Nanaimo, BC Parks : Pipers Lagoon
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Pipers Lagoon

Pipers Lagoon is an 8 hectare hiking recreation park for sightseeing and beachcombing near the community of Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The waterfront park trail follows a rocky coastline and a dyke before leading out to an isthmus ( rocky point ).

The park provides views of Georgia Strait and of the Coastal Mountains on the mainland. On the east side of the park is Horswell Channel. It is a small outcropping that protects the lagoon from rough seas and winds.

A 2 kilometre loop trail explores the park. Along the trail are cliffs, rock outcroppings, grassy hills and views of some small islands. There are Arbutus and Gerry Oak trees lining the path. Some twisted and battered by winds.

In Pipers Lagoon there are many sightseeing vantage points located along the trail. There are viewing benches and viewing platforms. There are boardwalk lookout decks. There are bare rock outcroppings and cliffs. All provide an opportunity to relax and enjoy the views.

Some of the activities enjoyed in the park include hiking, wildlife watching, picnicking, sightseeing, wind surfing, fishing and dog walking.

Wildlife viewing opportunities may include spotting black-tailed deer, kingfishers, bald eagles, great blue herons, seagulls, grebes, loons, sandpipers and, possibly, sea lions and whales. The latter might require a good set of binoculars.

There is a man-made dyke in the park that separates a large tidal pool from the ocean. On the tidal pool side is a pebbled beach and shallow waters. On the other side are driftwood logs and the tides of the Pacific Ocean. At low tides the ocean recedes back and reveals mud flats, tidal pools and an even larger beach.

There's a public boat launch located in Pipers Lagoon Park. ideal for fishing and launching a kayak. Also in the park there are picnic tables and pit toilets.

How to Get to Pipers Lagoon

Travel Hwy #1 and Hwy #19A to the community of Nanaimo. Continue traveling through the community along the highway to Departure Bay Road. Turn onto Departure Bay Road and continue driving to the beach. Continue pass the beach and take Hammond Bay Road. Follow the road up and over to the park. Look for parks signs.