Salisbury Provincial Park is a unique forested park on Vancouver Island offering rich natural landscapes, beach access, and diverse recreational opportunities close to the city of Nanaimo.
Salisbury Provincial Park spans over 72 hectares on the east coast of Vancouver Island near the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. The park features a combination of old-growth forest stands, open meadows, and a scenic shoreline along the Strait of Georgia, providing a mix of coastal and inland ecosystems. It is particularly valued for its mature Douglas-Fir and Western Red Cedar trees, along with a variety of mosses and understory plants native to the Pacific Northwest. Historically, the area was used by local First Nations groups and more recently protected to maintain green space near urban development. Salisbury Provincial Park offers visitors easy walking trails with viewpoints overlooking the water, picnic areas, and access to some secluded beach sections, making it popular for hiking, bird watching, and family outings. The park also serves as a natural refuge for small mammals and a range of bird species, including bald eagles and herons. Its proximity to Nanaimo makes it a convenient getaway spot for residents and tourists alike, providing a quiet retreat within a natural setting while preserving important coastal forest habitat. The park does not have extensive facilities, encouraging low-impact recreation and appreciation of natural surroundings. It is an excellent site to connect with the coastal environment of Vancouver Island without traveling far from urban amenities.
Coastal viewpoints with expansive views of the Strait of Georgia
Old-growth Douglas-Fir and Western Red Cedar forest stands
Secluded beach access perfect for tide pooling and shoreline exploration
Quiet walking trails close to Nanaimo with diverse wildlife sightings
The park provides access to a quiet beach along the Strait of Georgia, offering tide pooling and scenic ocean views.
Mature Douglas-Fir and Western Red Cedar trees dominate much of the park’s forested sections, representing coastal temperate rainforest.
Well-maintained picnic facilities located near the main parking lot make the park an ideal location for family day visits.