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BEST RATED NANAIMO, BC PUBLIC PARKS

3 Best Public Parks in Nanaimo, BC

Expert-recommended Top 3 Public Parks in Nanaimo, BC. All of our Parks actually undergo a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes everything from checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and price - all to ensure overall excellence. You deserve only the best!

Maffeo Sutton Park - Nanaimo, BC Public Parks - playing area
Maffeo Sutton Park - Nanaimo, BC Public Parks - Attraction Image
Maffeo Sutton Park - Nanaimo, BC Public Parks - Visitor Experience Image
Nanaimo public park Maffeo Sutton Park video
8+ YEARS ON TBR
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MAFFEO SUTTON PARK

(5.0 Score)
100 Comox Road,
Nanaimo, BC V9R 3H7 Directions

Specialty:

✓Green Space ✓Sports Conducting Areas ✓Slides ✓Swings ✓Walking Trails ✓Ponds ✓Shelters ✓Gardens ✓Hiking ✓Tables ✓Event Conducting ✓Skatepark ✓Rubber Playground Balls ✓Jogging and Aquatic Centre

"Maffeo Sutton Park is an ideal year-round destination for walking, playground playdates, and picnics. The park hosts countless community special events. The park has a walking trail, Playdock destination playground (limited wheelchair access), Sway-a-Lana lagoon and swimming beach (no lifeguards), Spirit Square, Lions Pavilion covered stage, and ferry access to Newcastle Island ferry. There are several public art pieces located throughout the park and along the walking trail. Maffeo Sutton Park has beautiful oceanside walking trails. Maffeo Sutton Park best place to enjoy and to see the kids play in the huge modern play area.

2026 Highlights: Maffeo Sutton Park is Nanaimo’s signature waterfront park along the Harbour Front Walkway and a major destination for walking, recreation and community events throughout the year. The park includes beach access, picnic areas, playgrounds, swimming, washrooms and waterfront walking routes."

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Price:

Admission Fee Free

Contact:

(250) 756-5200

Mon-Sun: Open 24 Hours

TBR® Inspection Report:

Bowen Park - Nanaimo, BC Public Parks - Park Image
Bowen Park - Nanaimo, BC Public Parks - Visitor Experience Image
Bowen Park - Nanaimo, BC Public Parks - Attraction Image
Nanaimo public park Bowen Park video
11+ YEARS ON TBR
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BOWEN PARK

(4.9 Score)
500 Bowen Road,
Nanaimo, BC V9R 1Z7 Directions

Since 1918

Specialty:

✓Green Space ✓Playgrounds ✓Bike Riding ✓Kids Grounds ✓Tennis ✓Volleyball Courts ✓Jogging ✓Walking Trails ✓Sports Place ✓Tables ✓Basketball ✓Gardens ✓Shelters ✓Restrooms ✓Slides ✓Event Conducting and Stone Benches

"Bowen Park is a big natural area with a waterfall and a duck pond. The Park features an outdoor swimming pool, sports fields, event conducting areas, an outdoor lacrosse box, a curling club, horseshoe pitches, two playgrounds, a lawn bowling green, sand volleyball courts, and an outdoor amphitheatre. The park has two covered picnic shelters. Bowen Park has a great Evergreen shrub grove and a duck pond with over 350 species. Adults and Children can take a walk and have fun around the park, and Wheelchair accessibility is also available. There are nice trails to walk and great scenery all around. A relaxed walk leads to a scenic waterfall and a fish ladder.

2026 Highlights: Bowen Park is a 36-hectare park in the heart of Nanaimo with interpretive trails along the Millstone River, a scenic waterfall and fish ladder, a duck pond and a rhododendron grove with over 350 species. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, sports fields, curling club, outdoor lacrosse box, disc golf, tennis courts, horseshoe pitches, sand volleyball courts, two playgrounds, lawn bowling green, outdoor amphitheatre and covered picnic shelters."

