Location: Nanaimo
Top Things to do in Nanaimo
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10 Things to do in Nanaimo That You Shouldn't Miss
Vancouver Island's second-largest city is a picturesque oceanfront town with fabulous mountain views and a busy harbor. Home to events like the harbor's Bathtub Race, the city of 75,000 offers outdoor opportunities from full-moon kayaking to golfing. Boat-fresh seafood graces tables at an ever-increasing number of restaurants. This gateway to island adventures is easily reached by fast ferry or floatplane from downtown Vancouver or by scheduled ferries from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen.
Restaurants in Nanaimo
1. Nanaimo Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Nanaimo Museum: Discover Nanaimo’s fascinating history in our museum located in the VI Conference Centre. The main gallery offers a sense of what life was like for Nanaimo's earliest settlers and the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Our award winning replica coal mine is a special treat. The museum also manages the Bastion, an original Hudson's Bay Company post built in 1853. Don’t miss the gift shop! Museum Hours (Fall/Winter/Spring): 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday Summer 2020 Hours: Open Wens-Sun 10am-4pm See our website for up-to-date COVID-19 modifications to hours and admission!
Reviewed By IrmaNova - Ottawa, Canada
I was sceptical but this small museum was well-curated and charming. This stop is a must while in Nanaimo for an overview of the city’s history (including a walk-through model of a coal mine) and a rotating exhibit. While we visited, the featured exhibit was on refugees, which was very well done. Local volunteers such as Les, will happily share knowledge and stories about Nanaimo to enrich your visit.
2. Newcastle Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Reviewed By sharonNVBC - North Vancouver, Canada
You can take a short ferry ride to Newcastle from downtown Nanaimo. Interesting sandstone rock formations, wildlife, and and easy walking trails make this a great day trip. There are campsites and a small cafeteria near the ferry dock. Return trips can require a short wait, since the foot passenger ferries have limited capacity.
3. Pipers Lagoon Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By clifforda530 - Abbotsford, Canada
Pipers Lagoon has an amazing variety of things to see - ocean beach, tidal lagoon, rocks to climb (on trails).
4. Neck Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By Amandacawley1212 - Nanaimo, Canada
Beautiful! A wonderful view of the water and a lovely walk through the forest.. bats at night and Eagles in the day.. also has fairy doors so fantastic spot for families as well
5. Harbourfront Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
Reviewed By Adventurer303465
The extensive walkway at long the Nanaimo Harbour extends from Port Place Mall and Gabriela Ferry Terminal to The Departure Bay Ferry terminal. It passes th the boa basin with mixture of fishing boats and pleasure yachts. One can purchase ice creams, speciality coffees and wide selection of island gifts. Harbour Air Sewplane terminal is located on walkway. After passing the Bistro pub and restaurant you will come to Mateo-Sutton Park. Continuing on are the Yacht Club and other marine establishments.
6. Westwood Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By Z3830LJjamesy - Nanaimo, Canada
Go for a run every morning on the trail. Great place to unwind with nature. Some nice challenging hills along the trail. A nice walk should take about one hour.
7. Colliery Dam Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By TerraformTheWorld - Parksville, Canada
Dropped by on November 6 since it was nice and sunny. Very nice walk along good trails that were partially covered in the fall leaves. Lots of interesting shaped coniferous trees, next time I will remember my camera. Plan on returning when the rainy season starts since the spillway could be very interesting. Has a washroom near the parking lot. The parking lot was full but there is additional parking on the side streets.
8. Jack Point and Biggs Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By PatriciaH861 - Abbotsford, Canada
This walk takes you to the end of the peninsula where there is a small loop before you return back to the parking spot for cars. It took about 2 hours and was low difficulty if you don't have mobility issues. Lumpy roots in places on the path and also a few stairs. Only muddy in one spot. We went on the stat holiday and there were lots of walkers and numerous dogs. Ended up walking over 5 km. The Fitbit hit 10,000 steps! Nice views. Didn't see many critters other than dogs but a beautiful walk .
9. Maffeo Sutton Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
Maffeo Sutton Park, named after Peter Maffeo and Joe Sutton, is recognized as the city’s “signature park” exactly because it is a large multi-use recreational area. Here, you can enjoy scenic views, get in some cardio on the Harbourfront Walkway, watch the little ones play, and enjoy many a nice picnic on grassy hills under the relaxing shade of trees. The Park represents a sea of calm in an otherwise bustling and busy Oceanside city. If one is looking to escape the hurly burly of daily life, a stroll through Maffeo Sutton Park is just what the doctor ordered. What can be more relaxing to the soul than admiring the beauty of nature – its trees, ocean and sea life – concomitant with the joyous laughter of people partaking in Nanaimo’s natural beauty? For me, Maffeo Sutton proved to be an enjoyable hour+ stroll along the Harbourfront. I was able to watch the seaplanes take to the skies; observe fishermen as they tossed their crab traps over the designated “crab dock”; analyze and enjoy the unique public art displays throughout the park; and watch folks enjoy the Swy-a-Lana lagoon area – a manmade “lake” that allows people (especially youngsters) to enjoy the ocean in a safe and steadfast way. The park truly is a beautiful space and should be a “must visit” for anyone in the Nanaimo area. After you’ve had your fill of Maffeo Sutton, why not continue along the Harbourfront Walkway and enjoy some Island Farms ice cream at one of the many charming shops along the pathway? I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a great way to spend a sunny summer’s day to Ol’ PookyCake!
10. BC Ferries
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 355 reviews
BC Ferries provides passenger and vehicle ferry services to 45 ports of call across coastal BC, with sailings to and from Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands, and Northern BC. BC Ferries Vacations also offers over 100 travel packages, including return ferry and accommodation. When on board BC Ferries, there are plenty of options for food and shopping, along with great wildlife and sightseeing opportunities.
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
BC Ferries are the best form of transport to get from the mainland to places on Vancouver Island. We did the sailing from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver, to Departure Bay at Nanaimo and back thrice during our stay in British Columbia and quite enjoyed the experience every time. Foot passengers do not need to book in advance and can simply walk on after buying the ticket at the terminal. Oversize luggage can be checked in before boarding with no extra charges. Vehicles generally have to be booked in advance and there is a long queue of cars waiting to board the ferry. Once on board we relaxed in the comfortable chairs on the Level 5 or 6 decks and enjoyed the views from the broad glass windows. One can go up to the sun deck for better views and the cold breeze in your hair, and one can take better pictures from there. Refreshments are readily available on the ferries, and the regular passengers would rush to queue up for the tasty meals on board. One can buy a hot meal as listed on the menu or simply go for the snacks like muffins, pastries or chips in the racks. Cold drinks, tea and coffee are available on tap. Washrooms are clean and well stocked with liquid soap, tissue and napkins. There are some work stations, kids playroom, gift and souvenir shop and racks from where you can pick up free tourist literature. We always enjoyed the cool and relaxed ferry rides. It takes about an hour and a half to get across the Strait of Georgia. The ferries are generally on time and the walk-on tickets cost about $18.
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