Best Nanaimo Family Photo Locations

Vancouver Island Family Photographer


If you are planning family photos in Nanaimo, one of the biggest questions is usually where to go.

And honestly, the location does matter.

Not because it needs to be some perfect, hidden spot, but because the right location helps everything feel easier and more natural.

Some places work really well for movement and connection. Some look beautiful in person but end up feeling busy or distracting in photos.

These are a few of my favourite spots around Nanaimo for relaxed family sessions.

BEST BEACH AND COASTAL LOCATIONS

Pipers Lagoon Park

This is one of the most versatile locations in Nanaimo.

You get a little bit of everything:

  • ocean views
  • rocky shoreline
  • grasses
  • trees
  • open walking paths

It is especially good for families because there is space to move around without feeling crowded into one spot.

The light here can be really beautiful in the evening.

Best for

Families wanting a mix of coastal and natural west coast scenery

Neck Point Park

This location has a slightly more rugged feel.

There are rocky areas, ocean views, and some really beautiful textures throughout the trails and shoreline.

It works especially well if you like a more natural west coast look instead of wide sandy beaches.

Best for

Families who want something scenic and a little more dramatic

Jack Point and Biggs Park

This spot has a really nice mix of coastal trails, ocean views, and west coast scenery.

There is a little more walking involved here compared to some other locations, but the views are worth it.

It feels peaceful and natural without being overly busy.

Best for

Families wanting a more adventurous coastal west coast look

BEST FOREST AND GREENERY LOCATIONS

Bowen Park

Bowen Park is a great option if you want lots of greenery without needing to go too far out of town.

There are trails, bridges, trees, and little pockets that work really nicely for family photos.

It has more of a calm, forest feel while still being really accessible.

Best for

Families wanting greenery, shade, and a relaxed natural setting. But beware the disc golfers!

Westwood Lake

If you prefer greenery over the beach, this is a great option.

The trails and lake area create a softer, calmer backdrop that feels very relaxed and natural.

It is also a good choice for families with younger kids because there is plenty of space and the environment feels quieter overall.

Best for

Families wanting more forest and lake scenery

Colliery Dam Park

This spot has a really peaceful feel to it.

You get:

  • forest trails
  • bridges
  • water
  • softer shaded light

It photographs beautifully year round and works well when you want something more earthy and west coast without being directly on the beach.

Best for

Relaxed family sessions with a more natural forest feel

BEST TRAIL AND COUNTRYSIDE FEEL

East Wellington Fields

If you love open fields and softer countryside scenery, this area is such a good option.

Especially later in summer, the tall grasses and open space photograph beautifully in evening light.

It has a quieter, more rural feel compared to some of the beach locations, which can make sessions feel really relaxed.

Best for

Families wanting warm evening light, open space, and a softer countryside feel

Buttertubs Marsh

A more greenery-focused location with trails and softer natural surroundings.

It is less dramatic visually than the ocean spots, but sometimes that simplicity works really well for keeping the focus on the family.

Best for

Natural greenery and quieter sessions

Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park

This one has a really natural Vancouver Island feel.

Trails, forest, grasses, and open pockets of light depending on the season.

It works especially well for families who want something outdoorsy and less beach-focused.

Best for

Forest and trail style family sessions

Choosing the right location

You really do not need to stress about choosing the "perfect" place.

A lot of the time, the best location comes down to:

  • the type of scenery you are drawn to
  • how your kids like to explore
  • what kind of session feels most comfortable for your family

Some families love wide open beaches. Others feel more relaxed in quieter forest spaces.

That is why I always help guide location choices based on what fits your family best, not just what looks good online.


Nanaimo is just one of several areas I shoot in around Vancouver Island. If you want to compare different locations and see what might suit your family best, you can view them all here: Vancouver Island Family Photography Locations

What time works best for family photos?

Evening sessions are usually the sweet spot.

The light is softer, temperatures are cooler, and everything feels a little calmer overall.

That softer light helps create the natural, relaxed look most people want from their family photos.

But real life matters too. We can always work around younger kids and schedules when needed.


Final thoughts

The best family photos are rarely about perfect posing or perfect locations.

They come from:

  • connection
  • movement
  • laughter
  • the little moments in between everything else

The location just helps create space for those moments to happen naturally.


If you are planning a family photo session in Nanaimo or somewhere nearby on Vancouver Island, feel free to reach out and we can figure out what location would work best for your family.