Everything Nanaimo

TRANSFER BEACH

2012-04-22T13:59:00.002-07:00

Very colorful kayaks available for rent

A few of the several benches available to the public

A couple of kayakers returning from a successful and adventurous paddling.

A solitary sailboat anchored just in front of Transfer Beach

A few of the driftwoods found along the rocky shore

A few of the waterfront Condos for sale


Gravel road leading to an undeveloped part of Transfer Beach by the waterfront

A house boat


Lots of firewood aboard


Wild Rabbit


White-crowned Sparrow

Gold-crowned Sparrow

Bald Eagle


Raven

Transfer Beach is a large park which is centrally located on the waterfront of the Community of Ladysmith, just about 15 kms South of Nanaimo. It is a part of the Greater Nanaimo Regional District. It is a very popular spot for summer activities and community events for the residents of Ladysmith. As you approach the town of Ladysmith from the South there's a large sign identifying Transfer Beach on your right. Follow the short paved access road to a large parking lot. Some of the summer activities enjoyed at Transfer Beach include sightseeing, birdwatching, picknicking, beach volleyball, freesbees and kayaking. For the children there is a playground and a water spray park to entertain. There is also a sandbox with climbing apparatus and a small playboat. There are many picnic tables in the park which are used regularly by locals and visitors. Throughout the park are sitting benches, monuments and flowering plants and shrubs. Some of the birds in the area include Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, lots of gulls, sparrows and vaious other shore birds.

A FINE DAY AT PIPER'S LAGOON

2012-04-16T01:16:00.001-07:00

Part of a big flock of Gloucester Gull Colony

Kings of the Hill

It was very interesting to watch these gulls taking turns to be on the top of the outcrop.

Control Tower, ready for landing!

Controlled chaos

An adult Eagle


A juvenile Bald Eagle landing on a branch


Steady as you go!


A group of sealions while in water is called a raft. Whereas a group of sea lions gathered on land or ice floe are known as a colony.

A very peaceful afternoon at Piper's Lagoon overlooking the mainland

A Juvenile Bald Eagle

An Eagle's nest


An Eagle's nest is quite huge compared to the average bird's nest. More like a mansion nest...hehehe...

It was a busy Saturday morning for me. After breakfast, I worked for a few hours clearing my new garden plot of debris, dead leaves and other garden refuse. After lunch, I told Kathy we should head to Piper's Lagoon so I could possibly get a few shots of the resident Eagles that hang around the Park. When we arrived, there were already lots of people enjoying the scenery and the wildlife: gulls, sea lions and various other kinds of birds and waterfowls. It was only about 14'C but it was sunny and I found it rather pleasant more bearable than the heat of summer. A friend of us told us about a not-so-well hidden Eagle's nest located on the North side of the park. On our way there, we spotted an adult Bald Eagle circling above our head. We decided to hide under the nearest tree overlooking the tree with the Eagle's nest. Soon enough, the adult Eagle perched on top of the nearby tree not too far from the nest. I was so happy to finally managed to shoot some decent photos of the elusive Eagle. Sure, we normally see the Eagles flying overhead but they are just too high up to get some decent shots. For those interested , you can look at my previous posting about Piper's Lagoon Park to find out the location and other pertinent data. It's still one of my favorite Parks . It truly is beautiful and just the right size for a great walk and exploration. There seems to be more to explore, see and hear in Piper's Lagoon, one great reason why I keep coming back and don't get tired and bored. A good set of binocular, a pair of hiking boots or runners and a camera is a must if you ever decide to explore and visit Piper's Lagoon anytime of the year.

BIRDS IN SPRINGTIME

2012-04-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

A pair of Eurasian Doves


A Merlin


An immature Bald Eagle

House Sparrow


Northwestern Crow ready for nest building


White-crowned Sparrow


Bald Eagle


Adult Bald Eagle


American Robin


Northwestern Crow


Can't I have any privacy anymore? Sorry, Mrs. Osprey...


Marsh Wren


Canada Geese and Mallard


Northern Pintail....OOpseeey daisey!!!