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Price:

Admission Fee Free

Contact:

(250) 755-7501

Mon-Fri: 8:45am - 4:15pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Westwood Lake Park - Nanaimo, BC Public Parks - Park Image
Westwood Lake Park - Nanaimo, BC Public Parks - Visitor Experience Image
Westwood Lake Park - Nanaimo, BC Public Parks - Attraction Image
Nanaimo public park Westwood Lake Park video
4+ YEARS ON TBR
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WESTWOOD LAKE PARK

(4.8 Score)
381 Westwood Road,
Nanaimo, BC V9R 6S5 Directions

Since 1908

Specialty:

✓Playground ✓Lake ✓Forest ✓Paddle Boarding ✓Trails ✓Beach ✓Fresh Water Swimming Spot ✓Boat Launch and Benches

"Westwood Lake Park has a beautiful 5.51km trail around the lake, which is loved by walkers and runners. Shorter loops are available towards the south end of the trail. The park has a lifeguard-patrolled freshwater swimming spot. Children can enjoy their time in the playground at the second beach. The park also has a washroom and changing room facility. Visitors can bring their fishing boat or kayak, paddle, etc. There is also an off-leash area for dogs, and wheelchair-accessible fishing float options are available. Westwood Lake Park is the best spot for walking, running, biking, walking your pets, picnics, etc. Free parking facilities are available, and Bikes are permitted on the main trail and the mountain bike trails in the area.

2026 Highlights: Westwood Lake Park is a year-round Nanaimo destination nestled in the foothills of Mount Benson. The park features a 5.51 kilometre trail around the lake, beach access, swimming, kayaking, fishing, a boat ramp, picnic areas, a playground, washrooms and a dog off-leash area."

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Price:

Admission Fee Free

Contact:

(250) 802-3967

Mon-Sun: 6am - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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MAFFEO SUTTON PARK REVIEWS

The Maffeo Sutton Park is situated along The Harbour Front Walkway which we explored for the first time..two events were in process and made the environment quite special..the atmosphere surely invited quite a number of children to experience the playground area..the park name features two community individuals for their special community service..Pete Maffeo and Joe Sutton..the area is wheelchair accessible…we really enjoyed this park on a comfortable sunny day. Playground: Expansive playground area. Restrooms: Present in the park area.

I love the scenery view of beautiful mountains surrounded by tall trees. At the bridge, when you feel fresh air, it fills you with so much positivity. Once I saw seal there but just for few seconds. Whenever I feel low I go there and it feels so good.

Was awesome really great and ran into a fantastic food truck call Street Eats and wow. The food was excellent. Make sure if you see that truck to try them out. Restrooms: Clean and looked after.

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BOWEN PARK REVIEWS

Bowen Park is beautiful. Sometimes, there are many unhoused people there, which can make me feel a bit nervous. Playground: There is a nice playground near the outdoor pool. Restrooms: These are near the beach volleyball courts. I haven't used them in a long time. Dog-friendliness: On-leash dogs are welcome on the trails. Picnic area: These are reservable through the city of Nanaimo, and are nice, covered places great for gatherings.

I love this park. There is something for everyone here. Forest, river, waterfall, garden, tennis court, swimming pool, picnic areas, and a great facility to rent for events.

Pleasant trail along Millstream river. Variety of activities: pool, tennis courts, etc.

WESTWOOD LAKE PARK REVIEWS

One of my favorite places! Has a 6k loop trail around the lake that is a fam fav ! Beautiful scenery, lush green trees/plants! It's pretty easy trail with a rewarding view of Mt Benson at the end. Bit of incline there but my 6 yr does it with pretty minimal whining haha so I'd say easy enough. Worth it either way. The lake is beautiful with clear and warm water , perfect for kayaking and has a decent sized swimming area . definitely a must in Nanaimo! Dog-friendliness: Our dog loves it here ! Gets her tired right out.

We enjoyed paddle boarding on this lake. The swimming area also looked good and many people were enjoying the docks. It felt like we were in a much more remote wilderness area than it actually is. Also a very organized and somewhat large parking lot with no fee. Excellent.

Great place for a dip on a hot summer day. Popular so be prepared for needing to find parking. There is a lifeguarded swimming area. There are swimming platforms.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

MAFFEO SUTTON PARK Total Inspection Points: 120/120
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 4.3K: 10
Videos: 10
Website Standard: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

BOWEN PARK Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Business Hours: 8
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 1.8K: 10
Website Source: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

WESTWOOD LAKE PARK Total Inspection Points: 116/120
Current Evaluation: 8
Acknowledgments: 9
Social Media: 9
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 2.2K: 10
Website Standard: 10

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