Blueback Beach, officially Blueback Beach Access, is a free public beach in north Nanaimo, reached by about 300 wooden stairs from the parking area at the end of Blueback Road. It has soft sand, clear water, and big coastal mountain views, and set below a forested bluff at the end of a residential street, it feels surprisingly wild while still being close to town.
The walk down is short but steep, with roughly 300 wooden stairs leading to the shoreline. Plan your visit around the tides if you want wide sand instead of a narrow rocky strip, and give yourself time to wander the logs, watch the boats, and stay for sunset.
What to expect
- Best for: Short outings, sunset photos, beach walks, and a good stair workout.
- Access: About 300 stairs from the neighbourhood parking area; not suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility aids.
- Tides: Wide, soft sand at low tide; a much narrower, rockier shoreline at high tide.
- Amenities: No washrooms, food, or water on site, and limited shade; pack in everything you need.
- Parking: Small lot at the end of Blueback Road with additional street parking; it can fill quickly on sunny days.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash October through April. The City of Nanaimo bans dogs from public beaches May 1 to October 1. For a year-round off-leash option, head to nearby Invermere Beach.
- Time needed: Around 30 minutes for a quick viewpoint and stair workout, or up to half a day if you stay to relax on the beach.
To reach the beach, expect to climb down about 300 steps. Although it is steep, the Blueback Beach stairs are well-maintained. The trail is only about 300 metres and there are several resting spots and benches on the way up.
Blueback Beach is a local favourite that stays surprisingly quiet. A challenge to get to, this long sandy beach holds its own against almost any of the best beaches on Vancouver Island.
Blueback Beach is a local favourite that stays surprisingly quiet. A challenge to get to, this long sandy beach holds its own against almost any on Vancouver Island.
Parking for Blueback Beach is available off Icarus Drive and at the end of Blueback Rd. The main lot has space for roughly 15 vehicles, and there is on-street parking nearby. If the lot is full, there is another beach access at the end of Invermere Road.
The park is open all year round, making it a great place to beat the heat in the summer or a quiet hideaway in the winter. However, regardless of the season, the stairs themselves are a popular place for those searching for a high-intensity workout.
