Nanaimo
River Swimming Holes
If you enjoy swimming holes, the Nanaimo River has to be rated in
the top three in the province of British Columbia. The Nanaimo River
is located approximately 18 km (11 miles) south from downtown Nanaimo
on Hwy 1 near the small community of Cassidy.
"Nothing
Like it in the World"
Words like "Nothing Like it in the World" have described
the deep pools formed from eroded sandstone from years of water
turbulence. During the summer months the water warms up to around
24-25° C (75-77° F) as it flows over the sun-baked rocks
creating excellent swimming throughout the length.
Flows
towards Cassidy
The Nanaimo River starts up in the Nanaimo Lakes area just north-west
of Cassidy.
A chain of four lakes are found 25 km (15.5 miles) up the Nanaimo
River Road from Hwy 1 near The Bunjy Zone. The river then flows
east towards Cassidy ending at the ocean just north of Cedar at
a saltwater estuary part of the Pacific Estuary Conservation Program
at Mud Flats.
Quite
Dangerous
If you enjoy swimming holes the selection of pools found along the
whole length of the river is quite varied from the very private
to the well-populated. Please remember though, some areas are quite
dangerous and have to be respected when attempting to swim or hike
into them.
Fatalities
Warning - some people in the past have experienced serious accidents
with some fatalities occurring by not being cautious alongside the
river. Please be careful when swimming, especially through the underwater
caves that have been formed by water erosion against the large boulders.
Once entered, strong water turbulence and currents have prevented
swimmers from getting out of the caves.
Posted
Signs
Watch for some posted signs along the river plus be aware of the
hazardous currents and slippery rocks along the river edge. Just
a note though not all dangerous areas are posted, so a careful inspection
is required of the possible hazards especially if you're new to
the Nanaimo River. Also there are no lifeguards or safety equipment
present along the river's length.
Nanaimo
River Road
Located up from Wild Play at the Bunjy Zone on Nanaimo River Road
from Hwy 1 by 3 km (2 miles) is a great place for you to get introduced
to a Nanaimo River swimming hole. Look for cars parked by the road
and the trail that leads towards the river. Beautiful crystal clear
warm water with some deep pools are there offering a quite varied
swimming area.
"The
Trestle"
There is remnants of an old bridge trestle that once crossed this
section of the river. The tops of old concrete foundations remaining
from the bridge make good private areas if you enjoy sun bathing
or jumping off but remember to respect the river. The main swimming
of "The Trestle" is downstream from here at a location
that allows easy access into the river.
Fills
Up Fast
The swimming hole downstream from "The Trestle" really
fills up fast in the summer time with lots of 20-year-old kids arriving
in the early afternoon. Just a warning: There can be a lot of ruckus,
beverage drinking and swearing going on so just be prepared. A good
time to go is really early in the morning if you want to avoid the
crowds. Unfortunately, you will notice the odd bit of litter carelessly
left there.
"The
Power Lines"
"The Power Lines" swimming hole have always been a favourite
spot to go to because the crowd can be a little smaller. Situated
directly below a BC Hydro transmission power line this swimming
hole requires you taking a 10-5 minute walk involving the trail
going down a steep bank.
BC
Hydro Right-A-Way
To get here travel 2 km (1.3 miles) above the Bunjy Zone on Nanaimo
River Road to a parking area next to a BC Hydro Transmission right-a-way.
Walk through the gate and follow the gravel road towards the river.
Once overlooking the river you then take a trail that leads downstream
that eventually goes down a bank to the river.
Rocky
Beach
Once you're down at the river make a mental note of where the trail
comes out through the bush. There is a small rocky beach and some
large rocks to lay on. 'The Powerlines" also features a large
hole where the swimming in the emerald green water is great. There
are also a number of large boulders out of the water making it easy
for you to jump into the pool.
"The
Highway Bridge"
The swimming holes of the Nanaimo River above the Trans-Canada Hwy
1 are really not suited for young children. There is a small beach
area that is more suited to kids near the rest stop close to the
Cassidy Pub on Trans-Canada Hwy 1 called "The Highway Bridge."
Park at the rest stop next door to the Juniper Café at Beck
Road and look for the trail that leads to the river.
Sandy
and Rocky Beach
There is a small homemade raft here plus an area containing a sandy
and rocky beach. Please still be cautious and keep an eye on your
kids. The downstream rapids can be quite fast especially in times
of heavy runoff or in times of water release from Fourth Lake Reservoir.
"Cedar
Bridge"
Another favourite spot for the kids is just below the bridge past
the Indian Reserve going east along Cedar Rd. often referred to
as "Cedar Bridge" swimming hole. Here you can find the
river slowly meandering along making its way to Mud Flats. The beach
is a little larger than most areas on the river and has the advantage
of being wide open so you can keep a good watch on the children.
Clothing
Optional Beach
For those who enjoy a clothing optional beach there are a few areas
tucked away from the crowds where you can enjoy some privacy. Look
for a trailhead about 1 km (.6 mile) west of the junction of the
Nanaimo River Road and Nanaimo Lakes Road. The trail is around 400
metres (1,300 feet) long through the forest. Once you're at the
river, there are a couple of pools either downstream or upstream
direction.
Mask
and Snorkel
If you do happen to make the adventure to the swimming holes in
the Nanaimo River, make sure you have a mask and a snorkel. A big
treat is to view large spawning salmon and other fish swimming in
the river including cray fish that you can find crawling along the
river bottom.
WildPlay
at the Bunjy Zone
Then located at Cassidy
at the Nanaimo River Bridge is WildPlay at the Bunjy Zone. Definitely
one of the main attractions along the Nanaimo River, WildPlay at
the Bunjy Zone offers you great excitement with a jump of around
44 metres (143 feet) off a bridge into an incredible pool just upstream
from the bridge on the Trans-Canada Hwy 1.
Natural
Landscape
Just a side note on the Nanaimo River regarding the rocky terrain
above and below the water. If you enjoy looking at what nature can
do with forming the natural landscape the rocks and boulders found
here are no exception. Boreholes, fan-shaped rock outcrops and boulders
stacked over each other line the river's sides.
Nanaimo
River Fishing
There is an annual steelhead run February to March plus coho salmon,
cutthroat and rainbow trout available. The fishing is also very
good in the Nanaimo Lakes area from April to June and then later
in September or October with both cutthroat and rainbow trout present.
Rock
Climbing
Then for rock climbers there are the two outcrops called the Nanaimo
River Crag located near the Power Line swimming hole. The crag includes
both a lower and upper section providing various routes up the sides
of the rock face.
Information
on Nanaimo River
|
