General Information & Regulations

Hours

• Parks are generally open between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. unless marked otherwise at a park entrance.
• Entrance gates at Moorecroft and Top Bridge close at 9 p.m. (subject to earlier closure during winter months).

Dogs

• Dogs are permitted in RDN Parks if kept under control.
• Dogs must be leashed at Moorecroft, Horne Lake and Descanso Bay Regional Parks, as well as any parks or areas where signage instructs to do so.
• Dogs are not permitted in the Little Qualicum River Estuary Conservation Area at any time.

Parks Use Permits & Special Events

• Park Use Permits are required for any commercial activity, commercial filming and for any event taking place within an RDN park.
• For more information on permit fees and conditions, refer to Bylaw 1801
• Please apply at least six weeks prior to the event to ensure time to process the permit.
• Park Use Permit process:
  • Contact RDN Parks at recparks [at] rdn.bc.ca or 250-248-4744 with any questions regarding your event and permitting.
  • Please fill out the application and return to recparks [at] rdn.bc.ca.
  • Once the application is received you will be contacted by staff in order to discuss your applications, and we may request further information.
  • Submit insurance and additional required supporting documents.
  • Permit will be completed and emailed for payment. Once payment is received, the permit will be emailed to you for signature. Please sign and return a copy to RDN parks staff.
• For events with over 500 people, a RDN Special Event Permit is required.

Parks Amenity Donation Program

• The Regional District of Nanaimo's Parks Amenity Donation Program provides an opportunity for an individual, organization or service group to contribute toward park improvements in the RDN.
• More information on this program is available at https://www.rdn.bc.ca/parks-amenity-donation-program 

Camping and Campfires

• Camping is available at Descanso Bay and Horne Lake Regional Parks 
• Campfires are only permitted within RDN Campgrounds. Campfire bans may be in effect during dry weather. Please check here for any bans or alerts.

Parks Advisory Committees

• Community Park planning in the RDN is supported by area residents who volunteer to participate in Advisory Committees.
• Regional Parks and Trails planning is supported by a Committee made up of RDN Board representatives.
• Learn more about RDN Parks Advisory Committees and how to volunteer

Vehicles, E-Bikes and Vessels

• ATVs, dirt bikes and other personal motorized recreational vehicles are not permitted in RDN Parks or Trails.
• Electric bikes are not considered vehicles and are permitted in RDN Parks and Trails.
• Overnight mooring of vessels (on land or water) is not permitted.
• No person shall bring in, park, operate, launch or run ashore a personal watercraft (seadoo/jet-ski).
• Please refer to Bylaw 1801 for more information.

Wildlife & Our Natural Environment

• The RDN is bear and cougar country. Learn facts and tips here!
• Please respect wildlife, vegetation and other natural features in RDN Parks and Trails.
• Hunting, harvesting, salvage or disturbance of any natural feature is not permitted.
• Where garbage cans are not provided, please take out what you take in.

Park Use Regulations

• For safe enjoyment by all park visitors, please observe and obey signage posted at RDN Parks and Trails.
• Additional information can be found in the Park Use Regulations Bylaw No. 1801.
• Park Use Bylaw 1801 - Frequently Asked Questions

Park Policies

• Policy C1-02 Cash-in-lieu of Parkland
• Policy C1-03 Parks Naming
• Policy C1-04 Park Inspection
• Policy C1-05 Review of Consideration of Parkland - Subdivision Application Process
• Policy C1-07 Tree, Fire Risk and Invasive Species Management in Regional District of Nanaimo Parks and Trails 2021