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Chase River Parks and Beaches Nearby

• Chase River Estuary Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: 1.3 km of trails including boardwalks over wetlands and tall grasses, viewing and seating areas, shaded gravel trails, stairs, and a tranquil estuary setting ideal for birdwatching and nature walks. The park is home to diverse wildlife such as herons, eagles, waterfowl, raccoons, and beavers. No washrooms or water fountains on site.
  • Directions: Located at 1160 Island Highway South, at the south end of Haliburton Street. From Chase River, head north on Island Highway (Hwy 1), turn right onto Haliburton Street, and follow it to the park entrance. The park is near the Chase River bridge and close to the Walmart Supercentre.
  • Notes: Some trails may be muddy after rain. Not all areas are wheelchair accessible.

• Pipers Lagoon Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Oceanside park with a large tidal lagoon, pebbly and rocky beaches, driftwood, walking trails, basalt bluffs, arbutus groves, Garry oaks, eagle nests, and scenic views of the Strait. Good for swimming, birdwatching, and beachcombing. Kids enjoy building forts with driftwood. No lifeguards or concession stands.
  • Directions: From Chase River, take Island Highway north, then Hammond Bay Road east. Turn left onto Lagoon Drive, which leads directly to the park entrance and parking lot. Landmarks nearby include Departure Bay and Hammond Bay Elementary School.
  • Notes: Trails are accessible until the bluffs, which require some climbing. Check tides if planning to explore Shack Island.

• Departure Bay Beach (Kinsman Park)
  

  • Amenities & Features: Sandy beach with a closed-off swimming area, dock (accessible at low tide), grassy park with picnic tables, playground, and Snuneymuxw First Nation totems. Popular for swimming, picnics, and family outings.
  • Directions: From Chase River, drive north on Island Highway, then take Departure Bay Road east. The beach is in front of Kinsman Park, near the Departure Bay ferry terminal.
  • Notes: The area is busy in summer. Parking is available near the park.

• Westwood Lake Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Large freshwater lake with a long sandy beach, swimming area, boat ramp, picnic tables, forested trails (6 km loop), and opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. No motorized boats allowed, making it peaceful for water activities.
  • Directions: From Chase River, take Island Highway north, exit onto Jingle Pot Road, then turn left onto Westwood Road. The park is at the end of Westwood Road, near Mount Benson.
  • Notes: Parking fills quickly on sunny days. The beach faces southwest and gets shade after 8 p.m.

• Brannen Lake Beach
  

  • Amenities & Features: Freshwater lake with a small sandy beach, new dock, picnic tables, and shaded areas. Suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics. The lake is popular with boaters in the afternoon.
  • Directions: From Chase River, take Island Highway north, turn left on Mostar Road, then right on Dunster Road. The beach is located off Dunster Road in the Pleasant Valley neighbourhood.
  • Notes: Best visited in the afternoon for direct sun. Can be busy on weekends.

• Long Lake Beach (Loudon Park)
  

  • Amenities & Features: Sandy beach with gentle slope, swimming area, dock, fishing dock, playground, and shaded picnic spots. Home to the Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club, which offers lessons.
  • Directions: From Chase River, take Island Highway north, then Victoria Avenue east. The beach is at Loudon Park, near Uplands neighbourhood.
  • Notes: Parking is limited. The beach is ideal for swimming from mid-morning to twilight.

Chase River Schools Nearby

• Chase River Elementary School

  • Address: 1503 Cranberry Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6R7
  • Phone: 250-753-8218
  • Email: info.cr@sd68.bc.ca
  • Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 7
  • Catchment: Serves the Chase River and Extension communities
  • School Mission: To ensure a safe, supportive, and respectful environment which promotes the development of individual potential and enthusiasm for life-long learning.

• John Barsby Secondary School

  • Address: 550 Seventh Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3Z2
  • Phone: 250-753-8211
  • Email: info.jb@sd68.bc.ca
  • Grades: 8 to 12
  • Catchment: Receives students from Chase River Elementary for secondary education

• School District Contact

  • Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (School District 68)
  • Phone: 250-754-5521
  • Email: communications@sd68.bc.ca
  • Website: sd68.bc.ca

Chase River Location and Accessibility

Location

Chase River is a neighbourhood and watercourse situated in the south end of Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The river itself originates on the southwest side of Mount Benson and flows eastward, passing through Colliery Dam Park and the neighbourhoods of Harewood and Chase River, before emptying into Nanaimo Harbour at the edge of the Nanaimo River estuary.

• Coordinates: Approximately 49°08′10″N 123°55′09″W
• Neighbourhood: South Nanaimo, bordering the Nanaimo River estuary
• Main thoroughfare: Located just off Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway), providing direct access south toward Victoria and north into central Nanaimo

For a map and more details, visit Wikipedia: Chase River, Nanaimo.

Accessibility

• Road Access: Chase River is easily accessible by car via the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1), which runs through the neighbourhood and connects it to downtown Nanaimo and other Vancouver Island communities.
• Public Transit: Several bus routes serve the area, including the 7 Cinnabar and 8 Cedar to VIU, providing connections to the rest of Nanaimo. However, public transit options are somewhat limited, and most errands require a car.
• Active Transportation: The area features some bike paths and walking trails, particularly within parks like Colliery Dam Park and Chase River Watercourse Park. Plans for a multi-use cycling and pedestrian path along Haliburton Street are in development.
• Walkability: The neighbourhood is generally car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 35 out of 100. Most amenities require driving, though there are parks and green spaces within walking distance for many residents.
• Park Access: Notable parks include Colliery Dam Park, Chase River Watercourse Park, and Chase River Estuary Park. Some areas, such as the Estuary Park, may have limited accessibility for those with mobility challenges.

