Hiking, Vancouver Island

Day 18: Cable Bay, Joan Point Park & Dodd Narrows

Retirement Reflections

Trails: Cable Bay, Joan Point Park, Dodd Narrows, Cedar, BC
Distance Walked: 7.25 km
Walking Time: 2 hrs
Elevation Gain: 119 m
Trail Rating: Easy

Imports - 1 of 1 (5) 3.26.53 PM

Cable Bay is a well-established trail in Cedar, BC (near Nanaimo). It seamlessly merges into Joan Point Park* and Dodd Narrows tidal channel, where fast-moving waters funnel into the narrows between Mudge Island and Vancouver Island.

Imports - 1 of 1 (2) 3.26.53 PM

This walk offers views of a rain forest, ocean, sandstone beach and a powerful tidal current. It is a designated off-leash dog park. As you wind down the oceanfront, you overlook Gabriola Island, Mudge Island, Protection Island and Duke Point. Depending on your timing, and the season, a variety of ocean life can be spotted here, including bald eagles, kingfishers, heron gulls, loons, sea lions, otters, seals and orcas.

Imports - 1 of 1 (4) 3.26.53 PM

Although a relatively easy trail, there is much uneven terrain and a slightly steep uphill climb on your return…just enough to get your heart rate up!

Imports - 1 of 1 (6) 3.26.53 PM

Special thanks to Roger, Paula and Tommy for introducing us to this area and joining us this morning. The one ingredient that makes an awesome trail even better = friends to share it with.
We’ll definitely be back!

* Joan Point Park was named for Joan Olive Dunsmuir, wife of industrialist and politician, Robert Dunsmuir.

#30hikesin30days

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

33 thoughts on “Day 18: Cable Bay, Joan Point Park & Dodd Narrows”

  4. Hi Donna – amazing … looks gorgeous – and seems a good place at all times … just stunning scenery and wild life – crabs too … yummy! Friends an essential to life – much missed recently … enjoy today’s hike … all the best – Hilary

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  6. Hi Donna, I’ve enjoyed reading your blogs. Great trails and descriptions. You really are exploring new areas. Great maps and photos. Thanks for your research. My two friends and I walked an average of 8-10 k daily through March, April and May. It’s great to get out every day. Tried to comment on your site but it wouldn’t let me. Happy hiking, Brenda

    On Mon, Jul 13, 2020 at 3:58 PM Retirement Reflections wrote:

    > Retirement Reflections posted: “Trails: Cable Bay, Joan Point Park, Dodd > Narrows, Cedar, BC Distance Walked: 7.25 km Walking Time: 2 hrs Elevation > Gain: 119 m Trail Rating: Easy Cable Bay is a well-established trail in > Cedar, BC (near Nanaimo). It seamlessly merges into Joan Point P” >

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  15. Another hike for my to-do list! When we were planning to move to the Island, we looked at a house in Cedar By The Sea. I think, perhaps, this trail was nearby.

    Jude

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