Female Red-winged Blackbird


Golden -crowned Kinglet


Northern Flicker


White Crowned Sparrow


Cedar Waxwing


Male Red winged Blackbird


Violet-Green Swallow


Anna's Hummingbird


Great Blue Heron


Hooded Mergansers

Yellow- rumped warbler

Song Sparrow


House Finch


Spotted Towhee

Northern Shrike

Song Sparrow

American Robin


Bewicks's Wren


Canada Goose


Brown Creeper


Golden Crown Kinglet

This is an exciting time of the year in Nanaimo. Numerous species of birds are arriving in decent numbers. I am very happy to present to you some of these birds.These are some of the species recently spotted in and around the Greater Regional District of Nanaimo: Canada Goose, Brant, Mallard, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Pacific Loon, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Double-Crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Black OysterCatcher, Bonaparte's Gull, Mew Gull, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Rufous Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-breaster Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Northwestern Crow, Common Raven, Violet-backed Chickadee, Brown-creeper, Bewick's Wren, Pacific Wren, Northern Shrike, American Dipper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, European Robin, European Starling, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Great Blue Heron . As usual, majority of these birds can be seen in the Buttertubs marsh, Nanaimo River Estuary, the Nanaimo waterfront area and other various parks. Bring your binoculars and cameras and enjoy your birding experience in Nanaimo!

BUTTERTUBS MARSH: EARLY SPRING

2012-03-25T18:24:00.003-07:00

What am I?


Anna's hummingbird


Mt. Benson in early Springtime in Nanaimo


One of the viewing platforms

The Red-winged Blackbird's favorite lookout


The very flighty Red-winged Blackbird


One of the tamest birds in Buttertubs Marsh, American Robin


American Robin


Male Hooded Merganser with a catch


Hooded Mergansers


This Great Blue Heron got a small fish just after I took this photo!

Great Blue Heron


Female and Male Mallard Ducks


Female Mallard

Spotted Towhee

The Majestic-looking Cedar Waxwing


The Cedar Waxwing with its sleek brown body and always appear to be neatly groomed all the time.


Bewick's Wren singing for a mate

Male and Female Hooded Merganser

The male House Finch

Probably one of the best times of the year to really enjoy Buttertubs Marsh is early springtime. This is the time when most of the birds fly back to Nanaimo from their winter habitat wherever that maybe. Among the early arrivals are Bewick's wren, marsh wren, Red-winged blackbird, Spotted Towhee, Pine Siskin, Dark-eyed Junco, Canada Geese, Stellar's Jay, Great Blue Heron, Mallard, Hooded Merganser and others. There's an abundance of birds that habitually stay all-year round in Buttertubs Marsh.You can find the location of Buttertubs Marsh in my wintertime posting a couple of months ago. There are numerous birds that visit this area but unfortunately majority are really so flighty and easily spooked and almost impossible to photograph. My most recent visit to Buttertubs Marsh proved to be very productive much to my enjoyment! I am quite happy to share my very recent photos with you. Enjoy!

GABRIOLA SANDS PROVINCIAL PARK

2012-02-29T11:10:00.000-08:00


This is a designated day-use only Park and there's no potable water available.

Gabriola Sands Provincial Park is located on the Northwest side of Gabriola Island on the isthmus dividing Taylor Bay and Pilot Bay. You can reach Gabriola Island via BC Ferries from Nanaimo on the Southern Vancouver Island, just a 20- minute ferry ride on the MV Quinsam. From the ferry terminal on Gabriola Island, turn left on Taylor Bay Road and follow until you see signs for Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, located on Decourcy Drive. The park is also accessible by boat. Gabriola Sands Provincial Park features two large sandy beaches and large manicured grassy lawns. This is a small day-use only park and proves to be a very popular local destination for swimming, picknicking and other sporting and special events. The park's two sandy beaches form an isthmus that divides Taylor Bay and Pilot Bay. This isthmus and sandy beach are relatively uncommon in the rocky Gulf Islands and provide important ecosystems for migratory and breeding shorebirds and various marine invertebrates that live in the sand. There is no potable water available in the park so it's a good idea to bring your own drinking water. It doesn't have a boat launch either. The nearest boat launch is located at Silva Bay Marina on Gabriola Island.

