Spring on Vancouver Island is something special. As the days get longer and the flowers begin to bloom, it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore everything our corner of the island has to offer. If you’re looking for things to do on Vancouver Island this spring, Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley offer the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, local food, and scenic beauty.
From scenic oceanfront walks in Nanaimo to wineries and farms in the Cowichan Valley, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a weekend adventure, or just looking for an excuse to get outside, here are some of our favourite spring activities on Vancouver Island.
Nanaimo is known for its beautiful coastal parks, forest trails, and incredible ocean views. Spring is one of the best times of year to explore them.
Some local favourites include:
Pipers Lagoon & Neck Point Park
These two coastal parks offer incredible ocean views, rocky shorelines, and forested walking trails. They’re great for families and photographers alike, and on clear days you can see across the Salish Sea to the mainland mountains.
Cable Bay Trail
This is one of our team’s favourite hikes. The trail leads through the forest to a narrow channel where boats, seals, and sometimes even whales can be spotted.
Bowen Park & Buttertubs Marsh
Right in the heart of Nanaimo, these parks offer easy walking trails and fantastic wildlife viewing. Buttertubs Marsh is an important bird sanctuary and a popular spot for birdwatching.
Spring is also a great time to explore waterfalls like Ammonite Falls, which are often at their most powerful after winter rains.
Our family likes to use the AllTrails app or website to find hiking trails in our area. It gives you all kinds of information about trails, like distance, elevation change and estimated time it takes.
One of the best simple pleasures in Nanaimo is a walk along the waterfront.
Start at Maffeo Sutton Park, wander along the marina, and stop at Swy-a-Lana Lagoon to watch seaplanes take off and land. Downtown Nanaimo also offers great shops, cafés, and restaurants along historic Commercial Street, making it a great place to spend an afternoon exploring.
You can also walk out to the harbour and catch the passenger ferry to Newcastle Island (Saysutshun) for a day of hiking, beach exploring, and picnicking.
The waterfront walkway in Parksville is another family favorite, especially if we stop and play at the massive playground, the kids love it.
Another recommendation the kids love is seeing the Sea Lions in Cowichan Bay.
Just a short drive south of Nanaimo, the Cowichan Valley is one of British Columbia’s most beautiful wine regions.
Spring is the perfect time to visit local wineries before the busy summer crowds arrive. Many wineries offer tastings, vineyard views, and patios that open as the weather warms.
The Cowichan Valley is known for:
- Scenic vineyard landscapes
- Farm-to-table restaurants
- Local cideries and breweries
- Artisan markets and farm shops
A spring afternoon touring the valley makes for a perfect Vancouver Island day trip.
Spring also means the return of farmers markets and artisan trails across Vancouver Island.
Near Nanaimo, the Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Trail is a fantastic place to explore local farms, studios, and food producers. Visitors can discover handmade art, baked goods, preserves, and fresh local produce while enjoying the beautiful countryside south of the city.
Markets and artisan stops are a great way to support local businesses while discovering unique island-made products.
Spring weather means it’s time to dust off the bikes.
The E&N Trail in Nanaimo is a popular multi-use path that connects several neighbourhoods and offers a safe and scenic route for cycling, walking, and running.
For mountain bikers, Nanaimo has an incredible trail network, and families will love the Stevie Smith Bike Park, which has areas suited for different skill levels.
Spring is also a great time to explore the region’s history and arts scene.
In Nanaimo you can visit:
- The Nanaimo Bastion, a historic Hudson’s Bay Company fort built in the 1850s.
- Petroglyph Provincial Park, where ancient carvings reflect the spiritual traditions of Coast Salish peoples.
- The Port Theatre, a waterfront performing arts centre hosting concerts, theatre, and cultural events throughout the year.
- In Duncan, taking the walk that follows the totem poles is a must.
These local landmarks offer a great way to learn more about Vancouver Island’s rich history and culture.
One of the best parts of spring? Patio season is back.
Across Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley, you’ll find great places to enjoy a coffee, craft beer, or glass of local wine outdoors. Whether you’re sitting by the ocean, overlooking a vineyard, or relaxing at a local café, spring is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy island life.
Spring is the Perfect Time to Explore Vancouver Island
From oceanfront parks and hiking trails to wineries and markets in the Cowichan Valley, spring on Vancouver Island offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a visitor exploring the island for the first time, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season.
So grab your rain jacket (this is the West Coast after all), get outside, and start exploring.
March 20th, 2026