Lauren White is an avid rambler who recently relocated back to her beautiful hometown of Nanaimo, British Columbia.
I was born and raised in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, left for thirty years, and then moved back to be close to my family three years ago. I'm happy to be back for so many reasons, one among them being able to enjoy some of my familiar old rambles while discovering new ones!
Nanaimo is a scenic waterfront town nestled between the Pacific Ocean, surrounded and temperate rainforests and mountains on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Nicknamed The Harbour City, it is an outdoor enthusiast and ramble lovers paradise with a mild and pleasant climate (at least for Canada).
This small city has an outsized number parks and waterways to explore on foot, by pedal, or by paddle. Common favorites include the tidal lagoon at Pipers Park, sandstone rock formations at Malaspina Galleries, the Abyss fault line, and Ammonite Falls.
However, one of my favorite rambles is Jack Point and Biggs Park—located a little south of central Nanaimo. I revisit this ramble often, heading out there for a hike every few months.
The park's trail provides access to pretty beaches with excellent views of the Nanaimo River estuary, downtown Nanaimo, Protection Island, and Gabriola Island. Jack Point is a fantastic place to enjoy a sunset.
This 32-acre park is mostly natural and undeveloped, with a trail leading from Biggs Park to Jack Point. The trail is mostly gravel, but there are some stairs and boardwalks over the bluffs. The loop from the parking lot to the tip of the point is 2.5 km.
You can find designated parking at the end of Jackson Road, and can access the park via a pedestrian tunnel. Jack Point used to be an island at high tide but is now connected via a land bridge to Duke Point and Biggs Park. The park is named after Jack Doholt (1819-1905), a resident of the point for 40 years who supplied Nanaimo with milk and hay.
There is always something to see—this ramble has it all: gorgeous views of the Salish Sea, plentiful and interesting boat traffic, pretty forested paths, seasonal wildflowers, interesting birds and wildlife and moderate to easy groomed hiking trails. It gets muddy in spots when it rains (which happens often in this part of the world), so I recommend sturdy footwear.
I especially love visiting Jack Point in the spring on crisp sunny days when the early spring flowers are starting to bloom—the fawn lilies never disappoint. Various marine life- sea lions, seals, harbor porpoises, and birds (watch for bald eagles)- frequent the area all year round. My favorite are the blue herons, which feed in the shallow tidal waters during the warm months.
I love taking pictures of beautiful landscapes, and this trail offers plenty of opportunities for great shots. The natural scenery is breathtaking, and the town views leave me amazed at how much this once-upon-a-time small town has grown and changed over the years.
READ MORE > Ramble Logs, Rambler Cafe Blog
Leave a comment