DESCANSO BAY PROVINCIAL PARK

2012-02-10T12:56:00.000-08:00

One of the two oyster bays

Oyster Bay

Mussels clinging to the rocks

Vanocuver-bound BC Ferry

Low tide shows the sandy beach

Trail leading to the campsite

MV Quinsam ferries passengers and vehicles to and from Nanaimo to Gabriola Island.

Duke Point as seen from Descanso Bay Campground

Sunset at Descanso Bay


One of the 32 campsites in the park


Two frolicking Orcas or killer whales near the ferry terminal

Formerly known as the Gabriola Campground, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) second regional campground renamed it Descanso Bay Provincial Park in 2002. It was acquired by the RDN following a generous donation by the Coastal Community Credit Union. It is located at 595 Taylor Bay Road less than 5 minute drive from the BC ferry terminal. It offers 32 great camping sites on a beautiful 10 hectares oceanfront property. There are many activities available such as kayaking, picnicking, hiking and tent/rv camping. There are three coves that are sandy at low tides and offer abundant oysters and mussels. Descanso Bay also offered wooded campsites. Firewood can be purchased from a small convenience store which is located at the check-in shelter at the park's entrance. It is opened year-round and the rates are very reasonable. I recommend making a reservation especially during the busy summer season. There is a small boat and kayak launch and day-use areas overlooking the shellfish coves. Campers and visitors can explore the seafront, watch the ferry boats go by and marvel at the beautiful view of downtown Nanaimo and Mount Benson . The wooded trails in the regional park connect to the adjacent Cox Community Park. Descanso Bay is the only public campground with forested tent and rv sites in Gabriola Island. However, there are no public showers or running water available. There are pit toilets and artesian wells with potable water.

SANDWELL PROVINCIAL PARK

2012-02-03T11:54:00.000-08:00


Gabriola Island Ferry Terminal


MV Quinsam on its 20-minute trip from Nanaimo to Gabriola


Nice sandy beach overlooking Lock Bay


A B.C. Ferry on the Salish Sea

Smiling Gull


Entrance Island lighthouse


B.C. Ferry Vancouver-bound

Lock Bay

Sandwell Provincial Park is located on Gabriola Island, a 20-minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo. The park is located on Strand Road, approximately 10 kms. from the ferry terminal. Take North Road and turn left on Barrett Road following park directional signs. It is 12 hectares. Sandwell Park was established in 1988 to protect archeological sites, including a petroglyph and shell middens and their settings. The sandy beach ecosystem include threatened communities such as those found in the back dune. An 800 meter walking trail leads from the parking lot to the day use picnic area on the beach at Lock Bay. The final portion of the trail to the beach is very steep and slippery. Visitors should use caution and wear proper footwear. There is no designated swimming area at this park however the sandy beach at Lock Bay is a very nice spot for ocean swimming. There are no lifeguards on duty at the park. The beach offers a lovely view of the Salish Sea, formerly known as Straight of Georgia.A picnic area overlooking the sandy beach of Lock Bay is located approximately 800 meters from the parking lot. Facilities include 2 picnic tables, pit toilets and an information booth. There are numerous logs and driftwoods along the sandy beach to sit on and watch the astounding oceanview. Sandwell Provincial Park , with its long sandy beach and views of the Salish Sea, is a favorite destination for residents and visitors to Gabriola Island. One of the 3 provincial parks on Gabriola Island, Sandwell offers a short walking trail through the woods leading to a picnic area overlooking the shores of Lock Bay. This is a lovely place to spend a peaceful afternoon relaxing on the beach or taking a refreshing dip on the ocean waters. At low tide, visitors can walk down the beach to view a prehistoric petroglyph carved in the sandstone rocks, east of the day-use area. This site is accessible only at low tide.

NANAIMO RIVER ESTUARY

2012-01-28T12:24:00.000-08:00


A Great Blue Heron in the summertime

Widgeons

An inquisitive Robin

Great Blue Heron


A great Blue Heron searching for food

A not-too-shy solitary gull

A pair of Canada geese

Red-winged Blackbird

Canada Goose

Male and Female Mallard ducks


A common Harrier in early Fall

A common Harrier


Nanaimo Skyline


This is the unusually large Garry Oak tree that stands out among the grasses and other shrubs on the open meadows that lead into the estuary.


