The best traffic-free bike rides around Nanaimo

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes featured in this guide. These include 1 easy route and 4 moderate routes, offering a range of options for different skill levels.

Nanaimo offers a unique blend of diverse landscapes, from stunning coastal views to forested mountains and urban pathways. The city has a commitment to cycling, with extensive trail networks like the Parkway Trail and E&N Trail, and newly added dedicated cycle lanes in the downtown core, ensuring a safe and scenic experience away from vehicle traffic.

Yes, the Parkway Trail is a 20 km paved, multi-use trail that runs alongside the Nanaimo Parkway, offering a smooth and accessible ride suitable for all ages and abilities. The E&N Trail is another significant paved multi-use option, connecting various parks and areas within the city.

Many routes offer stunning natural beauty. You can find coastal views, forested sections, and access to beautiful parks. For example, the route Colliery Dam Park – Lower Lake, Colliery Dam Park loop from Cinnabar Valley Park takes you near Colliery Dam Park, known for its lakes, bridges, and waterfalls. Other highlights in the region include Neck Point with its panoramic ocean views, and Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Provincial Park, accessible by ferry, which offers unique sandstone formations.

Yes, the Nanaimo area is home to several beautiful waterfalls. While cycling, you might pass near areas like Colliery Dam Park, which features waterfalls. Other notable waterfalls in the region include Ammonite Falls and Crystal Falls, which can be explored as side trips.

Absolutely. Many of the featured routes are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Gabriola Sands Provincial Park and the Roadbike loop from Christ Church Gabriola, both offering scenic circular rides.

The routes vary in length and duration. For example, the Roadbike loop from Gabriola Sands Provincial Park is approximately 42.2 km and typically takes around 2 hours and 13 minutes. The Roadbike loop from Christ Church Gabriola is about 34.4 km, taking roughly 1 hour and 47 minutes. Durations are estimates and depend on your pace.

While this guide focuses on no-traffic routes, some of the moderate loops offer a good challenge with varying elevations. For instance, the Witchcraft Lake loop from Lantzville features over 750 meters of elevation gain, providing a more strenuous ride. The foothills of Mount Benson also offer challenging terrain for cyclists, particularly around Westwood Lake.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Nanaimo, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal views, the well-maintained multi-use trails like the Parkway Trail, and the peaceful, traffic-free experience that allows them to fully immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty.

Yes, Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park) is easily accessible by ferry from Nanaimo. It's an excellent destination for families and easy riders, offering walking and cycling loop trails with views of Indigenous totems and unique sandstone formations. Gabriola Island also features prominently in routes like the Roadbike loop from Gabriola Sands Provincial Park.

Many of Nanaimo's parks and trailheads offer parking facilities. For routes that start from specific locations, such as provincial parks or community centers, designated parking is usually available. For urban trails like the Parkway Trail, various access points throughout the city provide parking options.

Absolutely! Nanaimo is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Many cycling routes pass by areas perfect for other activities. For example, Westwood Lake Park, accessible from some routes, has a sandy beach for swimming. Pipers Lagoon and Neck Point Park offer opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. You can also find trails for walking and hiking in parks like Colliery Dam Park and Bowen Park.