A Vancouver Island Trail Worth Protecting

Every family has their happy place. Ours just happens to include mud, sea lions, and a dog who only listens 50% of the time. Welcome to Cable Bay Trail and Joan Point Park, our go-to spot for forest walks, salty air, and a guaranteed good mood.

If there’s one place we keep coming back to as a family, it’s this one. Just south of Nanaimo, the trail has everything we love about life on Vancouver Island; forested paths, ocean air, curious wildlife, and space for our dog to run free. Whether it’s a quiet morning walk or a full family outing with kids, snacks, and muddy boots, it always feels like a mini adventure right in our backyard.

A trail made for families

One of the best parts of Cable Bay is that it’s off-leash and dog-friendly. Our chocolate lab absolutely loses his mind the moment we pull into the trailhead. We usually keep him on leash for most of the hike, but once we’re nearly back to the trailhead and the path is quiet, we let him run free for a bit. Seeing that pure joy as he bounds down the trail makes it totally worth it.

The trail winds through a gorgeous coastal Douglas-fir forest before opening up to stunning ocean views. You can hear the waves before you see them, and when you finally reach the water, it’s the perfect spot to stop for a break.

Since relocating to Nanaimo as a family, our daughter has grown from a baby to a full-blown toddler, and this trail has been part of it all. From snuggled up in a hiking carrier on my front, to a bigger pack on my back, to now running wild and free collecting leaves, rocks, and spotting fun trinkets tucked into the trees, it’s been a constant in her little life.

We’ve loved discovering the tiny surprises hidden along the way like the mini dinosaurs, carved owls, and other bits of forest magic. There’s even a memorial plaque dedicated to Brian Hart, the artist behind many of those carvings. His creations continue to bring joy to anyone who happens upon them, a reminder of how creativity and nature can intertwine.

Beauty of Nature

We’ve hiked Cable Bay in every season, and it never disappoints. In spring, everything feels alive; the greens are brighter, birds are louder, and the trail has that fresh, earthy smell after a good rain. Summer means longer days and family picnics by the water, where the trees offer just enough shade to keep things comfortable. Fall might be our favourite, the trail is covered in crunchy leaves, the air feels crisp, and the colours are unreal. Even winter has its charm; it’s quiet, peaceful, and the mist over the ocean makes it feel like you’ve got the whole place to yourself.

Whether you’re a nature lover or just an occasional hiker, there’s no shortage of life to admire along this route. The forest is home to eagles, woodpeckers, and countless songbirds, while the shoreline and Dodd Narrows offer incredible marine viewing opportunities. Seals and sea lions often play in the rushing current, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot orcas passing through.

Our daughter loves pretending she’s an explorer, pointing out woodpeckers and counting crabs in tide pools. Every visit brings something new to see, and that sense of discovery never gets old.

The variety of ecosystems here, from coastal Douglas-fir forest to Garry oak meadows to tidal waters, makes the area uniquely rich in biodiversity. Every visit feels different, with new sights and sounds depending on the season and tide.

Save Cable Bay Trail

For all its beauty, this treasured area is currently under threat from proposed residential and industrial development. Local residents and conservation groups, including Save Cable Bay, are working hard to protect this beloved natural space for future generations.

The proposed developments could bring roads, buildings, and noise dangerously close to the trail and surrounding ecosystems threatening wildlife corridors, rare Garry oak meadows, and the peace that makes this hike so special.

Preserving Cable Bay and Joan Point isn’t just about protecting land, it’s about protecting a way of life. It’s about keeping spaces where families, hikers, and dogs alike can experience the quiet, wild beauty of the island.

How You Can Help

If you love Cable Bay as much as we do, visit savecablebay.org to learn how you can help protect it. You can sign the petition, send a quick note to city council, or simply share your photos and stories to spread the word. Every voice matters and together, we can make sure this beautiful spot stays just the way it is.

For our family, Cable Bay Trail isn’t just a hike, it’s where we unwind, laugh, and get muddy together. It’s where the dog races through the trees, our daughter splashes at the shore, and we all leave a little happier than when we arrived.

So grab your hiking shoes, call up your friends, pack some snacks, and hit the trail. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll see why Cable Bay and Joan Point Park hold such a special place in our hearts.