Nanaimo River
For many locals, Nanaimo River is the biggest incentive to remain in the mid-Island region, instead of moving to bigger cities or traveling abroad in the summertime. No—we stay at home, eager to play in Nanaimo's most refreshing playground. Most communities can only dream of having something like our deep, clean river.
One of the best ways to enjoy Nanaimo River is to park a car at either end of a long stretch of the river upstream from the highway. As you close the door of the car upstream, make sure you're wearing nothing but a swimsuit and goggles (old, ratty shoes are optional). Swim downstream for several hours. Watch out for the dangerous spots.
Here is a list of some of the local names for spots along the river. (Please bear in mind that some of these spots have very dangerous sections. The Gunbarrel area in particular, though a very beautiful stretch of river, has perilous spots that might not appear dangerous to the casual observer. So please, dear readers, practise every caution, especially if you are new to the river):
- The Highway Bridge
- The Power Lines / Bore Hole
- Steelhead Trail
- The Trestle
- The Japanese Garden
- Cedar Bridge
- Never Never Land (Piknik)
- Painted Rock, Yellow Gate, Boar's Hole
- Sandy Beach
- Flat Rock
- The Junkyard
- The Gun Barrel (includes Goat's Bluff)
It should be noted that, despite making its way into our "Nanaimo Parks" section, the Nanaimo River is not and has not a developed or maintained park per se.