Westwood Lake Boardwalk

We were up and out early (2020-05-29) for our stroll at Westwood Lake. This is a busy Nanaimo venue - plenty of joggers and dog walkers - so arriving early was a good idea.

Boardwalk at Westwood Lake (2020-05-29) 

Sun-bathed Trail at Piper's Lagoon

On this date in late November (2014-11-29) the sun makes a rare appearance.

Piper's Lagoon path...

Tugs at the Nanaimo Harbour Pier

I have a thing about boats. That is, I love taking pictures of boats. Thus, a trip to Nanaimo Harbour is always enjoyable. (2014-08-11)

Tugs at Nanaimo Harbour...

Cedar - Beach at Raise Road

On this day (2017-06-13), I had once again consulted Theo Dombrowski's excellent Secret Beaches series for inspiration. The book didn't promise too much for this beach but, since visiting, I've decided it would make for a nice visit with our kayak. It should be noted, it's very easy to whiz by Raise Road. Also, there's not much parking. But, no matter, the walk to the sandstone shore is short and easy. On this day, the tide was reasonably low so there was plenty of sandstone surface to walk on. I'm not sure if I could recommend this surface when it's wet. I'd also be reluctant to try to get to the pebble beach in the picture if mobility is an issue. Hence my desire to revisit by kayak.

Beach at Raise Road in Cedar...

Nanaimo - Bowen Park

There's snow on the ground, in shady spots, this day in February. It would be wrong to let the weather prevent us from grabbing our fresh air quota. Bowen Park is always good for a walk....

Bowen Park (2017-02-25)

Nanaimo - Seawall at Maffeo Sutton Park

A view south, from Maffeo Sutton Park, towards Nanaimo Harbour.

• Location: 49°10'16.5"N, 123°56'12.6"W

Seawall at Maffeo Sutton Park (2015-02-08)

Nanaimo - Newcastle Island

Health concerns had kept me out of the kayak for much of 2015. By July, I was feeling stronger and Britt's visit seemed a good reason to go out for a paddle. Jenn had not been out to view the seals on Inskip Rocks, so that became our destination. After a launch at the foot of Brechin Road, sunny skies saw us drifting past the sandstone cliffs and rock formations of Newcastle Island. <CLICK!>... another postcard!

Newcastle Island sandstone formations (2015-07-23)

Nanaimo - Jack Point and Biggs Park

Any time is a good day for a walk but, when the sun makes an appearance in November, that's a real bonus. On this day I decided to re-visit Jack Point. As I was walking the path that parallels the water (the Nanaimo River estuary) the sun made a special effort to highlight my next steps.

Jack Point Trail 2015-11-16

Nanaimo - Bowen Park stream after some heavy rains

After a heavy January rain, we took a walk through Bowen Park. As usual, the creeks and streams were swollen with water.

2016-01-16 Bowen Park in Nanaimo

Nanaimo - Harbour Boardwalk

The boardwalk around Cameron Island affords a nice view of Nanaimo Harbour. It's also a good spot from which to watch the comings and goings of the "Protection Connection", the foot passenger ferry to Protection Island.

Nanaimo - A stroll around the harbour

A stroll around the Nanaimo harbour takes one past the Harbour Air terminal.

Nanaimo - Lowtide View of the BC Ferries Terminal

I often walk down to the Departure Bay beach, returning home via the Beach Estates Park trail. On occasion, I've forgotten to check the tide table; net result, I'm turned back, short of my beach strolling goal. This time the tide cooperated. A lowtide postcard of the BC Ferries terminal (with ferry) is the result.

Nanaimo - Lowtide View of the BC Ferries Terminal (2012 -09-26)

Nanaimo - Fishing Pier Perspective

A stroll along Nanaimo's seawalk is always a pleasant diversion. Near Maffeo-Sutton Park, the fishing pier juts out into the harbour, towards Protection Island. A visit generally leads to scenes of locals fishing or, more likely, crabbing. Stop for a chat.

Nanaimo - Fishing Pier Perspective (2012-02-15)

Nanaimo - Bridge on the Colliery Dam Trail

It was Thursday and I'd dropped Hanne off at her volunteering. What to do but go for a stroll. On this Thursday, I opted for the Colliery Park in Nanaimo. As I recalled from previous visits, there's plenty of "green" to photograph. And, of course, as is most often the case in Nanaimo, the park trails are easy to walk.

