Westwood Lake ParkNanaimo, Central Island

Westwood Lake Park is Nanaimo's most beloved outdoor recreation destination, a pristine freshwater lake surrounded by forested trails perfect for swimming, hiking, mountain biking, and year-round outdoor enjoyment. Located just minutes from downtown Nanaimo, this urban park offers a natural escape that feels worlds away from city life while remaining easily accessible for daily visits.

The park features excellent sandy beaches ideal for summer swimming and sunbathing, with calm warm water that families love. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing are popular on the lake's still waters. A well-maintained 6-kilometre loop trail circles the lake through second-growth forest, making it a favourite for trail running, dog walking, and nature photography. Mountain bike trails branch off from the main loop, connecting to Nanaimo's extensive network of forest riding trails throughout the surrounding hills.

Westwood Lake Park provides picnic areas with tables and fire pits, accessible pathways near the main beach, and free parking at multiple access points. In winter, the trails remain popular with hikers and runners, and the park's forest canopy provides shelter from rain. Bird watching is rewarding year-round, with kingfishers, herons, and songbirds frequenting the lakeshore. For Nanaimo residents and visitors alike, Westwood Lake Park delivers the quintessential Vancouver Island outdoor lifestyle — forests, fresh water, and mountain biking trails — right in the heart of the city.