Beach Estates Park.

A short hike just a sones throw away from the ferry.

• When – Good all times of year.
• Where – Central island. (Nanaimo)
• Why – Hike to waterfall, stream’s, and the ocean. (1-Hour)
• How – Walking.
• Difficulty – Easy (not suitable for strollers or walkers).
• Cost – Free

Location / Directions (49.0111332N,-123.8782099W)

Located in central Nanaimo. From the island highway turn on to departure bay road, turn right into the Church of the Nazarene parking lot. There is also parking at the Tim Horton’s across the road.

The hike

It’s a hidden gem right in town following a stream with a water fall to the ocean and at 500 meters each way this short hike is a perfect way to take in some scenery for a short time if your waiting for a ferry or appointment.

Just before you head down Estevan rd, across form the Tim Horton’s is a church parking lot and on the south side is the trail head. The trail its self is well groomed and has plenty of boardwalks and stairs, making the trek easy to navigate. About a quarter of the way is a water fall, at the bottom of the fall the trail bridges across making a great places to take in the view. As you follow the trail down along a stream you will reach the beach and can continue along, as long as the tide isn’t up or hang out watching the ferry’s dock and boats go by.