The best running trails around Nanaimo

Nanaimo offers a wide variety of running experiences, with over 50 routes documented on komoot. These range from easy strolls to more challenging trail runs, catering to all fitness levels.

Yes, Nanaimo has options for beginners. While many routes are moderate, you can find easier sections within parks like Bowen Park, which offers picturesque trails and a serene duck pond. The Harbourfront Walkway also provides a flat, scenic coastal run perfect for a leisurely pace.

For longer runs, the Parkway Trail is an excellent choice, offering a multi-use paved path that stretches for 19 kilometers. You can also combine sections of trails within Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, which boasts 22 kilometers of trails, for an extended running experience.

Many of Nanaimo's parks offer family-friendly sections. Bowen Park, with its paved paths and amenities, is a great option. The Harbourfront Walkway is also flat and accessible, making it suitable for strollers. For a scenic lakeside experience, parts of the Westwood Lake loop are generally well-maintained and popular with families.

Many of Nanaimo's outdoor spaces welcome dogs, typically on leash. Westwood Lake Park is a popular spot for runners with dogs, offering a scenic loop. Pipers Lagoon Park and Neck Point Park also provide coastal trails where you can enjoy a run with your canine companion, offering ocean views and hidden coves.

Absolutely! You can find natural attractions along several routes. Bowen Park features beautiful waterfalls. For a more dedicated waterfall experience, the trail to Ammonite Falls offers a memorable journey. Additionally, Westwood Lake Park and Morrell Lake routes provide serene lake views and lush forest surroundings.

Nanaimo has several excellent circular routes. The Westwood Lake loop from Westwood is a popular 10.1 km circular trail. Another favorite is the Beaver Pond – Morrell Lake loop from Vancouver Island University, which is about 10 km. For a coastal option, the Giovando Lookout – Saltery Beach loop from Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Provincial Park offers a scenic 9.3 km loop.

Many areas in Nanaimo are accessible via public transport. Routes around Vancouver Island University, such as the Beaver Pond – Morrell Lake loop, are often well-connected. For routes like the Harbourfront Walkway or those in Bowen Park, local bus services can typically get you close to the starting points.

Nanaimo's coastal location means plenty of ocean views. The Harbourfront Walkway offers maritime vistas along the Newcastle Channel. Pipers Lagoon Park and Neck Point are renowned for their coastal trails, hidden coves, and unique sandstone formations with terrific lookouts over the Strait of Georgia.

The running routes in Nanaimo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Runners often praise the diverse landscapes, from serene lakes and lush forests to stunning coastal paths, and the variety of options available for different fitness levels. The well-maintained trails and scenic backdrops are frequently highlighted as key attractions.

For those seeking a challenge, Mount Benson offers significant trail running options with wooded, hilly terrain and rewarding panoramic views of Nanaimo and the Georgia Strait. The network of trails connected to Westwood Lake Park, leading into the Mount Benson foothills, also provides more difficult terrain.

Nanaimo experiences a temperate climate, making it suitable for running year-round. The region is characterized by cool temperatures and frequent cloudy skies, which contribute to lush natural environments. Spring and fall offer pleasant conditions, while summers are generally mild. Even in winter, many trails remain accessible, though checking local conditions is always advisable.