Mt. Benson

Arbutus Tree

Estuaries are places where rivers meet the sea. Therefore where salt and fresh water meet the salinity content changes and is dynamic as life flourishes. The Nanaimo River Estuary is the largest in Vancouver Island and the 5th largest in all of British Columbia. It was once considered the bread basket of the Snuneymuxw First Nation People. But decades of pollution due to log mills, log booms, shipping and other sources of pollution, marine life deteriorated to such extent that immediate solutions are being considered. The Nanaimo Estuary is located just south of the Nanaimo downtown area. It is bordered on the right by Duke Point and Biggs Park and on the left is the City of Nanaimo along the Nanaimo Harbour. B.C. estuaries are crucial and productive breeding and feeding habitat for invertebrates, fish, marine birds and mammals due to the mixture of freshwater, sea water and light. Its protection is sorely needed as soon as possible.According to several scientific studies, saltwater marsh and eelgrass that thrive along the estuaries can store several tonnes of carbon annually. As an example, 400 square kms. of eelgrass and salt water marsh can store as much as all of B.C. boreal forest. According to Colin Campbell, science advisor for Sierra Club of BC, the Nanaimo Estuary is ranked in the top seven of 442 BC estuaries for effective sea burial of carbon because of its high concentration of eelgrass and salt marshes. They bury carbon for thousands of years where nothing happens. It gets locked down until it gets uncovered. This is probably the most efficient carbon removal mechanism on earth and the Nanaimo Estuary is right up there because of its size and its salt marshes. In comparison, forests, also considered important carbons eradicator/ remover sink, bury carbon for hundreds of years. Campbell's report indicates estuaries can be up to 90x more efficient than the equivalent area of forest, but are disappearing far faster than forests. In B.C., estuary habitats sequester a minimum of 180,000 tonnes of carbon annually, equivalent to the emissions of 200,000 passenger cars. Eelgrass absorbs carbon from water while salt marshes absorb it from the atmosphere.Controlling the log booms and log mills and diverting run-off of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides is crucial for saving the eelgrass and salt marshes. It's in everybody's best interest to insure it remains healthy and sustains the incredible biodiversity that is there.Despite its name and appearance, eelgrass ( Zostera Marina ) is neither a seaweed ( marine algae ) nor a grass. It is a perrennial flowering plant that lives in salt water and has dark green, ribbon-like leaves that are 2 - 12mm wide and between 20 and 100 cm. long. The dense meadows or beds are sometimes exposed to low tide. Eelgrass forms the basis of a complex food web in estuaries and other sheltered marine areas. It grows at and below the low tide line, in up to 6 meter of water. It is common in estuaries, tidal flats and protected areas such as pocket beaches. Like all plants, eelgrass relies on photosynthesis, the use of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water to sugars. Therefore, it requires relatively clear and clean water. Murky or turbid water prevents the plants from receiving enough light. It is worth noting that the Nanaimo River Estuary is an underrated area for bird-watching. There are actually numerous sightings of various bird species around this area which is attracting quite a few numbers of birdwatchers from across the province and from out of town. I am not an expert on birds but I enjoy photographing them and share my photos to be enjoyed by all.

WINTERTIME IN BUTTERTUBS MARSH BIRD SANCTUARY

2012-01-14T19:10:00.000-08:00

Add caption

Song Sparrow

Male and female Mallard ducks. The spotted one is the female.


An alert-looking Song Sparrow

Hawthorne's berries serve as emergency and winter food for various birds in the area.

Bulrush in Winter. Apparently in late summer when still tender is quite edible and eaten like corn by the Early Natives.

A beautiful yet flighty Spotted Towhee

The Viewing Tower visible from a distance

A yummy morsel for this Song Sparrow


Song Sparrow looking cautiously at the photographer

Winter time in the Buttertubs Bird Sanctuary, note the absence of snow unlike most of the regions in Canada at this time of the year.

