At first glance, the Abyss Trail in Nanaimo seems like a simple forest walk, that is, until you realize it hides a few secrets. Beyond the famous crack in the earth, you’ll find a fairy circle and a mysterious labyrinth hidden just out of sight.
We’ve hiked this trail countless times, but it took a recent visit to uncover them all. Here’s how you can find every one of these unique treasures for yourself.
Quick Facts
- Trail Features: Large fissure; City views; Labyrinth; Fairy circle; Arbutus groves
- Length: Approximately 8 km out and back; Just over 1 km to the Abyss, and three more to the Labyrinth
- Elevation Gain: 239 meters
- Hazards: Large crack in the earth (keep dogs on a leash!!); slippery rocks; exposed tree roots
- Difficulty: Moderate due to elevation gain and rocky trail
- Suitability: Keeping dogs on a leash around the Abyss is crucial due to the hazards mentioned above. This trail is not wheelchair or stroller-friendly.
- Bike Trails: Yes! There are many offshoot mountain biking trails.
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The Abyss
As our first Hidden Gems article mentions, the Abyss is a large fissure or crack in the earth. Recent research completed by @bctreehunter21 indicates that coal mining caused the crack from below.
The Abyss is approximately 50 cm wide, and no one knows how deep it goes. Around the same area, you can also find other smaller earth cracks.
It's a unique geological formation one should see.
However, it can be dangerous, especially for small dogs. There have been several instances where dogs have had to be rescued (by the local fire department) after falling several meters into the large crack. I've witnessed this firsthand, and it was extremely traumatizing for the owner and dog.
Keeping dogs on a leash while in the area is extremely important!! I can't stress this enough! This shouldn't even have to be stated, but keep young children close at hand as well.
Please use common sense when near the large crack. It would be a great shame if this area were no longer accessible due to human complacency.
The Trail
Getting to the Abyss is a short but relatively steep hike along the Extension Ridge Trail, a portion of the Great Trail, formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail.
This first portion is not the most scenic of trails, for you walk through a cut-block. However, several beautiful Arbutus trees remain. And, let's be honest, the main attraction is the large crack.
The trail is clearly marked with plenty of signage along the way.
The Fairy Circle and Labyrinth
Beyond the Abyss, you can find a fairy circle and a labyrinth.
Full disclosure: The fairy circle is honestly nothing spectacular. (I had high hopes for this destination and was completely deflated when I found it). However, the sweeping city views along the way and the labyrinth at the end make the trek worthwhile.
As you continue on the Extension Ridge Trail, you walk through Arbutus groves along narrow paths with steep drop-offs on one side and expansive views on the other. There are several lookout points along the way, one of which provides two carved-out wooden seats, beckoning the hiker to sit and enjoy the view.
The labyrinth at the end of your trek is a bit hidden and off the main trail. Before you find it, you must first find the fairy circle.
Finding the Fairy Circle
After you've taken in the city views mentioned above, continue along the Extension Ridge trail for approximately 1.5 – 2 km. You'll come out to a bit of a clearing, and right in the middle, you'll find the fairy circle.
People have placed small toys, fake necklaces, and painted rocks inside this circle. Because of these trinkets scattered about, you can't miss it.
If fairy circles are something you believe in, then it's best to follow the old folklore and circumnavigate the circle three times for good luck before continuing.
And even if this is a bunch of hogwash to you, this fairy circle is where you will stop following the Extension Ridge Trail so you can find the labyrinth.
Finding the Labyrinth
Facing the fairy circle with the Extension Ridge Trail sign ahead of you and slightly to your right, you will follow the trail to your left to find the labyrinth. It's a very short distance around the bend after the fairy circle.
Once you've successfully walked through the labyrinth (and found your zen 😉 ), you'll turn back around and follow the same path you took to get here back to your vehicle.
A Note About the Surrounding Trails
If you want to extend your hike, the Extension Ridge Trail continues for another few km and ends at a logging road. Along the way, there are more viewpoints and a steep downhill section that mountain bikers love.
If you continue to follow the trail past the labyrinth, you will end up in the middle of the clear-cut. Although the views are great, the trails and roads are very confusing to navigate. This is why I note that it's an out-and-back trail rather than a loop.
Getting There
The trailhead is found off Harewood Mines Road. If you type “Abyss Trail” into Google Maps, you will be directed to the parking area.
After parking your vehicle, follow the path past the large sign to a set of stairs. This is where your ascent begins.
Thanks to the Regional District of Nanaimo, there are numerous signs along the way to guide you in the right direction. You can't get lost if you continue to see and follow the Extension Ridge signposts.
You can find the first portion of the trail on the following trail apps: Alltrails, Trailpeak, and Trailforks (the latter is more suited to mountain bikers).
If you are continuing to the labyrinth, please follow the directions I've stated above.
Why you should go
If you love a hike that mixes a little mystery with a lot of fun, the Abyss is worth checking out. There aren’t many places where you can peer into a massive crack in the earth and then stumble upon a hidden rock labyrinth just a short walk away.
The trail itself is easy to follow, winding through classic Nanaimo forest with great views along the way. It’s the kind of local adventure that feels slightly off the beaten path but is still easily accessible. It's perfect for curious explorers and anyone who enjoys discovering something truly unique on Vancouver Island.
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Other Great Nanaimo Trails
If you are searching for more trails with unique features in Nanaimo, check these places out:
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They have now logged the entire area surrounding the abyss, and it’s pretty tricky to get into. It’s surrounded by a cut block now that is completely destroyed and messy.
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that. Thank you for the update.
Mosaic / Timber West is destroying a lot of hidden gems, and the sad thing is they legally have the rights to do it. Because 23% of Vancouver Island is legally & privately owned by the Logging Companies, have had been for centuries
Hi, I’m hoping you can do an article on the Creeper walk/hike, which you can also access via the Abyss trail or I’ve also heard you can access it via Virostko Road off Extension.
I believe we were actually following the creeper loop, however stopped at the 8 km mark to view the labyrinth instead of continuing on to complete the full 11 km Creeper loop. I’ll keep it in mind to follow up on our next adventure here.