Tucked just above Nanaimo’s south end, The Abyss is one of those hidden gems you won’t believe is so close to town. It’s a naturally formed fissure — a long, deep crack in the earth that runs through the rocky hillside — surrounded by arbutus trees, moss-covered boulders, and sweeping views over the city and ocean.

No one’s quite sure when it formed, but local stories say it opened up after a small earthquake decades ago. Today, it’s a favorite short hike for locals and visitors alike, especially those curious about Vancouver Island’s wilder side.

The Trail

Trailhead: Located at the end of Harewood Mines Road, south of Nanaimo (look for the dirt pullout and trail sign).
Distance: About 2.5 km round trip
Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (easy to moderate)
Elevation Gain: Minimal — but some rocky and uneven terrain

The hike winds gently uphill through a classic Coastal Douglas-fir forest, with salal and arbutus trees lining the path. It’s peaceful, quiet, and full of birdsong — the kind of walk that makes you slow down and breathe in the West Coast air.

As you get closer, you’ll start to notice cracks and crevices appearing in the bedrock… and then suddenly, there it is — The Abyss itself.