Fishing Pier Not Just For Fishing

Walking / Fishing Pier Nanaimo Harbour

While most people would refer to the popular pier in the inner harbour as the 'fishing' pier, as the sign suggests it is also a walking pier. Have you been there?

A common use for the pier joined to Swy-a-lana Lagoon in Maffeo Sutton Park is fishing for crab, a succulent delicacy you can catch right downtown. You will need a licence, a crab trap, a measuring gauge, some bait and something to carry supper home in and like all fishing endeavors patience. Be sure to read all the regulations because a crab needs be a certain size before it is a 'keeper', I'm not sure if gender plays a role or not, so be sure to find out ahead of time.

Not Just Fishing and Crabbing

As the name implies on the sign over the entrance to the pier it is first listed as a 'walking' pier which many people do, but a surprising number of Nanaimoites never have. Why is that?

It is a perfect place for a pleasant stroll 'on' the water where you will meet many interesting and friendly people and you get a great view of Nanaimo from a totally different perspective. There are also benches where you can just sit and watch the comings and goings of the harbour, with seaplanes, ferries and personal craft buzzing about. There is also an abundance of wildlife such as Seagulls, Herons, Cormorants, Canada Geese and even the occasional Eagle to name a few. They are also a great place to just relax, read a book, take in some sun or engage in people watching which is always pleasant.

So, if you have lived in Nanaimo for any length of time, and have not been out to the end of the Walking / Fishing Pier, you don't know what your are missing. In addition to the things listed above you will also catch sight of 'Lucy' the resident seal who has learned that crab fishermen throw away some very tasty delicacies.