Looking for a coastal walk near Nanaimo with big views and interesting rock formations? Jack Point and Biggs Park follows the edge of the Nanaimo River estuary with sculpted sandstone cliffs, tide pools, and wide views toward downtown Nanaimo and Gabriola Island. It feels surprisingly wild for a trail that sits so close to the Duke Point ferry terminal.
The main route is about 5 kilometres out and back, with a mix of gravel trail, boardwalks, stairs, and a few short rocky sections. It is a great option for walkers who want a scenic 1 to 2 hour outing, older kids who like to scramble, and photographers chasing sunsets, ferries, and wildlife.
What to expect at Jack Point and Biggs Park
- Best for: Coastal walkers, geology and photography fans, birdwatchers, and visitors who want a low-key hike close to Nanaimo.
- Distance and time: Around 5 km return with side trips to viewpoints; plan 1 to 1.5 hours, longer if you explore tide pools.
- Trail type: Mainly compact gravel with stairs, boardwalks, roots, and short rock scrambles along the bluffs and shoreline.
- Highlights: Overhanging sandstone and honeycomb rock patterns, tide pools at low tide, harbour and ferry views, arbutus and Garry oak trees, and chances to spot sea lions, seals, and bald eagles.
- When to go: Low tide gives the best look at the rock formations and tide pools. Clear afternoons and evenings are ideal if you are hoping for sunset colours over Nanaimo.
- Accessibility: The first stretch from the parking area is wide and relatively flat with a good viewpoint. Beyond that, expect stairs and uneven, narrow sections that are not suitable for wheelchairs or most strollers.
- Good to know: Wear sturdy footwear, keep children and dogs back from cliff edges, and watch for slippery rocks and changing tides along the shoreline sections.
From the parking lot at the end of Jackson Road you will pass through a short pedestrian tunnel before reaching the shoreline. Once you are on the main trail, it is easy to follow as it winds along the bluffs out toward the tip of Jack Point, with plenty of benches and side paths where you can pause and enjoy the view.
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Planning a hike near Nanaimo? Jack Point and Biggs Park are a bit of a hidden gem with a scenic oceanside trail, rare sandstone formations, and panoramic views of downtown Nanaimo and Gabriola Island. This under-the-radar park is perfect for those looking to explore coastal nature without the crowds.
Located between the Nanaimo River Estuary and the Duke Point ferry terminal, Jack Point and Biggs Park are one of those places you only hear about from locals. With a 5 km out-and-back trail, sculpted sandstone cliffs, ferry views, and Garry oak bluffs, it’s a scenic walk that rewards anyone who finds it.
If you love geology, sunsets, sea breezes, or quiet trails where you might spot an eagle or sea lion, this is a must-stop on your Vancouver Island Bucket List.
Trail Overview at Jack Point, Nanaimo
- Distance: ~5 km out and back
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time: ~1 to 1.5 hours (longer with beach stops)
- Trail Surface: Gravel chip path with stairs, boardwalks, and some rock scrambling
- Wheelchair Access: First 300m are accessible with stunning harbour views
- Dog-friendly: Yes, but must be leashed
Landscape & Flora
This 32-acre natural park feels like a miniature Gulf Island. The trail winds through arbutus and Garry oak meadows, skirts coastal bluffs, and dips close to the tide pools. You’ll pass Douglas-fir stands, open viewpoints, and occasional signs of wildlife, otter scat, sea lion barks, and soaring bald eagles.
There’s also a raw, coastal wildness here. Sheltered sandstone nooks are carved by tides over millennia, and the scent of salt and cedar follows you from Biggs Park to the very tip of Jack Point.
Geology Buffs Love This Walk
Bring your camera—and maybe a magnifying glass. The rocks here are part of the Cedar District and De Courcy Formations, showcasing layered sandstone and mudstone, wave-cut platforms, bedding, and concretions. These unusual erosion patterns can only happen in coastal environments.
- Bedding: Parallel layers reveal the history of ancient sea floors
- Erosion features: Carved ledges, overhangs, and small caves
- Concretions: Round, fossil-hiding nodules formed by mineralization inside sandstone
Low tide is the best time to explore these geological wonders, especially along the bluff sections and shoreline near the tip of Jack Point.
History Of Jack Doholt & John Biggs
Jack Point is named for Jack Doholt (1819–1905), a farmer who lived on the point for 40 years and supplied Nanaimo with milk and hay. At one time, Jack Point was an island at high tide—now it’s connected to Biggs Park via trail.
Biggs Park, in turn, is named after John Biggs, a carpenter and miner who pre-empted the land after working for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Both names reflect the area’s early settler history and quiet connection to the region’s past.
How to Get There (Trust the signs, not Google Maps)
Drive time from downtown Nanaimo: 15–20 minutes
Follow the Duke Point Highway toward the ferry terminal. Turn right on MacMillan Rd, stay left as it becomes Maughan Rd, and look for the parking area at the end of Jackson Road. Walk through the pedestrian underpass to access the park.
Do not park along the highway or in unauthorized areas—use the designated lot for a smoother visit.
Correct Parking Address: 655 Jackson Road, Nanaimo, BC
Final Thoughts: Why It Belongs on Your Vancouver Island Bucket List
Jack Point and Biggs Park isn’t just another city-side trail and park. It’s a unique geological gallery, a birdwatcher’s hideout and a sunset lookout. The downfall is that it’s located near an industrial zone and along a busy highway, so expect noise with the views.
Whether you walk the full loop or just pop out for a quick view of Nanaimo Harbour, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and appreciate the quieter side of the island.
Looking for more information on Nanaimo? Check out our guide to where to stay in Nanaimo or browse more hiking trails on Vancouver Island.
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