PIPER'S LAGOON

                                                                    PIPER'S LAGOON 


In my opinion, Piper's Lagoon is probably the most attractive and desirable oceanside park in all of Nanaimo. It's a small park probably the size of two length-sized city blocks. The beaches  sorrounding the stretch of narrow land are mostly rocky but at low tides, some sandy beaches appear which make wading and splashing in the often times cool water possible. There's a hill on the north end of the pathways which is covered with gnarly-looking Garry oaks and a few Arbutus trees. There are resident eagles,several kinds of gulls,shorebirds and other migratory birds as well. North of the park is the infamous Shack Island, a very small t-shaped rocky island which can be reached on foot on low tides. There are several very old but well-maintained cabins here that were built in the 1930's mostly for fishing,weekend excursions and summer use. At the present time, they are not abandoned but in fact  in very good if not excellent condition with fresh paint and all. They are now treasured by a very few lucky descendants of the previous owners. Since they are private properties, I do advice the visitors and anyone who approach these cabins to give them proper respect and care. There are several picnic tables and restrooms on the south end of the Park. At low tides, many tidal pools expose several kinds of sea life, sea stars,small crabs and even small fish,anemones,sea shells and barnacles. There are the usual driftwoods, pebbles and rocks around the shores for the children to explore and play with. On the north side of the Park, there is an outcrop made of very rugged and jagged-looking rocks that one can climb but due care should be observed especially when they are wet and slippery. I would advise parents and adults alike to supervise their young children if they try to climb this very rugged outcrop. Other than that, it is an excellent place to spend several hours of fun and enjoyment! Don't forget to bring your kayaks,canoes, good pairs of binoculars,cameras and wear a good pair of hiking boots or rugged runners for climbing those rugged hills and rocks. Come and enjoy Piper's Lagoon Park!

NECK POINT

Neck Point is just a few hundred meters north of Piper's Lagoon. Both parks have stunning views overlooking the mainland mountains beyond. There are numerous nooks and mysterious-looking crannies to explore along the rocky bluffs and beaches. The park was named after a gravel bar connecting the park to a rocky "head" of igneous rock that juts out of the water. At certain times, sea lions and sometimes orcas pass by here. A developed trail runs through most of the park with look-outs and boardwalks. It is a very popular park frequented by local residents and visitors. It is also a favorite spot for divers of all levels and is known worldwide for its undersea life and diversities.

HAREWOOD PLAINS

Harewood is the name of a lake and a plain located 4 kilometers South of Nanaimo on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. The name has been in use since 1913 when Harewood was referred to a small mining village in the area which is no longer in existence. The mine was owned in part by the 7th son of the 3rd son of The Earl of Harewood. Today the name Harewood is still in use to refer to a neighbourhood in South Nanaimo. It is also used as a street name and as a name for some other community amenities. The area is now affectionately called the University area due to its proximity to the Vancouver Island University. Every year around the early part of spring,  spectacular and majestic-looking  wildflowers show their grandeur for just a few short weeks or so. There are several kinds of moss,lichens and wildflowers most notably the Lotus Pinnatus, a very unique and beautiful plant that is native to Western North America from California into the Pacific North West, its distribution extending into British Columbia most notably in Nanaimo,nearby Gabriola Island and another lovely community of Ladysmith. Lotus Pinnatus has a bright yellow banner or upper petal and white lower petals. It is a hairless perennial herb lined with leaves each made up of green oval leaflets measuring about 1-2.5 centimeters in length. The inflorescence is an array of up to 10 pea-like flowers that measure between 1-2 centimeters in length. According to the the biologists and other wildlife experts, Nanaimo has 80% of all the Lotus Pinnatus found in all of Canada, growing within the City limits. It is also known as bog's bird's-foot trefoil and likes to sprawl near the ground on a stem up to 60 centimeters long. There are roughly 1,500 of the plants that grow in the Harewood Plains within the three-kilometer square section that stretches from White Rapids Road in the North to Mckeown Way to the South bordered by the Nanaimo Parkway to the West. The B.C. Hydro right of way on the Island Timberland's property goes through the Southern edge of the plains. The plant likes to grow in thin soil and thrives in this area's moderate climate.Lotus Pinnatus is now the Official Flower of Nanaimo. Please help us protect and maintain the pastoral beauty  of the rugged and yet beautiful Harewood Plains!