A solitary Hooded Merganser

Eerie-looking bleached dead tree trunks

Hooded Merganser

Another Frozen area of the Marsh in Winter

The handsome Hooded Merganser

Almost invisible Song Sparrow

One of the few viewing platform

Frozen Marsh in Winter

Song Sparrow

Buttertubs Bird Sanctuary is located near Bowen Park and adjacent to the Millstone River. It is a man-made marsh and is partly-owned by the Nature Trust of British Columbia and some private citizens of Nanaimo. In my opinion, it is the best location for spotting and birdwatching through out the whole region of Nanaimo. In the early spring, it is not uncommon to spot an average of 35 different kinds of birds in and around the 18 km. hectare bird sanctuary. The most common birds seen are the Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren,American Robin, Varied Thrush, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Red-winged Blackbird, Spotted Towhee, Common Raven, Song Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Golden-Crowned Sparrow, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Dark-eyed Junco, House Sparrow, Stellar's Jay, Canada Geese, Great Blue Heron, Mallard, Pied-Billed Grebe, Ring-Necked Duck, Common Golden-eye, Buffle-head, Wood Duck, Northern Flicker, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, American Coot, California Quail, American Coot, Balucous-Winged Gull, Red-Tail Hawk, Rock Pigeon, Belted-Kingsfisher, Bushtit, Northwestern Crow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee and others. The best time to observe for birds is early Spring, Summer and fall. There are a few observation decks and a viewing tower ideal for spotting, viewing ang photographing birds and other wild-life like beavers. The area is off-limit to dogs and motorized vehicles. The presence of bleached down dead trees ( Garry Oaks mostly) gives the area an eerie look. It is a popular place for joggers, hikers and bird-watchers. It is also wheelchair accessible and open to the public year-round at no-charge like the rest of the other parks found in the Regional District of Nanaimo.

MORRELL NATURE SANCTUARY

2012-01-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

Morrell Nature Sanctuary is located in South Nanaimo of the 5th Street Parkway Exit and near Vancouver Island University. It is 111 hectares of preserved 2nd growth forest with 11 kilometers of walking trails. William Morrell, a local contractor donated this land in 1973 for the enjoyment of the public. It was last logged in the 1920's. It is now a privately owned nature reserve leased and managed by the Morrell Sanctuary Society for Environmental Education. It is a non-profit organization run by volunteers who maintain the park and organize many programs for school children and the general public. It is supported by donations, fund drives and membership fees. The park is a very popular recreation and wildlife viewing destination in the community because of its size, proximity and accessibility. You can hike, birdwatch, picnic, fish and sightsee. Many of the hiking trails are less than two (2) kilometers long. They are all reasonably well-maintained and are easy walking trails with just a few hills. The hiking trails follow a mixture of gravel, wood chips, boardwalks or stone pathway. Along the trails are picnic shelters, picnic tables, viewing benches , look-out platforms and pit toilets. Birdwatching and look-out platforms are located on the Beaver pond and on Morrell Lake. The trails in the park include the Morrell Lake, Alder, Maple, Tranquility, Look-out, Hydro, Yew, Rocky Knoll, Beaver Pond trails and a Service Road.

NANAIMO IN SIXTY SECONDS

2012-01-06T11:58:00.000-08:00


Beautiful Nanaimo waterfront


Flying the colors of our friend and neighbor next door


Summertime sailing across from Piper's Lagoon Park

The firing of the cannons during the summertime happens daily around noon near the Bastion in the waterfront.


Popular Nanaimo Waterfront in the summertime


Entrance Signage South of Downtown Nanaimo


Fall Colors in the Waterfront

Nanaimo ranks as one of the most liveable cities in Canada, having a very favorable temperate climate, a favorable balance of lifestyle, investment opportunities and employment. It is centrally located on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. It is about 112 kms. north of Victoria. Nanaimo is the hub for the Mid and North Vancouver Island.

It is fortunate enough to be surrounded by ocean and one of the most beautiful wilderness and coastlines in the world. It is blessed with breathtaking and outstanding views, friendly people and unforgettable natural attractions. Since it is centrally located, it can be reached by ferries, airplanes, car,bus and railways. With its laid-back and very relaxed atmosphere and warm weather, it is considered to be the retirement and summer capital of Canada. At the present time, it is estimated that about 84,350 people reside in Nanaimo and the number continue to climb each year. It is a fast growing urban center centrally located in Vancouver Island.

