Woof woof! It’s me, Heiko, your golden doodle guide to all things fun and sniff-worthy on Vancouver Island. Today, I’m taking you on a pawsome adventure to Jack Point and Biggs Park—my first installment of trails that make my tail wag with excitement! The moment we parked at the end of Jackson Road, I knew this was going to be a good day. There’s a cool tunnel to walk through that gets us into the park—it’s like entering a secret doggy paradise! The trail winds its way through natural, woodsy terrain with soft chip paths that feel great under my paws. There are a few stairs and boardwalks to navigate, but they just add to the adventure. Before we go any further, though, I have to tell you—this is NOT an off-leash park. Yup, us pups need to stick close to our humans on a leash here. But trust me, it’s worth the hike on a tether! There’s so much to see and sniff, you won’t even mind staying close. Plus, it keeps everyone safe, especially with all the wildlife around. Speaking of wildlife, my humans were super excited when they spotted a bald eagle soaring overhead and sea lions lounging by the water. I, of course, kept my nose to the ground and my ears perked, just in case a harbour porpoise decided to say hello.
As we followed the 2.5-kilometer loop out to Jack Point, I couldn’t stop wagging my tail at the views. We saw the Nanaimo River estuary, downtown Nanaimo, and even glimpses of Protection and Gabriola Islands. The smells of the salty ocean air mixed with the earthy forest scents were simply irresistible! Jack Point has a fascinating history, too. Did you know it’s named after a farmer named Jack Doholt, who lived here over a century ago? It used to be an island during high tide, but now it’s connected to Duke Point and Biggs Park—how cool is that? Whether you’re here for a sunset (highly recommended—it’s paw-sitively stunning) or just a day of exploring, this park has something for everyone. Just a reminder to park at 655 Jackson Road—don’t be that dog who causes trouble by parking along Duke Point Highway. So, if you’re looking for a place to stretch your legs, breathe in fresh ocean air, and maybe spot some wildlife, Jack Point and Biggs Park is the place to be. I give it four paws up and a big, happy woof—even if I have to stay on a leash! Until next time, keep sniffing out the trails!
🐾 Heiko