Local Hikes: Neck Point Park

Cultural Connections - Local Hikes 

Join Cultural Connections as we head outdoors and explore some of the most scenic and awe-inspiring, local hiking trails throughout the Fall semester. We have selected 4 hikes that are based out of Nanaimo and 1 final hike that takes you to Elk Falls Provincial Park, located 2 hours north of VIU. This program runs from early March until late April on select Fridays from 1:30PM - 4PM. The cost to join is only $2.00, with the exception of our Elk Falls Provincial Park Adventure - costing $10.00 due to the extended duration of the hike (overall time). Please sign up in advance. 

Neck Point Park

Neck Point is a destination waterfront park for Nanaimo and the region. The park is recognized as an environmentally sensitive area and is well known in the community for its historic, scenic and natural features. Additional land was acquired in 2009 and the park now provides visitors with 36 acres of a waterfront setting to explore. Visitors will find rugged rock cliffs, pebble bay beaches, and winding trails through Garry Oak groves. The park is a great location for photographers wanting to capture the essence of Nanaimo and the west coast lifestyle.

The park is also popular with scuba divers as an access road allows for drive-up diving. Divers tell tales of an impressive array of sea life off the rocky headlands at the end of the park's namesake 'neck'. There is a deep water rock wall face that is reportedly home to a friendly octopus.

The headland area in the north section of the park is a great spot to watch for Orca, Sealions and otters. During herring season the beach is awash with the roe (January)

What to wear:

• Proper clothing for the weather and for walking
• Running shoes or hiking boots
• No sandals

What to bring:

• Face mask (you will be required to wear it while traveling in the bus)
• Proof of COVID-19 Immunization vaccines (Digital QR code or paper verification are acceptable)
• Snacks 
• Water bottle 
• Umbrella or raincoat (in case it rains)
• A backpack to carry all your items

Meeting Location: 

VIU Building 255 Main Lobby 

Trip Includes:

Transportation to and from the hike and a guided hike on one of Nanaimo's Trails.

Policies, Health & Safety

We have an ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and quality of our trips, with trained and responsible student leaders, staff and community partners. Before you sign-up, please check out our policies & procedures for more information about how to prepare for a trip, as well as our cancellation policy.

How to Sign Up

Our activities are available to all current VIU Students. Sign up with us in person in at the Front Reception Desk on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am – 1pm in Building 255 - Second Floor.

You will need to have your:

1. Student card
2. Proof of Covid-19 Immunization vaccines (Digital QR code or paper verification are acceptable)
3. Proof of medical insurance (BC Care Card or Guard.me Insurance Policy)
4. Payment (cash is currently the only method of payment for activities)

Waiver Form

Please read our general waiver form for VIU group activities in the attachment section below. All participants are required to read and sign the waiver before the start of the trip. We will provide a paper copy for you to read through again and sign the morning of the trip.

Contact

Kelsey Moon – Activity Program Coordinator
Kelsey.moon@viu.ca
250-753-3245 x 2737