Top 3 Lakes around Nanaimo E
Best lakes around Nanaimo E offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. This region features a mix of urban lakes, wilderness parks, and interconnected lake systems. The area is characterized by its varied terrain, including forested trails, rocky hills, and wetlands, providing a range of outdoor experiences. These lakes serve as key natural features for both residents and visitors seeking water-based activities and hiking.
Best lakes around Nanaimo E
- The most popular lakes is Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park, a forest that features forested trails, rocky hills, wetlands, and meadows. It is one of Nanaimo’s largest protected areas, offering a network of paths around Cottle Lake and local creek headwaters.
- Another must-see spot is Long Lake, an urban lake with a sandy beach, walking trail, fishing docks, and two swim platforms. This lake is a popular recreation spot, especially during warm summer months.
- Visitors also love Enos Lake, a lake offering a view down its length from the Enos Connector Trail. The trail rises above the water, providing a clear perspective towards Notch Hill.
- Nanaimo E is known for urban lakes, wilderness parks, and interconnected lake systems. Visitors can explore a variety of settings, from accessible city parks to more secluded natural areas.
- The lakes around Nanaimo E are appreciated by the komoot community, with 7 upvotes and 9 photos shared across 3 highlights.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Witchcraft Lake Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Long Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Enos Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Lost Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Tips from the Community
Witchcraft Lake Trail is a narrow singletrack dirt path with exposed tree roots, loose rocks, and moss-covered bluffs as it drops down to the shores of Witchcraft Lake. The lake sits in a swampy basin known for its eerie, mystical atmosphere, with lots of floating dead logs on the shores of the lake from fallen trees. The darker coloured water also helps with the eerie atmosphere, darker than the water in its larger neighbouring lake, Westwood Lake.
0
0
Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park is a beautiful wilderness park with forested trails, rocky hills, wetlands, and meadows. Nestled between Departure Bay and Hammond Bay, it’s one of Nanaimo’s largest protected areas with a network of paths that wind through forest, along boardwalks, including Cottle Lake and the headwaters of local creeks, with occasional viewpoints from higher ground. The park feels surprisingly secluded and is a great spot to spend the day exploring the trails.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for swimming around Nanaimo E?
For swimming, Long Lake is a popular urban choice with a sandy beach and swim platforms, especially in warm summer months. Westwood Lake also offers Nanaimo's only lifeguard-patrolled freshwater swimming spot during summer, and Colliery Dam Park Lakes are popular for swimming year-round.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Nanaimo E?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Westwood Lake Park is very popular, featuring a groomed trail, a beach, and a playground. Long Lake also has a sandy beach and walking trail. Colliery Dam Park Lakes offer well-maintained trails and are suitable for off-leash dog play, making them a year-round family favorite.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes offer diverse natural scenery. At Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park, you'll find forested trails, rocky hills, wetlands, and meadows. The Nanaimo Lakes (First, Second, Fourth) are set in an undeveloped natural environment with growing forests, medium-sized mountains, and abundant wildlife like black bears and Roosevelt elk. Fourth Lake, a man-made reservoir, has a unique landscape with towering rock bluffs and an exposed shoreline of stumps.
Are there good walking or hiking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. Westwood Lake Park features a popular 5.51 km groomed trail. Colliery Dam Park offers well-maintained trails looping around its two lakes, with bridges and waterfalls. Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park has an extensive network of paths through forests and around natural features. For more hiking options, explore the Hiking around Nanaimo E guide.
Which lakes are best for water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding?
Long Lake is a hub for various water sports, including wakeboarding and waterskiing, as power boats are permitted. Westwood Lake is ideal for quiet boating activities like canoeing, kayaking, and electric motor use due to its gas motor ban. Second Lake and Fourth Lake (a secluded mountain lake) also offer opportunities for kayaking.
Are there fishing opportunities at the lakes?
Yes, fishing is popular at several lakes. First Lake is stocked annually with cutthroat and rainbow trout. Westwood Lake is popular for fishing year-round and has a wheelchair-accessible fishing float. Long Lake is regularly stocked, offering good urban fishing. Fourth Lake also provides fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout.
Do any of the lakes have historical significance?
Yes, the Colliery Dam Park Lakes were historically used for hydroelectric power. Long Lake was developed around coal mines in the 1800s, though today it serves as a popular recreation spot.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Nanaimo E?
The summer months are ideal for swimming and water sports, especially at Westwood Lake and Long Lake. For hiking and enjoying the natural scenery, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Colliery Dam Park Lakes are popular year-round for outdoor activities.
Are there dog-friendly trails near the lakes?
Yes, many areas are dog-friendly. Colliery Dam Park is a popular spot for off-leash dog play. Westwood Lake Park also includes an off-leash dog area. When visiting other trails, always check local regulations regarding leashes.
Are there viewpoints near the lakes?
Yes, you can find beautiful viewpoints. From the Enos Connector Trail, you get a beautiful view down the length of Enos Lake towards Notch Hill. Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park also offers occasional viewpoints from higher ground along its trails.
What cycling opportunities are available near the lakes?
While specific lake trails might be for walking, the broader Nanaimo E region offers excellent cycling. You can find various routes for touring bicycles and road cycling. Explore options in the Cycling around Nanaimo E guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Nanaimo E guide.
Are there any secluded or 'hidden gem' lakes to explore?
Fourth Lake, part of the Nanaimo Lakes system, is considered a secluded mountain lake. It's a man-made reservoir with a unique, eerily beautiful landscape and access might require cautious driving on logging roads, offering a more rustic experience away from urban crowds.
Most popular routes around Nanaimo E
Most popular attractions around Nanaimo E
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Nanaimo E? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
