This park has two small pretty lakes, ringed by a figure-8 of trails which also link to a broader trail system. There are very old trees here, good fishing, bridges, waterfalls, a swimming area, and other interesting features like bridges and dam spillways.

Photo showing a mossy landscape of boulders with a creek at Colliery Dams Park

There is great topography at "the dams", and while the trail system is smaller in circumference than Westwood Lake's, it still presents a bit of elevation gain to get your heart rate going - and the views are pretty. There are dramatic waterfalls at the highest and lowest points of the park.

This place should not be confused with "Morden Colliery Park" to the south.

Aerial view of the lakes and forest at Colliery Dams Park, Nanaimo

Nearby Neighbourhoods

A Culvert under the Parkway

There's an interesting tunnel connected to the park, and I think some people don't know about it. It's the huge culvert which allows the Chase River underneath the Parkway. There's a wide concrete walkway above the water line, so it's comfortable to walk through.

A lot of graffiti art, good and bad, is covering the wall of this tunnel. It's very interesting by day or night. You can also continue past the tunnel and see another dam, as well as a 4+ meter waterfall (which is more or less dramatic depending on the season).

Photo showing a large culvert like a yawning caveDirections to the Tunnel

Go to the Colliery Dams (Harewood Dams) and find your way to the wooden pedestrian bridge at the highest point of the river within the park (above the higher lake). You should be able to hear the Parkway just upstream.

Near the south end of the bridge is a trail leading down to the water (upstream from the bridge). Depending on the season you may already see the tunnel. Follow the trail upstream and you'll soon find yourself facing the big culvert. Check it out!

Photo showing a dark culvert with people walking inside - messy graffiti (mostly tags) is seen on a wall

Where to Park

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"Ferngully"

Did you know that there is another big piece of walkable greenspace adjacent to the dams? You can cross over to it by going under the Parkway at Harewood Mines Rd – or you can walk upstream through the culvert mentioned above, then go left before the waterfall and dam. Or, head up 7th St, which becomes Harewood Mines Rd, and look for trails on your right AFTER you pass under the Parkway. See below for an overhead view.

The name Ferngully is super unofficial. It's just what my wife and I have called it for years.

Aerial photo showing a park with lakes and forests, and an outlined forested area behind it

There is an excellent area within Ferngully with an escarpment and a huge detached boulder, with an overhang beneath, huge maples and firs, and a creek running through - with wooden bridges made by mountain bikers.

Photo showing a snowy scene with a huge boulder covered in ferns, and an overhang