Top 4 Lakes around Nanaimo
Best lakes around Nanaimo, British Columbia, offers a diverse landscape of freshwater bodies, from urban recreational hubs to secluded wilderness retreats. Situated on Vancouver Island, the city's lakes are set against a backdrop of forests and mountains, providing varied outdoor experiences. These natural features contribute to Nanaimo's appeal as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and exploring popular hiking trails.
Best lakes around Nanaimo
- The most popular lakes is Westwood Lake Beach, a beach that features a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing, picnic tables, a playground, and a jetty. This lake is known for its clear freshwater and extensive recreational opportunities, including a groomed trail loop.
- Another must-see spot is Heart Lake, a lake nestled in a surrounding forest setting. Visitors can expect a large rock outcrop along the banks, which provides a spot to rest and take in the views.
- Visitors also love Colliery Dam Park, a forest built around two small lakes. This park is special for its well-maintained trails that loop around both lakes, offering a mix of bridges, waterfalls, and large-leaf maples.
- Nanaimo is known for urban lakes, wilderness lakes, and park lakes. The variety of lakes to see and explore includes options for power boating, non-motorized water sports, and quiet natural escapes.
- The lakes around Nanaimo are appreciated by the komoot community, with 3 highlights, 5 photos, and 27 upvotes from visitors.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Westwood Lake Beach
Highlight • Beach
In summer the lake is very popular and the beach is often full.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Heart Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Stocking Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Colliery Dam Park
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Nanaimo.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Stocking Lake was dammed in the 1960s to provide clean drinking water to Ladysmith and nearby towns. From here you can look along the length of the lake, and there are trails you can explore that circumnavigate the water's edge.
0
0
Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park is a beautiful wilderness park with forested trails, rocky hills, wetlands, and meadows. Nestled between Departure Bay and Hammond Bay, it’s one of Nanaimo’s largest protected areas with a network of paths that wind through forest, along boardwalks, including Cottle Lake and the headwaters of local creeks, with occasional viewpoints from higher ground. The park feels surprisingly secluded and is a great spot to spend the day exploring the trails.
0
0
Heart Lake is a secluded lake nestled in a surrounding forest setting. There's a large rock outcrop along the banks that makes for a great spot to rest and take in the views.
0
0
Colliery Dam Park is a beautiful, forested green space built around two small lakes that were once used for hydroelectric power. Today, it’s a popular spot for walking, swimming, fishing, and off-leash dog play, with well-maintained trails looping around both lakes. The mix of bridges, waterfalls, and big-leaf maples makes it a favorite year-round spot for spending time outdoors in this beautiful urban park.
0
0
This lake and park is a hidden gem in Nanaimo. There is a nice beach for swimming and sunbathing, picnic tables and playground and jetty. In summer the lake is very popular and the beach is often full.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Nanaimo are best for swimming and water sports?
For swimming, Westwood Lake is Nanaimo's only lifeguard-patrolled freshwater spot, featuring sandy beaches and swimming platforms, ideal for families. It's also excellent for non-motorized water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Long Lake offers a sandy beach, swim floats, and warm water, with the added option of power boating. Brannen Lake is also known for its warm waters, making it another good swimming choice.
Are there family-friendly lakes with amenities near Nanaimo?
Yes, Westwood Lake is highly recommended for families. It features a lifeguard-patrolled beach, a playground, and picnic areas. The 5.51 km groomed trail around the lake is also suitable for family walks. Colliery Dam Park, with its two small lakes, is another excellent family-friendly option, offering easy trails, fishing, and a beautiful forested setting.
Where can I find hiking or walking trails around Nanaimo's lakes?
Many lakes offer scenic trails. Westwood Lake has a popular 5.51 km groomed loop trail that connects to larger networks. Colliery Dam Park features well-maintained trails looping around its two lakes, complete with bridges and waterfalls. For a more urban stroll, the Loudon Walkway follows the southeast shoreline of Long Lake. You can find more detailed hiking options, including routes like the 'View of Upper Collier Dam Lake – Colliery Dam Park loop', in our guide to Waterfall hikes around Nanaimo and Family-friendly hikes around Nanaimo.
Which lakes are suitable for fishing in the Nanaimo area?
Several lakes are regularly stocked and offer good fishing opportunities. Westwood Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and also has smallmouth bass and cutthroat trout. It even features a wheelchair-accessible fishing float. Long Lake is also stocked with rainbow trout and has smallmouth bass. The lakes at Colliery Dam Park are stocked with rainbow trout, making them suitable for family fishing. For a more wilderness experience, First and Fourth Nanaimo Lakes are stocked annually with Rainbow and Cutthroat trout.
Are there any less crowded or more secluded lakes for a quiet escape?
For a quieter, more rugged experience, consider the Nanaimo Lakes chain (First, Second, Third, and Fourth Lakes) southwest of the city. These are surrounded by forests and mountains, offering a less crowded feel. Heart Lake is another secluded option, nestled in a forested setting with a large rock outcrop for peaceful views.
Which lakes allow dogs, and are there off-leash areas?
Westwood Lake includes a designated dog off-leash area on the far side of the lake, making it a popular spot for dog owners. Colliery Dam Park is also known for being dog-friendly, allowing off-leash play in designated areas while enjoying the trails around the lakes.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Nanaimo's lakes?
The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. Westwood Lake is set at the base of Mount Benson, providing scenic views. Colliery Dam Park features beautiful forested areas with bridges, waterfalls, and large-leaf maples. The Nanaimo Lakes are surrounded by lush forests and mountains like Mount DeCosmos and Mount Hooker, offering a true wilderness feel. Heart Lake is notable for its secluded forest setting and a prominent rock outcrop.
Can I use motorized boats on any of Nanaimo's lakes?
Yes, Long Lake permits power boats, offering a wide range of recreational choices for an urban lake. For the Nanaimo Lakes chain, all lakes have boat launches and a 10 HP engine limit for boats, allowing for a more controlled motorized experience in a natural setting. Brannen Lake also allows motorized boats.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Nanaimo?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but activities vary by season. Summer (July and August) is ideal for swimming, with warm waters and lifeguard services at Westwood Lake. Spring and fall are excellent for hiking and fishing, especially at Colliery Dam Park. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing or ski touring in the hills surrounding the Nanaimo Lakes, and peaceful walks around urban lakes.
Are there any lakes with good viewpoints or scenic outlooks?
Heart Lake offers a large rock outcrop along its banks, providing a peaceful spot to relax and take in the views of the secluded lake and surrounding forest. From the Enos Connector Trail, you get a beautiful view down the length of Enos Lake, looking out towards Notch Hill.
Are there camping opportunities near Nanaimo's lakes?
Yes, for those seeking an overnight outdoor experience, First Lake in the Nanaimo Lakes chain offers four campsites. This provides a great base for exploring the more rugged, wilderness environment of the Nanaimo Lakes.
Most popular routes around Nanaimo
Most popular attractions around Nanaimo
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Nanaimo? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
