Nanaimo, BC Parks : Westwood Lake
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Westwood Lake

Westwood Lake is a beach and hiking park located north of the community of Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The lake is part of a 50 hectare day use park with a sandy beach, swimming area with a floating dock, picnic tables, playground, boat launch and a large network of hiking and biking trails.

The lake is a popular destination in the summer months for swimming, canoeing, fishing for trout, hiking, jogging, dog walking, mountain biking and sightseeing. Dog walkers should be aware it is mostly an on-leash park. The dog off-leash area is south of the lake near the hydro lines.

The recreation trail circles the lake. Most of the trail follows the shore of the lake along a dirt and gravel path. However some sections of the trail are boardwalk. The raised boardwalk paths are designed to protect the sensitive shoreline and to keep your feet dry. At one point the elevated boardwalk trail is above the shoreline over the lake.

Along the route are trailheads leading to other trails like Mount Benson and Westwood Ridge. Both routes provide great views of the Nanaimo coastline and surrounding mountains. Both are considered moderate to difficult hikes with some elevation gains. There is also an access trail that leads to Morrell Nature Park.

Westwood Lake was created by a dam constructed on Darough Creek in 1908. The dam was built to supply power to the area. Technology changed and the dam was closed down. In 1957 the park was created.

How to Get to Westwood Lake

Travel Hwy #1 and Hwy #19A to the community of Nanaimo. On the south end of the community is Jinglepot Road. Turn onto Jinglepot (leading away from the community) and continue traveling until you reach Westwood Lake Rd. Turn here and continue to the parking lot.