A GLIMPSE OF NANAIMO

2012-01-03T11:45:00.000-08:00


This Great National Land Building is located in the heart of Downtown Nanaimo.


The famed Bastion located near the waterfront .


The ever-popular walkway bridge in the Swy-lana Lagoon just overlooking Newscastle Island on the left and Protection Island on the right.


That's where I buy my freshly caught prawns!


The Nanaimo Marine Fuel Dock


Newcastle Island across the Nanaimo waterfront walkway.


The Old City Quarter on a quiet Sunday afternoon..Sorry folks, no shopping today..


St. Paul's Anglican Church


Former Firehouse Station built in the late 1880's now converted into an upscale Restaurant famed for its delicious desserts.

Nanaimo means " Gathering Place" from the traditional Native people Hul'q'umin'um' language. Downtown Nanaimo is considered the Heart of the City. It is blessed to have a spectacular waterfront, excellent transportation links, diverse shopping, arts and and cultural events which attract residents, tourists and visitors from all parts of Canada and abroad. Today's posting only shows just a sampling of what Nanaimo downtown area has to offer, most notably the revitalized area called the Old City Quarter and the waterfront area. Nanaimo is truly an exciting place to enjoy and visit!

BOWEN PARK in Winter

2012-01-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

Bowen Park is a substantial large tract of parkland located Northwest of Downtown Nanaimo. The Park was named after the Bowen Brothers who managed the Western Fuel and Electric Company back in the late 1800's. They gave the land to the City in 1885 and it was later registered as a park in 1931. It is consisted of 36 hectares most of which are still undeveloped. A series of interpretative trails line along the Millstone River. There's a scenic waterfall and a fish ladder. There's also an amazing Rhododendron Grove consisting of over 350 different species. The best time to view them is in the early spring. There are lots of things you can do in the park: There's an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, walking trails, a "frolf" disc golf or freesbee courses scattered around the park, skate bowl, senior centre, 2 huge picnic shelters with children's playground one of which is gated, tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, seasonal petting zoo, duck pond ( year-round). In the fall, the red colorful maple trees are at its best to view, there are great hills for winter tobogganing (when it does snow) and of course, spring and summer bring out the spectacular blooming of the rhododendrons and the roses. To get to Bowen Park from downtown Nanaimo, drive north to Comox Road, turn left and look for several park entrances on the right. Watch for the railroad tracks , pass it and choose your choice of park entrance. There are kingfishers, river otter, eagles, merganser, freshwater bullhead, raccoon, heron, American bullfrog, pumpkin seed sunfish , crayfish and other small animals around to see, if you're lucky. The photos were just taken on December 31,2011 and some of the ornamental trees were already starting to bloom!

DODD NARROWS

2011-12-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

Dodd Narrows can be reached easily once you reached the end of the Cable Bay Trail. You simply continue to follow the path leading to your right and eventually you will see a narrow seaside pathway along the Northumberland Channel to Dodd Narrows. It is approximately 1.5 kms. away from the footbridge. You will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the very narrow channel that is has a very fast current that probably runs between 8 to 9 knots. These currents attract a large assortment of marine lives such as king crab, sea stars, rockfish, cod, California and Stellar's sea lions that feast on a large population of salmon. A large number of yachts, fishing boats and other types of seafaring vessels ply this channel especially during the summer season. You can spend several hours just watching the various activities happening in front of you. There's hardly anyone along the rocky beaches at any given time, except the waterfowls, various birds and the beautiful oceanviews in front of you.

CABLE BAY TRAIL

2011-12-29T19:08:00.001-08:00

From this signage in the parking lot, it only takes half an hour to hike most of the trail.

The small parking lot is located at the end of Nichola Road . Watch for the Cable Bay Trail Sign.

A bird's eye-view of downtown Nanaimo .

A cedar-bark mulch covered most of the trail.

