Directions: The location for Beach Estates Park is almost unbelievable the first time you arrive. The waterfall is located in a small yet spectacular forested ravine within the concrete heart of Nanaimo, just across from the Brooks Landing shopping center. Access to the trail is located in the Church of Nazarene parking lot, 2150 Departure Bay Rd. Please make sure to be respectful of church service times as parking for this hike is privately provided by the church.
Trail: The trail to the falls is short, taking only about two minutes to reach the falls and another 15-20 minutes to reach the end of the trails. I’ve rated the trail as easy for the biggest obstacle is the initial steep set of stairs to the bottom of the ravine. All of the stairs scattered through out the park are well maintained and offer hand railings to assist you’re decent/ascent.
Soon after setting off on this hike it is easy to forget you are in the heart of town, making it a quick get away for those in Nanaimo. The bustling sounds of the city quickly disappear with your descension, being replaced by the calming sounds of Northfield Creek and the song birds that frequent this part of town. After experiencing the waterfall’s wonderful and relieving sensations you have the option to follow the bridge sewn Northfield Creek through the green, temperate ravine. The trail will lead you to a rocky-pebble beach where you can view the massive BC Ferries come in and out of port.
More: Just north of the point where the trail reaches its end at Departure Bay are the remnants of a once booming coal industry here in Nanaimo. Here on the beach side are the concrete footings of what was once a wharf built for a nitroglycerine factory established by Hamilton Powder Company in 1892. This was the second factory built in the area by the company the first being in Northfield. The Hamilton Powder company built these two factories with interests in monetizing off the of high production coal mines in the area. They were able to bring the price of powder from 4 bucks a barrel to right around 2 bucks for miners in the local area. They soon found them selves dominating the local market for explosives.
Bonus: This trail can be done in reverse by starting on Beach Rd. The access to the trail is via a well established gravel trail close to its intersection with Ocean Terrace Rd. These two doors to this hidden gem are used as a connector between the two neighborhoods for many of its residents. Please be quite, respectful, and mindful of where you park, for the entrance is located in a residential neighborhood.
Vanislewaterfalls 