For transit information, see BC Transit Nanaimo. For park details, visit Chase River Estuary Park.

Neighbourhood Features

• Semi-rural atmosphere with a mix of older homes and newer developments
• Proximity to downtown Nanaimo, ferry terminals, and the Nanaimo Parkway
• Recreational opportunities in nearby parks, including walking, hiking, and birdwatching

Explore more about the community at Chase River Neighbourhood Guide.

Scenic Views from Chase River, Nanaimo, BC

Chase River Estuary Park

• Lush Wetlands and Boardwalks: The estuary park features 1.3 km of trails, including boardwalks over wetlands and tall grasses. The boardwalks bring you close to the water’s edge, providing immersive views of tidal marshes and the surrounding greenery.
• Wildlife Watching: The estuary is a haven for birdwatchers, with frequent sightings of Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, and seasonal runs of Chum and Coho Salmon. The tranquil setting is ideal for observing a wide range of local wildlife.
• Natural Amphitheatre: The shorter trail loop offers a natural amphitheatre feel, with tall grasses and water views nearly at eye level. The longer loop ascends to a ridge, offering elevated perspectives of the estuary and glimpses of the railway trestle.
• Peaceful Escape: Despite some areas of overgrowth, the park remains a serene spot for walking, running, and nature photography.

Chase River Estuary Park details

Chase River Watercourse Park

• Wooded Trails and Water Features: This 13.7-acre park offers meandering trails through lush forest, with tranquil watercourses and shaded paths. The scenery is especially vibrant in spring and summer, with dense greenery and peaceful streams.
• Birdwatching and Wildlife: The park is home to herons, ducks, raccoons, and other small mammals, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Accessible Outdoor Experience: The well-maintained trails and bike paths make it suitable for all fitness levels, providing a refreshing escape into nature.

Chase River Watercourse Park information

Colliery Dam Park & Chase River Falls

• Waterfalls and Forested Lakes: Colliery Dam Park, traversed by the Chase River, features two lakes surrounded by mature trees and numerous trails. The highlight is Chase River Falls (also known as Granny Falls), a picturesque natural waterfall accessible by a short walk.
• Scenic Forest Walks: Trails wind through dense forest, offering shaded paths and occasional views of the lakes and waterfalls. The area is especially popular in summer for swimming and picnicking.
• Unique Geological Features: The park is bisected by the Chase River Fault, with striking fissures and chasms, including the locally famous “Abyss,” adding dramatic interest to the landscape.

Colliery Dam Park official page

Panoramic Countryside and Mountain Views

• Forested Surroundings: The Chase River neighbourhood is surrounded by forests and rolling hills, with many trails offering glimpses of the countryside and distant mountains.
• No Direct Ocean Views: While the area itself does not offer ocean vistas, the natural beauty of wetlands, creeks, and wooded ridges provides a scenic rural charm.

More on Chase River Estuary Park

Nearby Scenic Attractions

• Extension Ridge & The Abyss: A popular hiking and mountain biking area with dramatic fissures and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Petroglyph Park: Located nearby, this park features ancient rock carvings and walking trails through unique geological formations.

Top Nanaimo attractions

Shopping Experiences Near Chase River, Nanaimo, BC

Grocery and Everyday Essentials

• Country Grocer (Chase River)

  82 Twelfth St.

  A full-service grocery store featuring fresh produce, bakery, deli, meat and seafood counters, floral, and a wide range of local and specialty products, including gluten-free options. Open daily 7am–10pm.

• Pharmasave Chase River

  South Parkway Plaza, 5 – 1273 Island Highway South

  Pharmacy and convenience store offering health and wellness products, personal care, and basic groceries. Open daily with extended hours.

Nearby Shopping Centres

• Nanaimo North Town Centre

  Over 600,000 sq. ft. of shops and services, including Canadian Tire, Lowe’s, Galaxy Theatres, Fairway Market, and more. Located along major roadways for easy access.

• Woodgrove Centre

  The largest mall on Vancouver Island, featuring over 150 shops such as The Bay, Walmart, Winners, and more. Ideal for fashion, electronics, and specialty goods.

• Port Place Shopping Centre

  Downtown Nanaimo location with grocery, pharmacy, liquor store, and a variety of retail and dining options.

• Country Club Centre

  Over 50 shops and services, including Save-On-Foods, JYSK, Best Buy, and Shoppers Drug Mart.

• Southgate Mall

  A smaller shopping plaza close to Chase River, offering a mix of retail and service businesses.

Specialty and Local Shopping

• Downtown Nanaimo Shopping Districts

  Explore the Arts District for galleries and studios, the Old City Quarter for boutique shopping and historic charm, and the Waterfront for souvenirs and local crafts.

• Cedar Farmers Market

  A popular local market offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, crafts, and more, just a short drive from Chase River.

Big Box and Warehouse Stores

• Costco – Bulk groceries, electronics, and household goods.
• Superstore – Large supermarket with general merchandise.
• The Home Depot – Hardware, home improvement, and garden supplies.

Health & Natural Products

• Country Grocer (Chase River) – Features a wide selection of gluten-free, organic, and specialty health foods.
• Pharmasave Chase River – Health and wellness products, supplements, and pharmacy services.