regional Park

The park is popular for many outdoor recreational activities ranging from walking and nature appreciation to paddling, hiking, and scuba diving.

Here are a few not-to-be-missed spots and activities within the park.

Vesper Point – a beautiful trail leads out this rocky point, giving you an unobstructed view of the snow-capped coastal mountains. During spring, the trees bloom with delicate white flowers, adding even more to your surroundings.

Cook's Point – Follow the rocky beach past the boathouse building to find the perfect spot to look out over Second Bay, and watch the world go by. You'll often see a Great Blue Heron perched on the rocks in front of Second Bay.

Wildlife Viewing – The park provides habitat for many species. A few more common species include Eagles, Blacktail deer, hummingbirds, Heron, ducks and other waterfowl. It's not uncommon to see harbour seals and sea lions out on the ocean.

The Meadow – This area provides a lovely spot to picnic. There are 3 to 4 picnic benches available, but the large grassy meadow is also great for a large blanket, or perhaps a field game.

Skipsey Lake – Follow the trail to this small lake (more of a swampy pond), and you may find a few of Moorecrofts rare species: the Northern Red-Legged Frog and the Western Painted Turtle. Look in the water, and you will see a few salamanders.

Walk the Trails – Each time I go to Moorecroft Regional Park, I discover something new (and I have been there a lot). Enjoy the many stroller-friendly paths to see what you can find!

Getting There

Moorecroft Regional Park is located at 1563 Stewart Road in Nanoose Bay. Stewart Road is accessed off of Northwest Bay Road.

If you are coming from Highway 19, take the Northwest Bay Road exit off the highway (at the Petro Canada in Nanoose).

Turn right onto Stewart Road and follow to the very end. Watch for signs along the way.

Other Nanoose Trails Worth Checking Out

• Double Waterfall (member-only post)
• Notch Hill

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