Colliery Dam Park
Tranquil wooded park with trails, seasonal swimming, and a popular off-leash dog area. A serene escape within Nanaimo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Colliery Dam Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil wooded park with trails, seasonal swimming, and a popular off-leash dog area. A serene escape within Nanaimo.
"A calming, magical space with beautiful scenery and a great mix of nature and community use."
🚶♀️ Easy Trails for All
Many trails are flat and accessible, perfect for a relaxed walk or stroller. Some steeper sections exist, but offer great views.
🐶 Doggy Paradise
The Upper Dam area is a designated off-leash zone, making it a hit with dogs and their owners.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Winding Forest Trails
Throughout the park
Explore lush forests with trails perfect for walking, jogging, and biking. Enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
Seasonal Swimming Spots
Lower and Upper Dams
Cool off in the dams during summer. While there are no lifeguards, it's a popular spot for a casual dip.
Off-Leash Dog Area
Upper Dam
Watch happy dogs splash and play in the water. A favorite spot for pet owners and their furry friends.
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Insider Tips
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🚶♀️ Easy Trails for All
Many trails are flat and accessible, perfect for a relaxed walk or stroller. Some steeper sections exist, but offer great views.
🐶 Doggy Paradise
The Upper Dam area is a designated off-leash zone, making it a hit with dogs and their owners.
🏊♀️ Summer Dips
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the dams during warm weather. Remember to be cautious as there are no lifeguards.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Find benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the park for a relaxing break or a meal amidst nature.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Trails for All
Many trails are flat and accessible, perfect for a relaxed walk or stroller. Some steeper sections exist, but offer great views.
🐶 Doggy Paradise
The Upper Dam area is a designated off-leash zone, making it a hit with dogs and their owners.
🏊♀️ Summer Dips
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the dams during warm weather. Remember to be cautious as there are no lifeguards.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Find benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the park for a relaxing break or a meal amidst nature.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking is generally easier at the Lower Dam access point. The Upper Dam lot can fill up quickly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Colliery Dam Park is praised for its natural beauty, accessibility, and family-friendly atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape within city limits. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained trails, seasonal swimming, and the popular off-leash dog area. While generally clean, some note the lack of bins along trails.
"Natural beauty, right inside city limits — with trails winding around two serene dams, shaded by towering trees and alive with birdsong.
There’s beach access for wheelchairs and strollers just over the bridge to the left of the Lower Dam — such a thoughtful feature. The Upper Dam is an off-leash zone and usually full of splashy, happy dogs living their best lives.
Benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout the trails, making it easy to stop and soak it all in. It’s very clean — I rarely see any garbage. There are bins near the parking areas, though not along the trails themselves.
Bathrooms were open at 8:30 a.m. when I visited. Parking is easier at the Lower Dam; the Upper tends to fill quickly.
Such a calming, magical space. Highly recommend."
Nicky M.
"This park was beautiful, with lots of little lakes and ponds everywhere. One of our favorite parts was the off-leash dog area — it was so fun to watch the dogs jumping into the water, chasing balls and sticks, and playing together. There are several nice spots to stop and enjoy the view, and the whole place is super easy to walk around. Plus, there’s plenty of shade, which made it really pleasant even on a sunny day."
Romina Gomez
"Colliery Dam Park is a local favorite for a quick escape into nature. The trails loop around two small lakes, making it a great spot for walking, jogging, or even mountain biking. In summer, people swim in the lakes, though there are no lifeguards, so it’s more of a casual dip. There’s also an off-leash dog area, which makes it popular with pet owners. Parking is available at a couple of access points, but the Wakesiah lot is the most convenient. Washrooms are on-site, and there are picnic tables if you want to make a day of it. Some trails are a bit steep, but the waterfalls and forest setting make it worth the effort. It’s a nice mix of history, scenery, and community use."
Narges Ebrahimi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Colliery Dam Park is conveniently located within Nanaimo city limits, just a short drive from the harbor. The Wakesiah Avenue access point is often cited as the most convenient for parking.
While specific bus routes can vary, the park is generally accessible from Nanaimo's public transit system. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Parking is available at multiple access points. The Lower Dam parking area is often less crowded than the Upper Dam lot, which can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Yes, biking is a popular way to reach the park. Many visitors bike from nearby campgrounds or neighborhoods to enjoy the trails and scenery.
There is beach access for wheelchairs and strollers just over the bridge to the left of the Lower Dam, making parts of the park accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Colliery Dam Park is a public park and does not typically have an entrance fee. Enjoy the natural beauty and amenities free of charge.
As a public park, Colliery Dam Park is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Washrooms are usually open by 8:30 a.m.
No, advance booking or tickets are not required for general access to Colliery Dam Park. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
While the park is open to the public, it's important to respect park rules, including leash laws in designated areas and proper waste disposal.
Colliery Dam Park is open year-round, offering different experiences with each season, from summer swimming to fall foliage. 
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, jogging, hiking, swimming (seasonally), boating, fishing, and picnicking. It's also a great spot for birdwatching and photography.
Yes, the park features numerous winding walking trails that loop around the dams and through the surrounding forests, offering beautiful scenery.
Yes, swimming is popular in the dams during the summer months. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.
Absolutely! The Upper Dam area is a designated off-leash dog park, and dogs are welcome on leash in other areas of the park. +1
Yes, washrooms are available on-site and are typically open by 8:30 a.m.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene beauty of the dams, the lush forest canopy, and the seasonal fall colors. The off-leash dog area also provides fun action shots.
While drone usage regulations can vary, the open spaces and scenic views offer potential for drone photography. Always check local bylaws before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for landscape and nature photography. Weekday mornings offer fewer distractions.
While the park is primarily natural, it's part of the Morden Colliery Historic Park area, which preserves coal mining history. Look for remnants or interpretive signs.
The park is alive with birdsong and other wildlife. Be patient and respectful, and you might capture some wonderful shots of local fauna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The off-leash dog area is also a hit, providing entertainment as children watch dogs play and swim. 🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Blend of Nature and History
Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, with trails winding through lush forests that provide ample shade. The park is a haven for birdwatchers and offers opportunities for casual dips in the dams during warmer months. The presence of benches and picnic tables makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing day out, soaking in the natural surroundings.
The park is meticulously maintained, with a noticeable lack of litter, contributing to its serene ambiance. The accessibility features, such as wheelchair and stroller-friendly beach access near the Lower Dam, demonstrate a thoughtful approach to visitor experience. This blend of natural tranquility and historical undertones makes Colliery Dam Park a multifaceted destination.
Recreation and Relaxation for All
During the summer, the dams transform into popular swimming spots. While there are no lifeguards, the water is inviting for a casual dip on a hot day. For pet owners, the off-leash dog area at the Upper Dam is a major draw, providing a safe and fun environment for dogs to play and swim.
Beyond active pursuits, the park offers ample opportunities for relaxation. Numerous benches and picnic tables are strategically placed along the trails and near the water, inviting visitors to pause, enjoy the scenery, and perhaps have a picnic. The overall atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility, making it an ideal escape within the city.
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