Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park

Great option for a local walk in nature

Great hikes inside the city

This is one of my favourite places to hike. When you go beyond the main trails up into the hills and trees, a completely other world of rocks to climb and meadows unfolds. The wild flowers are a joy to behold and the songs from the various birds that inhabit the space are delightful. I consider myself so fortunate to have this wonderful place, where I can roam for hours, just minutes from my home.

What a surprise to find some wild and bewitching wilderness in the middle of Nanaimo — and then to get lost! Be careful! First, one is on a well-beaten path and then it dead ends in a swamp. Next, one is on top of a mini-mountain, covered with moss and a million photo ops — but no clue or signage to guide one where to go. Hmmm... sun on face, distant traffic noise suggests people... follow the nose and suddenly a gravel path! Left? Or, right? We had no intention of charting new trails and soon found our way to suburbia - and a long walk back to the car on busy roadways. Upside: we got a 2.5 hour workout in some lovely new terrain. Lesson: stay on marked paths or be prepared for the unexpected. This place has an extensive network of seductive trails that can lead the unwary into the unknown.

You can enjoy nature here, a nice lake loop trail and 3 or trail heads so convenient start points wherever you are ...hammond bay, lost lake rd and rock city...good for a relaxing walk or run the trails...i take my dog for walks here too, she loves it...