The author couldn't resist the temptation of a dangling rope and tried in vain to copy the famous Ape Man ...

A resident squirrel munching on a pine cone .

The end of a very easy and relaxing half-an-hour hike from the parking lot to the end of the trail...

Cable Bay Trail is located just in the South East of Nanaimo in Cedar. From Nanaimo, take Highway 1 ( Trans Canada Hwy) South to the first Cedar Road Exit. Drive along Cedar Road until you come to MacMillan Road. You will find a small parking lot at the end of Nichola Road which is East on Barnes Road which is actually a continuation of the Holden-Corso Road. Just follow the signage along the well-travelled path beneath the power lines and into the forest. Just stay on the main trail and after about an easy half an hour hike, you will reach the end of the Cable Bay trail. There are a few old-growth Douglas fir trees inside this temperate rain forest. Occasionally, one might see sea lions, pods of orcas and eagles. It is about 3.5 kilometers in length. There is a 440 hectare park inside with wooden steps, gravel and stone paths. The best time to explore this park is between June to around September when there is less rain, The trails tends to be real muddy during the winter months.

COLLIERY DAM PARK

2011-12-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

Colorful graffitti at the culvert's entrance leading to the Waterfalls

One of the bridges in the Park. This particular one leads to a newly-opened Subdivision nearby.

Public restoom


Colliery Dam Waterfall during a very dry Fall season


The wooden bridge leading to the Colliery Waterfall on the right, look for the culvert on the right under the bridge then follow the track to the left.


The other end of the culvert's entrance, still noticeable are the colorful graffiti.


The concrete bridge on the Lower Level of the Colliery Dam Park.


The bridge walkway found on the Upper Level of the Colliery Dam Park.


Colliery Waterfall during a big run-off.

Roughly 2.5 square kilometers of trails loop through the woods in an almost figure-8 shaped, this 28 hectare park and 2 man-made lakes is located in the Southend of Nanaimo. To get to Colliery Dam Park, drive South on Wakesiah Avenue and turn right at the 4-way stop onto Nanaimo Lakes road then look for the parking lot on your left. Another alternate route is go straight through the 4-way stop at Wakesiah and Nanaimo Lakes road and you will be greeted by a new signage on the Front side of a small parking lot. Either route allows you to park close to the lake view. Make sure you do not leave your visible valuables inside your vehicle and keep them locked when you leave your car.The 2 man-made lakes in the park were formed when a dam was built to provide fresh water for the old Harewood No.1 mine. It is separated by a concrete dam and a spillway. There are also hard to find caves in the Southwest end of the park that are partly hidden and obscured by thick brushes and bushes. The trails are partly covered with pavement,bark mulch and rocky sections. There are sturdy wooden stairs and boardwalks around the park. There are very few signage or markers which can be confusing for first-time visitors and tourists. There is a public washroom which is open during the summer and early spring and fall. The trail system is just average for this size of park although the park offers its own charm. Just South of the bridge between the two lakes is a pile of huge boulders that is a delight for young children to explore and climb. There are a few old trees here, good trout-fishing,bridges, swimming area and waterfalls. To reach the bigger waterfalls, one must hike a few hundred meters from the South West of the Upper Level Dam then look for the Nanaimo Parkway Overpass. There is large culvert with lots of colorful graffitti on the front and inside as well. The tunnel itself is relatively clean but it can get really dark depending on the weather and time of the day, this might scare some young children. The Chase River runs through this along the very rocky trails downstream. Follow the trail at the end of the culvert which will eventually lead you to the cascading and awe-inspiring waterfalls which I will refer to as the Colliery waterfalls. There are wildlife around the park which is mostly the Common Merganser, Kingfisher, Mallard, Barred Owl, Osprey and occasional bear-sightings . Colliery Dam Park is regularly visited by the locals along with their dogs, bird-watchers, hikers and trout fishermen. It is open year-round but remained closed at night.

