• Parking:
  • We were camping in the Living Forest Ocreanside Campground, but there is a small public parking lot outside the campground if you aren’t camping here.
• Launching
  • Sandy river bank off and a concrete boat ramp on campground property
  • The public trail also leads to the river bank, but it’s a bit steeper
• Difficulty – Nanaimo River is very gentle and sleepy in the estuary. It’s nearly impassable at low tide, but many of the channels are navigable at high tide. Tidal current is a factor.
• Boat traffic – minimal, given how shallow the river is
• View – you are never far from human activity. Looking downstream, the City of Nanaimo and its harbour looms large to the north. Paddling upstream, you soon come upon the Nanaimo River Reserve of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
• Facilities – a hose is available at the campground beach for cleanup. Flush toilet and token-operated shower availabe in the campground
• Overall score – 6/10

Nanaimo River Estuary is the largest estuary on Vancouver Island, and it’s important both culturally, economically, and ecologically. Views of the estuary provide a beautiful backdrop for the Living Forest campground. Campsites with a view of the estuary are in high demand and command a higher fee.

On the last afternoon of our week-long camping stay, I carved out a couple of hours to paddle and explore the estuary during high tide. I drew a heart shaped loop with the most promising river channels as my paddle plan.

Launching is from the beach and boat ramp is easy for campers.

For those who are not camping here, there is a small parking lot just outside the campground gate, and a short trail leads you to the river. Some steep banks could be used to launch a kayak or paddleboard.

I paddled downstream first. The tide had peaked and was starting to ebb, so I wanted to clear the shallowest, downstream areas before it got too shallow. The ocean front was only 400m downstream from the launch point, but the water was very shallow.

Many channels looked inviting for exploration. I checked my map to make sure I get on the widest branch so that I don’t get stuck in a dead end. An eagle was perched on some driftwood at the mouth of the river, hunting for fish. It flew away, probably annoyed, as I turned to paddle upstream.

For a short while, there was some solitude. But soon, about 1km from the ocean, I reached the Nanaimo River Reserve.

I suddenly came across a shallow row of rocks that perfectly transected the river. I wasn’t sure what it was for, but it made paddling upstream impossible. I portaged on the side.

Further upstream, the river remained quite shallow. The views were mediocre, and I felt like I was intruding in a private neighborhood. I turned around to complete my loop.

Overall it was very nice to get out and have a bit of exploration while camping here. The water is very well protected, and the lack of motorboats make this quite beginner friendly. However, the usual river hazards are present. Watch for submerged branches, river currents, and check the tide table.