The simplest way to get to Westwood Lake from Nanaimo is by car or taxi to the parking lot on Westwood Road. BC Transit lists Route 5 among the buses that reach the lake, and that is the one to look up first if you would rather not drive.
Parking on Westwood Road
The park sits in the western part of the city, in the foothills of Mt. Benson. The parking area is off Westwood Road at the northeast section of the park. Since June 2024, all vehicles heading into the park use the newer lot on Westwood Road, and the gate at the end of the road is for boat launch traffic only. A gravel lot near second beach is reached through that same entrance. Put Westwood Lake Park in your navigation app and it will take you to the right place from wherever you start in town.
Summer weekends are the busy ones, so an early start helps. The city has been improving the park in phases, so look at the City of Nanaimo website for current access notes before you go.
Taking the bus
Tourism Nanaimo lists Route 5 for central Nanaimo attractions including Westwood Lake, along with the aquatic centre and Buttertubs Marsh. Check the BC Transit trip planner for the stop nearest the park, the day’s departures and any transfer. Look up the last bus back as well, since a lake afternoon tends to run long.
What you find at the lake
A 5.5 kilometre loop circles the water with only about 51 metres of climbing. The surface is firm gravel and mostly flat, with a couple of wooded boardwalk sections, so it suits a walk, a jog or a slow family lap. In summer the lake is a popular swimming spot with lifeguards on duty. Other trails in the park are rougher and hillier and are shared with mountain bikers, so stay alert on them.
Cab or rideshare
A taxi to the lot takes the parking question off your list, which is handy on a hot weekend or with swim gear and a cooler. Use the taxi fare estimator for a rough fare, and the Nanaimo taxi page to find local companies.