NANAIMO HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Mid-Island in a Day: Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove and Rescued Wildlife from Nanaimo
A compact, 6.5-hour Tales on Trails outing from Nanaimo that links Englishman and Little Qualicum falls, ancient old-growth forest and the North Island Wildlife Sanctuary — a focused route for travelers short on time.
Mid-Island in a Day: Waterfalls, Cathedral Grove and Rescued Wildlife from Nanaimo.
Embark on a concentrated Mid Island Day Tour that stitches together Vancouver Island’s most dramatic short stops: uniquely shaped waterfalls and turquoise cascades, towering thousand-year-old trees in Cathedral Grove, a scenic Qualicum Beach lunch stop, and a visit to a wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary. It’s designed to let you see a lot in a limited window — ideal if you’re en route to Tofino or simply pressed for time.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Twin Waterfalls — Englishman and Little Qualicum
Two distinct falls anchor the route: Englishman River Falls, notable for its sideways wedged shape in the canyon, and Little Qualicum Falls, with a turquoise cascade and a horseshoe bend — both short hikes that deliver immediate payoff.
Cathedral Grove — Ancient, Cathedral-like Rainforest
Walk among majestic old-growth trees — some described as 1,000 years old — in Cathedral Grove, a rainforest section notable for its scale and cinematic presence.
North Island Wildlife Sanctuary — Rescued Animals
The route finishes with a visit to a rehabilitation sanctuary where rescued animals such as Rae the Black Bear, Cassie the Bald Eagle and Opal the White Raven are cared for, and some are prepared for release once rehabilitated.
What the day feels like
A Packed, Walkable Day Across Mid-Island Landscapes
Over roughly 6.5 hours you’ll move from canyoned waterfalls to seaside town charm to cathedral stands of ancient trees, pausing for a scenic lunch in Qualicum Beach and ending at a wildlife sanctuary. The itinerary is deliberately flexible: hikes can be as short or as extended as you like, with an optional caving or sanctuary visit depending on the day’s selection.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day trip suits — and who might look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs approximately 6.5 hours.
The meeting point is Nanaimo; pick up and drop off are included in the outing.
The day includes a provided lunch and the guided itinerary across waterfalls, Cathedral Grove and the sanctuary.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Mid Island Day Trip?
The tour is approximately 6.5 hours in duration.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting location for the tour is Nanaimo.
Is lunch provided?
Yes — a free lunch is included; the itinerary includes a stop at French Press Coffee Roasters in Qualicum Beach.
What wildlife will we see at the sanctuary?
The North Island Wildlife Sanctuary cares for rescued animals such as Rae the Black Bear, Cassie the Bald Eagle and Opal the White Raven; some animals are rehabilitated for release.
How much hiking is involved?
Hiking is flexible on this tour — you can do as much or as little walking as you prefer at the waterfall and forest stops.
Are there old-growth forests on the route?
Yes — the itinerary includes Cathedral Grove, where visitors walk among towering, ancient old-growth trees.