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The E&N Trail continues to grow

New section of trail officially opens Saturday, April 18

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 16, 2026 12:58 PM

Summary

The community is invited to celebrate the official opening of a new recreational trail segment of the E&N Trail connecting Hecate Street and Seventh Street on Saturday, April 18, at 12:30 p.m. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at the Bing Kee Food Forest as part of a larger Earth Day neighbourhood event highlighting environmental stewardship, active transportation and community connection.

This new section of the E&N Trail adds 1.2 kilometres of soft surface trail. Delivered through a collaborative partnership between the City of Nanaimo, the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) and Southern Rail, this new section provides a safe, dedicated space for walking, cycling and other forms of active transportation along a heavily used rail corridor. The extension fills a key gap in the trail network, improves safety for people of all ages—including children travelling to and from school—and reflects a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity, recreation and sustainable transportation in Nanaimo.

Link to Strategic Plan: Managed by the City of Nanaimo on land owned by the Island Corridor Foundation, the E&N Rail Trail includes both paved and soft surface sections and has become a popular community amenity, supporting the City’s long term vision for a connected, healthy, and sustainable community.

Key Points

  • The community is invited to celebrate the official opening of a new recreational trail segment of the E&N Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Bing Kee Food Forest on Saturday, April 18 at 12:30 p.m.
  • Approximately 1.2 kilometres of soft surface trail has been added to the E&N Trail connecting Hecate Street and Seventh Street.
  • The extension fills a key gap in the trail network, improves safety for people of all ages—including children travelling to and from school—and reflects a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity, recreation and sustainable transportation in Nanaimo.

Quotes

"The E&N Trail is one of the most used trails in the community. With the addition of the latest portion, this popular trail is now approximately 9 kilometres in length. Enhancing and expanding Nanaimo's trail system was identified as a priority in the ReImagine Nanaimo process as the City improves connectivity, recreation and sustainable transportation in Nanaimo."

Charlotte Davis
Deputy Director, Parks ＆ Natural Areas
City of Nanaimo

"The Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) is proud to partner with the City of Nanaimo and Southern Rail of Vancouver Island on this nature path beside the rail project. This initiative connects South End communities and schools to downtown, creating safer and more accessible routes for everyone in an area with currently active rail use.

It’s a strong example of what can be achieved when organizations work together and focus on practical, forward-moving steps. We hope this project serves as a model and inspiration for other communities along the corridor."

Judith Sayers
Co Chair
Island Corridor Foundation

Quick Facts

  • The E&N Rail Trail is a multi-use trail that runs alongside the historic E&N Railway corridor, which was constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and played a key role in connecting communities and supporting economic development across Vancouver Island.
  • Today, the E&N Trail provides an important north–south active transportation route through Nanaimo. Previously spanning approximately eight kilometres, the trail connects downtown Nanaimo to the City’s north end linking neighbourhoods to schools, parks, employment areas and transit.
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Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communications
City of Nanaimo
250-754-4251

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