Some of my favourite Vancouver Island outings involve a coastal walk, a few local stops and something delicious along the way. Yellow Point and Cedar make it easy to put together that kind of day.
Tucked between Nanaimo and Ladysmith, this rural area brings together forest trails, rocky beaches, farms and places to eat. You can paddle beside sandstone ledges, explore tide pools or browse for locally grown goodies.
Kayaking has always been a highlight for our family here. I never tire of spotting sea stars along the shoreline or watching seals in the water, and our kids share that excitement. But there’s plenty to enjoy on land, too. This guide to Yellow Point and Cedar will help you choose a few stops for your next visit.
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Where to Launch your Kayak in Yellow Point
The best spot to launch kayaks is in Blue Heron Park, found off Yellow Point Road between Roberts Park and Yellow Point Park. Watch for the ‘Beach Access' sign. There is a short stroll down the steps from the parking lot to the shoreline.
Even though it is a bit more of a walk, I recommend launching the kayaks when the tide is out. This way you have a greater chance of seeing sea life. Especially those clinging to the sandstone ledges.
The carved sandstone shoreline of Blue Heron Bay is home to abundant sea creatures. Stay right, close to shore, and head towards Yellow Point Lodge. I can't guarantee it, but along the way you should see brightly coloured sea stars, large kelp crabs (with long, spindly legs, like a spider), sea cucumbers, kelp beds, and other plant life.
If you come up short on sea life while kayaking along the rocky shores, the towering sandstone landscapes will surely keep you interested.
If you'd rather just stay on land, Blue Heron Park is also a great place to have a picnic (tables are provided), pick blackberries (seasonal, of course) or stroll along the rocky shore. The unique sandstone formations viewed from the water also host some pretty awesome tide pools up on the beach. These tide pools are created by the erosion of the waves splashing up on shore.
Other Yellow Point Attractions
Another great ocean access in Yellow Point (although not necessarily kayak-friendly) is Roberts Memorial Park. A short 15-20 minute (1 km (.6 mile)) walk through a grove of Douglas Fir trees leads to a rocky oceanfront with unique sandstone ledges and small tidal pools.
Yellow Point Park offers a beautiful loop trail along a gravel pathway through large cedar and Douglas fir trees. Please note that there are a few swampy sections, and one section may be impassable due to large amounts of water.
Shop in the quaint farm store at Yellow Point Farms for local produce, pastured meat, honey, wool, and more. While there, visit the farm animals.
Yellow Point Cranberries – Head here for delicious cranberry products grown on Vancouver Island's finest family-operated cranberry farm.
McNab's Farm – A family-friendly farm full of Fall festivities! You'll find a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides and more.
Cedar Yellow Point Christmas Tour – Every Summer and Christmas, artisans and crafters in the area open up their studios. Follow the self-guided tour for great gift ideas!
Ladybug’s Mew Farm & Garden Store brings together locally grown produce, plants, and farm-made art. Set on a 12-acre, organically managed farm, this charming spot features a boutique farm store and garden nursery, with seasonal offerings including berries, tree fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It also hosts intimate, ticketed concerts.
Places to Camp around Yellow Point
- 4 All Seasons Resort – A family-owned camping facility with over 100 sites in a treed setting
- Mermaid Cove Resort – this one is situated right next to Blue Heron Park.
- Tillicum Seaside Resort – also beside Blue Heron Park (their website is extremely limited with information, but has some fantastic pictures of the area) contact #(250) 245-3848
Although not in Yellow Point, the Living Forest Campground is a popular campsite in South Nanaimo (only a 15-minute drive to Cedar/Yellow Point).
Where to Stay in Yellow Point
If camping just isn't your thing, these other accommodations in the Yellow Point/Cedar area might pique your interest:
Cedar Area
Yellow Point is technically part of Ladysmith, while Cedar is part of Nanaimo, yet people often (mistakenly) use Cedar to describe the Yellow Point area. Only one street separates the two communities. While in the area, you may want to check out these other attractions.
Cable Bay Trail – a favourite hike of mine when living in the area. The trail drops down a wide trail to a pretty seashore. If you're lucky, you may see sea lions. Keep following the trail to Joan Point Park. The 23-acre waterfront park provides a great vantage point overlooking Dodd Narrows. The parking lot for Cable Bay Trail is at the end of Nicola Road.
Hemer Provincial Park – The marsh area at this park is a favourite destination for bird watchers. The 11 kilometres of easy walking trails weave through the park along Holden Lake and the marsh areas. Located off Cedar Road (follow the directional signs to the park).
The Crow and Gate Pub – This authentic English-style pub is a favourite destination point for people who live on Vancouver Island.
For a more upscale dining experience, you must try The Mahle House – situated in a restored 1904 heritage home in the heart of the Cedar community. The service is impeccable, and the food is absolutely delicious!
Cedar Farmer's Market – This market buzzes with activity every Sunday morning from mid-May to the end of October. Locals and tourists flock to enjoy farm-fresh produce and homemade products from nearby producers. Open Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. Located at 1984 Woobank Road.
The Cranberry Arms – Founded in 1878 by Michael and Anne Halloran, who won the property in a game of cards! It was then called “The Cranberry Hotel”. It still operates as a pub and hotel.
Why You Should Explore Yellow Point and Cedar
What I love about Yellow Point and Cedar is how easily a simple outing becomes a full day of exploring. A shoreline walk, a farm shop and a leisurely lunch make a lovely combination.
Pick a few places that catch your interest and leave time to linger. Whether you come for kayaking, forest trails or local flavours, this little corner of Vancouver Island deserves a spot on your list.
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Don’t forget about ‘Ladybug’s Mew in Yellow Point’. They have a 12.7 acres farm, with a Concert Stage, offering ‘live and intimate’ outdoor music events, a Farm Store (Gift Shop), Garden Centre, and Farm Stand. As well, they are a full-time vendor at the Cedar Farmers Market (the 8th largest farmers market in B.C.) and on the Cedar Yellow Point Artisans Christmas Tour (in its 37th year). Their website, which contains a great deal of information on their Concert Stage and so much more, is http://www.ladybugsmewinyellowpoint.ca
Thank you! I will add it in.
I suggest a couple of edits: Blanket and Spoon have retired and the Sunday market changed locations.
You are quite right, Debi. This is an older post and definitely needs an update. I will try to get to that ASAP. Thank you for the updated information.
Seaside Spa!! (A day spa)
🙂
I didn’t know there was a spa in Yellow Point. Thank you for the information!