Bowen Park

Bowen Park is a recreation destination in the community of Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The 36 hectare park is situated on the shores of the Millstone River located north of Downtown Nanaimo.

The park includes, both, open areas with grass fields and forested areas consisting of various species of trees like maple, cedar and fir trees. Distributed throughout the park are flower displays and gardens, mainly rhododendrons. There are short hiking trails in the park for exploring.

Bowen Park is a popular area for many activities including swimming, birdwatching, hiking, picnicking, disc golf, tennis, baseball and lawn bowling. Swimming can be enjoyed in the river or in the outdoor swimming pool in the park. Birdwatching is best enjoyed near the duck pond or at the south end of the river near the estuary

There are picnic shelters, a playground, picnic tables and sitting benches in the park. Recreation facilities includes a curling club, sporting fields, the Hailey Rhododendron Grove, a 4-H barn and farm and a nature centre.

Bowen Park is home to many events. The picnic shelters, gardens and grass lawns are ideal for weddings, family gatherings and festivals. For large gatherings it is wise to contact the park prior to the event for rental so not to interfere with other events in the park.

How to Get to Bowen Park

Travel to the community of Nanaimo on Vancouver island. From Terminal Street in downtown Nanaimo access Comox Rd (also known as Bowen Road). Continue up Comox Road, over the railroad tracks. Look for Howard Street on your left. On the other side of the road on your right is the park entrance and a parking lot.