Sugarloaf Mountain Departure Bay (Nanaimo, BC)
The Best Little Hike In Nanaimo
I would never ever call Sugarloaf a hike, but after 2 weekends of 25km plus hikes it was nice to go somewhere local and easy and just go for a short walk. Sugarloaf is a tiny mountain located in the heart of Nanaimo that has great views of Departure Bay. The area allows a great aerial view of Nanaimo that depicts the ocean, ferries, mountains and city. This is a great walk that rewards you with one of the best views of Nanaimo for the littlest yield. Tie this together with a stroll around departure bay and you just might get a little bit of a workout. If you like watching ferries this is the spot for you!
Departure Bay in Nanaimo is a great spot to go for a walk and or cold dip. We really love stopping by Drip grabbing a coffee and walking up to sugarloaf. There are some great scenic benches up the hill and its a great way to spend a sunday. It can get windy here so even if its a sunny day bring a windbreaker.
SugarLoaf Mountain Hike Stats
- Difficulty: Easy – Good short trail
- Hike length: ~ 0.8 km return
- Elevation Gain – 40m gain
- Time Needed – 30 minutes to enjoy the view
- Dog Friendly – Yes
- 4 x 4 – Not required Nanaimo City Roads
SugarLoaf Mountain Nanaimo Hike Directions
You can get to Sugarloaf Mountain by going to 3160 Marion Way, which is nestled in a neighborhood that has roads named after the Disney movie Robinhood. At the end of Marion Way you find a sign and small parking lot where the short 5-10 minute trail starts. From here its just a short jaunt up the stairs to this cute little look out. Sugarloaf is a great spot to grab a coffee at drip or a snack and have a little picnic. I have attached the Sugarloaf trail start point below. There is a cute cafe called Drip just down the road in Departure Bay which is a great spot to grab your to go lunch.
Great views at the top
beautiful Departure Bay
Looking away from the bay
Walking From Departure Bay
If you parked at the bay just walk towards and past 7 11 up Departure Bay Rd.Take your first right up Little John Way then a left on Sherwood Dr. From here go right on Marion Way head up the hill and you will find the start of the trail. This whole area is nice and quiet to walk around.
The boulevard at Departure bay
If you have some extra time in Nanaimo why not check out Ammonite Falls, or if you feel like a serious hike the famous Mt Benson. We like to tie this tiny hike in with a walk around Pipers Lagoon or Neck Point.
