Westwood Lake - Mount Benson Summit

​About the Trail🌲🗻
This 13.2 km loop climbs from Westwood Lake in Nanaimo up to the summit of Mount Benson, gaining over 900 m along the way. The trail begins on the Westwood Lake Trail at the corner of Ridgepoint Drive and Arbot Road, then works its way up through peaceful forest to the exposed summit.

​The payoff is a stunning panorama — the city of Nanaimo below, the Salish Sea, the Gulf Islands, and the mainland Coast Mountains on a clear day.

​Physical Expectation ✅
A steep, rewarding climb with sustained elevation gain and stretches of loose rock and gravel road. Solid fitness and good footwear required. These trails are shared with cyclists — note that "one way" signs are meant for bikes, not hikers. Data coverage is unreliable up there, so download the map offline before you come.

​Stats 📊

• ​Length: 13.2 km loop

• ​Elevation Gain: 933 m

• ​Route Type: Loop

• ​Difficulty: HARD

• ​Estimated Time: 6–6.5 hours

​What to Bring📋

• ​Proper hiking boots with a strong grip

• ​3L+ of water minimum

• ​Lunch + high-energy snacks

• ​Layers for changing weather

• ​Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) — the summit is exposed

• ​Hiking poles strongly recommended

• ​Good vibes & a smile ♥︎

​AllTrails 🔗
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/westwood-lake-mount-benson-summit