PIPER'S LAGOON

2011-12-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

PIPER'S LAGOON

In my opinion, Piper's Lagoon is probably the most attractive and desirable oceanside park in all of Nanaimo. It's a small park probably the size of two length-sized city blocks. The beaches sorrounding the stretch of narrow land are mostly rocky but at low tides, some sandy beaches appear which make wading and splashing in the often times cool water possible. There's a hill on the north end of the pathways which is covered with gnarly-looking Garry oaks and a few Arbutus trees. There are resident eagles,several kinds of gulls,shorebirds and other migratory birds as well. North of the park is the infamous Shack Island, a very small t-shaped rocky island which can be reached on foot on low tides. There are several very old but well-maintained cabins here that were built in the 1930's mostly for fishing,weekend excursions and summer use. At the present time, they are not abandoned but in fact in very good if not excellent condition with fresh paint and all. They are now treasured by a very few lucky descendants of the previous owners. Since they are private properties, I do advice the visitors and anyone who approach these cabins to give them proper respect and care. There are several picnic tables and restrooms on the south end of the Park. At low tides, many tidal pools expose several kinds of sea life, sea stars,small crabs and even small fish,anemones,sea shells and barnacles. There are the usual driftwoods, pebbles and rocks around the shores for the children to explore and play with. On the north side of the Park, there is an outcrop made of very rugged and jagged-looking rocks that one can climb but due care should be observed especially when they are wet and slippery. I would advise parents and adults alike to supervise their young children if they try to climb this very rugged outcrop. Other than that, it is an excellent place to spend several hours of fun and enjoyment! Don't forget to bring your kayaks,canoes, good pairs of binoculars,cameras and wear a good pair of hiking boots or rugged runners for climbing those rugged hills and rocks. Come and enjoy Piper's Lagoon Park!

NECK POINT

2011-12-15T17:01:00.000-08:00

Neck Point is just a few hundred meters north of Piper's Lagoon. Both parks have stunning views overlooking the mainland mountains beyond. There are numerous nooks and mysterious-looking crannies to explore along the rocky bluffs and beaches. The park was named after a gravel bar connecting the park to a rocky "head" of igneous rock that juts out of the water. At certain times, sea lions and sometimes orcas pass by here. A developed trail runs through most of the park with look-outs and boardwalks. It is a very popular park frequented by local residents and visitors. It is also a favorite spot for divers of all levels and is known worldwide for its undersea life and diversities.

HAREWOOD PLAINS

2011-12-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

Harewood is the name of a lake and a plain located 4 kilometers South of Nanaimo on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. The name has been in use since 1913 when Harewood was referred to a small mining village in the area which is no longer in existence. The mine was owned in part by the 7th son of the 3rd son of The Earl of Harewood. Today the name Harewood is still in use to refer to a neighbourhood in South Nanaimo. It is also used as a street name and as a name for some other community amenities. The area is now affectionately called the University area due to its proximity to the Vancouver Island University. Every year around the early part of spring, spectacular and majestic-looking wildflowers show their grandeur for just a few short weeks or so. There are several kinds of moss,lichens and wildflowers most notably the Lotus Pinnatus, a very unique and beautiful plant that is native to Western North America from California into the Pacific North West, its distribution extending into British Columbia most notably in Nanaimo,nearby Gabriola Island and another lovely community of Ladysmith. Lotus Pinnatus has a bright yellow banner or upper petal and white lower petals. It is a hairless perennial herb lined with leaves each made up of green oval leaflets measuring about 1-2.5 centimeters in length. The inflorescence is an array of up to 10 pea-like flowers that measure between 1-2 centimeters in length. According to the the biologists and other wildlife experts, Nanaimo has 80% of all the Lotus Pinnatus found in all of Canada, growing within the City limits. It is also known as bog's bird's-foot trefoil and likes to sprawl near the ground on a stem up to 60 centimeters long. There are roughly 1,500 of the plants that grow in the Harewood Plains within the three-kilometer square section that stretches from White Rapids Road in the North to Mckeown Way to the South bordered by the Nanaimo Parkway to the West. The B.C. Hydro right of way on the Island Timberland's property goes through the Southern edge of the plains. The plant likes to grow in thin soil and thrives in this area's moderate climate.Lotus Pinnatus is now the Official Flower of Nanaimo. Please help us protect and maintain the pastoral beauty of the rugged and yet beautiful Harewood Plains!