Location: Nanaimo
Top Things to do in Nanaimo
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island
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. Wildheart Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 129 reviews
Join us in our 30th season exploring gorgeous Vancouver Island. Kayak with orca whales in Johnstone Strait, grey whales in Clayoquot Sound. Our tours feature gourmet camping cuisine, fun-loving certified guides, premium kayaking and safety equipment and we have offer both camping and lodge based tours. Check out our Daytrips here in Nanaimo paddling the gorgeous waters of the Gulf Islands.
2. Vancouver Island Expeditions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
We create authentic, intimate and memorable visitor experiences while honouring the culture, heritage, and natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Let us show you our backyard and help you discover places that inspire stories!
3. lsland Marine Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
Customized Sailing / Motorized Catamaran Excursions. Ideal for individuals, couples, Family Celebrations, Private Charters, Sunset Cruises, Bridal Showers, Staff Events, Celebrations of Life, etc.
4. Andrew's West Coast Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Experience a fishing adventure of a lifetime Andrew's West Coast Adventures offers fishing charters in the Nanaimo, French Creek and Barkley Sound areas Located on central Vancouver Island British Columbia. Clients have their choice of fishing out of Nanaimo, French Creek or off the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
5. Artzi Stuff
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Voyage506860 - Nanaimo, Canada
When in Nanaimo you must visit this wonderful shop featuring items by local/island artists. beautiful selection of:jewellery, carvings, glass work, paintings, clothing, pottery, ceramics and gift cards. A wonderful spot to browse, chat with the knowledgeable owner Tanya, and pick up a unique gift or memento knowing that your money is staying within this island community. A must-see in this harbour town.
6. Breakout Nanaimo Escape Rooms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
Breakout Nanaimo is Nanaimo's original live escape room provider, hosting escape fun since 2016! With 60 minutes on the clock, your team will find clues, solve riddles and puzzles, and try to escape a uniquely themed room. Great for any age, escaping is a unique and fun experience for families, friends, & coworkers!
Reviewed By llamanysia - Nanaimo, Canada
Went with my very bright 2 adults kids and my son's very bright girlfriend. Lots to do, well-timed clues, fun brain exercise, great group activity. Will definitely be back...
7. Explore Vancouver Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Explore Vancouver Island is a tour company based in Central Vancouver Island. We collaborate with like-minded locals to offer unforgettable experiences. There is a certain feeling people get when they arrive on Vancouver Island, we like to call that “Island Time”. You will have the option to choose your own adventure and experience for yourself why Vancouver Island is such a tourism destination!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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).
