Is Neck Point Park, Nanaimo worth visiting? Your guide from a local

Have you been wondering “Is Neck Point Park worth visiting?”. I’ve got you covered!

Nestled in the heart of Nanaimo, a mere five-minute drive from my cosy apartment, lies one of Vancouver Island’s most beloved gems, Neck Point Park.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit this amazing spot numerous times – spoiler alert, it’s an awesome spot for sunset! Each visit seems to reveal more of its hidden beauty.

Neck Point Park isn’t just another spot to check off your travel list; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a hidden gem of untouched Canadian beauty. With its breathtaking landscapes and tranquil ocean views, it has truly stolen my heart and will surely captivate yours too.

If you’re not sure about adding Neck Point Park to your itinerary for Vancouver Island, let me tell you, I’ve got you covered! As a local who knows every nook and cranny of this place, I can assure you that it’s an absolute gem.

1. The sunsets are incredible

Heading over to Neck Point Park, as the day starts to wind down, is something you won’t want to miss when visiting Nanaimo. There’s something magical about the way the sun hits the top of the snow-capped mountains as it sets.

I was here recently for sunset and it was so stunning. Not only is the light amazing as it hits the mountains but you also have the expansive ocean views to go with it!

It had been a beautiful afternoon and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky so I had a feeling the sunset was going to be good, what I didn’t know was that Neck Point Park was such a great spot to watch it from!

The light kept getting better with each passing minute, switching from bright yellows to deep oranges and then soft pinks.

We only bumped into a few other people while we were down here, but I think this was mainly because it was winter.

2. It’s a great spot for a swim

Neck Point Park is a must-visit for water lovers when you’re visiting Nanaimo. Just imagine diving into the crystal clear waters, with stunning forested cliffs and distant mountains as your backdrop. So refreshing and beautiful!

The park’s stony beach area is a great spot to stretch out under the sun after your swim. There are different beaches to explore such as Sunset Beach, Last Beach, Indian Beach and Finn Beach.

Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or just want to relax on a scorching summer day, swimming at Neck Point Park will soon become one of your favourite memories in Nanaimo.

Or if you’re anything like my boyfriend, who does regular cold plunges then maybe you’ll find yourself here in winter too…!

Bear in mind there are no lifeguards here so remember to be aware of the currents and stay within your comfort zone.

Tip: There are outdoor showers here which is handy for rinsing off after your swim.

3. Walk the Neck Point Park trail

Once you set foot on the Neck Point Park trail, you’ll get why it’s a must-do for any visitor to Nanaimo. This awesome trail takes you through tall trees and blooming wildflowers, with the nearby ocean breeze filling your lungs as you explore.

The stunning views of the rugged coastline are absolutely breathtaking at every turn. Thanks to the mild climate on Vancouver Island, it’s possible to do this trail year-round. It’s not just a walk, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in nature and get lost in the serene beauty all around you.

Overall the trail is pretty easy and well signposted. The different walks all interconnect so you can choose how long or short you want your journey to be.

Soak up the incredible ocean views with mountains on the horizon as you walk between the bays along the cliffside. I would highly recommend walking around to Keel Cove, the views are amazing and it allows you to get off the beaten track a bit!

Trust me – you’ll want to keep coming back again and again, that’s certainly the effect this place had on me.

4. Enjoy a picnic by the ocean

With the soothing sound of ocean waves as your background music, it’s the perfect spot to unpack your basket, dig into a picnic, and take in the breathtaking sea views.

It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the afternoon sun with a range of benches and picnic tables to sit at. There aren’t a ton of tables so if you’re planning to head here in summer you might want to bring a picnic blanket to sit on as a backup in case all the tables are taken;

There’s no better way to experience Nanaimo’s coastal charm than a laid-back oceanfront picnic.

5. Watch for wildlife

Vancouver Island is known for having rich wildlife and Neck Point Park is no exception. The park’s north section is a great spot to keep an eye out for otters, seals or sea lions and if you’re really lucky, orcas.

On land, you can see other animals such as deer, rabbits and of course birds. People have spotted bald eagles here so you never know what you might come across!

Neck Point Park is also a popular spot with divers. The rocky headlands hold an impressive array of sealife and the access road at the park allows for drive-up diving.

Where is Neck Point Park?

Nestled on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Neck Point Park is situated in the lively city of Nanaimo, a charming destination known for its thriving arts scene and captivating shoreline.

The park is easily accessible by car, just a 20-minute drive north of downtown Nanaimo along Hammond Bay Road. Public transportation also services this area regularly.

Since it’s likely you’ll start your Vancouver Island journey in Nanaimo if you’re catching the ferry over from Vancouver, there’s no excuse not to stop by this not-so-hidden (to the locals at least!) gem.

Neck Point Park offers an unspoiled slice of Canadian wilderness that will leave you breathless.

When is Neck Point Park open?

Neck Point Park is open all year round from dawn till dusk which is usually from 7 am – 10 pm. So no matter what time of year you’re visiting, it’s possible to stop by and soak in the beauty of this place.

However, due to seasonal changes in weather conditions, some activities might be more suitable during specific times of the year. If you’re here in winter dress warm as the wind can get a bit nippy!

FAQs About Neck Point Park, Nanaimo BC