Vancouver Isle Trails

There is lots of trails on Vancouver Island close to Nanaimo and if you are interested in staying fit while you are visiting you should check this out.  Start hitting the trails and explore what this island has to offer you.

1. Departure Bay Ferry Terminal: The Departure Bay Ferry Terminal is the BC Ferry connection point to Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver where the Trail continues on the mainland. It is the northern end of the Trans Canada Trail on Vancouver Island.
   
2. Bowen Park: Bowen Park is a 36 hectare wilderness park located in the heart of Nanaimo. A series of trails meander along the Millstone River and weave through giant stands of fir, cedar, maple and hemlock. The park also provides a 4-H barnyard, open in July and August, the Hailey Rhododendron Grove, and an interpretive nature centre and duck pond. There are also covered picnic shelters, an outdoor swimming pool, sports fields, curling club, outdoor lacrosse box, disc golf course, tennis courts, horseshoe pitches and a lawn bowling green.
   
3. Buttertubs Marsh: Buttertubs Marsh is an 18 hectare bird and wildlife sanctuary located adjacent to the Millstone River near Bowen Park. A 4.5 kilometer walking trail (no dogs allowed) circles the marsh providing opportunities to view the many species of waterfowl and birds that call Buttertubs home. The Trans Canada Trail passes through Buttertubs Marsh Park.
   
4. Colliery Dam Park: Colliery Dam Park, a 28 hectare park, is a popular swimming spot in the summer and a wonderful retreat any time of year. An hour or so of easy hiking trails lead around two lakes. Watch for deer, grouse, pheasant and raccoon in the thick forests, muskrats, ducks and geese around the lakes, and bald eagles and many species of birds throughout the park.
   
5. Extension Ridge Trail: The Extension Ridge section of the Trans Canada Trail is a local favorite for both hikers and mountain bikers. The trail follows a ridge with many fine views and winds through groves of arbutus and Douglas fir.
   
6. Pipeline Trail: This section of the trail uses a water pipeline right of way to connect the village of Extension with the Nanaimo River.
   
7. White Pine Trail: The White Pine Trail is so named because of a White pine found in a predominantly Douglas fir forest. This species has been mainly logged out. The trail winds through forests, moss covered ridges, dense Salal pockets and marshy areas. It passes Timberlands Lake, a popular local fishing spot and a great place to picnic.
   
8. Haslam Creek Suspension Bridge: The 48-metre-long Haslam Creek Suspension Bridge crosses 18 metres above the creek gorge. The views are spectacular at any time, but particularly so when the creek is in full spate.

A big thanks too http://www.trailsbc.ca/v_island_region/nanaimo-1.html for all the information regarding the trails. :)