3-Day Nanaimo Itinerary for Nature Lovers

3-Day Nanaimo Itinerary for Nature Lovers

Experience Nanaimo’s diverse landscapes, from waterfalls to coastal trails, with this 3-day itinerary. Based on 2025 updates from Tourism Nanaimo and BC Parks, it includes dining, costs, travel times, and safety tips, assuming you’re based in downtown Nanaimo.

Day 1: Ammonite Falls & Neck Point Park

 

 

• Morning: Ammonite Falls
  • Trail Details: Start at Benson Creek Falls Regional Park (15 km from Nanaimo, 20-min drive). Hike the Ammonite Falls Trail (3.5 km round-trip, moderate, 1.5–2 hrs, 100m elevation gain) to a 30m waterfall with fossil-strewn rocks. Moderately steep but rewarding.
  • Cost: Free (no park pass required).
  • Travel Time: 20-min drive or 30-min BC Transit Route 15 ($2 one-way).
  • Restaurant: Crow & Gate Pub (2313 Yellow Point Rd, 10-min drive). English-style pub with fish and chips ($15–25 CAD). Scenic garden patio.
• Afternoon: Neck Point Park
  • Trail Details: Drive to Neck Point Park (6 km from Nanaimo, 10-min drive). Hike the coastal trails (3 km loop, easy, 1–1.5 hrs) for ocean views, rocky beaches, and seal sightings. Ideal for sunset strolls.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Travel Time: 10-min drive or 15-min BC Transit Route 2 ($2 one-way).
  • Restaurant: Mambo Gourmet Pizza (16 Victoria Crescent, 10-min drive). Offers wood-fired pizzas ($15–25 CAD). Casual dining.
• Precautions: Ammonite Falls trail can be slippery; wear grippy shoes. Stay on marked coastal paths at Neck Point to avoid tidal hazards. Carry bear spray ($40–50 CAD at Canadian Tire).

Day 2: Westwood Lake & Newcastle Island

 

 

• Morning: Westwood Lake
  • Trail Details: Drive to Westwood Lake (5 km from Nanaimo, 10-min drive). Hike the Westwood Lake Loop (5.5 km, easy, 2 hrs, minimal elevation gain) around a tranquil lake with mountain views. Swimming possible in warmer weather.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Travel Time: 10-min drive or 15-min BC Transit Route 50 ($2 one-way).
  • Restaurant: Tina’s Diner (2205 Island Hwy S, 10-min drive). Retro diner with burgers and milkshakes ($10–20 CAD). Family-friendly.
• Afternoon: Newcastle Island (Saysutshun)
  • Trail Details: Take a 10-min ferry from Maffeo Sutton Park (downtown Nanaimo) to Newcastle Island. Hike the Island Loop Trail (7.5 km, easy, 2–3 hrs) for shoreline views, wildlife, and First Nations history.
  • Cost: Ferry $12 CAD round-trip (Saysutshun Ferry).
  • Travel Time: 10-min ferry ride; book at Saysutshun Ferry.
  • Restaurant: Gabriel’s Gourmet Café (39 Commercial St, 5-min walk from ferry dock). Offers sandwiches and salads ($10–20 CAD). Harborfront setting.
• Precautions: Watch ferry schedules; last return ~6 PM. Trails may be muddy; bring rain gear. Keep 100m from wildlife; report sightings to 250-754-4600.

Day 3: Englishman River Falls & Pipers Lagoon

 

 

• Morning: Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
  • Trail Details: Drive to Englishman River Falls (35 km from Nanaimo, 30-min drive). Hike the Main Trail (4 km round-trip, easy, 1.5–2 hrs) to two waterfalls and emerald pools amidst old-growth forest.
  • Cost: Free (BC Parks may require free Day Use Pass in 2025).
  • Travel Time: 30-min drive; no public transit.
  • Restaurant: Cuckoo Trattoria (2800 Island Hwy W, 15-min drive). Italian dishes like pasta ($20–30 CAD). Cozy ambiance.
• Afternoon: Pipers Lagoon Park
  • Trail Details: Drive to Pipers Lagoon (7 km from Nanaimo, 12-min drive). Hike the lagoon trails (2.5 km loop, easy, 1 hr) for tidal flats, birdwatching, and ocean views. Great for relaxed exploration.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Travel Time: 12-min drive or 20-min BC Transit Route 2 ($2 one-way).
  • Restaurant: Modern Café (221 Commercial St, 10-min drive). Gastropub with local seafood ($20–35 CAD). Vibrant atmosphere.
• Precautions: Englishman River trails have steep drops; stay on paths. Check tide times at Pipers Lagoon to avoid being stranded. Bear spray recommended.

General Costs (3 Days, Per Person)

• Transportation: $20–35 CAD (BC Transit/ferry) or $40–60 CAD (gas for self-drive).
• Ferry: $12 CAD (Newcastle Island).
• Dining: $100–150 CAD (mid-range meals, 2/day).
• Total Estimate: $130–245 CAD (excluding accommodation).

Travel Times Summary

• Vancouver to Nanaimo: 2 hrs via BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (~$20–90 CAD).
• Within Nanaimo: Sites 10–30 min by car or 15–40 min by BC Transit.

Key Precautions

• Wildlife Safety: Carry bear spray, hike in groups, keep 100m from bears, 30m from seals. Report incidents to 250-754-4600.
• Trail Conditions: May trails may be wet; check BC Parks for closures (e.g., Little Qualicum Falls closed until 2025).
• Weather: 5–15°C in May; bring layers and waterproof gear. Use Spotwx.
• Parking: Limited at Englishman River Falls; arrive before 8 AM.

Final Notes

Nanaimo’s trails blend waterfalls, lakes, and coastal beauty, ideal for May hiking. Book ferry tickets early via Saysutshun Ferry and check Tourism Nanaimo for updates. Explore responsibly!

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Disclaimer: Costs and conditions based on 2025 data. Verify with BC Parks for updates.