Pipers Lagoon is located in Nanaimo B.C. It’s a diverse ocean front park that captures the true essence of the west coast.
This compact and unique 8 acre park is built on an isthmus that extends out to a rocky headland. Its position makes it the perfect place to enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises. It’s a great place to walk year round, the changing scenery makes it a unique experience in every season. Just to the north is the neighbouring park of Neck Point. It’s equally as beautiful and has even more accessible terrain with with over 30 acres of land set on the ocean front.
Starting from the lagoon there is a flat groomed walk along an isthmus that is suitable for people with mobility issues.
Several benches are placed to sit and enjoy the views and listen to the ocean waves as cruise ships, sailboats and the BC Ferries go by.
The area has an abundance of bird life such as eagles, blue heron, seagulls and sandpipers. Sealions often pop their heads up from the ocean waters and if your lucky you might even spot a whale.
At the end of the isthmus a short scramble up and over a rocky hill leads to a forested 2km loop trail. The cliff sides are covered in arbutus trees and gnarly Garry Oak trees that have been twisted by the wind. This area is truly the essence of the west coast and a photographers paradise!
There are several lookouts to take in the views of the Georgia Straight and distant Coastal Mountains. From the headland you’ll have a great view of historic Shack Island and the southern point of Neck Point Park.
Shack Island first had fisherman’s cabins placed on it back in the 1930’s. There were no roads out to what was an undeveloped area at the time. It was a long row boat journey from downtown Nanaimo to this spot known for great fishing. The shacks were constructed for weekend shelters. The rustic shacks are still used today as summer cabins. They belong to descendants of the original owners.
Directions to Piper’s Lagoon
From Hammond Bay Road turn onto Lagoon Drive and take the first right onto Place Road. Follow it until the very end and into the parking lot.
Piper’s Lagoon Tips
- During low tide you can waste hours looking at sea anemones, star fish, crabs, clams and oysters in the tide pools.
- It’s not that busy except in the summer months. As with any popular place arrive in the early morning, later in the evening or on a weekday and it’s quieter.
- Even when it’s busy you can leave the majority of people behind by climbing over the rocky hill at the end of the isthmus.
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