Nanaimo - Bridge on the Coliery Dam Trail (2012-02-23)

An old-timer near Quennell Lake

An old-timer (in this case a jalopy) near Quennell Lake (Cedar, BC)...

An old jalopy near Quennell Lake (Cedar, BC)... (Aug 12, 2013)

Multiple Transport Modes: Quintessentially Nanaimo

This is one of those postcard shots you're only likely to get from a kayak. In this case, I was just pulling out of Middden Bay on Newcastle Island, and rounding Shaft Point, into Departure Bay when this float plane landed just as the BC Ferries' Queen of Cowichan was leaving the terminal. Quintessentially west coast British Columbia!

Float plane landing as ferry leaves Departure Bay (2007-08-20)

Fresh Fish: Right off the Boat in Nanaimo Harbour

Goes it get any better? Fresh fish. Right off the boat?

Goes it get any better? Fresh fish. Right off the boat? (2013-01-21)

A Foggy View of Nanaimo Harbour

A foggy January in Nanaimo. Brilliant! I got myself out of the house as soon as there was enough light to take some pictures. To my mind, fog, a harbour, and boats are a postcard marriage made in heaven. CLICK!

A foggy January in Nanaimo's harbour (2013-01-21)

Nanaimo harbour and the coming and going of float planes

My kayak meandering had taken me from the Brechin Road launch to the downtown harbour in Nanaimo. A constant, postcard, feature of the Nanaimo harbour is the coming and going of float planes. This picture just had to be snapped.

 Nanaimo harbour and the coming and
going of float planes (2007-08-20)

Nanaimo Harbour Ferry making its way back to town from Newcastle Island

It was a cloudy day, but it was an August day. Thus, it was a day for kayaking. After launching at my usual spot at the foot of Brechin Road, I slowly paddled my way along the waterfront in the general direction of downtown Nanaimo. Near the harbour, I spotted the Nanaimo Harbour Ferry making its way back to town from Newcastle Island. Bright colours. Cute boat. Clearly a postcard!

Nanaimo Harbour Ferry making its way 
back to town from Newcastle Island (2007-08-20)

The Salish Sea and Shack Island

A sunny day in early July is as good a time as any to visit Pipers Lagoon Park in Nanaimo. On this day, walking out along the cliffs that define the lagoon, my postcard was defined by the blue of the Salish Sea and the tiny flecks of colour that identify Shack Island.

The Salish Sea and Shack Island (2012-07-04)

Downtown Nanaimo

In December, as the hectic of the Christmas season was threatening to become stressful, I opted for a brisk walk out along Jack Point and Biggs Park. The sun played along and illuminated the downtown of Nanaimo nicely.

Downtown Nanaimo as seen from Jack Point
(Biggs Park) (2011-12-09)

Island Queen, the "Protection Connection"

There's something "African Queen" about the ferries that ply the waters between Nanaimo Harbour and the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island. The trip, and the cold beer with lunch at the pub is always a treat. Occasionally we'll pop over ourselves, but it's almost a must-see experience when we've got overseas visitors.

Island Queen of the "Protection Connection" (2013-08-17)

A walk Past the Marina in Nanaimo

Late December and no rain is an ideal opportunity to take a walk along the Nanaimo waterfront. The symmetry of boats, masts, and boat houses, all reflected in the water, catches my attention.

Reflective symmetry; 
Nanaimo marina (2012-12-29)

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This will soon be gone; Colliery Dam Park being reconfigured

My walk in February took me to the park at the old Colliery Dam. Apparently, the dams will soon be gone. My sense is that Nanaimo city council is concerned about potential flooding below the dams, in case of an earthquake. Others, if media reports are to be believed, are of a different opinion. I will miss these scenes, should the dams disappear.

This will soon be gone;
Colliery Dam Park being reconfigured

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The Pickle Boat docks at Nanaimo's Brechin Boat Launch

Spotted while out for a walk in March; one of Nanaimo's Pickle boats tied up at the dock near the Brechin boat launching site.

Pickle Boat docks at Nanaimo's
Brechin Boat Launch (2013-03-26)

Nanaimo Harbour in the Fog

The first post will feature one of my favourite photos of Nanaimo Harbour.

Nanaimo Harbour Watch patrolling the Nanaimo 
Harbour on a foggy day in January (2013-01-21)