Bowen Park

On scenic Vancouver Island, in the heart of Nanaimo, lies a true green oasis spanning 36 hectares. This natural area, known as Bowen Park, is a harmonious blend of wild forest and developed recreation zones, making it one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Canada.

The main highlight of this place is the winding Millstone River, with shady trails along its banks leading to a picturesque waterfall. The park is famous for its unique ecosystems: here you can see rare Garry oaks and watch salmon in their natural habitat. For flora enthusiasts, the Billy Lewis rose garden and the Hailey Grove, which houses an impressive collection of 350 hybrid rhododendrons, will be a real discovery.

Beyond its natural beauty, this space offers excellent opportunities for active leisure. There are beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, and a disc golf course, while the local duck pond adds a special sense of tranquility and comfort to the atmosphere. The park's high rating among tourists confirms that it is one of the best locations for free recreation in the region.

To inquire about events or book picnic areas, you can use the park administration's official contact channels.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from leisurely walks along interpretative trails to active sports. Be sure to reach the Millstone River waterfall and stop by the duck pond, where a peaceful atmosphere always prevails. In the autumn, you can witness an amazing sight—the salmon migration as they return to these waters.

Botany enthusiasts are recommended to visit the rhododendron grove in May or June, when hundreds of flowers bloom in all their glory. Also, don't forget to stroll through the memorial rose garden near the main entrance. If you prefer active recreation, modern tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, and a disc golf course, popular with locals, are at your disposal.

The park is ideal for family picnics—there are many green lawns where you can spread out a blanket. Thanks to the good accessibility of the trails, it is comfortable to walk with strollers, and the cool shade of the trees by the stream will be a true savior on hot summer days.

Getting to this natural corner is easy, as it is located at 500 Bowen Rd, very close to the city center. If you are traveling by car, the trip from downtown will take only 10–15 minutes. There are ample free parking lots for visitors, though it's worth noting they fill up quickly on weekends and sunny days.

For those who prefer public transport, Nanaimo bus routes stop directly on Bowen Road. It is just a few minutes' walk from the stop to the park entrance. You can also use a local taxi service, which will quickly take you to the main gates from any part of the city.

For fans of active travel, there are convenient walking and cycling paths with sidewalks. A visit to this spot can easily be combined with a trip to the neighboring Beban Park, located on the same street, allowing you to create a full day's itinerary.

The park owes its name to brothers George and James Bowen, who were the owners of the San Francisco-based Western Fuel Company. In 1918, the company donated this land to the city with an important condition: the territory must be used exclusively as a public park. All ownership transfer formalities were officially completed by 1931.

The first stages of development were carried out by local volunteers, who cleared the land and laid trails along the Millstone River by hand. Over time, the first challenges arose: in 1949, controversy sparked in the city when a commission decided to cut down nearly three hundred old trees for safety reasons. Nevertheless, this decision allowed for more systematic infrastructure development in the future.

The park's modern appearance began to take shape in 1958 with the adoption of a large-scale ten-year master plan. Thanks to this plan, a recreation complex, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool were built here. Cultural additions included the memorial rose garden, opened in 1963, and the unique rhododendron grove, gifted to the city in 1975 by collector Ellen Hailey.

To take a leisurely stroll along the main trails, admire the waterfall, and visit the rose garden, you will usually need about 1–2 hours. This time is quite sufficient for an introductory visit to enjoy the peace and beauty of British Columbia's nature.

If you plan to have a family picnic, play disc golf or tennis, it is worth setting aside 2 to 3 hours. During the rhododendron or rose blooming seasons, time flies, as the park offers many picturesque locations for relaxation and photography.

The park territory itself, as an open natural area, is accessible 24/7; however, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours for walks and activities. The administrative office, where organizational matters can be resolved, operates on a fixed schedule.

Office hours:
Monday — Friday: 08:45 – 16:15
Saturday — Sunday: Closed

A walk through the park can easily turn into a grand city adventure, as some of the most interesting historical and cultural sites are located within just a few kilometers. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this port city and learn about its mining and maritime past.