For a great destination run, take the 10-minute ferry to Saysutshun to run the trails of Newcastle Island Marine Park. This provincial park features 22 miles of trails that are great for fairly easy trail running. The trails are mainly wooded, though there are a few more open sections where you can get some great bay views. The trails are a mix of gravel, dirt, and forest trails, and are fairly flat and feature good footing. Note: The ferry runs only in season.
Google Street View
The trail map is a helpful resource, showing the numerous trail options, lookout points, and restroom/facility information.
Most popular for running is the Coastal Trail — a combination of trails along the shore — which follows the 7.5 km perimeter around the island. It’s fairly wooded, but there are some scenic lookout points. The section at the southeast part of the island is a bit more open. Also nice for running is the Channel Trail, which passes the old sandstone quarry and leads to the north end of Saysutshun, where there are some great views of of Departure Bay.
For a great destination run, take the 10-minute ferry to Saysutshun to run the trails of Newcastle Island Marine Park. This provincial park features 22 miles of trails that are great for fairly easy trail running. The trails are mainly wooded, though there are a few more open sections where you can get some great bay views. The trails are a mix of gravel, dirt, and forest trails, and are fairly flat and feature good footing. Note: The ferry runs only in season.
Google Street View
The trail map is a helpful resource, showing the numerous trail options, lookout points, and restroom/facility information.
Most popular for running is the Coastal Trail — a combination of trails along the shore — which follows the 7.5 km perimeter around the island. It’s fairly wooded, but there are some scenic lookout points. The section at the southeast part of the island is a bit more open. Also nice for running is the Channel Trail, which passes the old sandstone quarry and leads to the north end of Saysutshun, where there are some great views of of Departure Bay.
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Essentials
22 miles of trails; Coastal Trail is 8 km around the perimeter
Fairly flat
Ferry terminal at south end of Saysutshun
At Nanaimo, the ferry leaves from Maffeo Sutton Park
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A fun 7.2 km loop combining three adjacent parks: Bowen Park, Buttertubs Marsh Park, and Third Street Park. Nice variety of landscape, including woods, marshes, fields, and a running track.
The 5.5 km Westwood Lake Trail loop is one of the most popular runs in Nanaimo. Westwood Lake Park is located in the foothills of Mt. Benson. It's a firm gravel trail, wooded with some lake views. Additional trails in the park.
At 19 km, the Parkway Trail is longest paved multi-use trail on Vancouver Island, and a good way to clock some miles! Not the most scenic, as it mainly parallels the Parkway Highway.
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Essentials
22 miles of trails; Coastal Trail is 8 km around the perimeter
Fairly flat
Ferry terminal at south end of Saysutshun
At Nanaimo, the ferry leaves from Maffeo Sutton Park
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!