Nanaimo Urban Oasis Trail Walking Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  Begin your day with a scenic ferry ride across the Salish Sea. As you take in the views of the Gulf Islands and the towering Coast Mountains, your guide will introduce the flow of the day and invite a gentle breathwork practice. During this calming session, we’ll connect with the natural rhythm of the sea and take a moment to set our intentions for the day. You’ll be invited to journal on a prompt that encourages you to reflect on what you hope to experience and learn throughout the journey. Interpretive Focus: Learn about the history and ecological importance of the Salish Sea, including its role in the Indigenous cultures and marine ecosystems of the region.

  2 hours • Admission ticket included
• 2

  Upon arrival in Nanaimo, we’ll begin our walk through the heart of downtown, taking in the vibrant atmosphere as we head toward Maffeo Sutton Park, a beloved waterfront spot. At the park, you’ll enjoy fresh coffee and the iconic Nanaimo bar while soaking in the stunning views of Protection Island and the harbor. Your guide will open our circle with a land acknowledgment and intention-setting ritual to honor the land we are walking on. Afterward, a grounding practice will help you connect with both yourself and the spirit of the land. Interpretive Focus: Learn about Nanaimo’s Indigenous heritage, including the Snuneymuxw First Nation and their deep spiritual connection to the land and water. Discover how the town evolved from its Indigenous roots to a bustling port city.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket included
• (Pass by)

  We’ll continue our exploration with a stroll along the Harbourfront Walkway, a scenic route that offers not just stunning views but also a deep dive into Nanaimo’s cultural landscape. As we walk past public art installations and historical landmarks, your guide will share stories about Nanaimo’s coal-mining history, the role of the sea in the city’s development, and the ongoing preservation of Indigenous culture. Through reflective prompts, you’ll be encouraged to engage with the landscape and reflect on your personal connection to the environment. Interpretive Focus: Uncover Nanaimo’s transformation from a coal-mining town to a cultural hub and how art and history intersect along this beautiful waterfront. Discuss the role of art in public spaces and its impact on community identity.

  Admission ticket free
• 3

  Next, we’ll head to the tranquil Bowen Park, known for its old-growth trees and peaceful riverside trails. Here, we’ll engage in a forest bathing session (Shinrin-yoku), which involves mindfully immersing ourselves in the forest environment, allowing the sights, sounds, and smells of the trees to awaken our senses. After a silent walk, we’ll gather near the river for a group reflection, followed by an optional visit to a nearby café for tea or light refreshments. Interpretive Focus: Learn about the ecological importance of Bowen Park and how it serves as a sanctuary for both people and wildlife. Reflect on the practice of forest bathing and its science-backed benefits for mental and physical well-being.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4

  We’ll then visit Buttertubs Marsh Park, a lush, birdlife-rich wetland. This is a place where you can experience the sound of nature in its purest form. As we walk the boardwalks and shaded trails, your guide will lead a listening practice to help you tune into the subtle sounds of the land—bird calls, rustling leaves, and the soft murmur of water. Afterward, there will be time for quiet journaling or optional sharing in a group circle. Interpretive Focus: Understand the significance of wetlands in supporting biodiversity and their role in flood control and carbon sequestration. Discuss the conservation efforts in place to preserve this important habitat.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5

  We’ll arrive at Colliery Dam Park, a beautiful forested area, for a nourishing picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Before eating, we’ll offer a gratitude practice to honour the earth’s abundance and the meal we’re about to enjoy. After lunch, guests will have the choice of finding a peaceful spot for personal reflection or participating in a sharing circle to deepen connection and integrate the experiences of the day. Interpretive Focus: Discover the history of Colliery Dam Park, from its origins as a coal mining area to its current role as a popular green space. Learn about the reclamation of industrial lands into protected natural spaces and the importance of green spaces in urban areas.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 6

  As we make our way back toward downtown Nanaimo, we’ll pause for a final journaling prompt and a moment of integration practice. This is your opportunity to reflect on the journey, share any insights, and connect with the land and community one last time. We’ll conclude with a brief closing circle, where guests can share their thoughts, gratitude, or any final reflections before exploring the area or grabbing a final treat. Interpretive Focus: Reflect on the journey’s themes of connection, mindfulness, and cultural learning, and discuss the role of reflection in personal growth and environmental stewardship.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7

  As the ferry carries us back to the mainland, you’ll have the chance to reflect on the journey’s experiences while taking in the beauty of the changing sky and sea. Your guide will offer a guided visualization or a final reflection practice to help you integrate the day’s experiences and ground the wisdom of the land. Interpretive Focus: Reflect on the journey across the Salish Sea, discussing the ocean as a lifeline that connects the diverse cultures and ecosystems of the region.

  2 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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