TYPE: Park + Trail
SURFACE: Forest floor
LENGTH: 8km loop
FEATURES: Trails + Park
Askew Creek Park is a 3.4 hectare forested park and wilderness trail here in Chemainus. The park is great for hiking, walking, picnicking, and birdwatching. Here you can find 8km of walking trails with areas for sightseeing and benches for when you need a break.
ASKEW CREEK PARK
park + picnic
TYPE: Hiking
SURFACE: Forest floor
LENGTH: 3.2km
FEATURES: Birding + Snowshoeing
Offering birding, hiking, and snowshoeing, while still allowing moments of tranquility. Embark on an exhilarating adventure with this 3.2km/1 hour 15 min out-and-back moderate trail, okay for leashed dogs.
BANON FALLS
river + waterfall
TYPE: Trail + Dock + Lake
SURFACE: Gravel + forest floor
LENGTH: 2.5km loop
FEATURES: Lakeside trail
Chemainus Lake Park is a beautiful 2.4km hike located just off of River Road. This lightly trafficked loop is perfect for all skill levels and is accessible year-round! There is also a small dock perfect for fishing and taking in the scenery.
CHEMAINUS LAKE
park + picnic + fish
TYPE: Lookout
SURFACE: Concrete
LENGTH: N/A
FEATURES: Lookout
Look at all the beautiful scenic nature Chemainus has to offer from above at the Chemainus Logging Overlook. You'll be mesmerized by the breathtaking panoramic views of lush forests and a winding river.
CHEMAINUS/HORSESHOE BAY OVERLOOK
lookout
TYPE: Trail
SURFACE: Forest floor
LENGTH: 119 hectare river
FEATURES: Trail
A serene and picturesque natural oasis, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of lush forests, scenic trails, and the soothing sound of the river's flow over 119 hectares.
CHEMAINUS RIVER PARK
park
TYPE: Trail
SURFACE: Forest floor
LENGTH: 4.7km out and back
FEATURES: Trail + Wetland + Birding
Discover the Chemainus River Estuary Trail, a serene and popular 2.7km trail, offering scenic views of the river, lush forests, and wetland terrain. Suitable for all skill levels and dog friendly. Great for birding.
ESTUARY TRAIL
trail
TYPE: Beach + Trail
SURFACE: Sand + grass
LENGTH: 3.4km
FEATURES: Lakeside park + loop trail
Enjoy the great outdoors surrounded by tall trees and fresh air. You can swim, boat, and picnic here. It has lots of shaded areas and spots for sun bathing. Embark on the 3.4km loop trail, generally regarded as an easy path.
FULLER LAKE
swim + picnic + trail
TYPE: Park
SURFACE: Gravel + grass + concrete
LENGTH: N/A
FEATURES: MacMillan Bloedel Train Car exhibit
A quaint and beautifully maintained park that features the MacMillan Bloedel Train Car exhibit where an old steam engine stands in the park. It is a perfect place to spend the day relaxing and learning about some history.
GERRY SMITH PARK
park + picnic + train car exhibit
TYPE: Trail
SURFACE: Forest floor
LENGTH: 1.6km
FEATURES: Creekside trail
The Hermit Trail is a short hike offering laid stone and flower beds alongside Askew Creek. It is perfect for a quick outing when you want to be in nature but don't have all day!
HERMIT TRAIL
park + picnic
TYPE: Trail
SURFACE: Forest floor
LENGTH: 25.4km
FEATURES: Camping + Cross country skiing
Explore this 25.4km out and back trail near Saltair. It is a challenging route, taking around 6.5 hours to complete. It is a well-liked spot for birdwatching, camping, and cross-country skiing in the winter months.
HOLLAND LAKE
out and back trail
TYPE: Trail
SURFACE: Forest floor
LENGTH: 1.8km loop
FEATURES: Trail
Uncover this 1.8km loop trail, known for its easy terrain, taking around 22 minutes to complete. Ideal for leisurely walks, expect a peaceful and uncrowded ambiance during your journey.
PRINCESS OF WALES LOOP
loop trail
TYPE: Trail
SURFACE: Mixed
LENGTH: 2.5km loop
FEATURES: Trail + Creek + Waterfall
Stocking Creek has idyllic winding trails and a picnic area for fueling up. Here you can take a nature walk and find routes that take you along the creek to the falls (pictured). The Trans-Canada Trail also runs through this park connecting you to Chemainus and Ladysmith.
STOCKING CREEK
park + picnic
TYPE: Trail
SURFACE: Gravel
LENGTH: 1km - 16,000km
FEATURES: Trail
The Chemainus section of the Trans Canada Trail is approximately 7km round trip. This well-groomed and level trail makes for easy walking, running, and biking.
TRANS-CANADA TRAIL
walk + run + bike
TYPE: Park
SURFACE: Gravel + concrete
LENGTH: N/A
FEATURES: Family friendly park
Waterwheel Park is a beautiful park in the centre of town complete with an outdoor stage, picnic tables, playground, labyrinth installed by the Chemainus Mural Society, and washrooms. It's also fully accessible!
WATERWHEEL PARK
park + picnic
TYPE: Park + Trail
SURFACE: Forest floor
LENGTH: 1.6km loop
FEATURES: Park + Trail
Wul'aam (Echo) Park offers two trailheads to enter from: Creegan Drive and Channel Boulevard. Along the trails, you can find second-growth maples, fir and cedar trees as well as benches for resting and of course stunning scenery.
WUL'AAM (ECHO) PARK
park + picnic
Photo Credit: Chemainus River Park and Estuary Trail from alltrails.com; Fuller Lake from the Chemainus Courier; Banon Falls from pureoutside.com; Holland Lake from Bonnie Draginda