Across the Lake Swim Westwood Lake
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Westwood Lake is Nanaimo's favourite freshwater swimming spot, and it's easy to see why. The lake sits high above the city with Mount Benson as a backdrop and the water is calm and quiet.
Three distances: 1.5km, 2.5km, and 5km. Something for everyone, from first-timers to those ready to push further.
Register for both island swims & save $$! Register for the Island Series here
The prices shown include all fees and taxes. No surprises at checkout!
Wait! You could get a $60 swim credit, save 15% off additional registrations, skip the package pickup line, and get no charge transfers by becoming a Lake Club member. Learn more about all the perks!
Canaqua Sports is excited to be back in Nanaimo for our 2nd year, and we invite you to join us at the
2nd Annual
Nanaimo Open Water Swim
And
Mudskipper SwimRun Nanaimo
This year also features the
Nanaimo 10K Trail Run
Presented by Canaqua Sports
Date: August 9, 2026
LOCATION: Westwood Lake
381 Westwood Road
Nanaimo, B.C.
FEATURED EVENTS
The Nanaimo Open Water Swim
features distances of 1.0K, 3.0K, and 5.0 K
Mudskipper SwimRun - Nanaimo
Come and join us for a one-lap or two-lap Mudskipper event. Featuring distances of 10.0K and 20.0K in and around Westwood Lake
Powered by Canaqua Sports
The Nanaimo 10K Trail Run
Enjoy a 10K run around Westwood Lake
Come and join us for a great day of Open Water Swimming and
Individual SwimRun
We at Canaqua Sports are very proud of our local events, and we truly believe that British Columbia will grow into one of our top markets for both Open Water Swimming and SwimRun. We are looking for a few people to help us to make our events even better in the future. If you are interested in helping please let us know by emailing [email protected]
NEW FROM CANAQUA SPORTS
Save on Travel
Hotel bookings, Flights, and Car Rentals
Canaqua Sports announces a partnership with Sportsmasters Travel.
Save money when you book for your events, or even a non-sport trip.
Booking is Easy - Enjoy the Savings!
The Big Pirate Run Don't walk the plank, run the park! Join us for the 5th Annual Big Pirate Run taking place at Garry Point Park Saturday 19th September. Suitable for all ages and abilities including strollers and leashed dogs. This themed run offers a 5km/10km/15km and 21.1km (half marathon) Big Pirate Run/Walk (8:30/9am) along The West Dyke and Middle Arm Trail's, as well as a 1-3km Little Pirate Run/Walk (10:00am) around scenic Garry Point Park. Run with your ship mates, enjoy door prize giveaways, vendors and more. The Big Pirate Run tours picturesque West Dyke and Middle Arm Trail's. Starting at Garry point park, the course makes it way North, passing sights including Terra Nova Park, The Richmond Olympic Oval and you may even catch some planes landing at YVR! With minimal inclines and stable gravel trails, everyone is assured a beautiful and stress-free run/walk. The route is for all ages and abilities. Pet & Stroller Friendly!* *Pets and strollers must start in the last wave, to
ensure the safety of other participants. Registration includes: Pirate Name Bib (Customize by August 23rd 11:59pm) Pirate costume item Wooden Finishers Souvenir Chip timing for 5km-21.1km Finish Clock for kids 1-3km (no chip timing) Bundle Offers and Savings: Sign up 4 or more participants (in one transaction) and receive 15% off each registration (automatically applied) Under 18's doing the 5k or 10k will receive a discounted entry of $29 (automatically applied) Entries are non-refundable
Butterfly Run Nanaimo
Van Isle
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
Westwood Lake, Nanaimo
5km & 3km Run/Walk
If the cost of registration is a barrier please send us an email: [email protected]
You won't want to miss out on this FUN!
Run 5K or 10K and have your kids run the Kids Race
We are excited to welcome you to the beauty and tranquility of the Glenora area including the Trans Canada Trail and the Zanatta Estate Winery (proud to be Vancouver Island's 1st Estate Winery).
This fun event has become a tradition for many and is a great way to kick off the Halloween season. Lots of folks run in their favorite costumes! There will be prizes for costumes. Participants can choose to do the 5K or 10K and your little ones will love our kids race!
Start /Times:
The 5K starts at 9:30 AM and then the 10K at 10:00 AM.
At 10:30 AM, kids aged 1–10 will start their 1 Km dash through the vineyards. Each runner gets their own bib and a special finisher’s treat.
Registration and Early Race Package Pick-up:
Online registration closes October 15 at 11:59 PM
Early bib pick-up and late registration will be on Saturday, October 17, from 12:00–2:00 PM at the Glenora Hall
Race day bib pick-up will be 8:00–9:00 AM for the 5K and until 9:45 AM for the 10K and the Kids Race
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION
Regular pricing will be in effect on October 17th
On Event Day the Participants will Receive:
Monogrammed wine glass with wine (or juice) and tasting at the finish line in the Zanatta Vineyard.
Original finisher medal.
Massage from Westcoast Massage students (minimum donation $5).
Swag and prizes, including running shoes (must be present to win).
Awards - medal placings to the first 3 in each 10-year age division.
Great food.
Photos by Joseph.
Support of Kidsport Cowichan.
Event Contact: Michelle Stroulger at [email protected]
Support our race charity –KidSport
Route: Please visit the Cowichan Classic website for up-to-date route information and maps!
Thanks to our Amazing Sponsors:
ISLANDERS, ARE YOU READY?! ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES! The 5K Foam Fest is a one of a kind Obstacle Course based Fun Run! Join us for over 25 obstacles including the world's largest inflatable waterslide, mud pits and 2.5 million cubic feet of foam! Rock out all day to awesome music, enjoy a FREE kids zone for kids 6 and under, taste delicious food, shop from local vendors and celebrate your success in our well-stocked beer garden. With a variety of obstacles and a ton of foam, the 5K Foam Fest is an exciting challenge for experienced and beginner runners alike...Walk it, Run it, Charge it, Fun it; this course should be enjoyed at your own pace and all obstacles are optional! EARLY BIRD RATES ON NOW! SAVE $85 OFF FULL PRICE!
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.