BY TAMMY TOOR
In Nanaimo, if somebody tells you to “take a hike,” I suggest you take them literally.
After living in this beautiful city for more than 20 years now, I am still amazed at the many hiking opportunities found all around us. Here are a couple of hiking areas that I strongly suggest you check out as the days continue to get longer and warmer:
Linley Valley Park
This is quickly becoming one of Nanaimo’s most popular hiking destinations. This 149-hectare park is centrally located in the Hammond Bay area.
The network of trails within the park will take you through various landscapes from forested trails to valleys, fields and rocky knolls.
The city-managed portion of the parkland includes groomed trails and maintained boardwalks.
There are several entrance points into the park, including Burma Road, Rock City Road, Rutherford Road and Linley Road.
Cable Bay Trail
Not only is this park a year-round dog off-leash park, but its trails wind down to the oceanfront, giving pristine views of Gabriola Island and back toward Nanaimo harbour.
The forested trail is fewer than two kilometres with some steep sections.
The views waiting you at the end of the trail are well worth the effort.
Parking is found at the end of Nicola Road.
Biggs Park/Jack Point
If you want a breathtaking view of the Nanaimo River Estuary, downtown Nanaimo, Protection Island and Gabriola Island, you don’t want to miss visiting this area.
Popular for wildlife viewing, you just may experience sea lions, seals and even harbour porpoises frequenting the waters. Most of this 13-hectare park is natural and undeveloped with a trail leading from Biggs Park to Jack Point. The trail is mostly chips, but there are some stairs and boardwalks over the bluffs.
The loop from the parking lot to the tip of Jack Point is 2.5 kilometres. To find this park, go toward the Duke Point ferry terminal. The address is 501 Duke Point Highway.
There are so many more gems in Nanaimo just waiting to be discovered by you. For more options, pick up a copy of our Explore Our Parks and Trails brochure or visit our website at www.nanaimo.ca.
Whatever you do, don’t forget the camera and remember: it’s OK to brag about your surroundings to all of your friends and family in other parts of the world.
Tammy Toor is a communications specialist with City of Nanaimo’s Parks, Recreation and Environment department.